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WorldCom, 2005.
A look at the unethical business conduct of communications company, WorldCom.
1,814 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
This paper describes the unethical management and business conduct of WorldCom and its CEO, Bernard J. (Bernie) Ebbers. The paper details Ebbers's ethical failures in his attempt to make WorldCom the number-one stock on the market and describes the consequences of his mismanagement.
From the Paper
"While much of the business world was gnashing its teeth over the dot-com bust, telephony was having a bad day, or at least, that portion of it that had been subsumed into giant WorldCom was. In 2001, ?The number of competitive local telephone companies in operation dropped to 150 from 330 the previous year, and long distance carriers lost pricing power and market share to the regional Bell and other local telephone companies. Many companies had entered the market for Internet services in the late 1990s, and the resulting expansion in network capacity led to a glut in the market? (Zekany et al, 2004, p. 101+). That situation might lead some CEOs to err on the side of caution, but the CEO of WorldCom, Bernard J. (Bernie) Ebbers, was riding a huge wave of publicity, generated by his own grandiose scheme for WorldCom to become Wall Street?s all-time Number One stock."
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Budgeting Basics, 2005.
Analysis of the Atlantico Company's budgeting policies and recommendations for improvement.
863 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 30.95
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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."
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General Electric, 2004.
A discussion about the equity, cash flow, and notes analysis for the General Electric Company.
880 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the specific components of the statement of changes in owner?s equity and statements of cash flows from line items to balances in General Electric. The paper discusses the changes in those balances from the prior year, presents possible specific explanations for any changes from the previous year, and suggests how management can use that information in helping the business to achieve its goals.
From the Paper
"General Electric still stands tall in the public?s estimation and in its international reputation as a pioneer of Six Sigma management policies regarding internal quality control. (Six Sigma, 2004) According to its annual report, GE Share owners? equity increased $8.9 billion, $4.3 billion and $7.9 billion in 2002, 2001 and 2000. Thus, the performance of the General Electric company in sheer dollar terms continues to improve, not simply as a statistical blip between the current financial year and the financial year of the past, but steadily, and over time. The increases were largely attributable to net earnings of $14.1 billion, $13.7 billion and $12.7 billion. These increases were only partially offset by dividends declared of $7.3 billion, $6.6 billion and $5.6 billion in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively."
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International Accounting, 2005.
An evaluation of research theories and methodologies in accounting.
2,387 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 73.95
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Abstract
This paper describes and evaluates research theories and methodologies in order to classify accounting systems internationally. The paper explains the purpose of classification and the two methods used for classifying international accounting systems, looks at some of the problems of these methods of classification, and touches briefly upon the impact that culture and society values have on accounting.
From the Paper
"Classification of international accounting systems has many purposes, as it aims to help financial users to better understand each system and to contribute to the harmonization of these heterogeneous systems. Classifications intend to sharpen the description, analysis and prediction of accounting systems (which refers to the extent to which national systems are similar or not, the pattern of development of systems, which may have important potential for change, and the reasons why some systems dominate others), to help describe and compare different national systems in order to better understand them, to make assessments of harmonization prospects, to guide national policy makers in taking the right steps in order to achieve full economic development, to help developing countries choose appropriate systems, which would not impede but facilitate their development, and to help MNEs overcome problems of establishing control systems."
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Consolidation of Financial Statement Analysis, 2005.
A look at whether the present effort to improve the securities laws in the U.S. as well as the financial reporting and disclosure laws is achieving its objectives.
3,734 words (approx. 14.9 pages), 11 sources, APA, $ 103.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the current effort at reform of securities laws in an attempt to determine whether those reforms will be effective in avoiding another Enron-type crisis. The paper reviews literature relevant to this topic and makes an assessment as to the viability of the reforms in view of the scope of the problem. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.
Executive Summary and Synopsis
Introduction
Explanation of Clarke and Oliver Observation
Analysis
Financial Statement Composition Today
?Patching Up? Initiatives
Sufficiency of Initiatives to Date
From the Paper
"However, in contrast to the ?on market? exchanges, derivative transactions that are conducted ?off market? (these are, in effect, non-standard direct contracts between bilateral parties), have attracted increasing attention from regulators with good reason: ?Over the past decade or so, the volume of such transactions, across a wide swath of asset classes and instruments, has been extraordinary? (Warner 2001, p. 5). In the market in which Enron competed, schedules of fees for buying and selling securities are not fixed, and dealers derive their profits from the markup of their selling price over the price they paid. The investor may buy directly from a dealer willing to sell stocks or bonds that he owns or with a broker who will search the market for the best price."
