Sofia Asonitou | University of West Attica / Πανεπιστήμιο Δυτικής Αττικής (original) (raw)

Papers by Sofia Asonitou

Research paper thumbnail of Enhancement of Social and Teamwork Skills Through Blended Learning Methodology in Accounting Studies

Springer proceedings in business and economics, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Enhancement of Social and Teamwork Skills Through Blended Learning Methodology in Accounting Studies

Springer proceedings in business and economics, 2024

According to accounting employers only technical skills are not considered sufficient for a succe... more According to accounting employers only technical skills are not considered sufficient for a successful accounting career in the new global business environment. Modern accountants need a range of social skills such as teamwork, agility, leadership, and personal skills. Accounting education through diverse teaching methodologies such as blended learning, seeks to create well rounded accounting professionals. The objective of the present study is to examine the students' views about teamwork skills. The research is based on a pilot study with interviews conducted with students through a qualitative methodology plan. Results show the need to reorganize educational processes and activities in order to promote teamwork among university students in Greece. Professors, students, and universities can benefit from this research. Specifically, the recognition of the necessity for educational planning in accounting courses is crucial in order for students to acquire both knowledge and skills, such as teamwork, which is deemed essential for their academic journey and smooth transition into the labour market.

Research paper thumbnail of Corporate Boards and Gender Quotas: A Review of Literature

Springer proceedings in business and economics, 2024

Legislative regulations for gender quotas are increasingly being enacted on the corporate boards ... more Legislative regulations for gender quotas are increasingly being enacted on the corporate boards in numerous countries. Research focused on this topic since 2003 when Norway passed the first law concerning the composition of board of directors and women's proportion in it. The purpose of this paper is to present a review of the literature on gender quotas applied on corporate boards and their impact in different aspects. Using Scopus database, the authors reviewed a body of studies and analyzed those that demonstrated a correlation with the impact on firm's environmental and social performance, those that demonstrated a diffusion of gender equality across the firm levels and those that focused on individual perceptions. Our results highlight that even though there is a positive impact of gender quotas there is still lack of studies using primary data and addressing the specific research field from non-financial perspective in order to approach deeper the subject. This could be a trigger for future researchers. Also, our findings regarding the benefits of gender diversity in corporate boards can be used to expand efforts to promote gender equality in the workplace.

Research paper thumbnail of Sustainable development and blended learning in accounting education

International journal of education economics and development, 2025

Research paper thumbnail of The Transformation of the Accounting Profession Within a Digitalized Economy and the Impact on Accounting Education

Springer proceedings in business and economics, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Long-Term Cancer Patient Care: “New Insight on Training Needs for Health Professionals in Today’s Greece”

Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics, 2016

Objective: To explore the views of Healthcare professionals (HPs) on their educational needs so t... more Objective: To explore the views of Healthcare professionals (HPs) on their educational needs so they can eventually improve the care provided to their oncology patients as well as their cooperation with the carers and/or families of these patients. Method: This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. In two oncology hospitals of Athens—Greece (Metaxa—Ag. Anargyroi), 17 HPs from the corresponding medical/nursing staff dedicated to oncology patients were recruited during July–August 2011. The transcripts were analyzed thematically. Results: All HPs confirmed their need for further education in all areas such as new drugs and technologies, communication techniques for psychosocial support to patients, issues concerning the quality of life of oncology patients. The HPs underlined their need for information training, required particularly by younger HPs and for emotionally through group meetings. Some specific conclusions were related to learning grief management skills and health economics. A common request was for training in the operation of a well-organized interdisciplinary team. Conclusion: Further and better targeted education has been recognized as essential in order to achieve quality home nursing care and this has been a common requirement expressed by both HPs and oncology patients, who are the intended recipients of home nursing care.

