Abstract
This paper explores the various legacy purchase methods currently available which include credit cards, checks and online purchasing, which have basically done away with the need for actual cash. This paper details the various benefits to purchasing items and conducting business by way of a legacy payment method. This paper examines the numerous types of transactions that can be done with the use of a credit card including renting a car, hotel reservations, online and phone purchases. The writer of this paper also delves into the drawbacks of this particular payment method including the risk of exposing personal and financial information to third parties, when paying by credit card. This paper discusses the numerous problems that can arise when making purchases online where personal information is often vulnerable to exposure and unauthorized access. This paper also delves into the various technologies now available which help protect personal and sensitive information from being stolen which include the implementation of encrypted and secure websites.

Table of Contents:
Advantages
Disadvantages
Bibliography

From the Paper
"One of the most critical issues that exist in the use of legacy payment methods in a networked environment, such as the credit card, is how secured are the financial and personal information of the credit card users. Especially when used online, where information is oftentimes vulnerable to threats and unauthorized access, there is a high possibility that credit card information may not be secured. This thus is causing great concerns for consumers. One of the processes when using credit cards in an online trading activity is the transmission of credit card numbers. If the server or web site that handles the information exchange between the consumer and the receiver is susceptible to unauthorized access, there is a chance that the credit card information may be stolen and used by another person for his own personal transactions."

Tags:payment, currency, cash, credit, cards, technology, internet, security, finance

Abstract
The paper discusses the two generally permissible methods of keeping track of business income and expenses; the cash flow accounting method and the accrual accounting method. The paper points out that the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) mandates cash flow methods, however, cash flow accounting is not without its critics. The paper asserts that certain industries may be better suited to one method depending upon the nature of financing or seasonal changes in demand, and while cash flow accounting may be less apt to be influenced by creative accounting techniques, neither method is immune.

From the Paper
"The accrual method is deemed easier for businesses, as with some transactions, it can be difficult to determine when the actual exchange of funds occurs, particularly if the actual monetary transaction involves a complicated exchange ("Cash versus accrual accounting," INC, 2000). But for most organizations, the main significance of the mandated or chosen use of one method over another is for tax purposes. Expenses incurred during one tax year cannot be deducted until they are paid using the cash method, but in the accrual method once the transaction occurs, it is recorded as a deduction for that year's tax statement: "You don't have to wait until you see the money or until you actually pay money out of your checking account," to take the deduction in the accrual method, so an organization does not have to wait until it is actually cash-poorer to record a potentially deductible expense ("Cash versus accrual accounting," INC, 2000).
"The advantage of the cash method is that it gives a truer idea of how much actual cash a business has on hand. Furthermore, it lessens the ambiguity as to whether the actual payment will be made to the business--only when the cash enters or leaves the account can the expense be recorded. What if someone does not pay for the item, for example, even though the actual transaction is recorded, as in the accrual method? This ambiguity is done away with in the cash method, as well lessens the risks of other methods of creative accounting, such as creating fictional future profits or expenses."

Tags:expenses, payments, tax, transactions

Abstract
This paper explains that, in cash basis or cash accounting, businesses record transactions only if they involve the payment or receipt of cash, which does a poor job of matching revenues earned with money laid out for expenses. The author points out that, in accrual accounting, the economic impact of a transaction is recorded whether or not the transaction involves cash, which does a better job of matching revenues with expenses and of handling items such as property and equipment. The paper relates that the four statements used in the accrual method accounting are the balance sheet, the income statement, the statement of cash flows and the statement of stockholders' equity.

From the Paper
"An example would be a purchase of supplies in July but the supplies are not sold until August. You receive the cash in August. However, when the books are closed all you have to show for July is an expense for supplies but no revenue to offset it, meaning there is a loss for that month. This can make it difficult for a business to determine whether or not it is earning a profit because all its business activity does not always fall on the same month. It also has trouble tracking anything other than cash. For example if you purchased equipment or property the cash method of accounting would show the purchase and disbursement in the month of purchase. These items, however, will be used over a period of time."

Tags:transaction, impact, revenue, statement, equity

Abstract
This paper looks at cash management techniques and short-term financing within an organization and explores both options, with a comprehensive analysis of various techniques and methods. There is also an overview of the relative advantageous and disadvantages of the methodologies employed within each categorization.

Outline:
Introduction
Cash Management Techniques
Short-Term Financing
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Cash management techniques have become important as financial managers try to accurately monitor risk and exposure, and use policies for improved decision-making. Similarly, methods of short-term financing have gained much needed use, as organizations, try to utilize financing options and increase the overall efficiency of organizations. This paper will explore both options, with a comprehensive analysis of the various cash management techniques, and methods of short-term financing. There will also be an overview of the relative advantageous and disadvantages of the methodologies employed within each categorization."

