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Q-250 wordLearning By DoingDiscuss a time in your career when you felt like you were learning and growing and another time when you felt like you were not. In each case, discuss how your company’s employee development strategy might have contributed to your feelings.Q-200 wordSummarize the most important concepts and approaches you have learned this week. Provide at least one concrete example of how you will apply a key principle or idea in your workplace or professional life.TopicWe said in a previous lecture that the opportunity to develop professional and leadership skills is among the most important of all organizational rewards. In fact, countless studies have found that when college seniors and MBA students are asked what is most important to them as they weigh their post-graduation alternatives, the most frequent response, even more than high compensation, is the opportunity for professional growth.Mt48Response-70 wordCost of capital is the cost an organization pays to raise funds (i.e. through bank loans or issuing bonds), expressed as an annual percentage (Business Encyclopedia, 2015).Capital budgeting decisions generally follow a discounted cash-flow analysis on free-cash-flow projections to estimate the value of an investment to a firm, discounted by the cost of capital (defined as the weighted average of the costs of debt and equity) (Jacobs & Shivdasani, n.d.).  Companies apply the time value of money in various ways to make yes-or-no decisions on capital projects as well as to decide between competing projects. Two of the most popular methods are net present value and internal rate of return, or IRR. In the first method, you add up the present values of all cash flows involved in a project. If the total is greater than zero, the project is worth doing; the higher the net present value, the better. In the IRR method, you start with the cost of the project and determine the rate of return that would make the present value of the future cash flows equal to your upfront cost. If that rate -- called the internal rate of return -- is greater than your discount rate, the project is worth doing. The higher the IRR, the better. (Merritt, n.d.).It is important in capital budgeting decisions to continuously review projects (Parrino, Kidwell, & Bates, 2011).  Problems can arise if the project team is over-optimistic about cash flow projections in the long-run in their zeal for a project to succeed (Parrino, et al., 2011).  All decisions should be based on informed judgments rather than guesses if a capital project is to increase the value of a firm (Parrino et al., 2011). As a CFO, I would want to be sure I had the discounted cash flow values to adjust for the time value of money to ensure the capital project’s success over the long haul.  Without sufficient data to analyze long-range projections for interest rates, it may or may not be a wise decision to finance the project immediately. However, it certainly bears a thorough and expedient analysis.When I have needed to know and analyze expected changes in interest rates (both for borrowing money and for investing money), I first seek out the various banks and credit unions in the area and either search on their websites, or call the banks, credit unions, or stock brokers direct.  My bankers and stock broker have access to up-to-date information about current and potential interest rates and I trust them to guide me in most of my banking and financial decisions.It is also important to seek out interest rate forecasting reports, such as the Gross Domestic Product, the Consumer Price Index, the Producer Price Index, the Employment Situation, the Unemployment Rate, Consumer Credit data, and Housing Starts.  All of these indicate the state of the economy and are variables that influence and affect the rates on long-term debt instruments and the future direction of interest rates (Mortgage-X, n.d.).References:Business Encyclopedia. (2015). Cost of capital, cost of borrowing, and similar “cost of” terms explained. Retrieved from: https://www.business-case-analysis.com/cost-of-capital.htmlJacobs, Michael, and Shivdasani, Anil. (n.d.). Do you know your cost of capital?  Scale Finance. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from: http://www.scalefinance.com/do-you-know-your-cost-of-capital/Merritt, Cam. (n.d.). Why is the time value of money so important in capital budgeting decisions?  Chron Small Business. Retrieved from: HYPERLINK "http://smallbusiness.chron.com/time-value-money-important-capital-budgeting-decisions-61898.html" http://smallbusiness.chron.com/time-value-money-important-capital-budgeting-decisions-61898.htmlMortgage-X. (n.d.). Interest rate forecasting: Economic indicators. Retrieved from: http://mortgage-x.com/general/indicators.aspParrino, R., Kidwell, D. S., & Bates, T. (2011). Fundamentals of corporate finance (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. VitalBook file. Response-70 wordAs CFO, I would wait the market out and do my research before jumping into financing my project. The lower the rate goes the better. I would use forecasting models provided by banking websites as well as the information provided by the Federal Reserve to research this information. I would keep a close eye on the market as well. When the interest rates hit their low before they start to go back up is when I would advise to take the loan for the project. Capitol budgeting decisions are constantly changing and it is shown that problems can occur with the project team if they play a guessing game with the market. They should all be well educated on the reason for the pause in funding and make sure that it is the right decision.Parrino, R., Kidwell, D. S., & Bates, T. (2011). Fundamentals of corporate finance (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. VitalBook file.Q-200 word"Integrity vs. Availability"  Please respond to the following: In the global enterprise, firms are insistent that their accounting information systems (AIS) and other key systems are available 100% of the time, and that these systems are the highest in integrity. Evaluate how a firm manages the balance of high availability with high integrity in these days of tight budgets and additional oversight from regulators.As a student taking online classes or relying on online resources such as libraries and tech support, evaluate the benefits of the school providing you with 24 / 7 access to these resources in relation to the costs incurred by the school itself.Response-70 wordIn the global enterprise, firms are insistent that their accounting information systems (AIS) and other key systems are available 100% of the time, and that these systems are the highest in integrity. Evaluate how a firm manages the balance of high availability with high integrity in these days of tight budgets and additional oversight from regulators.In order to make sure that the AIS is always available and is cost effective to the company proper security measures must be in place to protect the system from the start. One of the most important is having system in which the security programs are continuously updated with the most up to date software to prevent security breaches. Having an effective IT team that is able to detect as well as prevent security breaches is also essential.  