Defending the future: An MSc module in End User Computing Risk Management

TL;DR

This paper presents a new MSc module on End User Computing Risk Management designed to equip finance students with knowledge and techniques to mitigate spreadsheet errors and manage risks effectively.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive curriculum that consolidates research and practitioner insights into spreadsheet risk management for finance education.

Findings

Increased awareness of spreadsheet risks among students.

Integration of research and practice enhances risk mitigation skills.

Curriculum serves as a foundation for future finance professionals.

Abstract

This paper describes the rationale, curriculum and subject matter of a new MSc module being taught on an MSc Finance and Information Management course at the University of Wales Institute in Cardiff. Academic research on spreadsheet risks now has some penetration in academic literature and there is a growing body of knowledge on the subjects of spreadsheet error, human factors, spreadsheet engineering, "best practice", spreadsheet risk management and various techniques used to mitigate spreadsheet errors. This new MSc module in End User Computing Risk Management is an attempt to pull all of this research and practitioner experience together to arm the next generation of finance spreadsheet champions with the relevant knowledge, techniques and critical perspective on an emerging discipline.