Discussions module 2 and 3

ACC201 Financial Accounting

Discussion 2

CPA's Role as an External Auditor

The financial statements are the representation of management. How can investors and other third parties trust this information? Discuss the CPA's role as an external auditor.

Do research on the Internet and show the reference for the information. Don't forget to also respond to a colleague's posts.

Professor's Note: In addition to searching the Internet for text related to this discussion, please watch the following videos (click on the following link to access these videos) and post your comments.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz-TSaCL3LQ Business Accounting: How to perform an External Audit-Accounting Supplemental-Program Steam

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rVmbGfhaps Basic Accounting: What Are Generally Accepted Auditing Standards?

Grading Criteria: Try to add information not previously discussed by others. Please, provide factual information (not merely opinions) backed up by details or examples. Your comments should be in your own words and include references.

Discussion 3

CPAs

The CPA is involved in many aspects of accounting and business. Let's discuss some other tasks, other than external auditing, that the CPA performs. What are some non-traditional areas where CPAs are now involved?

Do research on the Internet and show the reference for the information. Don't forget to also respond to a colleague's posts.

Professor's Note: In addition to searching the Internet for text related to this discussion, please watch the following video (click on the following link to access the video) and post your comments.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkmtNNUHzLo Audit and Assurance Chapter 1 F8 2013

Grading Criteria: Try to add information not previously discussed by others. Please, provide factual information (not merely opinions) backed up by details or examples. Your comments should be in your own words and include references.

ECOL100 The Economics of Biodiversity

Discussion 2

Extinctions and Endangered Species

For this discussion read: "Hang On: Biodiversity" in The Economist, Sep 14, 2013; Vol. 408 (8853): 13 (main issue) and in your initial post comment on the following:

1. What does the first line state? What evidence is given in the article to support this statement?

2. What two factors are listed as the biggest threats to biodiversity?

3. What is your opinion of GM (genetically modified) foods/seeds?

Discussion 3

Protecting Biodiversity

In Module 2 you learned about Earth's history of mass extinctions and the threat of global climate change. You also explored ways that economic growth can both help and harm Earth's biodiversity. In this module we learn more about economic principles: how they apply in the natural world, and how they drive some of the positive and negative effects of economic growth on biodiversity. For this discussion, read the article: "Special report—Biodiversity: Hearts and minds." The Economist 408.8853 (Sep 14, 2013): 10.

What is the driving force of the destruction of the elephant population? What other trades are mentioned as threats to specific animal populations? Choose one to research further and describe the market demand for the product related to the animal at risk. Are any regulations in place? How are these regulations enforced?