BUSINESS MAJOR STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION TOWARDS BASIC ACCOUNTING COURSES IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS OF OMAN

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of the study is to find out the areas in which the business students lack and to analyze the reasons for such lack of knowledge.
 Design/methodology/approach: For carrying out the research study, 160 students from various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Oman studying accounting subjects were selected and a test was conducted with five identified areas of accounting – accounting concepts, application knowledge, accounting formulae, accounting methods, and decision making. After completion of the test, the results were shown, and the correct answer keys were explained. Subsequently, a questionnaire mentioning all the five areas and the difficulties faced therein were requested to be filled in by the respondents.
 Findings: The results of the empirical study reveal that the students assume that they are good at accounting but they lack knowledge of application, formulae usage, and decision making. 
 Practical Implications: It is confirmed that the concepts, methodologies, and techniques are not difficult but proper guidance and proper education methods through real-world examples might help towards creating interest among the students to improve their way of learning.
 Social Implications: The study has identified the areas where the students lack and helps the teachers to improve their methods of teaching and the students to improve their way of learning.
 Originality/value: No study has investigated before the accounting learning difficulties of business major students, and this study will help accounting educators to introduce and modify their teaching strategies.