Accounting and Business Data Communications.

This article features a course on accounting and business data communication. This is the third course in a four-course sequence taken by five-year accounting students specializing in accounting information systems. The data communications course is taught from a consulting perspective. The objective of this course is to have students gain familiarity and experience in the area of data communications. The terminology used in industry is discussed extensively. Local area networks are emphasized; however, wide area networks are also addressed. At the same time, care is taken that the course does not turn into an overly technical one without any understanding of the overall organizational objectives of a communications system. A knowledge of systems analysis is critical, as is knowledge about microcomputers. The student must also know the basic operating system commands and microcomputer system component parts. The student should be experienced in the installation of hardware components and software.