Integrating Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and Business Data Analytics into the University of Johannesburg Commercial Accounting Diploma Curriculum

Industry 4.0 and digital technological innovations have facilitated faster, flexible, and efficient production, consumption, and transmission of information. Consequently, technological advancements such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain Technologies (BT), and Business Data Analytics (BDA) are reshaping the daily tasks of accountants worldwide and the accounting field can capitalize and benefit from new opportunities. Notably, the accounting profession is rapidly evolving, as are the skills and careers of accounting professionals. In response to these changes, the accounting profession has developed competency frameworks and career path publications to assist its members in adapting, addressing challenges, and seizing new opportunities. However, the university curriculum often introduces these technological advancements as separate modules rather than embedding them into the existing course content. Technology is reshaping accounting and educational institutions must equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in digital environments. By integrating digital technologies into the curriculum, students can acquire knowledge about modern accounting practices to meet the evolving needs of the industry. This study follows a qualitative research method that utilizes desktop research since it is theoretical in nature. It builds on existing research studies to explore the integration of AI, BT, and BDA into the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Commercial Accounting Diploma Curriculum. It also expands on the educational framework by proposing learning outcomes to be covered in the curriculum and providing teaching guidelines to support the new insertions. The study concludes that, the current curriculum does not integrate digital technologies and suggests the adoption of a new curriculum that addresses this gap.