Tags:revenues, accounts, credit, investor

Abstract
This paper presents the basic forms and methods of accounting for cash accounting and accrual-based accounting and compares the two. It examines which form of accounting is more beneficial to specific sectors of the economy and looks at the advantages and disadvantages of each.

From the Paper
"In the cash basis of accounting, the business records are "cash in" (deposits to the bank account) called cash receipts, and "cash out" (checks) called cash disbursements. Cash receipts - Cash disbursement = Cash flow. Each month's cash flow is added to the preceding month's cash balance yielding the current month's cash balance.
The cash basis of accounting is more likely to be used by service businesses than by retail or manufacturing businesses. Service businesses usually do not need equipment and can sell a service they perform with nothing more than their own hands and minds. Think of people who are lawyers, writers, public relations and advertising personnel, and accountants."

Tags:business, banking

Abstract
The paper outlines the differences and similarities between various cash management techniques, and methods of short-term financing. The paper shows how the structure and method of each type is significantly different, but can be advantageous to a particular firm depending on their objective or size.

From the Paper
"Financing within a firm or organization is one of the most expansive areas, and has some of the more pronounced and augmented processes embedded within the overall strategic development of financial management. However, there are some aspects that are frequently used and require special attention - cash management techniques, and methods of short-term financing. These areas become even more important, because they are utilized by most, if not all firms, irrespective of size and or general business objective. Cash management techniques have become important as financial managers try..."

Tags:cash, financing, capital

Abstract
A letter to a senator regarding why the federal government should use the accrual method of accounting.

From the Paper
"Dear Senator, Public corporations are required to use the accrual method of accounting in order to provide shareholders and other interested parties with the data they need to make informed decisions. Yet, the federal government itself uses the cash basis of accounting for its budget system which provides not much more information than a checkbook. Under the cash system of accounting, expenses are recorded when they are paid and revenue when it is received. Under the accrual system, liabilities..."

Tags:cash accounting, accrual accounting

Abstract
This paper examines issues in business accounting, focusing on how to choose the appropriate method for one's organization. First, the paper determines the goals of accounting methods, noting the importance of the budgetary process, resource consumption and allocating resources . Formulas are presented that show how to calculate these functions. The Sony corporation is cited for its accounting methods and how it uses them throughout its organization. The paper also discusses the challenges faced by managers to develop and evaluate internal accounting methods. Two models of accounting are presented, and the paper concludes by stating that managers would fine the earning growth model to be the most effective.

From the Paper
"The days'-sales-in-receivables ratio measures the average number of days it takes one economic agent to recuperate its receivables from its customers; otherwise put, it measures the number of days it takes for the organizational customers to pay their debts to the entity. Changes in the days'-sales-in-receivables ratio do not necessarily generate strictly positive or strictly negative outcomes.
"Given that throughout the duration of one fiscal year, Sony Corp.'s days'-sales-in-receivables ratio increased from 36 to 43 raises the necessity to understand this growth from several perspectives. First of all, it is necessary to assess it in terms of the expected ratio (auditors generally estimate and then calculate). Secondly, it is important to analyze the year's ratio in light of the ratio adherent to the previous year. Finally, it is also imperative to assess the company's days'-sales-in-receivables ratio with the average ratio within the industry."

Tags:cash ratio, current debt, Derived Dividend Valuation Model, Earning Growth Model

Abstract
The company in question requires an immediate supply of cash. It has expressed the intention of buying out another company by the end of the current year. Thus, this paper looks at the possible cash solutions for the company including what is the best method of conducting this ?buy out? to secure a loan from a source such as outside investors, running the risk of becoming beholden to outside interests? Or should the company seek financial support from an outside lending source, such as the bank? Or, in contrast, should it simply secure the cash by making use of the of $1 million dollar credit line, thus incurring debt to the company?

From the Paper
"The next step is to seek financial backing from outside sources. In the case of a prospective lender, the lender will be interested in the current company's marketing, production plan for expansion through the "buy out", and the experience and depth of the management team in acquiring new assets, in this case a new company. However, a bank will only be so interested in these plans as they promote, in the bank's view, favorable circumstances in terms of paying back the loan. (?Obtaining Enough Capital,? 2003). It a lender such as a bank is at all leery of the proposed acquisition, the bank may decide to provide only partial funding, thus forcing the company to seek out other sources. Thus, resorting to investment or the company's credit line may be necessary, even with a bank's involvement, because of a bank's more conservative perspective."

Tags:merger, acquisition, buy, out, business, management, takeover, finance, share, bank, loan

Abstract
The paper provides the completion of a cash flow statement using the continental or indirect method. The project includes comments on the accounting questions involved.

From the Paper
"Indirect method: The indirect method uses net-income before tax and dividends as a starting point. It then takes on a debit and credit basis similar to how a classic T account makes adjustments first for all non-cash items and then adjusts for all cash-based transactions not included in net income. It should be noted that net income here is similar to operating income under GAAP accounting. An increase in an asset account is subtracted from net income..."

Tags:GAAP, FASB, IASB