Budgeting Basics
Analysis of the Atlantico Company's budgeting policies and recommendations for improvement.
Analytical Essay # 56555 |
863 words (
approx. 3.5 pages ) |
1 source |
MLA | 2005
|
$ 19.95
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Abstract
This paper begins with a brief explanation of the theoretic basics of budgeting and then proceeds with an analysis of the budgeting policies of the Atlantico Company. The paper concludes with recommended alterations for Atlantico's financial policy. Included at the beginning of this paper are different tables on Atlantico budgets, an income statement, and a balance sheet.
From the Paper
"Another advantage budgeting is that is confers managers increased control on the business, based on variance analysis. Noticing unfavorable variances may trigger certain responses, which have the capacity to solve the already existing problems and to prevent future ones from appearing. For instance, if costs are too high, waste may be cut out or an expensive supplier might be changed. Should the sales be too low, a supplementary effort in advertising, promotion or sales could prove useful. If there is a problem with low production, the manager could look for bottlenecks in order to remove them or he/ she could try to raise labor efficiency."
Tags:informed, decisions, accurate, reliable, information, performance, budgeted, plans
Just-In-Time Manufacturing
A study of the method of Just-in-Time manufacturing for business organizations.
Analytical Essay # 8783 |
1,020 words (
approx. 4.1 pages ) |
10 sources |
MLA | 2002
|
$ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the use of the Just-in-time manufacturing method. It describes the key strategy behind just-in-time manufacturing: less inventory means more cash, which is good for most businesses, and demonstrates the application of this principal. The author writes that with Just-in-time manufacturing, stock is wasteful and eliminated, but there are also negative effects on the environment involved in this alternative process.
From the Paper
"Just-in-time manufacturing is a method of manufacturing goods that was developed by Toyota in the 1980's. Since that time, many companies around the world have begun to successfully implement just-in-time processes, including several companies in the United States. (Maskell, 1989)
"Just-in-time manufacturing is a method of manufacturing in which non-value-adding activities (or are identified and removed for the purposes of reducing costs, improving quality, improving performance, improving delivery, adding flexibility and increasing innovativeness."
Tags:Production, and, Inventory, Control, Society, (APICS), toyota, inventory, just, in, time
Management Report on Activity Based Accounting
Discusses some of the pros, cons, advantages, disadvantages and uses for activity based accounting.
Analytical Essay # 17021 |
1,700 words (
approx. 6.8 pages ) |
8 sources |
APA | 2002
|
$ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a basic introduction to ABC (Activity Based Costing) methods as a managerial accounting technique, a comparison to traditional based methods, benefits and disadvantages of ABC. The paper also includes an analysis of ABC methods as a TQM (Total Quality Management) component and provides a summary analysis of the system.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Introduction to Activity Based Accounting
Uses for ABC
Implementing ABC
Advantages of ABC Costing
Disadvantages of ABC Costing
ABC versus Traditional Accounting
The Concerns of Activity Based Management
Summary Analysis
References
From the Paper
"Activity-Based Costing (ABC) arose in the 1980s from the increasing lack of relevance of traditional cost accounting methods. The traditional cost accounting methods were designed around 1870 - 1920 and in those days industry was labor intensive, there was no automation, the product variety was small and the overhead costs in companies were generally very low compared to today. However, from the 1960s - particularly 1980s - this changed rapidly. Activity Based Costing is based on a simple principle: activities consume resources and customers consume activities. Associating the labor and overhead expenses of the business with the activities that consume those resources provides valuable facts. ABC defines categories of activity in overhead departments, which on the one hand are recognizable to overhead department managers but, on the other hand, are driven by factors (cost drivers) which are characteristic of products and other cost objects. This allows a much higher proportion of total company cost to be allocated to products according to causation. Ultimately, ABC provides accounting data points that can be used to improve decision-making and identify cost improvement opportunities. The basic building blocks for ABC are activity accounting spreadsheets for each element of a business. The workload of each activity is measured resulting in a cost per output. "
Tags:comparison, flaws, component, cost, data, labor, y
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act
A discussion of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and its shortcomings.
