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."
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 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."
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."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to review the existing research on real world strategies of implementation of technology and consolidation and to draw conclusions towards recommendations of go-forward policies for harmonious and profitable future operations in retail banking.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
Overview of the Research Project
Organizational and Environmental Profiles
Banks and the Financial Services Industry
Regulation and Deregulation
Consolidation Technology
The Human Element/Human Resources
Scope of the Research
Limitations of the Research
2. Literature Review
3. Methodology
Marketing
Strategic Alliances
Successful Systems Integration Business Case
Customer Internet Use
Geographic Impact
Regulation
Operational Risk
Human Relations Considerations
4. Data Analysis
5. Summary, Conclusions, Recommendations
References
From the Paper "The banking industry has been impacted by a combination of technological, sociological and commercial factors leading to changes in delivery of retail banking services which are in common use today but were not even envisioned in banking business plans as little as a decade ago. The impact of information and communications technology and the effects of banking industry deregulation have combined to create an environment in which the globalization of markets has led to bigger, more diverse markets and increased competition. The effect has been nothing short of a revolution in the structure and priorities of financial institutions, affecting all areas of retail banking: not only the products and services, but also operations, management and employees."
Abstract This paper discusses the problems associated with the high levels of student debts that exist in the United States. It looks at the history of student debts for education and discusses the flaws in the program that have resulted in the current dilemma. The paper then focuses on alternative solutions for dealing with the student debt problems, particularly debt consolidation.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Recent History of the Student Debt
The Parameters of the Current Dilemma
Alternative Approaches Responding to Student Debt
The Best Alternative Approaches to the Problem: Debt Consolidation Conclusion
From the Paper "There are a variety of issues that are of importance to practitioners within student services. However, the most pressing problem facing students today is the burden of educational loans they have to pay back with interests after their graduation. This paper highlighted recent history of this issue and also discussed its current parameters. In addition, this paper highlighted alternative approaches being used by students to successfully pay back their debts. This paper found that the most effective approach for students available today is loan consolidation as it offers unmatched benefits and advantages."
Abstract The paper explores the reasoning behind the implementation of a privatization program, and focuses on Florida's privatization of the Child Services Enforcement (CSE) program and of the prison industry. The paper discusses how the privatization of the CSE was a success, while the privatization of the prison industry was a failure. The paper therefore asserts that privatization may be both damaging and beneficial, depending on the level of supervision and means of application. The paper also considers consolidation, a viable alternative to the act of privatization.
Outline:
Privatization
The Facility of Privatization
Why Privatizations is Often the Obvious Answer
The Child Enforcement Program of Florida
Prison Privatization in Florida
Stepping into the Light Away from the Shadow of Privatization
The Option of Consolidation Successful Privatization
Economic Theory
Conclusion
From the Paper "The process of privatization is the shift from the use of state or local employees under the guidance, supervision, and association with the government, to private third party companies. This practice is viewed by some as deleterious to the power of the state, as it involves the delegation of responsibility for services which traditionally are associated with the state, an apparatus of the people, to a private company, a tool made to make its owners profit as would be the purposes of any private, for-profit company. This creates a collision of desires oftentimes, with the profit-based perspective of the private company going in direct conflict with the necessities of the people. The needs of the people in regards to services such as prison or child service enforcement are of particular importance in the state of Florida, each of which presents a varying perspective and development from the use of privatization."
This paper compares the presidencies of Lazaro Cardenas and Carlos Salinas de Gortari in an effort to describe how the traditional ruling party of Mexico lost in the election of 2000.
Abstract This paper is primarily a study of democratization. Its subject matter is Mexico and it traces how the Institutional Revolutionary Party consolidated its power over Mexican politics and how it lost this power in July 2000 with the election of Vicente Fox. It does this by examining the presidencies of Lazaro Cardenas and Carlos Salinas de Gortari. Both of these men wielded their power in such a way as to effect massive change in Mexico.
From the Paper "On July 2, 2000 an event unprecedented in Mexico's 20th century electoral history occurred. The benign authoritarian rule of the Institutional Revolutionary Party ended when the candidate of the opposition PAN became Mexico's garnered 43.4% of the vote. Francisco Labastida of the PRI won 36.8% of the vote. After a century of one-party rule, the PRI became a victim of its own reforms. The evolution of the Institutional Revolutionary Party, from the primary political player in Mexico to a vector for a reform and democratization is the result of the maneuverings of an extensive and eclectic succession of jefe maximos. These presidents have traditionally wielded the majority of power in Mexico. Whether or not a Mexican president will utilize his substantive powers to improve the lives of the Mexican populace depends on a rational political calculation. They must take into account the mood of the masses, the state of the economy, and international factors. Notably the two presidents who did the most to change the landscape of the Mexican polity did so not so much out of their own convictions, although in the case of Lazaro Cardenas that certainly played a part, but because of societal pressure. This paper will seek to answer two questions; how the PRI was able to remain in power for most of the last century and how democratization became a consequence of this power. In order to examine these questions fully, this analysis will focus on the sexenios, or six-year terms, of Lazaro Cardenas and Carlos Salinas de Gortari."
