From Silos to Pipelines: Free Flow of Content via Course Integration

Abstract

This chapter describes the development of a two-course sequence, which explicitly breaks down the silos between the accounting and finance disciplines. A descriptive narrative demonstrates how these courses integrate introductory courses in general business, managerial accounting, financial accounting and finance, and are taught freshman year. The courses are based around an 18-chapter Instructional Narrative about a fictitious company, Windspark, which evolves from a start-up service business in the wind turbine industry to a retailer of parts and then a manufacturer. Topics are introduced as the entrepreneurs in the Instructional Narrative require business knowledge. Individual faculty members teach an entire course, rather than teams comprised from different disciplines. A diagnostic quiz at the beginning of the second course tests students’ understanding and retention of material in the first course. The vast majority of students pass the diagnostic quiz on the first try. Despite its rigor and difficulty, the sequence has coincided with a significant uptick in students choosing to major in finance and accounting. This sequence demonstrates the feasibility and replicability of teaching a truly integrated introductory accounting and finance course sequence. Greater coordination and cooperation between disciplines is possible, with measurable benefits for students.

Citation

Bianco, C., Levy, E., Marcel, M., Nixon, M. and Osterheld, K. (2014), "From Silos to Pipelines: Free Flow of Content via Course Integration", Advances in Accounting Education: Teaching and Curriculum Innovations (Advances in Accounting Education, Vol. 15), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 167-200. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1085-462220140000015007