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Due Diligence, 2004.
This paper discusses the due diligence process and provides a checklist as used in the case of the ChipeX Company.
1,605 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that venture capitalists make appropriate risk assessments, called due diligence, to find out if they are really and truly buying the company, an interest, or a product as presented in that infamous ?fine print?. The author points out that the checklist delineates a request for various kinds of documents from the company or the producers in question with whom the venture capitalists are dealing. The paper relates that the due diligence checklist includes a list of banks or other lenders with whom the future company might have a financial relationship, including credit agreements, debt instruments, and other agreements evidencing outstanding loans to which the company is a party or was a party within the past two years.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Checklist
Corporate Documents Regarding ChipeX Company and Subsidiaries
Issuances of Securities
Material Contracts and Agreements
Employees and Related Parties
Memo
Conclusion
From the Paper
"This is a financially chancy and dicey time for technological investment. According to some of their independent analysts, the microchip to be developed by the aforementioned former members of ChipeX Company is a sure thing. This alone, however, should raise red flags. Even though the technical viability of the product has been sung in its praises by many technologically forward independent experts, in business, particularly the business of technology, experience and the dot.com bomb has taught us all that there is no sure thing."
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Real Option Valuation, 2004.
This paper discusses the Real Option Valuation technique as compared to other measurements used for long-term investment decisions.
2,985 words (approx. 11.9 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 88.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the Real Option Valuation technique, which involves the prediction of the returns with an assumption that the asset valuation is closely connected to the management of assets, is an alternative over the discounted cash flow technique. The author clarifies that the Real Options Valuation technique emphasizes the value of the flexibility of the management while making decisions during the operation of the project; thus, it integrates the strategic planning options, such as to include, defer, abandon and other choices, which prevents committing error decisions. The paper relates that a weakness of the Real Options Valuation approach is that it neglects the influence of other parties.
From the Paper
"The terminology, Economic Value Added, is also used to mean the economic profit. A positive economic profit indicates greater returns of the company over the cost of capital. In order that the company operates with a real profit it should be ensured that the returns are more than the cost of capital conversely it leads to loss. The long term investments are associated with uncertainty, and therefore necessitate firm decision making techniques analyzing and estimating the probability of outcomes taking and the values of these expected outcomes. Even though the firm managers try to put all their efforts for reducing risk taking assistance of the best possible information available, the uncertainty of weather and markets cannot be avoided. This makes essential the firms to depend upon the various decision making techniques while making strategic long term investments."
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State Taxes, 2004.
An overview of the various types of taxes and their implementation in various states in the U.S.
1,340 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how every citizen of every country is liable to pay some amount of money towards its government, which, in turn, utilizes that money in giving public facilities to the citizens. It highlights the different tax philosophies of progressive as well as regressive tax and provides various examples of each type of tax. It also justifies the local property tax and its necessity in towns and cities.
From the Paper
"A tax is a fee charged by a government on a product, income or activity. It is a charge imposed by the government on people, entities, or on property in order to raise revenue. If tax is levied directly on personal or corporate income, then it is a direct tax. If tax is levied on the price of a good or service, then it is called an indirect tax. The purpose of taxation is to finance government expenditure. One of the most important uses of taxes is to finance public goods and services, such as street lighting and street cleaning. Since public goods and services do not allow a non-payer of tax to be excluded, or allow segregation by a consumer, there cannot be a market in the good or service, and so the market needs to be provided by the government or a quasi-government agency with funds, which tend to finance themselves largely through taxes."
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Deceptive Accounting Practices, 2004.
An insight into the various deceptive accounting practices used in recent scandals.
1,758 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
This report endeavors to present some insight into the various deceptive accounting practices that were utilized prior to the recent scandals. The focus of the paper homes in on two very recent account situations that made media headlines, namely the recent Enron debacle and the latest bankruptcy by United Airlines. It looks a how the results of both of these situations will continue to influence the way all companies in the United States, and even some international organizations, will view and present their finances to the public and other governing bodies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction
Arthur Anderson
Enron
United Airlines
Bankruptcy
Conclusion
From the Paper
"An example of the sinister ploy Enron executives used to bilk the nation can be demonstrated by the CalPERS natural gas project of 1997. CalPERS was a company that no longer wanted to work with Enron and so they backed out of a big deal with Enron. Enron executives could not afford to lose the derivative effect CalPERS provided so Enron executives created their own entities to replace CalPERS. Enron literally made up companies that were in effect used as derivatives to reduce losses. ?Known as Chewco, it was a partnership controlled by Enron employees, including Kopper. According to the Powers report, Chewco and similar partnerships were engaged in shuffling assets to cover losses and create illusory profits."
