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Querying and visualizing financial data: A teaching case applying STEM skills

Author

Listed:
  • Shan, Yuxin
  • Richardson, Vernon J.

Abstract

Advanced technologies have dramatically changed the ways that accounting professionals collect, analyze and interpret data. Embracing the prevalent implementation of advanced technologies, accounting is moving towards a STEM discipline and requesting accounting students be equipped with emerging technologies. In response to the increasing requirements from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and CPA exams on students’ data analytics skills, this case provides you an opportunity to complete the data analytics process by analyzing Dillard’s data using Structured Query Language (SQL) and Tableau. Specifically, this case provides an illustration of real-world data analysis, including the use of SQL to extract required data, the use of word clouds, geographic maps, and box-and-whisker plots to visualize data and outliers, an illustration of grouping data by clustering, and using interactive dashboards and narrative stories to communicate results. We aim to use software tools that you are familiar with to inspire your interest in data analytics, helping you understand the enormous power of SQL and Tableau to query, aggregate, analyze and visualize massive data as you build your own data analytics mindset.

Suggested Citation

  • Shan, Yuxin & Richardson, Vernon J., 2025. "Querying and visualizing financial data: A teaching case applying STEM skills," Journal of Accounting Education, Elsevier, vol. 72(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:joaced:v:72:y:2025:i:c:s0748575125000296
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccedu.2025.100978
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    References listed on IDEAS

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