Abstract An exploration into the decision-making processes in governmental budgeting. The writer of the paper studies several concepts to explain the budget process, how decisions affecting it, or affected by it, are made and what role policy plays in the whole system.
From the Paper "Within an anarchy organization, decisions are made in one of three ways: by resolution, oversight or flight. A decision by resolution indicates that the decision resolves a problem and is usually only reached after significant amounts of work. Oversight decisions are said to be made when decisions made regarding other problems result in making the decision for the decision-makers. Finally, flight decisions are those which leave the problem unresolved and the choice intact. Unfortunately, oversight and flight decisions are the most common type of decisions made when it comes to budgeting."
Discusses the motives behind adopting a constitutional amendment that requires a balanced budget and some of the problems associated with the amendment.
Abstract This paper looks at the reasons behind Congress's proposal for a Constitutional amendment that would require a balanced budget and the groups that supported the proposal. The paper also looks at the groups that opposed the proposal and their arguments against it. The paper concludes with a counter proposal that is intended to address the concerns of those both for and against the proposed amendment.
From the Paper "Deficit spending in the eighties, coupled with two Gulf Wars and a slowing economy, have escalated the borrowing and spending of this country for nearly two decades straight. As the federal deficit grows, those within government can not help but heed the warning signs. With no end in sight, many inside the beltway have proposed initiatives for capping federal spending. The most notable of these, and perhaps most drastic, is the adoption of a Constitutional amendment requiring a balanced budget. Proponents believe a balanced budget is necessary for the continued prosperity of the nation. They also believe budget oversights can be avoided when the President and lawmakers are held accountable for where they direct money."
Abstract This paper examines the formation and operation of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) including who its key stakeholders are, what conflicts exist between stakeholders, the power dynamics of dealing with a two party Congress, and challenges facing the first director of the CBO.
From the Paper "The key stakeholders of the Congressional Budget Office in the broadest sense are the House of Representatives and the United States Senate. More specifically, stakeholders are the individual members of Congress who instruct the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to prepare reports or forecasts. The most important stakeholders of the CBO are the Congressional leaders of the Democratic and the Republican parties. The CBO must meet the needs of these leaders in order for Congress to view the CBO as effective.
Tags: CBO, Congressiona Budget Office, forming, first director, challenges, political differences, serving two masters, challenges to overcome, mandates, direction, guidance, funding
Abstract The paper looks at important court cases pertaining to the budget. The paper explores the role of the government in the budget, congressional spending and efforts to control and regulate federal spending. The paper shows how the separation of power between the executive and legislative branches is important to ensure that the "checks and balances" set up for the United States government remain effective.
From the Paper "Congress has been given the power to control the federal budget. "Budgeting" has been imparted to this, the legislative branch, yet, the president and his executive branch (in charge of leading and executing law) have been known to try and "share" this power. However, both the constitution and the courts-operated by the judicial branch- see the necessity for a "separation of power," between these two branches, and thus, the court rules consistently in favor of the separation of the two branch's tasks. There is no "sharing of budgetary powers," rather it is a constant battle-the executive branch attempts to gain budgeting power from the legislative branch, and the judicial tries feverishly to maintain the separation of power."
Tags: federal, spending, legislative, executive, Congress
Abstract This paper, using Pennsylvania as a model, demonstrates the differences between state budgeting policies and federal budgeting policies. It shows how the budgeting techniques in the federal government have some major differences, when compared to those in the Pennsylvania State government; these differences include a lack of a separate capital budget, different budget cycles and timelines, and budgetary policy differences.
From the Paper "The federal government uses only one budget to lay out its financial obligations, whereas Pennsylvania uses two separate budgets. The single operating budget used by the federal government is required to outline federal expenditures from purchases to service contracts. Pennsylvania, however, has one budget that outlines services, entitlements and education expenses, and a different budget to make new purchases on capital improvements. The former is called the General Fund, and the latter is the Capital budget. Pennsylvania uses two budgets because the General Fund is used for purchases and contracts that will take place within that fiscal year, and the Capital budget is used to forecast capital purchases in the next five years. In this manner, Pennsylvania can keep better track of its assets and have a tighter grip on where its money is spent. The biggest advantage to having a separate budget for capital improvements is it allows the possibility of change. When funding is appropriated on the federal level, the department gets its money all at once and builds whatever it needs. For a state, though, a program may be feasible at the time of its announcement, but may have to be restricted due to extenuating circumstances (i.e. September 11th and the economic downfall.) "
Abstract This paper discusses the commonalities and differences between the budgets of individual, for-profit, non-profit and public-sector entities. This paper explains how the budget process is similar and different between all of these entities. Budgeting is a critical element in financial planning, explains the author--whether the budget applies to an individual, a company or public entity, the budgeting process, its application and execution forecast the expected future.
From the Paper "One of the most essential ingredients for a manager to effectively run an organization is the ability to develop and implement a good budget. The main objective of a budget is to establish a method of allocating limited resources in order to achieve the best return on their dollars. Furthermore a budget also outlines the various sources of revenue and the anticipated amount of money that will be derived from each source. Individuals, governments, non-profit organizations and profit making businesses commonly use this financial planning process. Each of these entity's budgets have many similarities and differences."