Research paper thumbnail of The Learning Approaches of Lyceum Students Attending the Course "Principles of Economic Theory

Research paper thumbnail of A Comparative Approach of E-Learning Accounting Programs in Greece and China

Strategic Innovative Marketing and Tourism, 2020

Educational institutions worldwide are engaged in meeting the needs of lifelong learning of accou... more Educational institutions worldwide are engaged in meeting the needs of lifelong learning of accounting professionals, graduates and prospective accountants. E-Learning Programs (E-LPs) aspire to be a driving force for developing skills since they integrate new technologies in order to support the communication between trainer and trainee in the best possible way. Greek Universities which implement E-Learning programs participate to this effort, through user-friendly learning platforms. This study uses a comparative approach in order to investigate similarities and differences of E-Learning Accounting Programs (E-LAPs) and skills development between Greek and Chinese Universities. The results show that China provides plethora of E-LPs leading to university degrees while Greece is rather focused on short courses and seminars. However, both countries should redefine the Accounting Education and Training to correlate the soft skills demand of modern enterprises with the provision of strong technical knowledge.

Research paper thumbnail of Exploring the Teaching Quality of Greek Accounting Studies

Economic and Financial Challenges for Eastern Europe, 2019

The present study aimed to explore the teaching quality of Greek accounting studies by examining ... more The present study aimed to explore the teaching quality of Greek accounting studies by examining the students’ experience from their accounting studies at higher education institutions (HEIs) in relation to demographic characteristics. An exploratory factor analysis, from a sample of 268 students’ questionnaires, identified four constructs, reflecting good teaching, generic skills, appropriate assessment and clear goals, and standards. The students’ scores on all scales showed satisfactory levels of internal consistency. A reduced version of the CEQ in Greek is proposed as a measure of students’ perceptions of the academic quality of programs in Greek higher education accounting studies, and its four dimensions are suggested as significant predictors of students’ satisfaction.

Research paper thumbnail of Accounting and Sustainability

Low Carbon Energy Technologies in Sustainable Energy Systems, 2021

Abstract Addressing the global warming effect has become imperative in recent times due to the im... more Abstract Addressing the global warming effect has become imperative in recent times due to the impact it has on all species on our planet. Part of the solution is the transition to low-carbon energy systems and an overall cultural shift of state and non-state actors, toward environmental friendly activities and attitudes including circular economy. The transition to diverse business models that support long-term sustainable economy, requires broad participation from professionals such as accountants and finance experts. This study refers to the role that the accounting profession can have on the way to achieve the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the European Unions’ (EU) strategy to accomplish a viable economy for the humans and the planet.

Research paper thumbnail of Environmental Sensitivity of Business School Students and Their Attitudes Towards Social and Environmental Accounting

The aim of the present research is threefold: firstly, to investigate the environmental values of... more The aim of the present research is threefold: firstly, to investigate the environmental values of Business Administration and Accounting (BAA) students, secondly to explore their views on environmental education and thirdly to examine students’ attitudes towards social and environmental accounting (SEA). Data was collected by using a questionnaire distributed to the students of the Department of Business Administration and the Department of Accounting and Finance (BAA) of the University of West Attica. Results showed that students are environmentally sensitive. Environmental interest is found to be related to students’ perceptions of the importance of environmental education. Students have limited knowledge of the scope of SEA although they expressed their strong interest to learn more about this new accounting area acknowledging at the same time the important role of accountants in informing society about issues related to the environmental footprint of businesses.

Research paper thumbnail of Embedding generic employability skills in Greek accounting education studies: Development and impediments

The aim of this thesis is to explore the response of Greek Higher Education (HE) Institutes to th... more The aim of this thesis is to explore the response of Greek Higher Education (HE) Institutes to the rapidly-changing global evolutions that lead to the introduction of skills and competences (professional skills) within accounting courses. The introduction of professional skills in HE accounting courses constitutes a "paradigm shift" and signifies the transformation of future accountants (especially management accountants) from "bean counters to business advisors and successful management team members" who will be capable of supporting their employers to overcome global challenges and take informed decisions. The European Union and the Bologna Process have devoted considerable resources and efforts, through the establishment of European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), to promote professional skills and competences and, through them, the employability prospects of HE graduates. The thesis employs the New...

