From awareness to action: data analytics integration in management accounting education. A study of UK and Australian universities

Data analytics in the classroom, management accountants for the future: evidence from UK and Australian universities.

Start date

01 June 2026

End date

30 June 2027

Overview

This project examines how ready management accounting educators in UK and Australian universities are to embed data analytics into their teaching.

It starts from the premise that data‑driven decision‑making is now central to management accounting practice and that faculty need both awareness of this shift and the capability to design pedagogically sound, professionally credible analytics‑rich modules. The study investigates lecturers’ perceptions of data analytics, their current use of analytical tools and platforms, and the barriers they face in integrating these into curricula. By systematically assessing awareness and readiness, the project aims to identify gaps in existing programmes and inform targeted support and curriculum development. As a result, the project seeks to determine whether educators are equipped to provide graduates with the data analytics skills employers increasingly expect, thereby enhancing the relevance and impact of management accounting education in the contemporary business environment.

Aims and objectives

To analyse existing literature on the implementation of data analytics in management accounting courses and programmes.
To identify pedagogical and institutional strategies for integrating data analytics into the teaching of management accounting.
To evaluate faculty perceptions of their preparedness to introduce data analytics into management accounting teaching across universities in the United Kingdom and Australia.

Funding amount

$6,700

Funder

Institute of Management Accountants

Team

Principal investigator

Dr Anna Vysotskaya

Lecturer

Biography

I am an academic with global experience, qualified with CPA Australia, CMBE, FHEA and a CGMA Academic Champion in the UK. I am dedicated to enhancing awareness of my audience about accounting and finance specific content, achieve success in their careers and employability and navigate complex realisms of business. I am a Conference organiser at BAFA Accounting Education SIG and a Director-at-large at the Institute of Management Accountants, UK Chapter. I previously held leadership roles as Programme leader for the MSc Master in Business Analytics degree (2020-2022).

As a Lecturer in Accounting at the ��ý I lead undergraduate, postgraduate and MBA modules in Management Accounting, IFRS and Business Ethics. As a Finance and Accounting representative for Athena Swan I am promoting inclusive and reflexive practices within the SBS.

I received research grants from IFA (2025), IMA (2025). I am a member of several research communities, including BAFA, BAFA SIG Accounting Education, AAA, IoD. I act as a reviewer for peer-reviewed journals, including Journal of Accounting Education, Taylor and Francis, Meditary Accountancy Research.

With over twenty years of experience in higher education, I specialise in fostering dynamic, learner-focused environments while managing assessments and collaborating with colleagues to enhance teaching methodologies.

Over the last years my research has been conducted in collaboration with colleagues from Australia, UK, USA, Spain, Brasilia, Serbia and South Korea. My research focuses on integrating Data Analytics, AI and Sustainability practices along with Ethical frameworks into Accounting and Finance education, reflecting a commitment to shaping the next generation of accounting professionals. I am an AICPA-CIMA best research in Management Accounting Education recipient (2025) and GIWB Best Paper Award at the American Accounting Association Annual Meeting (2022).

Being actively engaged in international academic networks, I support global discussions on innovative approaches to financial reporting and management accounting. I have created several impactful educational programs, designed their content and provided leadership through building resilient teaching teams. Together we inspire students and advance technological, ethical and sustainable practices in the field.

See profile

Co-investigator

Dr Maria Prokofieva

Victoria University, Australia

Research themes

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