Teaching a sustainability accounting course in an Australian university : insights for sustainability accounting education
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2010
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Lodhia, S.
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Journal of the Asia Pacific Centre for Environmental Accountability, 2010; 16(1):15-22
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The United Nations has named 2005-2014 as the decade of education for sustainable development, thereby highlighting that 'education is critical for promoting sustainable development and improving the capacity of the people to address environment and development issues‘ (Agenda 21, UN, 1992, p. 363). In light of the above, this paper provides insights into two sustainability courses taught at an Australian university in 2009. The paper differs from prior studies in sustainability accounting education which focus on business programs (see for example, Nowak et al., 2008) or on the incorporation of sustainability into accounting degrees (see for example, Haigh and Hazelton, forthcoming). A personal account of my experiences in lecturing an undergraduate and graduate course provides insights into the design of sustainability accounting courses. The paper also highlights the critical need for accounting students to be aware of one of the most difficult challenges that needs to be addressed by governments, the business community and other institutions, and individuals; sustainable development. If accountants are to play a role in addressing sustainability, it is essential that the educational process provides the necessary skills to students which would equip them to handle an area that goes beyond the basic fundamentals of mainstream accounting.
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Copyright 2010 Asia Pacific Centre for Environmental Accountability