Research paper thumbnail of Impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Life of Higher Education Students: Global Survey Dataset from the First Wave

Data in Brief, 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has completely reshaped the live... more The Covid-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has completely reshaped the lives of people around the world, including higher education students. Beyond serious health consequences for a proportion of those directly affected by the virus, the pandemic holds important implications for the life and work of higher education students, considerably affecting their physical and mental well-being. To capture how students perceived the first wave of the pandemic's impact, one of the most comprehensive and large-scale online surveys across the world was conducted. Carried out between 5 May 2020 and 15 June 2020, the survey came at a time when most countries were experiencing the arduous lockdown restrictions. The online questionnaire was prepared in seven different languages (English, Italian, North Macedonian, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish, Turkish) and covered various aspects of higher education students’ life, including socio-demographic and academic characteristics, academic life, infrastructure and skills for studying from home, social life, emotional life and life circumstances. Using the convenience sampling method, the online questionnaire was distributed to higher education students aged 18 and over and enrolled in a higher education institution. The final dataset consisted of 31,212 responses from 133 countries and 6 continents. The relationships between selected socio-demographic characteristics and elements of student life were tested by using a chi-squared test. The data may prove useful for researchers studying the pandemic's impacts on various aspects of student life. Policymakers can utilize the data to determine the best solutions as they formulate policy recommendations and strategies to support students during this and any future pandemic.

Research paper thumbnail of Barriers to the Teaching of Skills in the Greek Higher Education Accounting Courses: Insight from Accounting Teachers

International Journal of Strategic Innovative Marketing

The present article analyses the responses of accounting teachers regarding the introduction of p... more The present article analyses the responses of accounting teachers regarding the introduction of professional skills in Greek Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The main themes of the interviews questions included the importance of professional skills for accounting and business administration students (ABA), the skills' gap between the actual and the expected skills of the graduates as well as the barriers to the introduction of soft skills in the accounting courses. The development of skills and competences in parallel to subject knowledge (hard skills) has been a prerequisite to the curriculum of HEIs in Greece. This prerequisite signifies a paradigm shift from the teacher-centred to the student-centred education. The author conducted interviews with accounting teachers from Universities and from Higher Technological Educational Institutions. The analysis of the interviews revealed the teachers' attitude towards skills introduction as well as the obstacles to their efforts that derive from multiple sources: the structure of the educational system, the teachers and the students.

Research paper thumbnail of Employability Skills in Higher Education and the Case of Greece

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2015

Peer-review under responsibility of I-DAS-Institute for the Dissemination of Arts and Science.

Research paper thumbnail of The approaches to learning of European accounting students

EuroMed Journal of Business, 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to identify the impact of differing teaching contexts on th... more PurposeThe purpose of this article is to identify the impact of differing teaching contexts on the approaches to learning of accounting undergraduates in different European countries by the use of a study process questionnaire.Design/methodology/approachThe questionnaire used was Biggs’ R‐SPQ‐2F (Biggs et al.). This is a 20‐item questionnaire that identifies the learning styles of individual students in terms of deep and surface approaches.FindingsSignificant differences were found in the approaches to learning of the students in the countries concerned. The differences were rooted in two subcomponents: motive and strategy. Gender differences were also identified.Originality/valueA major factor in the development process of future accountants is the education process that they undertake. This study identifies a methodology that is capable of comparing accounting students in different countries and potentially identifying the underlying reasons why the quality of the learning outcome...

Research paper thumbnail of Environmental Sensitivity of Business School Students and Their Attitudes Towards Social and Environmental Accounting

The aim of the present research is threefold: firstly, to investigate the environmental values of... more The aim of the present research is threefold: firstly, to investigate the environmental values of Business Administration and Accounting (BAA) students, secondly to explore their views on environmental education and thirdly to examine students’ attitudes towards social and environmental accounting (SEA). Data was collected by using a questionnaire distributed to the students of the Department of Business Administration and the Department of Accounting and Finance (BAA) of the University of West Attica. Results showed that students are environmentally sensitive. Environmental interest is found to be related to students’ perceptions of the importance of environmental education. Students have limited knowledge of the scope of SEA although they expressed their strong interest to learn more about this new accounting area acknowledging at the same time the important role of accountants in informing society about issues related to the environmental footprint of businesses.

