Research Assignment as Problem-based Learning for Auditing Subject: Undergraduates’ Perspective

Abstract

As part of requirement to complete the continuous assessment for subjects in universities, students are assigned with a problem-based learning in the form of a research assignments to be completed within a certain period of time. These assignments are usually in the form of final year projects or write-up based on certain requirements set by their lecturers. For Accounting undergraduates in MARA University of Technology, Malacca campus who took Advanced Auditing as their core subject, they are normally assigned to prepare a write up based on the content analysis of the Annual report of companies or a site visit to companies. However, during Covid-19 pandemic, classes are conducted via online, thus, students have restricted access to companies. Therefore, as part of an action research, a team of audit lecturers have decided to assign students with online research project as their assignment. Students were divided into groups of four to five people and instructed to conduct research on areas related to current audit issues. This study was performed to elicit feedback on those accounting students who were assigned to conduct the research project for their Auditing subject. A total of 222 students from the Faculty of Accountancy in UiTM Malacca participated in this online survey. The findings provide feedback from the student point of view, which is part of the stakeholders to the university. Majority of the students agreed that the research project has enriched their knowledge and exposed them to the new skill of performing simple research. Such feedback is crucial to improve the quality of future assignments besides ensuring them gaining new knowledge throughout the assignment exercise.