ABSTRACT
The process of measuring, and reporting measurements, is fundamental in scientific and business activity. I propose introducing accounting as an example of a measurement system, albeit an imperfect one. The accounting measurement system includes: users and their decision models, attributes of objects to be measured, measurement rules, methods of accumulating measurements, reports, rule-makers, measurers, and verifiers. By looking at how accounting measures different business activities, this approach encourages the teaching of general measurement, reporting, and analytical skills. (For nonaccounting students, the concepts of measurement are clearly transferable to other fields.) It allows a logical, interesting presentation of accounting topics, and highlights links to other academic fields. An important feature of this approach is considering such pervasive measurement issues as uncertainty and allocations. Students examining accounting's imperfections are encouraged to think critically about accounting rules, and can understand why accounting changes over time.