Research paper thumbnail of Exploring the Reasons of Non-Attendance in Greek Higher Education Accounting Classes

Research paper thumbnail of An Exploration of Employability Competences of Greek Accountants: The Employers’ Opinion

Strategic Innovative Marketing and Tourism, 2019

The present study reports on the generic employability skills required by employers for a range o... more The present study reports on the generic employability skills required by employers for a range of accounting and financial type positions in Greece. Despite the high unemployment rates in Greece, employers claim that they cannot find qualified employees who possess the proper abilities that allow them to become competitive and offer more value-added goods and services. This paper derives the competencies needed by employers from job ads on the most browsed career website in Greece by employing content analysis as the research method. This approach allows a close and accelerated method to define competencies needed with very short time delay and additionally shows how industry is moving towards digitalization. 550 ads were examined in detail and the related skills were identified and ranked according to the importance assigned from employers. Key findings display that there is no skills differentiation by employer while the top skills demanded by market place are IT and group workin...

Research paper thumbnail of A Comparative Approach of E-Learning Accounting Programs in Greece and China

Educational institutions worldwide are engaged in meeting the needs of lifelong learning of accou... more Educational institutions worldwide are engaged in meeting the needs of lifelong learning of accounting professionals, graduates and prospective accountants. E-Learning Programs (E-LPs) aspire to be a driving force for developing skills since they integrate new technologies in order to support the communication between trainer and trainee in the best possible way. Greek Universities which implement E-Learning programs participate to this effort, through user-friendly learning platforms. This study uses a comparative approach in order to investigate similarities and differences of E-Learning Accounting Programs (E-LAPs) and skills development between Greek and Chinese Universities. The results show that China provides plethora of E-LPs leading to university degrees while Greece is rather focused on short courses and seminars. However, both countries should redefine the Accounting Education and Training to correlate the soft skills demand of modern enterprises with the provision of str...

Research paper thumbnail of Enhancement of Social and Teamwork Skills Through Blended Learning Methodology in Accounting Studies

Springer proceedings in business and economics, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Enhancement of Social and Teamwork Skills Through Blended Learning Methodology in Accounting Studies

Springer proceedings in business and economics, 2024

According to accounting employers only technical skills are not considered sufficient for a succe... more According to accounting employers only technical skills are not considered sufficient for a successful accounting career in the new global business environment. Modern accountants need a range of social skills such as teamwork, agility, leadership, and personal skills. Accounting education through diverse teaching methodologies such as blended learning, seeks to create well rounded accounting professionals. The objective of the present study is to examine the students' views about teamwork skills. The research is based on a pilot study with interviews conducted with students through a qualitative methodology plan. Results show the need to reorganize educational processes and activities in order to promote teamwork among university students in Greece. Professors, students, and universities can benefit from this research. Specifically, the recognition of the necessity for educational planning in accounting courses is crucial in order for students to acquire both knowledge and skills, such as teamwork, which is deemed essential for their academic journey and smooth transition into the labour market.

Research paper thumbnail of Corporate Boards and Gender Quotas: A Review of Literature

Springer proceedings in business and economics, 2024

Legislative regulations for gender quotas are increasingly being enacted on the corporate boards ... more Legislative regulations for gender quotas are increasingly being enacted on the corporate boards in numerous countries. Research focused on this topic since 2003 when Norway passed the first law concerning the composition of board of directors and women's proportion in it. The purpose of this paper is to present a review of the literature on gender quotas applied on corporate boards and their impact in different aspects. Using Scopus database, the authors reviewed a body of studies and analyzed those that demonstrated a correlation with the impact on firm's environmental and social performance, those that demonstrated a diffusion of gender equality across the firm levels and those that focused on individual perceptions. Our results highlight that even though there is a positive impact of gender quotas there is still lack of studies using primary data and addressing the specific research field from non-financial perspective in order to approach deeper the subject. This could be a trigger for future researchers. Also, our findings regarding the benefits of gender diversity in corporate boards can be used to expand efforts to promote gender equality in the workplace.