Analytical Essay # 50261 |
935 words (
approx. 3.7 pages ) |
4 sources |
APA | 2004
|
$ 19.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the variety of reasons why Sarbanes-Oxley will fall short in meeting many of its objectives for making companies more accountable.
From the Paper
"The future of the accounting profession will be very different under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (How the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 impacts the accounting profession 2002). First, auditors will report to an audit committee, not management. This committee must pre-approve all services provided by its auditor. The auditor will need to keep the audit committee informed if accounting policies and practices to be used, alternative treatments of financial information within GAAP that have been discussed with management, accounting disagreements between the auditor and management and other relevant communications between the auditor and management."
Tags:misconduct, management, public, companies, congress, securities, and, exchange, commission
Ethics in Accounting
A brief discussion of the issues of ethics in accounting relating to the Worldcom scandal.
Analytical Essay # 52193 |
760 words (
approx. 3 pages ) |
2 sources |
APA | 2004
|
$ 19.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews an article on the WorldCom scandal, and discusses how this article relates to 7-Eleven Inc. Also, based on the article, the paper discusses recommendations for improving accounting procedures at 7-Eleven, and explains the importance of ethics in accounting.
From the Paper
"An article written by William Thomas and Thomas Morris discusses the Enron and WorlCom accounting scandals. In April of 2002, internal auditors discovered a $9 billion fraud. Unlike Enron, WorlCom has improperly reported capitalized expenses (Thomas and Morris). This was the largest amount of accounting fraud in U.S. history. Former CFO Scott Sullivan, who was the "chief architect of the fraud", pleads innocent to the original charges. Arthur Andersen was the accounting firm that was involved in both of these accounting scandals. This indiscretion caused the stock market to plummet, and many people lost thousands of dollars. Executives profited from this accounting fraud. The revelation of accounting fraud sent shockwaves through the investment community. Thousands of people lost much of their lives' savings in these accounting scandals. The devastation of this fraud caused President Bush to take a tough stance on corporate fraud."
Tags:corporate, fraud, loan, savings, scandals
Managerial and Financial Accounting
An overview of the differences between managerial and financial accounting.
Comparison Essay # 40496 |
1,150 words (
approx. 4.6 pages ) |
4 sources |
2002
|
$ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper is on "comparing and contrasting managerial and financial accounting". It also explains the differences in rules and regulations, management information and reporting requirements, and CMA and CPA licenses.
Activity Based Costing
This paper presents the strengths and weakness of activity based costing (ABC) as compared to traditional costing methods.
Comparison Essay # 5911 |
2,040 words (
approx. 8.2 pages ) |
16 sources |
APA | 2002
|
$ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper examines activity based costing (ABC) which is an effective business management tool that will enhance and support a total quality management (TQM) environment. ABC analysis provides the information necessary to make business decisions such as determining if investments in efficiency initiatives, such as just in time (JIT), are warranted. When implementing ABC, management should use proven project management methodology to minimize the risk of failure. ABC is an effective total quality management tool, and supports just-in-time manufacturing methods in several companies as detailed in the paper.
From the Paper
"After developing ABC in the 1980's, Robin Cooper and Robert S. Kaplan have written extensively about its benefits (Shih-Jen & Holinda, p. 46). ABC is defined as a "costing system that identifies the various activities performed in a firm and uses multiple cost drivers, to assign overhead (or indirect costs) to products" (Siegel and Shim 2000, p. 15). ABC seeks to accumulate and allocate factory overhead costs to products (or services) by using focused drivers, such as, quality inspecting, moving, assembly, and matching (Warren, 2002, p. 328). Proponents of ABC cite many examples where cost accuracy is superior to traditional costing methods that use cost bases such as units produced, labor, or machine hours used (Warren, p. 421). "
Tags:9000, ABC, accounting, activity, based, costing, customer, ISO, JIT, manufacturing, quality, service, TQM
The Boeing Company
A financial analysis of the Boeing Company, through an examination of annual reports.
