Assurance of Learning
Student learning is central to the success of the Sam M. Walton College of Business.
Assessment Overview
The Walton College is accredited by the AACSB and the AACSB’s stated fundamental purpose is “[t]o encourage business schools to hold themselves accountable for improving business practice through a commitment to strategic management, learner success, and impactful thought leadership.” To ensure that this happens, learning assessment through Assurance of Learning (AOL) is part of the AACSB accreditation process. As part of the AACSB accreditation, the Walton College has created and implemented an AoL structure for each degree program.
Process Overview
View Figure 1. Overview
The Walton College’s AoL process is comprised of three cycles, as illustrated in Figure 1 and outlined below. In each cycle, direct and indirect measures are used to determine if competencies and learning objectives are being achieved. While the Walton College uses a three-cycle process, the process itself is subject to refinement as part of our continuous improvement process.
Cycle One
During the first cycle, faculty develop, or revise, the desired competencies and measurable learning objectives. The curriculum is also mapped during the first cycle to identify where the measures can logically be drawn. See Figure 1.
Cycle Two
During the second cycle, the measures are executed and analyzed to determine the initial state of student learning achievement. Once the analyses are complete, the results are reviewed by the appropriate committees and program faculty. Sub-committees may be formed as needed, to identify and document strengths and weaknesses evident in the results. Based on the strengths and weaknesses identified, faculty make suggestions for improvement. The second cycle remains active while the improvements are implemented and given sufficient time to enhance student learning (e.g., if an improvement is made in second-year courses and measured in third-year courses, cycle two could logically last an academic year).
Cycle Three
The third cycle is comprised of a second execution and analysis of assessment measures to evaluate the effectiveness of improvements implemented in the second cycle. Results of the third cycle are also analyzed and reviewed for continuous improvement opportunities or confirmation that cycle two improvements were effective in enhancing student learning of competencies. The analysis and review in cycle three is known as “closing the loop.”
Program Assessments (2017-2021)
COMMUNICATION
Graduates of the BSBA program at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will be able to communicate effectively in professional situations.
- Learning Objective 1 (Written): Students will show proficiency in writing and producing a broad set of professional quality business documents.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of student written artifacts by Business Communication Lab staff using the WCOB Written Communication Rubric.
- Learning Objective 2 (Oral): Students will prepare and deliver professional presentations.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of recorded student oral presentations by Business Communication Lab staff using the WCOB Oral Communication (Standard Presentation) Rubric.
CRITICAL THINKING/PROBLEM SOLVING
Graduates of the BSBA program at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will be able to think critically when evaluating business decisions.
- Learning Objective: Students will demonstrate critical thinking and strategic problem-solving skills through systematic and objective consideration of business related problems.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of student written artifacts by Business Communication Lab staff using the WCOB Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Rubric.
TECHNICAL COMPETENCE (Discipline Knowledge)
Graduates of the BSBA program at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will be knowledgeable of the application of concepts in their business major and core cross-discipline concepts.
- Learning Objective: Students will demonstrate proficiency in core business concepts, across disciplines.
- Method of Assessment: Analysis of topical question groupings (sub-scores) in core course quizzes, mid-term and final exams as defined/identified by core course faculty.
Note: BSIB shares Communication, Critical Thinking/Problem Solving, and Technical Competency with BSBA programs, as the degrees have a common core.
GLOBAL BUSINESS COMPETENCY
Graduates of the BSIB program at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will be able to critically analyze and engagement with complex, global business contexts.
- Learning Objective: Students will analyze global perspectives of an experiential international business context.
- Method of Assessment: Analysis of global questions in course quizzes and final exams as defined/identified by course faculty.
COMMUNICATION
Graduates of the BSBA Accounting program at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will be able to communicate effectively in professional business situations.
- Learning Objective 1 (Written): Students will be able to write for a professional audience as demonstrated by writing an effective Constructed Response.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of student written artifacts by Communication Center staff using the WCOB Written Communication Rubric.
- Learning Objective 2 (Oral): Students will be able to prepare and present accounting-related documents for a professional audience.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of recorded student oral presentations by Communication Center staff using the WCOB Oral Communication (Standard Presentation) Rubric.
CRITICAL THINKING/PROBLEM SOLVING
Graduates of the BSBA Accounting program at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will be able to make, and develop support for accounting decisions based on a systematic and objective consideration of the problems, the issues, and the relative merits of feasible alternatives.
- Learning Objective: Students will identify a problem or situation, address important questions, and gather relevant evidence to lead to an appropriate conclusion or recommendation.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of student written artifacts using the WCOB Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Rubric.
INTERPERSONAL/DIVERSITY
Graduates of the BSBA Accounting program at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will effectively work in teams and interact with persons from diverse backgrounds, interests, and roles in order to accomplish accounting related goals and objectives, while fostering an atmosphere of tolerance and fairness.
- Learning Objective: Students interact and cooperate productively and maturely with others when working on a team, demonstrating leadership and team-facilitation skills as needed.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of recorded student oral presentations by Communication Center staff using the WCOB Oral Communication (Standard Presentation) Rubric.
TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION
Graduates of the BSBA Accounting program at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will effectively use and apply prevalent accounting-related technology.
- Learning Objective 1: Students will show proficiency in the design of spreadsheets and databases.
- Method of Assessment: Analysis of final exam questions, covering (1) Access databases and SQL, (2) Excel proficiency, and (3) process flow analysis.
- Learning Objective 2: Students will show proficiency at retrieving data from databases of professional literature, such as the tax code and regulations, Statements of Financial Accounting Standards and related literature.
- Method of Assessment: Analysis of tax database retrieval assignment artifacts.
TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE OF ACCOUNTING
Graduates of the BSBA Accounting program at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will demonstrate competence and understanding of accounting knowledge required for admission into nationally-ranked professional graduate programs in accounting, or for entry-level jobs in public and private accounting.
- Learning Objective 1 (Financial): Students will demonstrate proficiency in key concepts of Financial Accounting.
- Method of Assessment: Analysis of topical question groupings (sub-scores) in core course final exam questions covering key financial accounting concepts.
- Learning Objective 2 (Tax): Students will demonstrate proficiency in key concepts of Taxation of Individuals and Entities.
- Method of Assessment: Analysis of topical question groupings (sub-scores) in final exam questions covering taxation of individuals and business entities.
- Learning Objective 3 (Auditing): Students will demonstrate proficiency in key concepts of Audit and Assurance Services.
- Method of Assessment: Analysis of topical question groupings (sub-scores) in core course mid-term and final exams as defined/identified by core course faculty.
COMMUNICATION
Graduates of the MAcc program at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will be able to communicate effectively in professional situations.
- Learning Objective 1 (Written): Students will prepare business documents or constructed responses for a professional accounting audience.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of student written deliverables taken from course-embedded written professional memorandums by Communication Center staff using the WCOB Written Communication Rubric.
- Learning Objective 2 (Oral): Students will will be able to deliver professional quality presentations.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of recorded student oral presentations related to an accounting decision or judgment by Communication Center staff using the WCOB Oral Communication (Formal Small Group) Rubric.
CRITICAL THINKING/PROBLEM SOLVING
Graduates of the MAcc program at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will make and develop support for accounting decisions based on a systematic and objective consideration of the problems, the issues, and the relative merits of feasible alternatives.
- Learning Objective 1: Students will demonstrate critical thinking and strategic problem solving skills through systematic and objective consideration of business related problems and evidence.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of student written artifacts using the WCOB Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Rubric.
- Learning Objective 2: Students will identify relevant information and support for an appropriate conclusion or recommendation.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of student written artifacts using the WCOB Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Rubric.
- Learning Objective 3: Students will employ appropriate quantitative and model-building techniques to test solutions and explore the likelihood of alternative scenarios.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of student artifacts using the WCOB Quantitative Analysis Rubric.
TECHNICAL COMPETENCE (Discipline Knowledge)
Graduates of the MAcc program at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will demonstrate competence in and ability to apply broad accounting knowledge (financial, tax, audit, managerial) as expected of a professional accountant.
- Learning Objective 1: Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively apply fundamental business knowledge to analyze accounting problems.
- Method of Assessment: Ongoing student selection during the admission process and analysis of topical groupings of final exam questions.
- Learning Objective 2: Students will excel in the pursuit of post-graduate professional certification.
- Method of Assessment: Ongoing monitoring of Student CPA Exam success.
ETHICS AND PROFESSIONALISM
Graduates of the MAcc program at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will demonstrate understanding of the professional responsibilities and ethical standards of the accounting profession.
- Learning Objective 1: Students will be able to recognize ethical problems and apply appropriate guidelines, regulations, and codes of conduct to promote professional integrity.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of student artifacts using Accounting Department Professional Ethics rubric.
- Learning Objective 2: Students will recognize the professional obligation to engage in professional development and continuous learning.
- Method of Assessment: Ongoing monitoring of Student Membership in local and national accounting organizations.
RESEARCH
Graduates of the MAcc program at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will be able to assess and apply appropriate standards, regulations, or other professional guidance to address multifaceted accounting problems.
- Learning Objective 1: Students will support a financial audit position based upon professional guidance/requirements applicable to financial reporting, as well as guidance related to the conduct of audit engagements.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of student artifacts using Accounting Department Professional Research rubric.
- Learning Objective 2: Students will support a Tax position based upon both strategic business practices and professional requirements applicable to financial transactions and Federal Tax.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of student artifacts using Accounting Department Professional Research rubric.
TECHNICAL COMPETENCE (Discipline Knowledge)
Graduates of the MAEcon program at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will be able to demonstrate competence in core economic knowledge.
- Learning Objective 1: Students will demonstrate proficiency in a breadth of microeconomic knowledge.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of students passing comprehensive exam or successful thesis.
- Learning Objective 2: Students will demonstrate proficiency in a breadth of macroeconomic knowledge.
- Method of Assessment: Passing comprehensive exam or successful thesis.
COMMUNICATION
Graduates of the MBA programs at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will possess strong persuasive communications skills, both individual and as part of a team.
