Implementing Winning Internal Controls at Milsch: A Classroom Simulation

ABSTRACT This is a capstone project for an internal control-focused Accounting Information Systems (AIS) course. Students identify entity- and process-level risks from a short narrative, select controls given a restrictive budget, diagram business processes, and list unmanaged risks. Then, a simulation during class utilizes 65 possible “events” that financially impact the company either negatively or positively. The impact of each event is diminished or exacerbated by selected controls of each group. Groups apply the financial impact of the event to their company’s balance. The simulation scoreboard reveals each group’s remaining balance after each event. The highest group’s balance at the end of the simulation wins! Student perceptions indicate that students found it to be a meaningful way to apply course topics and prepare for the final examination. This case fosters student group interaction, classroom engagement, and the synthesis of knowledge gained related to process documentation, internal controls, risks, and fraud.