Abstract This paper examines how the FASB (Financial Accounting Standards Board) in the recent years has revised many accounting standards and policies to effectively govern corporations for the benefit of the public. In particular, it looks at how, in its attempt to curtail unaccounted for incomes and earnings, the FASB issued the FASB No.115 section in which it states that companies reporting their financials can determine their investment securities as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading. It discusses the author's opinion that Section 115 is not only impractical, but it is also not feasible for companies who practice it.
From the Paper "First of all companies that have held to maturity securities are often indebted but because of their credit worthiness, the face value of their securities remains high. At the time of sale of assets and settling of liabilities, these companies can bargain with the buyers of the fair price value of the securities. This is usually the case when there is a high demand for the securities in the market or that the industry is undergoing some changes. The mandate that the securities be sold at amortized cost and the securities? unrealized gains or loss be part of the equity often result in debt for the buyers as they are still considered to be liabilities for the company unless the securities mature."
Abstract This paper presents arguments opposed to the Bush Administration's proposal to convert the Section 8 voucher program into an aggregated block grant to the state.
From the Paper "The Section 8 voucher program, which was started in 1976, helps approximately 2 million low-income families and people with special needs, such as the elderly and disabled, pay for rented housing. The program can also be used by these people to save up for down payments when purchasing housing. The program is administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which currently distributes the funds to low-income families through public housing agencies."
Abstract This study examines the history and national trends of poverty rates for senior citizens and compares them to the statewide levels in Minnesota. Projections of the senior population and income levels are examined to see if they are increasing or decreasing. Poverty can be measured by any of the following: absolute, U.S. government (officially sanctioned level for means tested programs), and relative. This study examines official poverty levels of seniors in comparison to being able to purchase a median-priced home and the availability of the U. S. government's Section 8 subsidized housing programs.
Introduction
Research Question
Literature Review
Theoretical Framework
Results
Implications
Limitations
Recommendations
Conclusions
Bibliography/References
Appendix
From the Paper "The history of the current Federal Government's Section 8 housing programs can be traced to the civil rights movements in the early 1960's. The 1968 Housing Act states that everyone no matter race, color, age or religion is entitled to equal housing. This section 8 program gives vouchers to each state in the USA and the Federal Government funds these. Minnesota uses these vouchers to subsidize rent for means tested participants. These rental units can be in multi-family apartments or in single-family stand-alone homes. Property owners that participate in this program agree to meet certain minimum housing standards in exchange for rent and incentives (low rate of interest on mortgage or lower taxes)."
Abstract This paper explains that Section D33 (S33) of the "Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms" permits Parliament or the provincial legislatures to over-ride some portions of the Charter so that legislation of the kind is automatically subject to an incoming government's review or cancellation. The author points out that S33 is viewed as a brokering mechanism, a kind of bridge between British and American models of constitutional law. The paper relates that S33 stresses the right of the people to demonstrate their opposition to policies produced through the legal process that do not comply with the people's values or preferences. The author remarks that, in this legislation, one sees a Canada grounded in both rights and obligations and the wish for elected representatives to shape development more.
From the Paper "For instance, in the months that gay marriage was debated in Ottawa, there was no progress made on dozens of large Aboriginal land claims in Canada that may prove of greater moral interest to millions of Canadians. The rights and ambitions of a gay Canadian minority within a minority, in gay Canadians wishing to marry and able to afford the costs of a marriage, were placed at the top of the Supreme Court's agenda. This can be seen as merely part of Canada's shift towards a 'constitutional' democracy."
This paper discusses the importance of "Time Passes," the second section of "To The Lighthouse" by Virginia Woolf, which is only nineteen pages long and compresses the passing of nearly a decade within these pages.
2,525 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 76.95
Abstract This paper explains that Virginia Woolf's "To The Lighthouse," which is told using "stream of consciousness," is a modernist anti-Bildungsroman in which the reader sees excellent examples of experimentation with time shifting, complex allusions, multiple narrative voices, and inter-subjectivity. The author points out that, in the" Time Passes" section, human beings become secondary, while the novel shifts from its focus on psychology to chronology by contrasting its characters with the characters in the first section, by demonstrating the cruel effects of time on the Ramsey's house and on the people who spent time there in the first section of the novel, and by miniaturizing the historical time for Europe during and after World War I. The paper relates that the material objects used in the second part are reminders of the elegant Victorian life shown in the first half of the novel; and, in the second section, the reader sees how these objects can't save the people from the forces of nature and the outside world. Instead, the reader is given the idea that only outside forces can affect the social fabric of society, rather than the philosophies of the men, as in the first section.
From the Paper "The story is told in three sections. The first section, "The Window," takes up half the book and introduces us to the many characters and complex relationships within the Ramsey's summer house. Each character's interior thoughts are shown, as well as the other character's reactions and influences upon them. As the day comes to an end, we are left content as Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey manage to put their differences behind them and give the other what they needed in order to be at peace within their relationship. However, the second section, "Time Passes," takes a very different approach. The omniscient narrator tells of the decay of the house over the years and of the deaths of Mrs. Ramsey, Prue and Andrew. The house is occupied by darkness, wind and rain, as opposed to the people whose relationships and lives we read about in the first section. The third section, "The Lighthouse," takes place back at the summer house ten years after the first section."
