Examines techniques & models for foretelling corporate failure. Investigates ratio analysis, monetary policy, micro v. macro aspects, market data and possible forecasting errors.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 4 sources, 1986, $ 71.95
From the Paper " The purpose of this research is to discuss the importance of predicting bankruptcy in the corporate sector. Corporate failure is a symptom that there is a misallocation of resources (Aharony, et. al., 1980, p. 1001). This is, of course undesirable from a social standpoint. Generally an early warning of such mismanagement, or failure)may enable investors and management to take appropriate steps toward preventing bankruptcy. Sometimes even voluntary liquidation will usually shorten the length of time that losses are incurred.
Most research that has been done on bankruptcy has used the ratio analysis as its foundation. The major causes of corporate (...)"
This paper is an analytical critique of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87: Employers' Accounting for Pensions (Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), 1985), known as FAS87. .
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 16 sources, 1990, $ 79.95
From the Paper "This research provides an analytical critique of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87: Employers' Accounting for Pensions (Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), 1985), hereinafter referred to as FAS87. The essence of the Statement involves the application of accrual accounting principles to pension fund accounting by employers, with a special emphasis on the single-employer defined benefit plan (FASB, 1985).
In this research, the issues involved in pension fund accounting are considered, together with the provisions of FAS87 designed to address those issues. FAS87 is also assessed within the contexts of Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts No. 1: Objectives of Financial Reporting by Business Enterprises (FASB, 1978), Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts No. 2: ... "
From the Paper "This report attempts to understand the role auditors may be expected to assume in the 1990s regarding the detection and reporting of fraud. This paper begins with an exploration of what constitutes fraud, how auditors can uncover fraud, and examines modifications in approach that could alleviate the problem of fraud in the future.
One of the obvious difficulties arising from auditors detecting fraud is the fact that fraud is an illegal act which can only be determined by a court. So what an auditor is looking for, therefore, is not fraud, per se, but the appearance of impropriety.
An audit is the independent examination of the financial statements of an ongoing entity. The auditor is expected to offer an opinion on said financial statements based on his ... "
This paper discusses capital investment decision making methods as a means to minimizerisk under uncertain economic conditions: Budgeting, return analysis, cost, goals, Efficient Frontier and timing.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 19 sources, 1994, $ 79.95
From the Paper "This research examines the process of business capital investment under conditions of uncertainty. Capital investment decision-making methods that accommodate conditions of uncertainty are reviewed.
Background
Effective and efficient decision-making is important in the capital investment process because financial resources are typically scarce.. Conditions of uncertainty, competing goals, and utility tend to complicate the decision-making process.. The selection from among alternatives in the capital investment process is generally referred to as capital budgeting. Capital budgeting involves the making of investment decisions related to fixed assets ... "
Explanation of the reasoning behind, and the structure of the International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC). Some pronouncements of the agency and problems in member country compliance are discussed.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 10 sources, 1995, $ 55.95
From the Paper "The International Accounting Standards Committee
The International Accounting Standards Committee was formed in 1972, in an effort to standardize accounting procedures amongst the international investment community (Feldman & Herbert, 1977). The widespread adaptation of IASC standards is dependent upon the pressure applied by the large international financial institutions, stock exchanges, and accounting firms (Cummings, 1974). The overall objectives of the IASC are to ensure that accounting standards in each member country conform to IASC set standards (Slipkowsky, 1986). Independent auditors are available to satisfy the authenticity of these financial standards. Noncompliance in reference to IASC standards are noted in issued audit reports (Feldman & Herbert, 1977)."
Abstract This paper discusses introduction a flat tax reform in America's federal income tax law. To analyze the flat tax, the current income tax and the proposed flat tax structure is compared as well as a definition of progressive taxation. General points for and against a flat tax follow. A detailed flat tax piece of legislation prepared by United States Representative Dick Armey and United States Senator Richard Shelby are summarized and used as an example of a specific implementation of a flat tax. Finally the paper shows why a flat tax is more desirable than the current federal tax structure.
Outline:
Introduction
Flat Income Tax
Current Income Tax
Armey-Shelby Proposed Flat Income Tax
Tax Types
Progressive Tax
Definition
Example ? Federal Income Tax Structure
Regressive Tax
Definition
Example ? Social Security Tax
Current Income Tax
Problems
Complexity
Administration Cost
Increasing Tax Burden
Special Interest Lobbying
Flat Income Tax
"Ideal" Flat Tax
Armey-Shelby Tax Proposal
One Tax Rate
Simple Tax Form
No Tax on Savings
Elimination of Double Taxation
Zero Tax Bracket
Other Benefits
Other Definitions of Taxes
Consumption Tax
Sales Tax
Value-added Tax (VAT)
Wage Tax
Income Tax
Timing of Tax Collection
Best Choice - Flat Income Tax
Current Problem Solution
Ease of Administration
Encourage Savings and Investment
From the Paper "There are two main reasons for mentioning that income is taxed "one time". Currently dividends paid to company stockholders are taxed both as profits for the company and dividend income for the individual who is paid the dividend. To eliminate this double taxation of dividends the company will pay corporate income taxes on its profits and the individual will not be liable for any taxes on the dividends he receives. A second reason is the elimination of taxing savings twice. If an individual puts a dollar from his paycheck that he has already paid income tax on in the bank, then any earnings on the savings is again taxed. Both of these situations inhibit savings and investment taking dollars out of the economy and recycling them through the federal government."
