From Big Data to Discovery, Digital Research Methodologies for the Next Generation of Accounting Scholars

Abstract

The rapid development of digital technology has transformed the way research is conducted, particularly in the field of accounting, where accuracy, timeliness, and scalability are crucial. This community service program, organized by the Association of Young Accounting Scholars (ICMA), aimed to enhance participants' competency in digital-based research methods through an international webinar held online via Zoom on January 12, 2025. The webinar introduced digital research concepts, tools, and applications, including online surveys, web scraping, big data analytics, and data visualization. A total of 158 participants, comprising students, young career lecturers, and accounting practitioners, attended the event. The methodology used involved a combination of theoretical presentations, live demonstrations, and interactive discussions, followed by an online feedback survey. Results showed high engagement, with 92% attendance and an overall satisfaction score of 4.74 out of 5. Participants reported increased awareness and practical knowledge, although limited time for hands-on activities was noted as a challenge. The program's implications highlight the importance of integrating digital methods into academic curricula and professional training, promoting ethical research practices, and expanding future community service into multi-day workshops with post-event mentoring. This initiative demonstrates that webinars can effectively build digital research capacity across diverse geographic and academic contexts.