Abstract This paper explains and discusses the Sarbanes Oxley Act with particular reference to the section 404. The author provides background information to the Act and explores the environment that spurred its creation and the need for such legislation. The author goes on to explore the provisions of Section 404 together with an interpretation of internal control and the consequences that SOX 404 has on company affairs. The paper ends with a conclusion drawn on the impact of the section inferred from the information presented in the paper.
Outline:
Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002: Background
Section 404 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act: Introduction
Internal Controls Feature of section 404 of the Act:
Auditing and the impacts on auditors
Other unanticipated events
Technology and system requirements
Criticism and Review
Conclusion
From the Paper "The Sarbanes-Oxley Act came at the wake of a lot of scandals and apprehension and there was a lot of media pressure in its enactment that was caused by the collapse of Enron. This act provides stiff punishments for those at the helm of companies and fines of over $5 million for violation of the laws. (Snedaker, 2006) The act is named after senator Sarbanes and Oxley who are the architects of the act. Sarbanes-Oxley Act was meant to introduce regulation to corporate governance and financial accounting. The act brought in mandatory rules regarding the internal financial controls. (Romano, 2005) The Sarbanes Oxley act of 2002 was assented to by the President on 30th July 2002 and principally applies to the issues as stated in the securities act, that is public issues and companies with shares and securities subscribed by the public, and all companies with assets of over $10 million and all companies with over 500 security holders come under its purview. The public companies, investment and securities traders, foreign companies, and others that trade securities at the national securities exchange are bound by the law. (Sonnelitter, 2005) There was an opinion current even before passing of the act that auditing was performing at low standards in U.S. public companies, and following that there came the act to reform accounting which was the 'Investor Protection Act of 2002' and the 'Public Company Accounting Reform'. The impact of the Sarbanes Oxley Act was more to form the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board -- PCAOB that would then enforce the earlier accounting act. The addition was the mandatory disclosure required. (Coates, 2007)"
Abstract This paper provides a discussion concerning how Article I, Section 10, "Limitations on States," became a part of the Constitution and what it sought to accomplish. The paper examines how this constitutional provision has changed over the years. The paper explains that Article I, Section 10 determines that matters concerned with war, treaty-making, the coinage of money and comparable issues concerning currency are prohibited to the states. Article I, Section 10 also prohibits both the states and Congress from passing bills of attainder and ex post facto laws, or granting titles of nobility.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "Today, most discussions of constitutional law concern the better known civil liberties embodied in the first ten amendments in the Bill of Rights, but Article I, Section 10 of the U.S. Constitution contains some vitally important implications for civil liberties as well. In fact, absent this and other constitutional provisions, the United States might well have a king (or queen) today, but would not be able to defend itself based on a paucity of federal power to do so."
Abstract This paper describes the teachings of Section 42 of "The Book of Certitude" and explains that this section teaches the idea that during different periods of time (Dispensations) different "truths" have been valid, but as each period of time came to an end, so did the "truth" taught during it. The paper also explains that Section 42 uses the people of the Gospel (assumedly Christians) as an example of people who have missed the boat and are now trapped in a world of darkness brought forth by their selfish desires because they did not seek knowledge from Him, who is the Revealer of divine knowledge.
Outline:
Summary
Implications of the Teachings
Comparisons with Christianity
Application
Bibliography
From the Paper "It goes on to use the people of the Gospel (assumedly Christians) as an example of people who have missed the boat and are now trapped in a world of darkness brought forth by their selfish desires because they did not seek knowledge from Him Who is the Revealer of divine knowledge. If they had sought this knowledge during their Dispensation, they would still be enlightened, but since they missed their chance they will now perish "in the perilous vale of waywardness and misbelief." The Book of Certitude speaks of a meaning behind the words "sun" and "moon" but does not elaborate in this passage about what that meaning is. It also leaves the question of where, what or who this Source of knowledge is also remains unanswered within the passage.
"The passage goes on to emphasize one again that the former Dispensation (the one of the Christians) has passed."
The paper presents an overview of ManTech International Corporation and information for the formulation of a strategic plan for one of the company's sub-sections.
Abstract ManTech International Corporation began in 1968 delivering technology and technical services to the federal government customers. ManTech is comprised of four business units: ManTech Defense Systems Group (DSG), ManTech Information Systems & Technology (MIST), ManTech Security & Mission Assurance (MSMA) and ManTech SRS. (MSRS) This paper provides a brief overview of a department within the DSG unit referred to as the R2 PM-AMS section. The paper also provides a history of the section as well as its current and modified mission, vision and values statement. It is the intention of the author that information provided in the paper will aid in the completion of a strategic plan for the R2 PM-AMS section.