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Continuous Auditing, 2004.
This paper discusses continuous auditing, which is defined as real-time reports issued simultaneously or a short time after the events, using electronic gathering of data and events, the only means to provide a proper audit process.
800 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the traditional financial reports and the traditional audit style sometimes prove not enough because they lack the essential thing in today?s business environment, updated information; therefore, continuous auditing seems to be getting more and more followers. The author points out that some of the drivers of continuous auditing are a better monitoring of financial issues within a company, ensuring that real-time transactions also benefit from real-time monitoring, prevention of financial fiascoes and audit scandals such as Enron or Andersen, and use of software to determine that financial controls are properly done. This paper stresses that continuous auditing involves a large amount of work because the company practicing continuous auditing will not provide one report at the end of a quarter, but will provide financial reports on a day-to-day basis.
From the Paper
"The Sarbanes- Oxley Act was passed on the 30th of July 2002 with the declared goal of ?deterring and punishing corporate and accounting fraud and corruption?. As we have seen in the lines here above, continuous accounting aims exactly at providing a more secure platform in order to avoid fraud and a real-time process that is aimed at ensuring high-level financial control. In order to explain the benefits from continuous auditing with regards to Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we can use one of the examples given on one of the articles from www.cfo.com, which uses Crown Media for the case study."
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SAS Number 99 and the Corporate Audit, 2004.
A look at the new accounting standards issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts as a result of the Enron scandal.
1,036 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 36.95
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Abstract
This report attempts to explain how the new American Institute of Certified Public Accounts SAS No.99 will change the way accounting firms will be required to conduct corporate audits. The paper outlines the objectives of the new standards, the fundamental areas they are to focus upon, and key provisions, and then explains how these standards will help both external and internal auditors eliminate the possibility of fraud in corporate offices.
From the Paper
"As can be expected, the Enron collapse in Texas and the WorldCom scandal in Mississippi have each dramatically demonstrated how critical it is that regulating bodies ensure that Corporate America provides high quality, trustworthy, and reliable financial reporting. ?The 40-year-old accountant is accused of creating and managing the complex web of partnerships that disguised the true state of affairs at the disgraced energy firm.? (BBCi, Enron finance chief denies charges) Enron basically opened America?s eyes into what may actually be going on in many organizations throughout our nation. The philosophy of everyone must be doing it was confirmed only a few short months later when the chief financial officer of the telecoms giant WorldCom was indicted because of another multi-billion dollar accounting fraud. ?The company's collapse followed exposure of an accounting fraud, now put at $7.68bn (?5bn), which made the company look profitable when it was not.? (BBCi, "Ex-WorldCom finance boss indicted")"
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Ratio Analysis, 2004.
This paper discusses various accounting ratios used in Ratio Analysis.
1,440 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 47.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Ratio Analysis is an early warning indicator that enables the business owner and manager to spot trends in a business and to compare its performance and condition with the average performance of similar businesses in the same industry. The author relates that Ratio Analysis is done by comparing the specific company?s ratios with the average of similar businesses and comparing the business?s own ratios for several successive years, watching especially for any unfavorable trends that may be starting. The paper states that the current ratio measures the ability of the firm to pay is current bills, while still allowing for a safety margin above the required amount needed to pay current obligations.
Table of Contents
Liquidity Ratios
Current Ratio
Quick Ratio
Net Working Capital
Activity Ratios
Days Sales Outstanding
Average Payment Period
Fixed Assets Turnover
Total Asset Turnover
Inventory Turnover
Debt Ratios
Debt Ratio
Debt to Equity Ratio
Times Interest Earned
Fixed Payment Coverage Ratio
Profitability Ratios
Gross Profit Margin
Operating Profit Margin
Net Profit Margin
Return on Investment
Return on Equity
Earnings per Share
From the Paper
"The ROI is determined by multiplying the Total Asset turnover by the Net Profit Margin. The figure is meaningful because it shows how well a company uses its assets to generate profits,. The basic formula is as follows:
ROI = Total Asset Turnover x Net Profit Margin
The DuPont method allows the firm to break down its return on investment into a profit on sales component and an asset efficiency component. Typically, a firm with a low net profit margin would have a total asset turnover. The relationship between the net profit margin and Total Asset turnover is largely dependent on the industry the firm operates."
