Abstract
This paper explains that, given the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, in January, 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation Brief No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, which provides guidance to CPAs and financial professionals in the consolidation of variable interest entities (VIE). The author points out that the article's main points define how to choose if a VIE should be consolidated into a given firm's financial statements, provide the definition of primary beneficiaries of a VIE as well as provide guidance on how to account for a joint venture's creation of a VIE as in the case of Dell Financial Services and CTI Group. The paper states that the complexities of consolidating VIEs will increase significantly over time as joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions become the fuel of industry consolidations in manufacturing specifically.

Table of Contents:
Article Summary
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The author states the example of Dell Financial Services (DFS) and CIT Group (CIT), and the assignment of VIE consolidation to the former due to their role in the joint venture of assuming liability for losses. CIT acts as the financial intermediary that enables transactions between DFS and customers acquiring Dell products and services. Dell owns a 70% stake in CIT and had invested as of January 31, 2003 a total of $35M in its operations. The joint venture is structured such that losses generated by DFS are fully allocated to CIT, while network incomes are allocated 70% to Dell and 30% to CIT."

Tags:sarbanes-oxley, interpretation, beneficiaries, dell, mergers

Abstract
This paper presents an in-depth analysis of The Consolidated Life Company, further examing its many managerial and financial issues. According to the paper, a careful review of the situation and floundering management styles of The Consolidated Life Company shows that there are much larger issues than the clashing of personalities within the organization. Various examples are cited which support this view. In particular, the paper focuses on the promotion of Mike Wilson and the changes he made in the company.

From the Paper
"After a careful review of the situation and floundering management styles of The Consolidated Life Company it is clear that there are much larger issues than the clashing of personalities. Mike Wilson had worked only for a short time and was promoted into a management position early in his career. Wilson was given little guidance and developed his own management style and set it into action. As a new manager, Mike Wilson was very successful at improving output and morale. Upper management perceived his style as unorthodox but because of the improvements in the division, his style was grudgingly accepted. His subordinates supported his leadership style because it fulfilled their need for appreciation. Wilson took on..."

Tags:leadership, management, consolidated life company

Abstract
This paper will discuss the nature of power consolidation within the African countries of South Africa, Sierra Leon, Mali, Mozambique, Uganda, Zambia, and Kenya. By understanding the recent histories of the political institutions that are part of this general governmental strategy, we can see how they differ in policies that are part of the unity-based structures since the colonial demise that has commonly ruled them. The way they conduct government will be discussed, as well as the regimes that created these structures within the continent of African power and consolidation. By sectioning off the various countries in the study, we will be able to see how they differ and how they are changing the face of African politics today.

Abstract
This document discusses the recent trend towards consolidation in the financial markets across regions. Particularly examined are the maneuverings of the U.S. exchanges, the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ, to merge or acquire some of Europe's most prominent exchanges.

From the Paper
"However, the benefit to corporate strategic and operational planning forms the nucleus of this discussion and the primary conclusion is that financial market integration and consolidation would ensure that multi-national hedging for commodity price stability as well as exchange volatility could be much more effectively accomplished in an environment of a single financial market."

Tags:financial, markets

Abstract
This paper discusses the history and development of De Beers Consolidated Mines, LTD from its founding in 1888 until today. It specifically looks at the severe competition that De Beers faces today and the challenges that it needs to overcome. The paper then analyzes the company's strategic capability to revive the diamond operations and retrieve the desired financial and non-financial results.

Table of Contents:
Thesis Statement
Company Description
Company Problems
Conclusions

From the Paper
"But during recent years, they have been faced with a wide series of challenges. The most relevant problems refer to a diminished public perception (in Africa for instance, they have been accused of paying rebels to extract diamonds and with the money received, these rebels would purchase weapons and engage in violent reactions ) which often materializes in loss of customers. Then, electrical power problems and the restrictions imposed in South Africa are yet another matter of concern. The best way to resolve the issues would be for De Beers Consolidated Mines to change their approach to the market and develop new strategies that do not apply to monopoly, but to highly skilled, developed and experienced company that wants to revive the industry and make a difference."

Tags:diamond, mines, extraction, Kimberley, trade

Abstract
This report discusses some advantages and disadvantages of consolidating less-than-container-load transport lots. Efficiency is the name of the game in our current global business spectrum. The paper explains that the world appears to have become smaller and a more universally connected body in the sense of trade between disparate cultures. Trade based globalization will continue to be one of the more significant trends that affects the world's economy in the future. The writer points out that a major reason for this is that western nations' consumption rates continue to boost the world's economy as demand continues to escalate to new record highs.
Introduction
Inbound and Outbound Logistics
Modes of Transportation
Process
Shipping Documentation
Conclusion

From the Paper
"These management systems help improve both the shipping and the inventory control processes within organizations by creating, eliminating or consolidating less-than-container-load transport lots. Multiple shipments of less than full loads are coordinated to meet at some location to be consolidated into a single complete shipment. Transportation management systems simplify this process and have been a part of the manufacturing world for decades. However, they systems were primarily used to manage outbound cargo shipments for business entities. Thus, with these transportation management systems, companies throughout the world were able to control their outbound planning, scheduling, manufacturing, inventory control and more including the various financial aspects of the businesses."

