Review of data analytic teaching cases, have we covered enough?

Abstract

Big Data and data analytics are changing the accounting profession requiring different skills. To prepare students, faculty are tasked with teaching data analytics and the tools used to perform data analysis. This study examines data analytic teaching cases across the curriculum from peer-reviewed accounting education literature using the lens of the data analytic process. We include the breadth of tools students employ to complete the cases that will give students the experience needed to be a valued business partner. We find that the majority of teaching cases focus on analysis and communication, while few cover necessary steps prior to analysis such as extraction and data preparation. We also find that Excel is the principal tool used, while other much needed tools are rarely employed in teaching cases. Our findings provide an opportunity for academics to create new teaching cases to provide students with comprehensive experiences throughout the data analytics cycle.