A research proposal to gauge the success of adopting town hall meetings as a strategy for promoting transparency and accountability in local governments, in Ondo State, Nigeria.
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."
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. "
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.
Abstract This paper discusses how, in the past, mistrust and false pretense in matters of subsidies, hidden tariffs, and environmental issues between countries have caused trade negotiations to be delayed and even fail. According to the paper, in an increasingly globalized marketplace, further use of transparency mechanisms and openness is required in order for future international trade negotiations to fully succeed. This paper demonstrates how, through a critical review of the relevant and peer-reviewed literature, the implementation of a stronger role by organizations such as the UK-backed Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and Dispute Settlement Bodies will enhance global economic growth, and contribute to the reduction of poverty.
From the Paper "The term, "resource curse," was first coined by Auty (1993) in his essay, "Sustaining Development in Mineral Economies: The Resource Curse Thesis," by which he described a phenomenon in which countries that are naturally endowed with resources, primarily in the developing world, have failed to achieve their full economic potential because of disparate trade policies with developed countries such as the United States. In this regard, Auty reports that, "The conventional view concerning the role of natural resources in economic development has been that the resource endowment is most critical in the early low-income stages of the development process. It assumes that, as development proceeds and a population acquires more and more skills, those skills are deployed with increasing effectiveness to counteract any resource deficiencies" (1993, p. 1). Today, a number of sub-Sahara African nations fall in this category, and Nigeria in particular represents such a country. All of these resource-rich developing countries have inherited a legacy of a colonialist past that has adversely affected their current capacity to compete in the international marketplace while simultaneously attempting to cope with the effects of poor weather conditions, a range of diseases, and a lack of foreign direct investment (Auty, 1993). "
Abstract This paper analyzes the factors necessary for a managerial accountant to succeed in an independent practice and within a larger organization. The author emphasizes that managerial accountants must set the standard for communication within their practices, particularly in regard to strategic issues and relationships between other accountants in their practice. Additionally, the paper shows that managerial accountants must be linked organizationally to the accounting department that they support, which includes training end users to become more proficient in interpreting financial documents. The author concludes that more research is needed in the area of managerial accounting communication so that managers responsible for making training decisions and communicating on a continual basis will have enough tools with which to base their decisions.
Outline:
Introduction to Communication within the Accounting Profession
Leadership over the Managerial Accountant Leadership by the Managerial Accountant Decision-Making by the Managerial Accountant Staff Motivation through Communication by the Managerial Accountant Communication and Compensation
Outside Training
Management Priorities by the Managerial Accountant Communicating Expectations of Staff
Marketing
The Communication of Ethical Standards
Conclusion
From the Paper "As a result, managerial accountants must be flexible to change and adaptation, and those with a broad spectrum of behavioral understanding in addition to financial skills are more properly suited for their positions. This includes a communication medium that reaches the intended audience efficiently and effectively. This paper will analyze the correlation between managerial accountants and their means of communication necessary for their practice to thrive. It will also provide recommendations throughout that managerial accountants can incorporate into their practice in order to bring the profession as a whole to a new level of success."
This paper defines the term accounting ratios and details why they are a significant tool applied by accountants when presenting accounting statements.
Abstract The writer of this paper examines the importance of accounting ratios in business. Accounting ratios illustrate the present as well as the prospective, so that shareholders can visualize how much gain a business attained, the total worth of the assets and the level of cash reserves available. This well-researched paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of accounting ratios. One significant drawback of the accounting ratio is that it depends too heavily on the conventional costs that lead to twists in quantifying performance. Ratios are required to be represented meticulously. They can entail the evidences to the performance of the company or financial environment. However, they are unable to demonstrate whether the performance is good or bad out their own. The writer details the manner in which the final figures of accounting ratios are achieved, while discussing the fact that these ratios necessitate some quantitative information for an informed analysis to be made. The writer contends and clearly explains why accounting ratios are completely dependent on the supplied data which may or may not be accurate.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "A markedly low accounts ratio may give rise to angry suppliers and remarkably high inventory turnover ratios may lead to supply shortages and angry customers. The one that is correct for one company may not be considered appropriate for another one. Besides, no two companies are found to be similar irrespective of the fact that they are competitors in the same industry or market. Application of ratios to evaluate one company with another provides misleading information. Businesses may be within the same industry but have distinguished financial and business risk. Ratios are completely dependent on the data that may or may not be accurate."
Abstract This paper examines the future of accounting by investigating current and future trends. This includes considering the changes in the work environment for accounting employees, trends in accounting roles and future opportunities for accountants, and future skills of accountants that will be in high demand. Considering these three areas shows where business accounting is heading and how best accounting professionals can prepare for these changes.
From the Paper "The business world is in a period of change, with accounting a major part of that business world. As one report says, "Accounting is the language of business. It is and always will be the analysis of how money is used by businesses, nonprofit organizations, governments and individuals" (Insight). As the business world changes, accounting must change to continue to meets the needs of businesses. This is one of the areas that will greatly influence the future of management accounting. To understand this issue further, the current and future trends in accounting will be investigated. This includes considering the changes in the work environment for accounting employees, trends in accounting roles and future opportunities for accountants, and future skills of accountants that will be in high demand. Considering these three areas will show where business accounting is headed and how best accounting professionals can prepare for these changes."