Tags:financial, transportation, shipment

Abstract
The paper states that after World War ll the two Allied powers that had won the war, the United States and the Soviets, were in disagreement as to how Europe should be reconfigured. The two sides distrusted one another and as a result, the Soviets took control of much of the Eastern half of Europe, while the Americans took possession of much of the Western half. The paper discusses the effects, results and outcome of this "cold war."

From the Paper
"Warsaw Pact forces were also employed in the year 1968 as the bitter conclusion to the Prague Spring, a period of increasing liberalization and reform under Alexander Dub ek's government in Czechoslovakia. The Czechoslovaks had been growing increasingly bold, even announcing on television that they disagreed with the Warsaw Pact, asserting their willingness to defend their country's sovereignty, should the Soviets attempt a similar invasion as the one that put a bloody end to the Hungarian Revolution twelve years prior. Unfortunately, the Czechoslovaks were not in fact able to defend their sovereignty; the Soviets, including Russian, Polish, Hungarian, and Bulgarian forces, invaded the country on August, 20, 1968. The invasion was justified by the Brezhnev Doctrine: "When forces that are hostile to socialism try to turn the development of some socialist country towards capitalism, it becomes not only a problem of the country concerned, but a common problem and concern of all socialist countries." But it was only the Soviet Union who would have the right define what "capitalism" and "socialism" were to mean - any version of socialism that varied in the least bit from the Soviet model, so the invasion's message rang clear, could expect to suffer the wrath of all aligned countries."

Tags:cold, war, eastern, block, soviet, eastern, europe

Abstract
The paper is a three-year renewal agreement and costing, effective September 1, 2005 and expiring August 31, 2008. The paper explains the Union's Final Target Position, including wage increases; the introduction of COLA clauses and/or COLA estimates, as well as maintaining shift bonuses; and preserving job security and the benefits package. The paper further discusses the introduction of a clause on sub-contracting; the introduction of a clause on technological change; and the preservation of vacation pay.

From the Paper
"Caveat: Note that negotiations for this renewal are being conducted after the expiration date of the existing agreement of August 31, 2005 affecting clause 2.02 under Article 2 Relationship (Chapter 26 292). The timelines for negotiation set out in Article 23 Duration and Termination indicate that negotiation was to begin 15 days after September 17th (Chapter 26 310). We are now at day 18 as of October 5th, 2005. The following strategy covers one three-year renewal agreement effective September 1, 2005 and expiring August 31, 2008."

Tags:union, contract, bargaining

Abstract
The mega-mergers of the media world in the past few years are a by product of economic change and a powerful agent of further transformations. As the 1980s began, there were about 50 companies that controlled most of the business in magazines, newspapers, radio, television, movies and books. By 1992, that number had dropped to 23 companies. This paper examines the effect of these mergers on news reporting, bias and questions how they affect free expression of speech. The paper shows that critics of these mergers emphasize that America's press has become largely one voice, representing not a broad range of diverse publics but a small and powerful minority.

From the Paper
"The Federal Communications Commission is considering when and how to respond to a petition filed by the Newspaper Association of America (NAA) asking the regulatory agency to ease 25-year-old restrictions on newspapers owning television or radio stations in the same market.
If the FCC decides to lift the ban--put in place to ensure competition within markets--it could accelerate the consolidation of media outlets and enable marketers to buy advertising packages across formats.
The most frequently occurring frames were financial benefits to the companies involved and the mere size of the merger."

Tags:Disney, Time, Warner, Blockbuster, NAA, FCC

Abstract
This paper is an article supporting consolidation in the Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) industry. The paper comes out in favor of consolidation on the basis that it will serve the customer better and therefore be a boon to the industry.

From the Paper
"Anyone watching the CLEC industry knows that consolidation is the byword for what's been happening recently. As the market continues to condense before our eyes speculation on whether the industry could once again support a monopoly like Ma Bell is everywhere. Opinions on whether consolidation is a beneficial or a harmful trend run the gamut and a valid case could actually be made on either side of this debate. Overall, however, the ultimate result is likely to be good."

Tags:CLEC, consolidation, monopoly, Ma Bell, customer