Abstract
The paper presents a study proposal to determine what strategies will work to promote transparency and accountability in local government in Ondo State, Nigeria. The writer explores the principles behind town hall meetings and provides a suggested methodology to determine how well received such a government structure might be in the area. The paper concludes that while experts agree that there is no trust between the people of Nigeria and the government structures that govern them, little has been examined on how to correct the problem. This study provides answers so that future decisions can be made about how to restructure local governments for the betterment of Nigerian society.

Outline:
Introduction
Statement of Problem
Town Hall Meeting Structure
a) Public Hearing
b) Citizen Comments
Methodology
Data Collection
Interviews
Limitations Of Study
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"Citizen comments have long since been part of town hall meetings in local government. Citizens attend the local government meeting and sign up to be heard. There is usually a time limit on how long they can speak thereby giving many the opportunities to be heard. The local government usually places a rule where the officials cannot respond or defend they must simply listen to the comments of the citizens and take note."

Tags:leadership, culture, shared, values, transparency, inclusion, partnership, accountability

Abstract
This paper deals with evaluating the role of transparency in strengthening public service provision and in designing effective public policies. Different theories and practices of transparency in government and other actors in society vis-a-vis the public are discussed thoroughly. The paper also examines the view that there are some cases where transparency may be best, some cases where it may not be the best way, or may need to be greater, and this is achieved by drawing, comprehensively, on literature and data in the developed and developing world alike.

From the Paper
"In designing policies, the sensitivity to motivational complexity, Goodin's third principle, has to be considered. There are a number of impulses that drive the motives of social actors. Some of these are self-seeking impulses that tend to exist alongside "principled and altruistic motives". His final principle, variability, is seen as a central principle of design. He suggests that experiments be undertaken with different structures in different places. There should also be a willingness to use the concept of lesson drawing where appropriate---learn from others' successes and failures. "

Tags:accountability, administration, decentralization

Abstract
It is occasionally heard that good business ethics leads to good business period. Some people may dispute this old maxim for a number of reasons, but there is no question that integrity in business is an excellent way of fostering professional relationships, of building a loyal client base and of preserving a hard-earned business reputation. Suffice it to say transparency in financial and or managerial accounting is very important for all of those reasons, but it is also important because it protects other innocents for the most part who would otherwise suffer needlessly because of the dishonesty of a few. This paper points out the value in practicing good ethics in business, citing improved professional relationships, greater customer loyalty and protection of the innocent as the main reasons.

Tags:business, ethics, accounting

Abstract
This paper presents the case for the police being accountable to an empowered public oversight committee rather than that the criminal justice community should be accountable to itself without any public oversight.

From the Paper
"The police need to be accountable to an empowered public oversight committee because self-oversight invariably leads to a biased result, because of all the pressures exerted at various levels within the organization. The business of law enforcement is the business of the public, and must therefore be open and transparent to all, and this can only be true if there is public oversight of the police. Over the past years, police departments have rarely..."

Tags:civilian oversight, transparency

Abstract
The paper provides a brief comparison and contrast of three codes of conduct found at what appear to be three supervisory, regulatory organizations designed to keep non-governmental organizations "honest" in their dealings with the public. The paper highlights how each seeks to prioritize the value of accountability among its members while noting how one of the codes of ethics appears somewhat more professional and comprehensive than the other ones.

From the Paper
"The Code of Ethics and Conduct found on the WANGO website is broken in 9 sections encompassing the following: Guiding Principles; NGO Integrity; Mission and Activities; Governance; Human Resources; Public Trust; Financial and Legal Obligations; Fundraising; and Partnership, Collaboration and Networking. The motivations which appear to inform the WANGO code of conduct for NGOs may be summarized as the following:..."

Tags:governmental, organizations, non

Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), in terms of laws and regulations in the healthcare industry designed to create greater accountability through legislation. Since HIPAA is very large in scope, this report and research deals with the HIPAA Security Rule, as a more detailed part of the HIPAA that has representative legal cases. Specifically, the current research looks at the HIPAA Security Rule as it has been understood and interpreted through several legal cases, giving a summary and analysis of these cases as well. The writer discusses that new regulatory measures instated by the HIPAA, in terms of healthcare technology, and the process of care, have put intense pressure on the health insurance environment, stressing accountability, transparency, and data security in electronic records.

Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review - Cases
Conclusion
Recommendations

From the Paper
"The law when it comes to the HIPAA Security Rule, centers around the issue of client confidentiality. HIPAA Security Rule came about because there are so many new technological implications to client records, that these records, often electronic, need extra security and safeguards. Therefore, through legislation that can be upheld in law cases, HIPAA oversees data security in healthcare, protecting client confidentiality. When the client is assured that any of their records will be made under either explicit or implied confidentiality, it is easier for them to feel like they are taking part in a conversation in which they are respected. A feeling of respect is important for clients, who will feel empowered and assured that they are undertaking a professional process in which none of their conditions or histories will be shared with others without their express consent. But many authors in existing case law also tend to see confidentiality as only a good thing, without relating how it needs to be broken if for example, the client poses a danger."