- Learning Objective 1 (Written): Students will prepare business documents for a professional audience.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of student written artifacts by Business Communication Lab staff using the WCOB Written Communication Rubric.
- Learning Objective 2 (Oral): Students will prepare and present business documents or findings to a professional audience.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of recorded student oral presentations by Business Communication Lab staff using the WCOB Oral Communication (Formal Small Group) Rubric.
CRITICAL THINKING/PROBLEM SOLVING
Graduates of the MBA programs at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will be able to employ strategic approaches to solve managerial challenges, synthesize information, and recommendations that support achievement of organizational goals and address potential opportunities.
- Learning Objective: Students will demonstrate critical thinking and strategic problem-solving skills through systematic and objective consideration of business related problems.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of student written artifacts by Business Communication Lab staff using the WCOB Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Rubric.
TECHNICAL COMPETENCE (Discipline Knowledge)
Graduates of the MBA programs at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will be able to collect, organize, and analyze relevant economic, financial, marketing, legal, and technical information using appropriate tools and strategies.
- Learning Objective: Students will demonstrate effectively analysis strategies, using appropriate information and tools, to manage a complex business environment.
- Method of Assessment: Analysis of topical question groupings (sub-scores) in core course quizzes, mid-term and final exams as defined/identified by core course faculty.
ETHICAL AWARENESS
Graduates of the MBA programs at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will be able to recognize, evaluate, and address ethical consequences of business decisions.
- Learning Objective: Students will demonstrate the ability to recognize and explain ethical consequences of business decisions.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of student artifacts by Business Communication Lab using the MBA Programs’ Ethical Awareness Rubric.
GLOBAL AWARENESS
Graduates of the MBA programs at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will be knowledgeable of the strategic, resource, market, and institutional interconnectedness of global business environments.
- Learning Objective: Students will exhibit an awareness of the global business environment and integrate this awareness in business practices and solutions.
- Method of Assessment: Analysis of global questions in course quizzes and final exams as defined/identified by course faculty.
PRESENTATION AND COMMUNICATION
- Competency: Graduates of the MIS programs at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will have effective presentation and communication skills.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of student presentations using ISYS Presentation and Communication Skills Rubric by the course instructor.
PROBLEM SOLVING/DECISION MAKING
- Competency: Graduates of the MIS programs at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will have industry-accepted problem solving and decision-making skills for IT problems, as well as the ability to evaluate and propose alternative solutions to managers and users.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of student artifacts using ISYS Problem Solving/Decision Making and Ethical Problem-Solving rubrics by the course instructor.
- Learning Objective 2 (Ethical Problem Solving): Students will demonstrate ethical problem solving approaches to IT challenges and opportunities faced by today’s businesses in achieving their goals
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of student artifacts using ISYS Problem Solving/Decision Making and Ethical Problem Solving rubrics by the course instructor.
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
- Competency: Graduates of the MIS programs at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will have the ability to identify, assimilate, synthesize, and analyze the information technology needs, make recommendations, design, and develop IT transaction systems and decision support systems for the organization.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of student artifacts using ISYS Technology Assessment – IT Development Rubric by the course instructor.
TEAM WORK
- Competency: Graduates of the MIS programs at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will have effective interpersonal communication skills by working as a part of a team.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of student artifacts using ISYS Team Work Rubric by the course instructor.
ETHICAL PROBLEM SOLVING
- Competency: Graduates of the MIS programs at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will be able to use ethical problem-solving approaches to IT challenges and opportunities faced by today’s businesses in achieving their goals.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of student artifacts using ISYS Ethical Problem Solving Rubric by the course instructor.
COMMUNICATION
Graduates of the PhD in BA/Econ program at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will be able to communicate scholarly research.
- Learning Objective (Written and Oral): Students will demonstrate proficiency in academic writing and oral conventions.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of pass rate on comprehensive exam.
CRITICAL THINKING/PROBLEM SOLVING
Graduates of the PhD in BA/Econ program at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will contribute knowledge through original research.
- Learning Objective: Students will demonstrate ability to develop and conduct original research.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of student dissertation defense pass rates.
TECHNICAL COMPETENCE (Discipline Knowledge)
Graduates of the PhD in BA/Econ program at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will possess deep knowledge in their areas of specialization.
- Learning Objective 1: Students will demonstrate ability to articulate discipline’s main theories and foundational literature.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of student dissertation defense pass rates.
- Learning Objective 2: Students will demonstrate deep knowledge of discipline’s research methods.
- Method of Assessment: Evaluation of student dissertation defense pass rates.
TEACHING
Graduates of the PhD in BA/Econ program at the Sam M. Walton College of Business will employ quality teaching principles and practices.
- Learning Objective: Students will demonstrate effective teaching practices.
- Method of Assessment: Aggregate trend analysis of student evaluation data for PhD student-taught courses.
AoL for the Accounting concentration is based on the goals, objectives, and measures of the PhD-BA. Data is reported specifically for Accounting to contribute to the Accounting Department's specialized accreditation.