Research paper thumbnail of Sustainable development and blended learning in accounting education

International journal of education economics and development, 2025

Research paper thumbnail of The Transformation of the Accounting Profession Within a Digitalized Economy and the Impact on Accounting Education

Springer proceedings in business and economics, 2024

Research paper thumbnail of Long-Term Cancer Patient Care: “New Insight on Training Needs for Health Professionals in Today’s Greece”

Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics, 2016

Objective: To explore the views of Healthcare professionals (HPs) on their educational needs so t... more Objective: To explore the views of Healthcare professionals (HPs) on their educational needs so they can eventually improve the care provided to their oncology patients as well as their cooperation with the carers and/or families of these patients. Method: This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. In two oncology hospitals of Athens—Greece (Metaxa—Ag. Anargyroi), 17 HPs from the corresponding medical/nursing staff dedicated to oncology patients were recruited during July–August 2011. The transcripts were analyzed thematically. Results: All HPs confirmed their need for further education in all areas such as new drugs and technologies, communication techniques for psychosocial support to patients, issues concerning the quality of life of oncology patients. The HPs underlined their need for information training, required particularly by younger HPs and for emotionally through group meetings. Some specific conclusions were related to learning grief management skills and health economics. A common request was for training in the operation of a well-organized interdisciplinary team. Conclusion: Further and better targeted education has been recognized as essential in order to achieve quality home nursing care and this has been a common requirement expressed by both HPs and oncology patients, who are the intended recipients of home nursing care.

Research paper thumbnail of The Learning Approaches of Lyceum Students Attending the Course "Principles of Economic Theory

Research paper thumbnail of A Comparative Approach of E-Learning Accounting Programs in Greece and China

Strategic Innovative Marketing and Tourism, 2020

Educational institutions worldwide are engaged in meeting the needs of lifelong learning of accou... more Educational institutions worldwide are engaged in meeting the needs of lifelong learning of accounting professionals, graduates and prospective accountants. E-Learning Programs (E-LPs) aspire to be a driving force for developing skills since they integrate new technologies in order to support the communication between trainer and trainee in the best possible way. Greek Universities which implement E-Learning programs participate to this effort, through user-friendly learning platforms. This study uses a comparative approach in order to investigate similarities and differences of E-Learning Accounting Programs (E-LAPs) and skills development between Greek and Chinese Universities. The results show that China provides plethora of E-LPs leading to university degrees while Greece is rather focused on short courses and seminars. However, both countries should redefine the Accounting Education and Training to correlate the soft skills demand of modern enterprises with the provision of strong technical knowledge.

Research paper thumbnail of Exploring the Teaching Quality of Greek Accounting Studies

Economic and Financial Challenges for Eastern Europe, 2019

The present study aimed to explore the teaching quality of Greek accounting studies by examining ... more The present study aimed to explore the teaching quality of Greek accounting studies by examining the students’ experience from their accounting studies at higher education institutions (HEIs) in relation to demographic characteristics. An exploratory factor analysis, from a sample of 268 students’ questionnaires, identified four constructs, reflecting good teaching, generic skills, appropriate assessment and clear goals, and standards. The students’ scores on all scales showed satisfactory levels of internal consistency. A reduced version of the CEQ in Greek is proposed as a measure of students’ perceptions of the academic quality of programs in Greek higher education accounting studies, and its four dimensions are suggested as significant predictors of students’ satisfaction.

Research paper thumbnail of Accounting and Sustainability

Low Carbon Energy Technologies in Sustainable Energy Systems, 2021

Abstract Addressing the global warming effect has become imperative in recent times due to the im... more Abstract Addressing the global warming effect has become imperative in recent times due to the impact it has on all species on our planet. Part of the solution is the transition to low-carbon energy systems and an overall cultural shift of state and non-state actors, toward environmental friendly activities and attitudes including circular economy. The transition to diverse business models that support long-term sustainable economy, requires broad participation from professionals such as accountants and finance experts. This study refers to the role that the accounting profession can have on the way to achieve the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the European Unions’ (EU) strategy to accomplish a viable economy for the humans and the planet.

