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SYNOPSIS The number of companies reporting their corporate sustainability (CS) activities has significantly increased over the last decade. The result being a wide variability in the types of activities being reported and the ways the information is presented. An unanswered question is whether the information being reported by companies following the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) CS framework is of interest to arguably one of the primary stakeholder groups, customers. Our study seeks to fill this knowledge gap by comparing the content of CS reports to results from a large-scale consumer stakeholder survey. By performing factor analysis on stakeholder evaluation of the importance of CS activities, we find that consumers see different dimensions than those put forth by the GRI framework, thereby suggesting a disconnect between corporate sustainability reporting and stakeholder views and interests. Our results indicate that risk and compliance are dimensions of interest to customers, while the GRI economic dimension is not viewed as important. Additionally, a new dimension of social justice is the most important to consumer stakeholders. Furthermore, the study highlights particular activities within each factor that are most important to the consumer stakeholder group. This research has implications for preparers of sustainability reports and organizations, such as the GRI, that establish guidance for sustainability reporting.

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Due to the nature of the current data--driven business environment, many accounting firms are starting to re-align their audit processes to incorporate technology and Audit Data Analytics (ADA), as the traditional audit procedures would seem to not be sufficiently effective and efficient to meet evolving market expectations (Byrnes et al., 2018; Forbes 2017, 2018). This paper provides commentary on how data analytics knowledge should be required of the profession, in addition to that of traditional accounting. We discuss the current information-centric business environment, the availability of Big Data, and the existing data analytics efforts made by businesses, with its subsequent impact. Regarding the complementarity of available data analytics tools and data analytics knowledge, it proposes a guideline for the content and levels of ADA knowledge and skills that should be required of auditors serving in different roles. Finally, suggestions are provided to facilitate the adoption of ADA and provide solutions to challenges in the CPA exam, audit standards, and education. In this data-centric business environment, acquiring the knowledge and skills of data analysis should be a current professional priority.

It is not uncommon for educators to struggle with providing their students real-world experiences within the classroom environment. This is particularly true when teaching a subject as application-oriented as auditing. This article furthers existing literature on using virtual worlds in the classroom by describing the learning strategies of using a common virtual world application, Second Life, to simulate a physical examination of inventory in a master's-level auditing class. Specifically, this article explores how an inventory simulation exercise can be used within a virtual world to maximize learning objectives focused on critical thinking and professional judgment, project management and teamwork, effective documentation, interviewing skills, and applying auditing standards. It also examines the feedback received from students in incorporating virtual worlds into the classroom, and lessons learned for future application. Based on pre- and post-assignment surveys, the results demonstrate that students significantly improved their inventory observation knowledge, interviewing, audit documentation, critical thinking, and group work skills completing a virtual world inventory simulation experience. The most significant lesson for instructors to take away is how to include virtual worlds into course activities to maximize the learning objectives.