Manning School of Business News and Highlights

Professor Kennedy combats the fear of numbers

Professor Michael Kennedy delivered a TEDx talk on Arithmophobia, or the fear of numbers at the Up for Debate Weekend, hosted by Bishop’s University. The numbers Professor Kennedy explored revolved around world hunger, wealth inequality, climate change, online privacy, surveillance capitalism, and job loss due to artificial intelligence. His affable speaking style did not discount the nature of the challenge that he sees before accountants, those who aspire to be accountants, and those who teach those who so aspire. I am deeply concerned, he said, that if accounting is the language of business, we’re not telling the whole story. Solutions from his standpoint as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) include reimagining the three pillars of accounting: Revenue minus Expenses equals Profit, Assets equals Liabilities plus Equity, and Gross Domestic Product equals Consumer & Government Spending, Investments, and Net Exports. Professor Kennedy presents complex and serious ideas in a friendly and open manner, which explains his popularity with students in the Manning School of Business Administration. Watch Professor Kennedy’s talk below.

About the Manning School

Founded in 1957, the Manning School at Acadia University is home to over 600 students from over 20 countries. With 23 faculty members from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds, the Manning School offers small classes that encourage concentrated interaction between students and faculty. Our students have opportunities to learn outside the classroom through co-op placements, projects with local enterprises, and international exchanges. Firmly rooted in a rich institutional legacy that personifies the very essence of a liberal education, the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program at Acadia is challenging and flexible, allowing students to explore a broad range of interests and producing well-rounded graduates who are well-positioned to pursue varied professional opportunities. Our graduates work in leadership roles across Canada and around the globe, with many having made their Acadia BBA degree a pathway to prestigious graduate programs.