Abstract In this article the writer discusses the two unique sub-functions within the accounting field: managerial accounting and financial accounting. The specific functions, responsibilities and duties of each function are discussed in relation to the broader field of accounting. Further consideration is given to the income statement and balance sheet and how they are related. Finally, the use of accounting principles and techniques in managerial decision-making is also discussed. The document concludes with a brief overview of accounting.
From the Paper "Accounting within the business sphere is largely divided into two separate divisions: financial and managerial accountants. The presence of financial accountants and management accountants in most large corporations today is a testament to the complexity of the global economy, the legal and governance rules an entity must operate under, and the sheer amount of information the profession must deal with on a daily basis. The importance of accounting as a basic function of business activity cannot be overstated."
Abstract This analysis identifies several expected changes in the field of accounting. These include that the reporting of financial information will become more strictly regulated; that the reporting of financial information will involve international regulations and standards; that accounting departments will have an international aspect to their operations; that information technology will impact on the role of the accounting department; that the accounting department will provide more diverse information; and that the skills and functions required of accountants will increase.
From the Paper "Accounting has always been related to measuring the activities of the business and reporting those activities in suitable ways. Financial statements are created not only to tell the business how it is functioning, but also to pass that information on to shareholders and other interested third parties. This is the task of disclosing financial information and it is a crucial one. One source notes that the primary goal of financial accounting is to provide information to external users of accounting information. Most major organizations are supported by shareholders."
Abstract Perhaps one of the most prominent discussions involving accounting has to do with the differences between financial and management accounts. Some regard these differences to be a question of legality. Companies are required by law to submit financial statements based on certain requirements. On the other hand, management accounting can be structured to suit the needs of the company. However, the fact that firms can structure their management accounting statements according to their needs might lead one to suggest that major differences between these two systems relate to practicality. With this in mind, it is hypothesised that while legal issues are important for determining the differences between financial and management accounting they are not the only considerations, one must also consider the extent to which practical considerations contribute to the development of these differences.
Abstract This paper discusses the two unique sub-functions within the accounting field: managerial accounting and financial accounting. The specific functions, responsibilities and duties of each function are discussed. Further consideration is given to the ethical implications involved with each accounting division. Enron is mentioned as a prime example of how ethical considerations can not only undermine the financial solvency of a company but, ultimately, can cause its demise.
From the Paper "The presence of financial accountants and management accountants in most large corporations today is a testament to the complexity of the global economy, the legal and governance rules an entity must operate under, and the sheer amount of information the profession must deal with on a daily basis. Though there are many functions that overlap within these two divisions of the same profession, each classification serves a uniquely strategic function. In general, financial accounting is responsible for the historical financial records and data of a company and is largely responsible for ensuring legal and regulatory compliance. Managerial accounting is responsible for providing interpretive reports of financial accounts which managers and executives use to make operational decisions and devise corporate strategy. "
Abstract This paper is a personal exposition of the author's career ambition to be a certified public accountant. The author describes the growth of the accounting industry and the area in which he hopes to specialize. Also examined are the author's perceived weaknesses in his skill set for being an accountant and how he feel these deficiencies can be overcome. He also states his strengths and how these will be beneficial in his career. The author concludes that by overcoming his weaknesses and adding to his strengths, it is possible to gain all of the tools for successful public accounting.
From the Paper "There are many different skills necessary to become a well rounded and successful public accountant. These skills include technical knowledge, attention to detail, and interpersonal communication. I have attempted to master all three of these skills through my daily life by consistently practicing and focusing on the importance of these three skills. By overcoming my weaknesses and adding to my strengths, I fully believe that I will soon gain all of the tools for successful public accounting."
Abstract This paper names and describes the many bodies that influence Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Generally Accepted Accounting Standards (GAAS) in the United States. Included in this paper are regulatory boards such as the the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). The author describes the role of each of these regulatory bodies as well as defines their functions and influence on each other.
From the Paper "The SEC is ultimately responsible for the enforcement of securities law. As a result, they are the main body through which investigations into accounting fraud are conducted. One of the tools they use are comment letters, which are sent to companies suspected of impropriety requesting comment from the company. The comment letters can precede the initiation of legal proceedings."
Abstract The author introduces the topic by discussing the modern day needs of society to have accountants and how their importance is often overlooked. He then recounts the earliest known form of accounting and how it has developed over the years, stating many examples of where it is necessary to have good accounting skills and how these skills were developed. The paper concludes with what the future can bring for the accounting world.
From the Paper "Methods of accountancy were somewhat modernized during the Renaissance in Italy, where Arabic numerals had been introduced long before for financial purposes; Luca Pacioli's Summa de Arithmetica, Geometria, Proportioni et Proportionalita (1494)
is viewed as a crucial work in determining the course of Renaissance, and eventually modern, accounting. While Benedetto Cotrugli had invented the double-entry system of accounting before the publication of the Summa, Pacioli's methods greatly expanded on these ideas, containing 36 chapters on bookkeeping and earning the rare distinction of publication. "
Abstract This paper discusses the role of accounting and auditing in an organization, including aggressive accounting techniques. The author describes bias auditing. The paper relates the problems at Enron with aggressive accounting.
From the Paper "Accounting is sometimes called the language of business. Accounting provides managers with the tools they need to plan effective and focus attention on deviations from that plan direct day-to-day operations and arrive at the best solution to the operating problems faced by the organization. However, as the language of business accounting is also used by those outside the organization to make decisions that directly affect the company. This research considers two areas that can affect the reliability of accounting data-aggressive accounting ..."
