Western Carolina University
Program Assessment Report
BSBA--Accountancy
College of Business
Assessment Report for 2006-7
Primary Contact Name/Info:
Roger Lirely, Department Head
215A Forsyth
227-3491
lirely@wcu.edu
Department Mission Statement:
The Department of Accountancy mission is to prepare students for accounting careers in the private, government or public
sector.
Through teaching, our primary responsibility, we strive to create a learning environment of excellence with a personal
touch. We encourage the development of critical thinking and decision-making abilities and provide our undergraduate
and graduate students with the requisite foundation of accounting knowledge and professional management skills.
We maintain a qualified and motivated faculty by engaging primarily in applied and instructional development research
and through service to our campus, professional and regional constituencies.of accounting knowledge and professional
management skills.
Statement on Alignment of Program Mission w/ University and College Mission
Consistent with the university and college missions, the department mission emphasizes quality teaching, and the
dissemination of applied and pedagogical research. Through service and teaching, members of the faculty are
encouraged to develop relationships with regional employers and businesses. Students have an opportunity to meet and
work with these regional constituents and graduate with the requisite skills to pursue professional accounting careers in
western North Carolina and beyond.
Mission
The Department of Accountancy
mission is to prepare students for
accounting careers in the private,
government or public sector.
Through teaching, our primary
responsibility, we strive to create a
learning environment of excellence
with a personal touch. We encourage
the development of critical thinking and
decision-making abilities and provide
our undergraduate and graduate
students with the requisite foundation
of accounting knowledge and
professional management skills.
Western Carolina University
Program Assessment Report
BSBA--Accountancy
College of Business
Assessment Report for 2006-7
Goals
Objectives
Outcome
Our graduates will be: Our graduates will be
Delivery
able to:
Location
1.0 Decision makers
who have an
intermediate-level ability
to incorporate economic,
financial and ethical
considerations in making
decisions
We maintain a qualified and motivated
faculty by engaging primarily in applied
and instructional development
research and through service to our
campus, professional and regional
constituencies.
of accounting knowledge and
professional management skills.
2.0 Effective
communicators.
Assessment
Location
Assessment
Methodology
1.1 Analyze and solve
intermediate-level
accounting problems using
critical thinking skills
ACCT 275, 352,
355, 356, BSBA
Foundation of
Knowledge
ACCT 352
ACCT 355
Primary trait
analysis embedded
in case studies
1.2 Understand and use
key economic criteria for
making effective
intermediate-level decisions
1.3 Understand and use at
an intermediate-level, the
information on company
financial statements
1.4 Understand
fundamental ethical and
legal principles and apply
this understanding to
intermediate-level decision
making situations
1.5 Demonstrate
knowledge of the use of
technology, its applications,
and analytical tools for
intermediate-level problem
solving.
2.1 Exhibit effective written
communication skills.
ACCT 275, 352,
355, 356, ECON
231, 232
ACCT 352
ACCT 355
Primary trait
analysis embedded
in case studies
ACCT 275, 352,
356,
ACCT 352
Primary trait
analysis embedded
in case studies
ACCT 275, 352,
355, LAW 230
ACCT 352
ACCT 355
Primary trait
analysis embedded
in case studies
ACCT 275, 352,
356, CIS 251, MGT
235, 305
ACCT 356
Primary trait
analysis embedded
in AIS projects
ENG 101, 102,
ACCT 355
ACCT 355
2.2 Exhibit effective oral
communication skills
Liberal studies
ACCT 355
2.3 Employ electronic
communication technology
CIS 251, ACCT
355, 356
ACCT 355
ACCT 356
Primary trait
analysis embedded
in case studies
Primary trait
analysis embedded
in case studies
Primary trait
analysis embedded
Mission
Western Carolina University
Program Assessment Report
BSBA--Accountancy
College of Business
Assessment Report for 2006-7
Goals
Objectives
Outcome
Our graduates will be: Our graduates will be
Delivery
able to:
Location
3.0 Skilled at an
intermediate-level in the
use of specific
accounting content
areas
40 Aware of the cultural
competencies expected
of accounting
professionals in
business environments
Assessment
Location
Assessment
Methodology
3.1 Demonstrate skills in
and knowledge of financial,
managerial, and taxation
ACCT 275, 352,
355, 356
Exit interview
in case studies
ETS Major Field
Test
4.1 Show that they have
been successfully involved
in professional organizations
through employment,
internships, mentoring,
student organization
activities or other approved
professional involvements.
Internships,
concurrent
employment,
student
organizations,
“Meet the Firms”
night, service
learning
Exit interview
Survey
Western Carolina University
Program Assessment Report
BSBA--Accountancy
College of Business
Assessment Report for 2006-7
Data was collected for learning objectives 2.0 and 4.0 during 2006-7. In both fall and spring, data for LO 2.1 was collected using a rubric designed to measure
written communication skills. Data for 2.3 was collected during fall semester only using a rubric designed to measure use of communications technology.
LO 2.1 During fall 2006, 92 percent of the students performed at at least the competent level for each of the four dimensions used to evaluate written
communication skills. A rate of less than 70 percent would be cause for concern.
LO It! Data was collected during fall 06 & spring 07, but will be analyzed in summer 07. Analysis will be available by fall 07.