Research paper thumbnail of Environmental Sensitivity of Business School Students and Their Attitudes Towards Social and Environmental Accounting

The aim of the present research is threefold: firstly, to investigate the environmental values of... more The aim of the present research is threefold: firstly, to investigate the environmental values of Business Administration and Accounting (BAA) students, secondly to explore their views on environmental education and thirdly to examine students’ attitudes towards social and environmental accounting (SEA). Data was collected by using a questionnaire distributed to the students of the Department of Business Administration and the Department of Accounting and Finance (BAA) of the University of West Attica. Results showed that students are environmentally sensitive. Environmental interest is found to be related to students’ perceptions of the importance of environmental education. Students have limited knowledge of the scope of SEA although they expressed their strong interest to learn more about this new accounting area acknowledging at the same time the important role of accountants in informing society about issues related to the environmental footprint of businesses.

Research paper thumbnail of Embedding generic employability skills in Greek accounting education studies: Development and impediments

The aim of this thesis is to explore the response of Greek Higher Education (HE) Institutes to th... more The aim of this thesis is to explore the response of Greek Higher Education (HE) Institutes to the rapidly-changing global evolutions that lead to the introduction of skills and competences (professional skills) within accounting courses. The introduction of professional skills in HE accounting courses constitutes a "paradigm shift" and signifies the transformation of future accountants (especially management accountants) from "bean counters to business advisors and successful management team members" who will be capable of supporting their employers to overcome global challenges and take informed decisions. The European Union and the Bologna Process have devoted considerable resources and efforts, through the establishment of European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), to promote professional skills and competences and, through them, the employability prospects of HE graduates. The thesis employs the New...

Research paper thumbnail of Impacts of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Life of Higher Education Students: Global Survey Dataset from the First Wave

Data in Brief, 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has completely reshaped the live... more The Covid-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has completely reshaped the lives of people around the world, including higher education students. Beyond serious health consequences for a proportion of those directly affected by the virus, the pandemic holds important implications for the life and work of higher education students, considerably affecting their physical and mental well-being. To capture how students perceived the first wave of the pandemic's impact, one of the most comprehensive and large-scale online surveys across the world was conducted. Carried out between 5 May 2020 and 15 June 2020, the survey came at a time when most countries were experiencing the arduous lockdown restrictions. The online questionnaire was prepared in seven different languages (English, Italian, North Macedonian, Portuguese, Romanian, Spanish, Turkish) and covered various aspects of higher education students’ life, including socio-demographic and academic characteristics, academic life, infrastructure and skills for studying from home, social life, emotional life and life circumstances. Using the convenience sampling method, the online questionnaire was distributed to higher education students aged 18 and over and enrolled in a higher education institution. The final dataset consisted of 31,212 responses from 133 countries and 6 continents. The relationships between selected socio-demographic characteristics and elements of student life were tested by using a chi-squared test. The data may prove useful for researchers studying the pandemic's impacts on various aspects of student life. Policymakers can utilize the data to determine the best solutions as they formulate policy recommendations and strategies to support students during this and any future pandemic.

Research paper thumbnail of Barriers to the Teaching of Skills in the Greek Higher Education Accounting Courses: Insight from Accounting Teachers

International Journal of Strategic Innovative Marketing

The present article analyses the responses of accounting teachers regarding the introduction of p... more The present article analyses the responses of accounting teachers regarding the introduction of professional skills in Greek Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The main themes of the interviews questions included the importance of professional skills for accounting and business administration students (ABA), the skills' gap between the actual and the expected skills of the graduates as well as the barriers to the introduction of soft skills in the accounting courses. The development of skills and competences in parallel to subject knowledge (hard skills) has been a prerequisite to the curriculum of HEIs in Greece. This prerequisite signifies a paradigm shift from the teacher-centred to the student-centred education. The author conducted interviews with accounting teachers from Universities and from Higher Technological Educational Institutions. The analysis of the interviews revealed the teachers' attitude towards skills introduction as well as the obstacles to their efforts that derive from multiple sources: the structure of the educational system, the teachers and the students.