Tags:insurance, health, legislation, confidentiality, compensation

Abstract
The paper discusses how it is difficult for companies to properly track and record environmental actions and considerations in such a manner that provides for full disclosure and transparency to stakeholders. The paper explains how environmental financial accounting seeks to remedy this by bringing consistency to environmental reporting. The paper looks at the stakeholders involved, the issues with environmental budgeting, the use of material flow activity-based cost accounting and the best way to treat environmental costs.

Outline:
Case Study
Introduction
Stakeholders
Environmental Budgeting
Material Flow Activity-Based Cost Accounting
Assets or Expenses?
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In the rules-bound world of financial accounting, it can be difficult to properly track and record environmental actions and considerations in such a manner that provides for full disclosure and transparency to stakeholders. Firms wishing to produce environmental accounting reports often find that the regulatory bodies and sets of standards governing financial accounting and reporting give poor guidance with respect to environmental accounting. This in turn creates an environment where companies produce their own environmental scorecards on an ad hoc basis. While this information is valuable, it is inconsistent, which diminishes its value for investors. The emerging field of environmental financial accounting seeks to remedy this by bringing consistency to environmental reporting, so that this information can be used by the investment community and other financial accounting stakeholders.
"There is considerable logical basis for this. Environmental issues are reflected in financial statements already, albeit in aggregated form. On the income statement, environmental transactions can result in revenues and/or expenses. These transactions can also create assets or liabilities as well. For example, if a firm knowingly pollutes some of its surrounding environment, it is likely creating a liability since it will eventually be compelled to deal with the issue. Conversely, we can see the ability of a firm to create assets through environmental transactions as Western governments move towards the implementation of concepts such as carbon credits."

Tags:stakeholders, liabilities, assets, costs, investors

Abstract
The paper discusses how some of America's most trusted institutions have been guilty of corruption, greed and mismanagement in recent years, due to lax regulatory standards and oversight. The paper focuses on the current credit crisis that was caused by banks' shady practices in the subprime mortgage market and creative accounting techniques that concealed losses from investors. The paper contends that auditors must overcome the pressure to fudge the balance sheet to turn a short-term profit and raise stock prices.

From the Paper
"Regarding the issue of the transparency of the American financial system, it has been said that "sunlight is the best disinfectant" (White 2007). In other words, openness in and of itself regarding financial statements by accountants makes for a more ethical and 'cleaner' business environment. Just as people on an individual level are more likely to refrain from unethical behavior if they are being watched (like a store employee being observed on an overhead camera), on a larger scale, if a company knows that it must make full and open disclosure of all of its transactions, it is less likely to engage in shady misrepresentations of its dealings and profits. The fewer regulatory loopholes, the better, in the public's estimation, but and investors must also have confidence in the ethics of the independent auditors entrusted to enforce government regulations. Just as laws are only as strong as the legislators and enforcers of the law, accounting principles are only as effective as the ethics of those who wield them in the name of their profession."

Tags:transparency, regulatory, standards, oversight, banks, subprime, mortgages

Abstract
This paper gives a brief summary of the U.S. economic performance since 2003 and then discusses the current debate over how much the Fed should communicate the goals, strategy, and conduct of monetary policy. The paper emphasizes the issue of transparency and explains why transparency is important not just for accountability, but for monetary policy to succeed at all.

From the Paper
"The sub par performance of the U.S. economy extended into the first half of 2003. Although accommodative macroeconomic policies and continued robust productivity growth helped to sustain aggregate demand, businesses remained cautious about spending and hiring. All told, real gross domestic product continued to rise in the first half of the year but less quickly than the economy's productive capacity was increasing, and margins of slack in labor and product markets thereby widened further. As a result, underlying inflation remained low."

Tags:financial, markets, interest, rates, equity, prices, federal, reserve, productivity, growth

Abstract
This paper analyzes the limited accountability of private institutions for white-collar crimes in the United States. It provides a detailed explanation of the legal limitations in regards to private sector companies and why legal accountability is often restricted due to a lack of "transparency" in white-collar crime. The paper specifically discusses the lack of criminal accountability in regards to government deregulation and white-collar identity in America.

From the Paper
"In conclusion, this study has analyzed the various aspects of lack of criminal accountability in regards to government deregulation and white-collar identity in America. By realizing the scope of governmental and corporate collusion in deregulating laws that make corporations accountable for white-collar crime, the identities of those responsible are often abstracted by the private business institutions and legal ambiguities they represent. Furthermore, the perception the immaterial nature of items being stolen from companies also plays a part in decreasing the liability for corporate elites to be prosecuted in a court of law. These are the various aspects of a lack of corporate accountability that is a major problem for interpreting white-collar crimes and those legal issues that prevent individuals to be prosecuted within American business organizations."

Tags:corporate, liability, collusion, violations