2009 Accounting Master Class

Two world-class accounting professors have shared their insights about how to best present published research at a recent Masterclass for a group of early career academics.

Professors Philip Brown and Frank Clarke presented at the inaugural Masterclass, which was implemented by The Discipline of Accounting in conjunction with the University of Sydney Accounting Foundation.

The Masterclass initiative - similar in format to those traditionally presented in theatrical and entertainment industries - came from international research which highlighted the fact that junior staff were in desperate need of developing techniques to hone their research-to-publication skills.

The primary aim of the first Masterclass was to highlight to PhD students how to develop an idea or concept in accounting and then refine it into a polished and publishable research paper.

Two University of Sydney PhD students, Lachlan Tuite and Ronita Singh were coached by the two 'masters' on stage in front of a live audience who were then given the opportunity to ask questions of everyone involved.

After the Masterclass the two students had the opportunity to revise their paper before having it reviewed by another senior academic, Mr Carl Harrison-Ford. Harrison-Ford is the Abacus copy editor, freelance writer, and occasional University 'Writer in Residence', and will ensure that the final version meets the copy-editing standards of a recognised top-tier journal.

Following the success of the initial accounting Masterclass it is hoped the concept will expand to include junior staff from across the University of Sydney and other Australian Universities.