Abstract Supporting the activities and operations of churches and religious organizations is a complicated and serious financial challenge. The activities of these organizations, combined with their limited financial resources, result in a need for careful attention to financial management. Further, as a result of occasional media reports of financial irregularities in some religious organizations, there is an increasing call for financial accountability in almost all organizations today. This paper shows that diocese members want to know, and have a right to know, how and where church funds are spent. Beyond accountability and financial reporting, there is a need for assistance in all aspects of financial management. The diocese, therefore, provides a unique environment in which to contextualize the study of accounting and budgeting. The paper shows that many dioceses are supported by professional accountants and bookkeepers, some as paid employees, others as volunteers. Because the number of clergy is decreasing, financial management functions are being spread thin, and there is less control; therefore, there will likely be increasing pressure from parishes for improved budgeting functions. The base of this research project is extended to all Roman Catholic Church dioceses in the United Kingdom, but concentrates on the budgeting process as it exists within a representative sampling of these religious organizations. Finally, this research project identifies who is involved in the budgeting process and whether structures interfere with budgetary process. An examination of how budgeting is done is followed by an assessment of its contribution in terms of population.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Review of the Relevant Literature
Methodology
Conclusion
From the Paper "The first major component of internal accounting systems for management's use is the company's system for establishing budgetary plans and setting performance standards. The establishment of these performance standards also requires a company to develop a system for measuring actual results and reporting the differences between actual performance and the established standards. This budgeting process leads to the establishment of specific organizational plans which are then translated into action with varying degrees of efficiency. Statistical analysis, quality controls, and trended data are typically provided to management for assessment and determination of need for corrective action, or by preparing revised plans. While these plans can be either broad, strategic outlines of the company's future or specific and detailed schedules of the inputs and outputs associated with specific independent programs, most business plans are periodic plans; in other words, these plans refer to company operations for a specified period of time. It is these periodic plans which are summarized in a series of projected financial statements, or budgets (Shillinglaw 2004)."
Abstract This paper examines the budgeting process, budgeting, and the role of budgets in organizations. The actual budget and the financial activities of an organization are explored as well as forecasting of the requirements upon which a budget is based.
Abstract The paper discusses a fixed budget proposal. This proposal as reviewed by the paper, is specifically designed for a company named 'Agile Software Development.' The paper states that when developing software programs, details should be provided on the different elements, and compares and contrasts four principles of proposal design. The paper concludes suggesting that a fixed budget proposal with a variable element provides the most flexibility when designing and developing software programs for a company.
Outline:
Introduction
Fixed Budget - "Agile on a Fixed Budget" Proposal
Conclusion
From the Paper "A fixed budget typically entails many restrictions, meaning a defined amount of money is available for defined purposes. This amount should not vary much on a fixed budget proposal. Ambler reviews three factors of "resources, schedule, and scope" noting that even in a fixed budget, "at least one must vary" because if it does not quality production will "suffer" (Ambler, p. 1). Why is this? Quality will often decrease because technical staff may have to conform to "budgetary constraints" typically introduced by a fixed budget. This may lead according to Ambler (2007) the technology team to taking shortcuts which will also sacrifice quality. In any other type of budget, like a flexible budge, all three factors (resources, schedule and scope) could vary in terms of funding. This allows more flexibility for management (Ambler, 2003). However, Ambler (2007) notes that rarely in the technology field do software applications or development teams utilize a flexible budget fully (Ambler, 2003). Some resources, especially funding when considering the fixed budget, can vary (Ambler, 2007). Typically when someone is using a fixed budget, all financing options are fixed. However, one may provide a fixed estimate at the start of a project which allows the stakeholders to "minimize" their perceived risk; then stakeholders can treat an IT investment like "a true investment" by increasing the amount of money they provide to effective teams and decreasing funding to inefficient or ineffective teams. "
Abstract This is a 5-page paper discussing the various elements of budget execution. It states that budget accounting system is an important base for the execution of the government budget agency.
Abstract This paper begins with a brief explanation of the theoretic basics of budgeting and then proceeds with an analysis of the budgeting policies of the Atlantico Company. The paper concludes with recommended alterations for Atlantico's financial policy. Included at the beginning of this paper are different tables on Atlantico budgets, an income statement, and a balance sheet.
From the Paper "Another advantage budgeting is that is confers managers increased control on the business, based on variance analysis. Noticing unfavorable variances may trigger certain responses, which have the capacity to solve the already existing problems and to prevent future ones from appearing. For instance, if costs are too high, waste may be cut out or an expensive supplier might be changed. Should the sales be too low, a supplementary effort in advertising, promotion or sales could prove useful. If there is a problem with low production, the manager could look for bottlenecks in order to remove them or he/ she could try to raise labor efficiency."
Abstract This paper describes the process through which the New York State Executive Budget is developed and appropriations made for programs. It looks at the state's system of executive budgeting, the four categories of classifying appropriations and the political process involved.
From the Paper "New York State's budget process is said to follow a format and process that is dictated by the State Constitution with additional details and actions prescribed by ..."
Abstract This paper looks at the reasons why the Second Continental Congress (1775) was the most significant event in history between 1492 and 1876. Philosophical resonance and political implications are explored. It also examines the enduring basic principles that emanated from the congress.
Tags: second continental congress, constitutional convention, independence, 1775, American Revolution, Thomas Jefferson, Declaration of Independence
Abstract This paper studies the post-war (2003) budget for Iraq. The paper discusses the origins of the policy, the political climate, the state of the economy, and popular public opinion at the time that enabled the policy to be introduced and enacted. The paper also explains how this policy influenced the budget and if the influences are positive or negative.
Tags: Post War budget Iraq, origins, policy, political climate, state of the economy, popular public opinion, budget, reforms or revisions
Abstract The paper examines the budget of a food share program. The purpose of the budget is to present it in an application for a grant proposal. The budget is in-depth and includes program revenues, program personnel expenses, and the program non-personnel expenses.
From the Paper "The paper discusses the budget of a Food Share program as it would need to be formulated for a grant proposal and application. The budget proposal covers the program revenues, program personnel expenses, and the program non-personnel expenses. Additionally, each budget line item is directly addressed as a footnote to provide greater insight and accuracy."