Outline:
Mission, Vision and Values Paper
R2 PM-AMS
Mission Statement
Vision Statement
Values Statement
Conclusion
Reference
From the Paper "The name R2 PM-AMS is an acronym for Rapid Response under the Product Manager Assured Mobility Systems contract. PM-AMS has responsibilities of engineering, producing, fielding and sustaining the Army's mine protected route clearance vehicles. ManTech provides Contractor Logistical Support to the military by performing various tasks, including "supplying support actions such as the procurement, transportation to the AOR, and inventory management of repair parts, consumable supplies and components, line item repairables, and other critical system components." (PM Assured Mobility Systems, 2008)
"This contract was initially awarded to ManTech in January 2006 for a period of one year with a one year option however, under the contract, ManTech would act as a sub-contractor to VSE Corporation. "VSE has a new Army contract worth as much as $351 million, but most of the work will be done by subcontractor ManTech International. ManTech will provide substantially all of the services under the contract, while VSE acts as program manager." (Washington Business Journal, 2006) In August 2008 when the contract was up for renewal, ManTech bid on the contract and was awarded a two year contract."
Abstract This paper discusses auditor independence and disclosure and how they are strengthened by the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC). The paper discusses how, taken together, Sections 201 and 202 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in conjunction with Rule 101-3 of AICPA look to define the limits of independence of auditors. It also describes the purpose of the acts, as well as their exclusions.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Assuring Auditor Independence in Section 201
Evaluating Non-Audit Services In Section 201
Summary
From the Paper "In defining Section 201 the SEC looked at factors that could potentially impede the independence of auditing firms. These factors were considered in the context of collusion, conflict of interest and the potential for influencing accounting of financial results to positively influence auditing results (Anandarajan, Kleinman, Palmon, 2008). The SEC considered all non-audit services and centered on nine specific service areas that are considered to be the most potentially damaging and limiting to auditor independence (Gramling, Karapanos, 2008)."
Abstract This paper explains the contents of the video briefly, stating that it is designed to explain both the intricacies and enchantment of childbirth and the benefits of what has been called the "Lamaze Techniques" of natural childbirth, one in which natural relaxation and breathing, coached by the husband/partner is used. The writer examines each section separately, explaining what the scene and providing critique of the methods used.
From the Paper "Promotion material on the Lamaze web site says that "Celebrate Birth!" appeals to the intellectual, emotional, and intuitive sides of viewers. It explains the design of the birth process, suggests and models labor skills, and shows expectant parents and caregivers that birth can be a positive and empowering experience (www.lamaze.com). After viewing and analyzing the tape, it seems that it appealed more to the emotional, than to the intellectual or intuitive (whatever that means in terms of childbirth)."
This paper discusses the discussion section of Carrere, A., K. Buehlman, J. Gottman, J. Coan and Ruckstuhl, L. (2000). ?Predicting marital stability and divorce in newlywed couples.? Journal of Family Psychology.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, 2002, $ 35.95
Abstract This paper examines the discussion section of Carrere et al.'s article to determine how well it achieves its purpose. The author believes that the article fails to either summarize the results or to even follow the results section.
Abstract This paper examines how the opening section of the "Aeneid" sets out the themes and style of the epic, which continue through all twelve books. It looks at how Virgil introduces his themes and characters in this section with great skill, emphasising certain elements of his epic and subtly insinuating others. It explores how there are also many elements in the opening of Book I that signal the importance of the "Aeneid"'s context and the need for Virgil to satisfy his patron Augustus.
From the Paper "Virgil's mention of the hatred of Juno has more significance attached. Throughout the poem, Aeneas is tested and tortured by the ira Iunonis, and his pietas is set against the manifestations of furor in the various characters. Hence Virgil introduces these opposites in this section, with Juno's mad anger causing a terrible storm, showing the destructive force of furor and its power to overthrow natural order. The other element, which balances out the furor in the poem, is the serenitas of Jupiter and Neptune, displayed in Neptune's calming of the storm and subsequent trip across the sea under a "caelo... aperto" (I.155)."
Abstract The paper studies the binding nature of the foreign judgments i.e. judgments given by the courts in foreign countries and the scope and object of section 13 of the Indian Civil Procedure Code. It also describes project describes the conditions under which the judgments given by any foreign court creates the rule of estoppel or res judicata.
Outline
Nature and Scope of Sec. 13, C.P.C.
Jurisdiction to Foreign Courts
Binding Nature of Foreign Judgments: Principles
Foreign Judgment Not By a Competent Court
Foreign Judgment Not on Merits
Foreign Judgment Against International or Indian Law
Foreign Judgments Opposed to Natural Justice
Foreign Judgment Obtained By Fraud
Foreign Judgment Founded on Breach of Indian Law
Presumption as to Foreign Judgments: Section 14
Submission to Jurisdiction of Foreign Court
Conclusiveness of Foreign Judgment
Enforcement of Foreign Judgments
Foreign Awards
Conclusion
From the Paper "Explaining the nature of fraud, de Grey, C.J. stated that though a judgment would be res judicata and not impeachable from within, it might be impeachable from without. In other words, though it is not permissible to show that the court was "mistaken", it might be shown that it was "misled". There is an essential distinction between mistake and trickery. The clear implication of the distinction is that an action to set aside a judgment cannot be brought on the ground that it has been wrongly decided, namely, that on the merits, the decision was one which should not have been rendered, but it can be set aside if the court was imposed upon or tricked into giving the judgment."