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Instructional Plan Income Statement, 2004.
This instructional paper consists of detailed instructions for preparing a simple income statement.
2,748 words (approx. 11.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 82.95
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Abstract
The paper is designed to meet the specific needs of a client (a female shoe store owner) who requires instruction in completing the income statement for her small business. As such, the instructions are geared to the client's level of expertise in the area of accounting and focus largely on enabling the client to prepare her income statement with minimal assistance from professional sources such as an accountant, thus potentially reducing her expenses.
From the Paper
"This lesson is necessary to help my client in two important areas. The first benefit is practical, as my client will save a significant amount of money by learning to develop her own income statement, rather than relying on the expertise of professional accountants. The client has currently clearly indicated to me that they do not have the specific knowledge that is required to complete this task, and I feel that this instructional paper will fulfill this pressing need. The second benefit is less immediately tangible, and is simply geared at improving my client's general understanding of the accounting practices of her firm. I believe that this instructional paper will improve her overall knowledge about her business' finances, and as such may have unforeseen benefits in helping her to manage financial aspects like cash flow, spending, and budgeting."
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Executive Compensation and Stock Performance, 2004.
Evaluation of the "Agency Theory" that led to expansion of stock options in executive remuneration packages.
5,024 words (approx. 20.1 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 126.95
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Abstract
This report evaluates whether or not the hypothesis at the heart of the "Agency Theory", which states that if an executive is given an ownership stake, it will have a positive effect on stock performance, works as expected. Furthermore, this paper tracks the increasing use of the "Agency Theory" in executive compensation and enumerates and evaluates the effects that the increasing use of the "Agency Theory" has had on American business and on stock performance. The paper also evaluates the effect of what has been described as ?over the top? use of increasingly generous, stock-dependent, executive compensation packages, both on stock performance and on other business evaluative factors. The effect of the scandals involving executive compensation/stock performance on the social/commercial fabric of the U.S. is discussed briefly, as well.
Outline
The "Agency Theory", Executive Compensation and Stock Performance
The Effect of Pay on Executive Motivation
The Effect of FASB Rules on Compensation/Stock Performance
From the Paper
"In the wake of the Enron, ImClone and WorldCom financial scandals, the increasing use of stock options as part of executive compensation packages came under public scrutiny. Because of the lax was in which FASB guidelines are written, it was possible, lacking adequate corporate governance, for CEOs to use their stock options to increase their personal wealth while diminishing the strength of the corporation and decreasing?or completely negating?benefits for shareholders. In addition to the problematical FASB rules, also operative was a management theory, the Agency Theory, formulated by academicians and economists in the last century. The theory held that giving executives a financial stake in the financial health of the company would increase their motivation to run those companies for maximum profits for shareholders; in short, this form of executive compensation was thought to be able to produce superior stock performance. The findings of several researchers even before the scandals of the past few years, however, revealed that results often departed wildly from what the theory predicted."
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Ethics in Financial Management, 2004.
Addresses areas of concern for investors in mutual fund management companies.
3,343 words (approx. 13.4 pages), 12 sources, APA, $ 95.95
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Abstract
In the summer of 2002, when Congress was attempting to decide how to clean up the shady financial practices of corporate America, mutual fund company lobbyists convinced lawmakers to exempt their area of the financial services industry. Since then, this industry has occupied center-stage in the spotlight targeted at ethical problems in financial management. This paper shows that there are a number of important ethical issues that have been ignored by mutual fund managers and their firms, issues that are of great concern to investors, legislators, and regulators. These areas of concern include conflicts of interest, director independence, and transparency of fee and expense reporting.
From the Paper
"There is a notable lack of independence among the members of the boards of directors who are supposed to be making sure mutual funds are run in the best interest of the investors. The watchdog role of a fund?s board of directors theoretically includes not only watching the big picture, but also the minutiae of the funds? service contracts, operations and investment policies. These board members should be free of potential conflicts of interest in order to play the biggest role possible in making sure the best interests of their funds? shareholders are served."
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