Digital Accounting Lab

Digital Accounting Lab

Overview

The Digital Accounting Laboratory (DALab) serves as a research hub dedicated to exploring how cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and automation can transform accounting, finance, and related fields. DALab bridges academic theory and industry practice through the development of advanced analytical tools, applied research with industry relevance, and experiential learning programmes for students and faculty.

Patents and Tools

DALab holds four registered patents to date:

  • Customised Document Generator – Streamlines the generation of tailored operational documents for businesses.

  • Customised Email Sender – Automates large-scale personalised email communications.

  • Duplicates Identification Software – Identifies and removes data redundancies using pattern-recognition algorithms.

  • Luckdraw Software – Enables transparent automated random draws for promotional campaigns.

 

Research Projects

  • External Funding
    1. Suzhou Science and Technology Development Planning Programme (Soft-Science Research Project):
      Investigating the Relationship Between Innovation Clusters and Digital Transformation from a Polycentric Governance Perspective

    2. Key Special Funding (KSF):
      Effective Credit Risk Management for Chinese SMEs in High-Tech Sectors: A Deep Learning–Based Approach

  • Teaching Development Fund (TDF) Projects
    1. Optimising Learning Outcomes with AI-Enhanced Support in High Cognitive Load Modules

    2. Interactive Simulation for Financial Risk Assessment

    3. Managing Cognitive Load in Introductory Programming Modules with Animated Microvideos

  • Research Development Fund (RDF) Projects
    1. Efficient Portfolio Management and Performance Prediction: Integrating AI into China’s Stock Market

    2. The Impact of China’s Market Liberalisation on Cross-Border Mergers and Acquisitions: Evidence from Textual Analysis

 

External Collaboration

n March 2025, DALab formalised a technology development partnership with Schindler (China) Elevator Co., Ltd., focusing on AI and robotic process automation (RPA) tools to enhance operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making. This collaboration enriches DALab’s teaching and research with practical industry case studies.

Student Involvement and Activities

DALab fosters undergraduate research through its Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) programme, hosting over ten student-led projects since 2022. These initiatives allow students to develop AI and data analytics competencies through hands-on engagement with real-world industry scenarios.

Laboratory Coordination

Dr Xiangyun Lu, Assistant Professor, Department of Accounting
Email: Xiangyun.Lu@xjtlu.edu.cn
Office: BS 416