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Macroeconomics of Interest Rates, 2008. This paper examines the issue of interest rates as it relates to the economy. 1,856 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 59.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses the recent economic reports and events with respect to interest rates and interest rate movements. The current state of the US economy is examined as well as the Federal Reserve handling of monetary and fiscal policy relative to the economy. Of particular importance is the Federal Reserve's strategic shift in policy from accommodative to appropriate. The writer concludes that it can be seen that interest rates are much more than one of many economic devices that the Fed has to influence the economy but is actually one of theprimary methods in which the Fed interacts and influences the direction of economic growth and expansion.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction & Thesis
Overview of Interest Rates
Types of Interest Rates
Impact of Change in Interest Rates
Conclusion
From the Paper "Risk structure as it relates to interest rates is essentially the relationship between the interest rates on bonds that have the same term to maturity features. This leads to an active consideration of the default risk which is the chance that a given issuer of a bond may default by not being able to make the interest payments on the bonds at completion of the term or may not be able to meet the face value payment of the bond either. This creates the default risk model which implies that as the risk associated to a bond family increase then interest rates must also increase in order to compensate for the risk premium being incurred. Thus, since corporate bonds are more prone to market failure they typically bear a higher interest rate than government bonds, for example."
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Implementing the Activity-Based Costing System, 2008. An overview of the methods of applying the "activity-based costing system" at Dakota Office Supply, in which actual costs associated with each product are established. 1,425 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 47.95 »
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Abstract The paper discusses, in a detailed description, the effectiveness of an activity-based costing system or ABC and the ineffectiveness of the current costing system in use at the Dakota Office Supply (DOS) company . The paper then relates the methodology of implementing ABC at DOS and the procedures involved in its application.
Outline:
Overview
Situational analysis
Activity based costing
ABC in practice at Dakota
Procedural steps of ABC
From the Paper "Before performing ABC, a baseline or a starting point is needed for business process improvement and a baseline can be expressed in some form of model. This baseline is critical for DOP because in order to establish this baseline metric the analytics just performed must be done for each individual account. If DOP performs this activity on each customer the strategic management benefits would be substantial because all the excess cost-drivers could be eliminated resulting in much wider operating margins and thus profitability without increasing costs or committing resources to gain this efficiency. Therefore, a baseline is a documentation of the organization's policies, practices, methods, measures, costs and their interrelationships at a particular location at a particular point in time (Maiga & Jacobs, 2003). Through base-lining, activity inputs and outputs across functional lines of business can be identified. ABC is the only improvement methodology that provides output or unit costs. Value added activities are those for which the customers are usually willing to pay in some fashion for the product or service. Non-value added are activities that create waste, result in a delay of some sort, and potentially adds costs to the products or services. Resources are assigned to activities so that the activities can be performed in the first place. Some of Pilgrims' resources are measured in man-hours, machine hours as well as machine maintenance and operational overhead. It is through ABC that an organization can begin to see actual dollar costs against individual activities, and find opportunities to streamline or reduce those costs, or even eliminate the entire activity thus removing the cost altogether. This is the process inherent in ABC that reduces overall expenditures of the company. "
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Accounting Information Systems, 2008. A look at the reduction of threats for accounting information systems. 1,932 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 61.95 »
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Abstract This paper looks at how sophisticated computer systems are a necessary cost that corporations are finding themselves faced with in order to maintain control and reliability of their computer systems. Without them accountants will be unable to appropriately balance and file reports. The paper discusses how, in order to reduce this, some corporations have put account managers in place to police their customers when checks are received and bills issued. This puts an additional level of checks and balances in place to try to eliminate inaccurate postings. The paper concludes that, although mistakes will occur even with data analysis systems and security protocols in place, the fact is that the best companies can hope for is to reduce inaccuracies.
Outline:
Fraud or Inaccuracies
In the Name of Sarbanes-Oxley
Technological Advances
Enterprise System
Security Reduce Threats
Conclusion
From the Paper "In today's market place data is being channeled into networks through user screens that are more than likely customers' computers. They submit their orders via their own computer systems while inadvertently place security responsibilities to others. With the Internet, online ordering is putting the customer in control of what he needs and when he needs it. This puts additional pressures on companies to not only protect the data that they currently have within the walls of their servers but to also maintain some degree or order in the process flow of data from a customer. While doing this it must also be realized that customer computers must be preserved from receiving corrupt or virus laden files from the company systems when they are attached to the corporate website or host providers. "
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Cu Boxes: Capital Expenditure, 2008. Explores the factors Cu Boxes should consider when deciding to lease or purchase capital equipment. 1,015 words (approx. 4.1 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 35.95 »
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Abstract This paper indicates that the NPV (net present value) analysis shows a net loss fo Cu Boxes on the lease option over the operational life of the equipment because it would lose the tax benefits related to depreciation. The paper then explains, however, that the initial capital requirement to purchase capital equipment is a major concern for Cu Boxes. The paper also points out that Cu Boxes intends to borrow money to partially cover the purchase, which will make it a higher credit risk and will limit its lines of credit and loan options. The paper relates that, in Cu Boxes' automation dependent industry, the pace of obsolescence makes the purchase more problematic. The paper includes analysis charts.
