Living in a period of serious transformations related to data, interface, people or experiences, we are thinking at the biggest impact on accounting education, research and practice of the digitalization. According to research performed there are awarns on the risk to the accountant profession, sugestions being made that technological knowledge to be integrated in the curricula and adapted to the change requirement. Starting from these issues and the European concerns, in order to identify and to respond directly to the needs of our students as future graduates and accountants, we performed a survey, finding out the needs of students, teachers and employers related to this ticklist subject. In accordance to these needs, the present project has as a General Objective: To create an international online environment in the digital era to reengineer/ replace the knowledge as well as key competencies and skills that will be acquired by students and teachers to be directly useful to the international financial-accounting labor market. In order to achieve it , two specific objectives are outlined: SO1. To redesign the relationship between scientific and practical environment by innovative activities in comprehensive research in the scope of useful application in the teaching- learning- practical environment. SO2. Restructure or replace knowledge and key competencies and skills that will be acquired by exploiting disruptive information technology in order to test and implement a custom platform that will help to support students and teachers and to promote and reward excellence in teaching and skills development. In order to meet these objectives a large transnational partnership with high experience in teaching and research was formed. Target group of the project are students from the partnership universities. Teaching staff are the direct beneficiaries of the project. Activities performed are: A1. PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND DISSEMINATION ACTIVITIES A2. DEVELOPMENT, RESEARCH, TESTING, REENGENEERIG AND IMPLEMENTATION OF INNOVATIVE PRACTICES TROUGH IOs A3. CREATION OF TEACHING-LEARNING MODULES TO BE TESTED ON ISPs A4. ORGANISATION OF MEs Expected results of the project are: a) 1. A robust, innovative and freely accessible custom international learning platform to facilitate teaching/learning in accountancy and create a virtual meeting place between employers - students - teachers; 2. Agreements (Universities -Companies/ Professional bodies): 3. Research collaboration and co-creation among Companies/ Professional bodies, universities and students b) A teaching concept for optimal use of the case studies (e.g. Problem-Base Learning) based on pedagogical collaborative alignment (key competencies in accordance to the international labor market companies- teaching objectives- teaching-learning activities- feedback/ evaluation); c) Case studies that integrate current topics of information technology and performed using disruptive technology in Big Data and Audit, Digitalization and IFRS, Taxation in the Digital Economy, Non Financial Information Statement, CSR and Ethics in the Digital Era; d) Research collaboration and co-creation among universities, employers and students e) Best practice guide for applying smart and innovative teaching-learning methods in accounting, with the aim of providing key competencies and skills. The partners have experience in previous Erasmus + programs. One of the overall result of the project is a comprehensive, unique and innovative international learning platform as a Meeting Place Online. We expect that our project will have an impact on a regional, national and European level. The outcomes of the project will enhance the quality of education of the higher education institutions using all the intellectual outputs innovatively produced within the project. The students will increase their employability in internationally acting institutions. Also the project could foster international labour market mobility. Overall we expect a significant enhancement in teaching in higher education institutions in Europe. The project results focus on supporting innovation in financial accounting domain, developing innovative intellectual products focused on the market's needs and providing a structured dissemination and exploitation of the developed innovative intellectual products, enhancing the quality and relevance of students' key knowledge and skills.
The primary objective of the project is to create an international online learning environment that reengineers and replaces traditional accounting knowledge and key competencies with those directly useful in the international financial and accounting labor market. This reflects a proactive response to the changing dynamics in the accounting field. Specific Objectives: Redesigning the Relationship Between Scientific and Practical Environments: The project aims to foster innovative activities that bridge the gap between the theoretical and practical aspects of accounting. This helps ensure that what students learn is directly applicable in real-world accounting practices. Restructuring Knowledge and Competencies: The project focuses on adapting and restructuring knowledge and key competencies to align with disruptive information technology. This entails developing a custom platform that supports students and teachers, encouraging excellence in teaching and skills development.
The decision to apply for this project, was driven by a series of needs and challenges identified within the context of accounting education, research, and practice in the digital age: 1. Evolving Economic and Social Context: The rapidly changing economic and social landscape has brought about significant transformations in the field of accounting. These changes impact the knowledge and competencies required by future accountants to meet the demands of the modern job market. 2. Risk to the Accountant Profession: Research and reports have raised concerns about the potential risks to the accounting profession in the face of automation, AI and technological advancements -the traditional roles of accountants are being reshaped. 3. Student, Teacher, and Employer Needs: A comprehensive survey was conducted to understand the specific needs and expectations of students, teachers, and employers in relation to accounting education in the digital age. The findings of this survey highlighted the urgency of addressing these needs. 4. European Concerns: The project aligns with European concerns and initiatives related to education, employability, and the adaptation of curricula to the changing requirements of the job market. In summary, the project was initiated in response to the pressing need to equip future accountants with the knowledge and skills required to thrive in the digital era.