Research paper thumbnail of Employability Skills in Higher Education and the Case of Greece

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2015

Peer-review under responsibility of I-DAS-Institute for the Dissemination of Arts and Science.

Research paper thumbnail of The approaches to learning of European accounting students

EuroMed Journal of Business, 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to identify the impact of differing teaching contexts on th... more PurposeThe purpose of this article is to identify the impact of differing teaching contexts on the approaches to learning of accounting undergraduates in different European countries by the use of a study process questionnaire.Design/methodology/approachThe questionnaire used was Biggs’ R‐SPQ‐2F (Biggs et al.). This is a 20‐item questionnaire that identifies the learning styles of individual students in terms of deep and surface approaches.FindingsSignificant differences were found in the approaches to learning of the students in the countries concerned. The differences were rooted in two subcomponents: motive and strategy. Gender differences were also identified.Originality/valueA major factor in the development process of future accountants is the education process that they undertake. This study identifies a methodology that is capable of comparing accounting students in different countries and potentially identifying the underlying reasons why the quality of the learning outcome...

Research paper thumbnail of Environmental Sensitivity of Business School Students and Their Attitudes Towards Social and Environmental Accounting

The aim of the present research is threefold: firstly, to investigate the environmental values of... more The aim of the present research is threefold: firstly, to investigate the environmental values of Business Administration and Accounting (BAA) students, secondly to explore their views on environmental education and thirdly to examine students’ attitudes towards social and environmental accounting (SEA). Data was collected by using a questionnaire distributed to the students of the Department of Business Administration and the Department of Accounting and Finance (BAA) of the University of West Attica. Results showed that students are environmentally sensitive. Environmental interest is found to be related to students’ perceptions of the importance of environmental education. Students have limited knowledge of the scope of SEA although they expressed their strong interest to learn more about this new accounting area acknowledging at the same time the important role of accountants in informing society about issues related to the environmental footprint of businesses.

Research paper thumbnail of Exploring the Reasons of Non-Attendance in Greek Higher Education Accounting Classes

Research paper thumbnail of An Exploration of Employability Competences of Greek Accountants: The Employers’ Opinion

Strategic Innovative Marketing and Tourism, 2019

The present study reports on the generic employability skills required by employers for a range o... more The present study reports on the generic employability skills required by employers for a range of accounting and financial type positions in Greece. Despite the high unemployment rates in Greece, employers claim that they cannot find qualified employees who possess the proper abilities that allow them to become competitive and offer more value-added goods and services. This paper derives the competencies needed by employers from job ads on the most browsed career website in Greece by employing content analysis as the research method. This approach allows a close and accelerated method to define competencies needed with very short time delay and additionally shows how industry is moving towards digitalization. 550 ads were examined in detail and the related skills were identified and ranked according to the importance assigned from employers. Key findings display that there is no skills differentiation by employer while the top skills demanded by market place are IT and group workin...

Research paper thumbnail of A Comparative Approach of E-Learning Accounting Programs in Greece and China

Educational institutions worldwide are engaged in meeting the needs of lifelong learning of accou... more Educational institutions worldwide are engaged in meeting the needs of lifelong learning of accounting professionals, graduates and prospective accountants. E-Learning Programs (E-LPs) aspire to be a driving force for developing skills since they integrate new technologies in order to support the communication between trainer and trainee in the best possible way. Greek Universities which implement E-Learning programs participate to this effort, through user-friendly learning platforms. This study uses a comparative approach in order to investigate similarities and differences of E-Learning Accounting Programs (E-LAPs) and skills development between Greek and Chinese Universities. The results show that China provides plethora of E-LPs leading to university degrees while Greece is rather focused on short courses and seminars. However, both countries should redefine the Accounting Education and Training to correlate the soft skills demand of modern enterprises with the provision of str...