3. Research design and methodology
An action research methodology guided the research presented here. This approach,
involving a continuous cycle of planning, action and review (Cherry and Bowden, 1999),
provided the research team with the unique opportunity to develop and test the model,
whilst studying and documenting the accounting education systems in the three
countries under review. The approach aligns with the primary aim of the research to
develop an accounting education model/framework that can be used in IFAC member
countries (particularly those with a developing accounting education system) to better
articulate their existing accounting education system.
To achieve this, the action research methodology guided the use of a case study
approach to learn about and document the systems of accounting education for
Australia, Japan and Sri Lanka. The choice of sample countries reflects a desire by the
researchers to document the diversity and the variances at play between countries. The
analysis of the initial case study notes assisted in the development of the Global
Accounting Education Model. From this analysis, six key categories were identified:
(1) Candidates.
(2) Degree or pre-qualification entry requirement.
(3) Degree – accreditation (details of the degree).
(4) Professional association qualification.
(5) Professional qualification membership (e.g. exemptions).
(6) Continuing professional development.
Each researcher proceeded to use these sub-headings, and the associated questions to
test the model’s applicability and to ensure it allowed for country-specific nuances. That
is, the researchers discarded their original case study notes and applied the model to test
for robustness. The model and case studies were developed and tested by a member of
the research team who was born, educated and worked as an accounting academic
teaching in an accounting degree program, in the respective countries.