Abstract This paper examines the benefits of 401k employee retirement plans. It describes the plans flexibility in enabling the individual to choose their own invest strategy and risk level. The paper illustrates that this plan is often enhanced by employers matching funds, which enables the company to build greater staff loyalty. The paper explores many different mutual funds, which can be a part of a 401k plan, that are on the financial market today.
From the Paper "The 401k employer funded retirement plan is one of the most flexible and favorable retirement plans that a company can make available to its staff. The regulations are extensive, but straight forward. The method of investing offers its participants individualized choices in investment strategy based on their own risk tolerance and the investments accumulate at a tax deferred rate of growth. Employers can choose to contribute matching funds, and assist the process in which employees become more responsible for their own retirement. These factors tend to build employee loyalty between well trained staff, and the company which needs them in order to continue a successful growth curve."
Abstract This paper discusses that business are taking undue advantage of favorable federal revenue policies. The paper points out that businesses are using government money to develop products that they then turn around and sell to the public at very high prices. The author feels that these advantages must be eliminated to support the common welfare of the country.
From the Paper "One by one our leading business corporations are reeling under accounting scams. I need not mention how well such a giant corporation like "Enron" managed to disguise its financial information from the government and the stockholders. In the prevailing scenario I agree with the author that the government needs to exercise care before granting corporate privileges. Businesses are exploiting the loopholes in tax laws by clever manipulations. One such debatable issue is the "Foreign tax credit" scheme. The government of United States has lost billions of dollars from multinational corporations in the name of deductions for taxes paid to other nations. "
Abstract Compares the tax & legal advantages of three forms of organization for business companies. LLC (limited legal liability), LLP (limited liability partnership, & traditional S corporations. Examines changes in business law. Partnership laws. Small business. Bibliography includes laws, codes, regulations, statutes. Business law & law review articles.
From the Paper "Corporate Liability
Introduction
Traditionally, businesses, other than sole proprietorships, considered three forms of organization: C corporation, S corporation and partnership.. However, during the 1970s, a form of organization known as a limited liability company (LLC) became available. Now, even more recently, the limited liability partnership (LLP) is also available. Generally, limited liability business structures allow two benefits: limited legal liability and passthrough tax treatment.. This paper will consider the tax and legal advantages of the LLC and the LLP versus the more traditional S corporation.
Limited Liability Corporations
Beginning with Wyoming in 1977 and ending with the Hawaii legislature in 1996..."
This paper proposes that the system used in the United States to tax business income no longer meets the needs of the American economy, as it discourages investment and encourages inefficiency.
Abstract The writer traces the defects of the current corporate tax system, outlining areas in which the system of taxation fails both businesses and individuals. The paper finally proposes a system of integration that would allow the system to run more efficiently.
From the Paper "Through the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, the corporate tax was amended repeatedly to reflect national economic sentiment of the time, to stimulate productivity and growth or advance social purposes, or provide broad economic development. President Kennedy's Tax Act of 1962 and President Regan's Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 can be seen as growth-oriented, while the Tax Reform Acts of 1976 and 1986 were "fairness"-oriented. The Bush Administration attempted to convince Congress to substantially lower capital gains rate to stimulate investment. (Hufbauer and van Rooij, 1994)."
Abstract The paper studies the article in order to address two issues associated with risk exposure for financial institutions. The writer asks the questions and then finds within the article that different styles of risk mitigation are applicable to all types of financial institutions, although the balance among these mitigation strategies will vary by institutional type and by institution within institutional types depending upon an institution's needs at any given time.
From the Paper "The first question facing a financial institution, thus, is whether to manage risk or avoid risk. Costs are involved for a financial institution regardless of the nature of the decision on this issue. Thus, the decision itself boils down to a question of which decision likely risks the greater costs for the institution. At this level, a financial institution may avoid risks through business practices that minimize risk exposure or the institution may transfer risks to other participants. In the first instance, the financial institution will forego some level of business activity to minimize risk exposure. The question revolves around the issue of whether potential loss of profits from business not conducted likely would exceed any losses associated with the higher level of risk exposure. In the second instance, the financial institution will need to compensate in some way other participants for assuming risk. The question in this instance revolves around the issue of whether the costs of compensating other participants likely would exceed any losses associated with retaining the risks by the financial institution."
Researches the performance of federal mortgage lending agencies and conventional lenders in relation to both risk-based pricing policies and higher mortgage loan limit policies.