Abstract This research explains consolidating standards and methods for the preparation of financial statements. Additionally comparisons are made between the standards and methods practiced in the United Kingdom (UK) with those practiced in the United States (US
From the Paper "CONSOLIDATION ACCOUNTING: COMPARING THE UK & THE US
Introduction
This research explains consolidating standards and methods for the preparation of financial statements. Additionally comparisons are made between the standards and methods practiced in the United Kingdom (UK) with those practiced in the United States (US).
Background on the Situation
Acquisition is a generic term covering all forms of acquiring another firm, such as consolidation, holding company, merger, or purchase of assets with cash or stock. A merger is the combination of two or more firms. In most instances of merger, one limited-liability company or corporation acquires the stock of another. The acquiring firm then either retires the ..."
Abstract This paper explores the Nazi consolidation of power, and the manner in which Hitler assumed control over Germany. It looks at the historical and political maneuverings of Hitler from the early 1930's and how his propaganda machine enabled him to enchant the German public, gain enough political power he needed to eventually overtake most of Europe.
From the Paper "Gleischaltung operated for the Nazis through opportunism and careful planning, through which the Nazi party was able to eventually gain power. The exploitation of the Reichstag fire to create the Reichstag fire decree allowed the creation of a conservative coalition and the creation of a broad support base through the existence of conservative activities, this broad support base allowed the implementation of the enabling law. Following the allowance of emergency decree the Nazis were able the suppress opposition and create inflammatory activities, further allowing the removal of opposition, culminating in the purge of the SA, and the adoption of Fuehrer upon the death of Hindenburg."
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."
Abstract This paper will discuss the relationship of memory and sleep. By showing studies that pertain to memory consolidation, we can learn how REM sleep might affectively influence memory in neurology.
Abstract This paper explains that, as the author practiced inline skating, he remembered that the learner builds one skill upon another and that problem solving can be used in the acquisition of motor skills. The author pointed out that, for several practice sessions, he simply worked on skating forward faster and smoother, practicing making stops at greater speeds, and ?consolidation of skills?. The author found that new skills, which are variations of old skills, are markedly easier to learn than skills that require new movements, such as alternate ways to stop.
From the Paper "After about an hour, I had a minimal level of skill. I could confidently skate forward, lifting my feet rhythmically, swinging my arms and getting a little distance out of each push. Then I really needed to learn how to stop, because I was capable of gathering some speed. A fellow skater showed me how to stop by demonstrating it and describing it, using explicit instructional methods. Before I attempted it, I used pre-visualization to review the skill in my mind. It took several tries to begin to approximate the skill, but as I practiced, I gradually improved, increasing performance efficiency in a pattern of successive approximation."
Abstract A short discussion of how media consolidation, particularly in the radio industry, has suppressed political viewpoints, forcing many musical artists to censor their political opinions to avoid losing airplay from the nation's largest and most powerful broadcasters.
From the Paper "When Americans turn on their radios each day, most listeners expect to hear the artists that are most popular in their preferred musical genre. Listeners assume that the radio stations in their town are choosing the music based on what listeners want to hear without any outside influence other than the music itself. Yet since the Telecommunications Act of 1996, many artists have found that in addition to an infectious rhythm and memorable lyrics, radio stations have been frequently basing their playlists on corporate mandates dictated by the political beliefs and business practices of the artist. This rapidly growing form of systematic censorship has left many musicians afraid to speak out on political issues, including the very issue of consolidation that has given rise to a sharp increase in music censorship."
Abstract This paper explains that Brungardt and Crawford's Risk Leadership Model encourages middle managers to make risky choices instead of conservative profiteering because they believe that managing risk creatively reaps greater dividends for the company. The author points out that, for the individual lower or middle-level employee, such a policy is not necessarily an intelligent strategy to follow over the course of his or her career. The paper concludes that the risk leadership model encourages conflict first and consolidation afterwards, making it a good policy to pursue in business investing and in business relationships.
Table of Contents
Summary of Book and Basic Concepts
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Book
Conclusion
From the Paper "It could also be argued that such a conservative approach and lack of job-hopping not only idealizes the lower level perspective, but also begs the question to be asked"if individuals whom are in such occupations tend not to take risks and branch out to improve their prospects, how daring can they be in their corporate vision" Furthermore, this model seeks to establish a corporate culture that not only accepts, but also expects, confrontation to enhance problem solving, decision-making, and overall organizational performance through confrontational challenges between employees regarding their ideas. This could create a corporate culture of constant argumentation, and conflict between lower-level employees, all anxious to make their mark through challenging one another in the corporate infrastructure."
