Abstract This paper examines the formation and operation of the Congressional BudgetOffice (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 BudgetOffice, forming, first director, challenges, political differences, serving two masters, challenges to overcome, mandates, direction, guidance, funding
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."
This paper looks at four possible uses of the American budget surplus (of 2000). The four possibilities are retiring debt, increase government spending, increase government transfer payments, or cut taxes.
2,927 words (approx. 11.7 pages), 19 sources, 2000, $ 86.95
Abstract This paper was written for an Economics 102: Intermediate Macro class. It looks at four possible uses of the budget surplus that our country first saw in 2000. The four possibilities are retiring debt, increase government spending, increase government transfer payments, or cut taxes. Each possibility is looked at with great detail.
The paper looks at the pros and cons of each possibility. A number of government and independent organizations are cited including the Congressional BudgetOffice, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Committee on Citizens for a Tax Cut. In the paper I conclude that the best course of action would be to split the surplus between retiring debt and increasing government transfer payments. This paper covers all aspects of the budget surplus and possible uses.
Tags: debt, government, military, payments, social, spending, tax, transfer
A review and critique of the George Hager and Eric Pianin book "Mirage: Why Neither Democrats Nor Republicans Can Balance the Budget, End the Deficit and Satisfy the Public".
Abstract This paper examines the new book by journalists George Hager and Eric Pianin entitled "Mirage: Why Neither Democrats Nor Republicans Can Balance the Budget, End the Deficit and Satisfy the Public". The author of this paper calls "Mirage" a whirlwind trip through the fiscal policies and activities of the White House and Congress. The paper demonstrates how the book sheds light on why balanced budgets and zero deficits are virtually impossible to achieve, despite the fact that everyone is always trying to do so. The paper parallels the book's assertion that most presidential candidates run on the platform that they will balance the budget while in office and many congressional candidates are elected based on similar promises. However, as the book explains, what the public wants is often impossible when considering what the public is willing to sacrifice. The paper also critiques the book's discussion of the impact of partisan politics on budget negotiations.
From the Paper "Analysts at the Congressional Budget Office are predicting a fiscal nightmare for the federal government in the near future. The retirement of the baby boomers will nearly double the number of eligible beneficiaries for Social Security and Medicare. With the working population only rising by 25%, the expenses are nowhere near being offset. The result will be a deficit skyrocket if benefits are not reduced or taxes are not raised. The $4 trillion debt of today will jump to an estimated $21 trillion by 2020 and $81 trillion by 2030. Interest payments alone will destroy the economic framework of the United States. Despite the fact that the solution to the problem is clear, getting a polarized Congress representing an equally undecided constituency makes the problem unsolvable. The story begins in early 1995."
Abstract This paper highlights the challenges that corrections officers often encounter in their jobs. The author provides a definition of the primary duty of corrections officers according to the U.S. Department of Labor and explores the job satisfaction one can derive from this position. The physical and emotional criterion for the position of a corrections officer is likewise briefly described. Additionally, the paper discusses how the financial limitations of an institution's budget can lead to understaffed prisons and very overworked officers, citing Alabama and Florida as examples.
Outline:
Job Satisfaction of Corrections Officers Job Outlook
Financial Issues
Impact of Financially-Focused Course
Works Cited
From the Paper "According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the primary duty of corrections officers is to perform the often-stressful work of overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been convicted of a crime and are sentenced to serve time in a jail, reformatory, or penitentiary. Corrections officers are in charge of monitoring prisoner behavior, ensuring that prisoners do not engage in physical or verbal intimidation in their interactions with one another, or continue their criminal activities behind bars. Officers may also supervise inmates' visits with friends or family members."
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 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."