Abstract This study investigated the effects of programs dealing with risk-based pricing and increased mortgage loan limits on mortgage approval rates for low- and moderate-income households. The research performed for the study found that risk-based pricing policies did have a positive impact on the extension of residential mortgages to low- and moderate-income applicants, in that rejection rates associated with risk-based factors declined. The research performed also found that higher mortgage limit policies had a positive impact on the extension of residential mortgages to low- and moderate-income applicants, in that rejection rates associated with risk-based factors declined. Lastly, the research results indicated that higher mortgage limit policies had a greater positive impact than did risk-based pricing policies.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Problem Statement
Research Questions
Study Purpose
Significance of the Study
Definitions of Terms
Delimitations of the Study
Overview of the Remainder of the Study
Review of the Literature
Systems Theory
Systems Theory and the Mortgage Lending Model
Mortgage Lending Markets
Past Discrimination in Mortgage Lending
Summary
Methodology
Research Design
Research Hypotheses
Variables and Operational Definitions
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Methodological Limitations
Summary
Results
Problems with the Data
Restatement of the Research Questions
Restatement of the Hypotheses
Restatement of Operational Definitions
Restatement of Data Analysis Procedures
Research Results
Summary, Discussion and Conclusions
Discussion
Conclusions
Appendix: Data Tables
Bibliography
From the Paper "The effort to improve accessibility to residential mortgage finance for low- and moderate-income individuals and families tends to be impeded by a system that has become entrenched. This existing system is an interlocking structure of public and private sector players that has developed rules and processes with which they are comfortable and which they are reluctant to change. The existing system for the extension of residential mortgages also involves both the primary and the secondary mortgage markets, as well as credit review and reporting agencies. The system in place was never intended to provide access to residential mortgages to low- and moderate-income persons except within the framework of specific governmental programs targeting such individuals. These specific programs involved direct public funding, government guaranteed repayment of loans extended by private sector lenders, or subsidies to developers and builders."
Tags: bank, loan, real, estate, federal, assistance
Abstract Uses the army as an example for developing and deploying effective performance measures and management systems in an organization. Included in the discussion is a set of methodologies and processes that assist organizations to effectively plan, measure, analyze, and optimize business performance.
Introduction
Establishing and Updating Performance Measures
Establishing Accountability for Performance
Gathering and Analyzing Performance Data
Reporting and Using Performance Information
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Developing and deploying an effective performance measurement and management system is the key to maintaining a high-performance organization (Gore 2). In fact, many executives today will say that business performance management is the next generation of business intelligence. It is about responding quickly to markets that were once more predictable."
Abstract This paper examines the applicability of traditional management accounting techniques in the modern market-driven environment, along with the new roles and responsibilities that are vital for thriving management accountants. The paper shows that it is imperative for management accountants to acquire critical skills, namely communication and analytical expertise, comprehensive knowledge in the area of accounting, information technology and the business and the ability to work in a team, so as to fully reap the benefits of the new advanced approaches.
Table of Contents:
1 Introduction
2 The Evolution of Management (Cost) Accounting
2.1 Single-Activity Enterprises
2.1.1 Early Nineteenth Century ? Textile Mills
2.1.2 Middle Nineteenth Century ? Railroad Companies
2.1.3 Late Nineteenth Century ? Large Retailers
2.2 Scientific Management Movement and Standard Costing
2.2.1 The Scientific Management Movement
2.2.2 The Emergence of Standard Costing
2.3 Multi-Activity Enterprises
2.3.1 Return on Investment (ROI)
3 Critique of 20th Century Management Accounting
3.1 Lack of Relevance
3.2 Cost Distortion
3.3 Inflexibility
3.4 Incompatibility with World Class Approaches
3.5 Inappropriate Links to the Financial Accounts
4 21st Century Management Accounting
4.1 The Focus of Future Management Accounting
4.2 The Role of Future Management Accounting
4.2.1 Internal Consultants or Business Analysts
4.2.2 Team Member / Leader and Advisor
4.2.3 Financial Information Specialists and Information System Designer
4.3 Critical Skill Required By Management Accountants
4.3.1 Sound Understanding of Accounting Knowledge and Skills
4.3.2 Comprehensive Understanding and Competence of Business
4.3.3 Communication Skills
4.3.4 Analytical Skills
4.3.5 Knowledge of Information Technology Systems
4.3.6 Teamwork
5 Conclusion
6 Bibliography
From the Paper "According to a survey by the UK's Institute of Internal Auditors (2001), communication skills are considered to be the most prized attributes of the internal accountants. The changing role and functions of management accounting entail management accountants to actively participate within cross-functional teams. Thus, it is fundamental for these professionals to possess strong communication skills, as they are required to liaise with managers and guide the firm's strategic and tactical decisions on a daily basis (McNair, 2000). As such, communication skills are important for these professionals to communicate throughout the organization, which ranges from senior management to support staff levels, as well as vendors, competitors, and other professionals."
Abstract Examines how computer technology and business competition have caused the role of a Certified Public Accountant to change from one of a transaction processor to one of a business partner.
Introduction
Technology and the Accountant in 2015
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "The traditional management accountants have focused on the tasks of counting, comparing, recording and reporting financial information. Whether we like it or not, technology and society have fully engaged to bring about drastic changes to the way we conduct business today. The very core competencies of accountants (i.e., measurement and reporting of business transactions) are being challenged by this information economy."