Table of Contents:
Issue Overview
Capital Equipment Lease or Purchase
Machine Purchase
Conclusion
From the Paper "Buying equipment can often be the best decision because of the equity position that a company receives in the equipment which, depending on the industry, could be substantial. This implies that the strongest advantages in purchasing capital equipment are the outright ownership and the extended tax benefits but for companies with cash flow concerns, the initial investment costs are or can be prohibitive ("Capital"). "
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Capital Asset Pricing and Discounted Cash Flow, 2008. A comparison between the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) and the discounted cash flow (DCF) model. 820 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 2 sources, APA, $ 29.95 »
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Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) and the discounted cash flow (DCF) model in valuing common stock. The paper holds that, because of the complexity and importance of valuing common stock, the above techniques have been devised over time to accomplish this task. It points out that CAPM focuses on inputs to calculate stock prices that are external to the firm while the DCF model focuses on internal factors. Also, CAPM is concerned with growth rate, while DCF is concerned with estimated returns. The paper concludes that both models are important to investors and expanding companies.
From the Paper "For a firm that is expanding, it is difficult to establish a proper growth rate for the DCF. If past growth rates in earnings and dividends have been relatively stable, and if investors appear to be projecting a continuation of past trends, then the growth rate may be based on the firm's historic growth rate. However, if the company's past growth has been abnormally high or low, either because of its own unique situation or because of economic fluctuations, then the growth rate has to be estimated in some other manner."
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Modeling Strategies for Financial Hedging, 2008. An examination of GARCH or generalized auto regressive conditional heteroskedasticity, which is a modeling technique that allows researchers to predict for financial variances. 962 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 34.95 »
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Abstract The predominance of existing research related to hedging strategies relative to the futures markets is typically concerned with agricultural, foreign exchange (forex), and petroleum products. This paper attempts to offer some insight relative to the mathematical modeling techniques which financial hedging strategists employ in order to be successful at mitigating risk. The paper explains that modeling volatility within the financial markets has not received a great deal of academic attention. The paper then looks at how Siddique and Harvey, in "Auto regressive Conditional Skewness" undertook a study of auto regressive conditional skewness which utilized GARCH techniques wherein they concluded that auto regressive models might be successful at modeling time-series variations relative to asset pricing such as stock returns but not necessarily for futures and related hedging strategies. The paper shows that researchers successfully applied the GARCH model to daily returns volatility of two separate futures markets in commodities. The paper concludes that these researchers proved that every hedging entity can adapt these models to develop a functional model that can accurately incorporate intervention related to exchange rate fluctuations into a futures volatility model that works to effectively hedge each entity's particular needs and constraints.
Outline:
Abstract
Garch Modeling
Durban-Watson
Omega Function in Modelling
From the Paper "Predicting, managing, and leveraging the uncertainty in futures market is however vital if a comprehensive market strategy is going to be developed that enables an entity to efficiently control, or at least manage, the cost-basis of its investments or operating expenses. GARCH techniques can be used to construct models that control, to some degree, conditional variances related to futures as well as spot market prices and allow better management of financial or commodities portfolios."
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Cash Management and Financing, 2008. An overview of cash management and finance techniques. 1,264 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 42.95 »
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Abstract This paper looks at cash management techniques and short-term financing within an organization and explores both options, with a comprehensive analysis of various techniques and methods. There is also an overview of the relative advantageous and disadvantages of the methodologies employed within each categorization.
Outline:
Introduction
Cash Management Techniques
Short-Term Financing
Conclusion
From the Paper "Cash management techniques have become important as financial managers try to accurately monitor risk and exposure, and use policies for improved decision-making. Similarly, methods of short-term financing have gained much needed use, as organizations, try to utilize financing options and increase the overall efficiency of organizations. This paper will explore both options, with a comprehensive analysis of the various cash management techniques, and methods of short-term financing. There will also be an overview of the relative advantageous and disadvantages of the methodologies employed within each categorization."
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Budget Estimates, 2008. This paper, which explains the process of budget estimation by focusing on cost and revenue analysis, is written in the form of a memo. 885 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 31.95 »
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Abstract This paper presents a basic overview of the overall structure of the budgeting process at the organization, including the different categorizations of managerial costs, which are explained with definitions and examples. The author points out that fixed costs are costs that are constant, such as the lease payment for the offices. The paper also relates that sunk costs are costs that are usually incurred before a certain activity takes place and cannot be recovered by the possible sale of the asset they were used to produce, such as the costs related to the development of the annual employee survey. The author explains that direct costs are clearly allocated to the project or department of interest; whereas, indirect costs are not closely associated with the functionality of the particular operation but do contribute to the overall operations of the firm, such as the use of software. The paper includes graphs.
From the Paper "The overall structure of reporting for profits at the company is the basic idea of revenue less expenses. Revenue, just simply means how much is earned by the business from its sales; quantitatively it's the price of the product times how much of the product we sell. The issue that gets a lot of non-financial managers like yourself is how to classify costs. Overall, the estimate of profits will always be revenue less costs. Costs can be classified as fixed, variable, semi-variable, sunk costs, direct, indirect, and so on."