Analytical Essay # 5235 |
3,000 words (
approx. 12 pages ) |
17 sources |
APA | 2002
|
$ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the financial condition and performance of the Boeing Company, a publicly held company for the year 2001. Annual reports filed by Boeing in accordance with the General Accepted Accounting Principles and Securities and Exchange Commission regulations serve as primary data sources. Industry average financial ratios, outlook, and data are used to gauge Boeing's financial status. Recommendations are presented based upon analysis, generally accepted management practice and research.
From the Paper
"The terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center caused a major negative economic effect throughout the United States and the world. Airlines were severely impacted do to a sudden and huge drop in passengers (Siegel, M., p. 551). Air travel has still not fully recovered from this catastrophic event. The resultant drop in commercial jet orders has hurt Boeing (Friedman, p 13). In the third quarter of 2001, Boeing experienced a 46% decrease in orders compared to 2000 (Friedman, p. 19). The commercial aircraft segment accounted for about 60% of Boeings revenues before September 11 (Standard & Poor s, 2002, p. 2). Deliveries for aircraft are expected to be 380 for 2002 vs.527 in 2001 (Siegel, M., p. 551). As reported in the 2001 Consolidated Statement of Operations, Boeing recorded a $935 million charge for special charges due to events of September 11, 2001 (Boeing, p. 35). "
Tags:accounting, aerospace, aircraft, analysis, boeing, defense, financial, finanical, ratio
Enron: The Story Behind the Collapse
This paper analyzes the collapse of Enron Corp.
Research Paper # 3518 |
6,840 words (
approx. 27.4 pages ) |
36 sources |
2002
|
$ 79.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the history of the Enron Corp. and what led to its bankruptcy which the author sees as a product of management's greed, shady, yet legal accounting practices and a web of influence created through large campaign donations.
From the Paper
"Enron created various types of contracts that protected both the buyers and sellers in case of price fluctuation over the length of the contracts. This new marketplace allowed energy users to predict and stabilize costs far into the future. This strategy created by Enron was based on the belief that it could be a big energy player without owning all of the power plants, ships and pipelines that most companies owned. Instead they would use contracts to control facilities in which other had invested. By 2001, Enron had evolved into a market maker for some 1,800 different products, many of them energy- or Internet-related contracts or derivatives the company had created itself.[i]"
Tags:accounting, andersen, arthur, audit, companies, collapse, contract, energy, Chewco, independence, bankruptcy, investor, investigation, Watkins, Kenneth, Lay, pension, benefits, Fastow, market, partnership
An examination of the changing role of the accountant and his importance in a rapidly changing business environment.
Analytical Essay # 25652 |
1,445 words (
approx. 5.8 pages ) |
6 sources |
MLA | 2002
|
$ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how the accountant in a modern organization must be able to perform many more functions than in the past. Managerial accountants are important in assuring that the organization is on target for meeting strategic goals. It looks at how it is no longer enough to have a basic understanding of receivables, payables and cash flow and how accountants now play an active role in management and decision making. They are responsible for goal setting, forecasting and many other activities that were previously in the realm of management and must consider corporate culture and be able to adapt their techniques to meet specific company needs.
From the Paper
"Corporate culture and accounting used to be two terms that should never occur in the same sentence. Accounting was a separate entity from other systems in the organization. Now accounting is an integral part of every phase of the business including legal, political and social systems within an organization (Shraddha and Sidney, 1997). As the needs of an organization change, so do the accounting system change to meet these changing needs. A modern accountant must be more flexible in practice than in the past. Modern accounting practices must be able to adapt a trait that was not synonymous with accounting in the past. Accounting used to adhere to a rigid set of rules and procedures, but now they must remain flexible and willing to change on short notice. "
Tags:goal, setting, forecasting, management