INTEGRATION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN ACCOUNTING EDUCATION CURRICULUM FOR GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS

Abstract

The study examined the integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Accounting Education (with emphasis on accounting software packages) for global competitiveness. Two research questions were raised. The study adopted the survey design. The population for the study comprised 25 lecturers the two tertiary institutions in Cross River State.   (Federal College of Education, Obudu and College of Education, Akamkpa). All the Twenty-five (25) accounting lecturers were used for the study. The instrument for data collection was a 13-item structured questionnaire (IICTA) designed on a 4-point scale. Simple percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to analyse the research questions using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The result of the findings revealed that only one software package (Excel) is in used in both schools. It was also revealed that integration of accounting software packages in accounting education curriculum will bring the accounting graduates and employers into alignment thereby adding value to the graduates of accounting education. Based on the findings the researcher recommended an inclusive curriculum that takes cognisance of problem - solving, analytical thinking and application and use of accounting packages (software).