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Conflicts of Interest for Canadian Financial Planners, 2008. A discussion of various conflicts of interest that exist for financial planners in Canada. 1,065 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 37.95 »
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Abstract This paper addresses conflicts of interests facing professionals in financial planning in Canada. The paper points out that the Financial Planner Standards Council (FPSC) was put together in 1996 in order to better regulate the rapidly expanding industry and to reduce or eliminate the potential for abuses in the industry - the most common abuses being the potential for conflicts of interest for the financial planner. The paper delineates 3 types: financial, structural and personal. The paper concludes with the suggestion that one of the best ways to protect the interests of financial planners is to become certified through the FPSC.
Outline:
Introduction
Conflicts of Interest
Conclusion
From the Paper "Another type of conflict may develop when the financial planner actually holds some type of formal or informal position of influence over that of the client. These are termed structural conflicts and while not very common are certainly difficult to regulate or prevent (List). Many of these types of conflicts of interest are prevented by the standards to which all Canadian financial planners must adhere to in order to remain certified financial planners through the Financial Planners Standards Council in accordance with its code of ethics."
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Financial Planning: City of Charlotte, 2008. An analysis of the financial planning for Charlotte, North Carolina. 820 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 29.95 »
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Abstract This paper examines the financial planning and related public policy for the city of Charlotte, North Carolina. It provides a general outline of the city's budget, including expenditures, projects, funds, revenues and future spending plans.
Outline:
Expenditures, Encumbrances and Expenses
Capital Project, General, and Proprietary Funds
Analysis of Budget
Main Revenue Sources
Budgetary Levels
Long-range and Short-range Spending Plans
Largest Appropriations
Public policy: Short-range and Long-range
From the Paper "The main revenue sources for the city include taxes paid by business, taxes collected for property, licenses, transportation and tourism. Charlotte is one of the largest banking cities in the nation and is a central "hub" for many companies within the trucking industry. Additionally, Charlotte is home to three major professional sporting franchises and has a large manufacturing and construction base. Because Charlotte continues to grow significant with each passing year, the revenues from the growth associated with business are extensive. However, the growth of the city due to population also impacts the budget of the city and the funds that are required to operate many of the programs required to address the needs of the population."
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Measurement Bases for Financial Reporting, 2008. An analysis of measurement bases and their effects on financial reporting. 3,507 words (approx. 14.0 pages), 21 sources, APA, $ 98.95 »
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Abstract The paper relates that the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) have decided to revise their conceptual frameworks for financial reporting and accounting. The paper notes that, ideally, the present framework of both boards will be broader and expansive so as to develop a conceptual framework, which both Boards can use as an outline for new and revised accounting standards. The paper explains that one key area that is affected is the basis of measurement and its effect on financial reporting. The paper then proceeds to evaluate the different ways that measurement is defined within the conceptual framework. The paper also analyzes the methodologies identified so that choices made in the future can be based on valid recommendations.
Outline:
Introduction
Measurement and Bases of Measurement
Criticisms
Objectives of Financial Reporting and the Bases Choice: Is there a Trade-Off
What Bases Should be Chosen?
Conclusion
From the Paper "Measurement in financial reporting is therefore dependent on a lot of external factors to the organization; which affect the process of integrating it within the conceptual framework of the IASB/FASB. Bullen and Crook (2006) states that measurement will continue to be one of the most challenging aspects of the conceptual framework since neither bodies have a clear cut definition as to what are the necessary bases that should be used nor are there a set of refined guidelines for the use of any bases. The definitions of both bodies are vague, and as such the conceptual framework continues to produce a vague definition."
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Finance and Management: Non-Profit Organizations, 2008. An examination of the profit measure criterion for governance at non-profit organizations. 1,205 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 41.95 »
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Abstract This paper examines non-profit organizations, focusing particularly on profit measure criterion, and argues how it can benefit a hospital facility grappling with high costs and high expectations. In so doing, the paper looks at several of the broad characteristics that define non-profit organizations and suggests how an effective policy governance model and health care provisioning can be achieved simply by paying attention to the bottom line. The paper concludes that hospitals must understand that they have finite resources and that offering a few core services at a high level is infinitely preferable to running up a high debt offering numerous services at a low level.
From the Paper "One of the strengths of using the profit measure approach is how it can succeed in ensuring that there is no confusion about who does what, what is expected when they do it, and what the final outcome(s) should be. According to Carver & Carver (2006), the properly-functioning Policy Governance Model will accentuate the following: self-imposed rules (for the board) vis-a-vis the delegation of authority and the method by which "board-stated" criteria will be utilized during the evaluation process; clarity in terms of who is responsible to whom; and a determination to see to it that board decisions (while open to possible change) are never undermined. While Carver and Carver do not touch upon it, the preceding governance approach clearly functions best when there is one easily quantifiable, easily transferable, means of measuring who is performing and who is not performing across the whole breadth of the organization's activities. The profit measure obviously does this and thereby sees to it that long-term goals are not compromised by short-term mismanagement in one department (or group of departments)."
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