The utilization of the appropriate security protocols to gain access to the AIS is another cost effective measure. They could require the use of ID card with encrypted chips in each one along with a specific access code tied to each one in order to gain access to the system like the Department of Defense does currently.  Finally, having an off-site date back up system which can be utilized if the primary system goes down or to restore data if the primary system goes down is necessary. As a student taking online classes or relying on online resources such as libraries and tech support, evaluate the benefits of the school providing you with 24 / 7 access to these resources in relation to the costs incurred by the school itself.Last week while I was attempting to complete my weekly homework while I was away in another state for work related training and the i campus kept saying it was down for maintenance is an example that Strayer certainly does not meet the context of this question. Having access to these resources at any time is one of the reasons some students take online classes, based on their work schedule or sleep periods. The cost to the school does not concern to me, we all know that Strayer charges more than enough in tuition and fees to cover the costs of this. Response-70 wordIn the global enterprise, firms are insistent that their accounting information systems (AIS) and other key systems are available 100% of the time, and that these systems are the highest in integrity. Evaluate how a firm manages the balance of high availability with high integrity in these days of tight budgets and additional oversight from regulators.There are certain things that can be done to ensure that the systems are available.  Since it is regulation for a building to have a sprinkler system, fire alarms, and/or fire walls, they can be also used to protect the system from any fire damage.  Another protective measure is protective measures include raising floors to protect against floods, using cables with plugs that are not easily removed, and a power supply that cannot be interrupted (Romney & Steinbart).  These actions would allow systems to remain operational and remove potential costs for replacing the system.  While these assist with preventive measures, it also wise to have a “plan b” in the event the system is lost (Romney & Steinbart).  This plan would have ways to recover or replace the system in the event that it is damaged or lost.  This plan should be incorporated in the budget and should include the costs to recover/replace the system.  By incorporating it in the budget, it will allow the company to properly budget.  Given all of the above, a firm should also use its internal controls to ensure the system is properly protected.  This would eliminate the system from being down due to a security breach.  The internal controls will need to be updated as criminals develop new ways to hack the system.  The IT department would also need to make sure they are trained regularly.  Another option is to systematically back up the system.  This action prevents the loss of data.  Currently, my job backs up its database daily.  This way, when the servers go down and data is lost, there is a way for us to retrieve the information lost.   As a student taking online classes or relying on online resources such as libraries and tech support, evaluate the benefits of the school providing you with 24 / 7 access to these resources in relation to the costs incurred by the school itself.These benefits allow me to complete my assignments as well as resources to overcome most technical malfunctions at any time of the day.  The benefits offered also allow the success of students to increase.  It would also allow students to have more flexibility to complete our assignments.  Since the resourced are available online, the cost to hire a live person(s) would be eliminated.  The complete cost or a percentage of the costs of these benefits should be incorporated in each student’s tuition.  This would allow these services to either be offered at a reduced cost to the institution or no cost at all if it is included in the tuition. ReferenceRomney, M. B., & Steinbart, P. J. (2012). Accounting information systems. (12th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: PearsonQ-200 word"The 21st Century Auditor"  Please respond to the following: The 21st century auditor requires knowledge of technology and accounting information systems in addition to his / her understanding of accounting concepts and guidelines. The degree of knowledge in technology and AIS will vary with each auditor. Recommend the top-five technology and AIS skills that the 21st century auditor should have. Justify your recommendations.Now, recommend a series of actions that need to be taken by auditors and their firms to ensure that the auditors maintain their skills.Response-70 wordThe 21st century auditor requires knowledge of technology and accounting information systems in addition to his / her understanding of accounting concepts and guidelines. The degree of knowledge in technology and AIS will vary with each auditor. Recommend the top-five technology and AIS skills that the 21st century auditor should have. Justify your recommendations.The top technology and AIS skills that the 21st century auditor should have are computer skills, knowledge of networks accounting software, knowledge of audits, knowledge of government regulations, and communication.  21st century auditors have to be knowledgeable of how computer systems operate, networks operate, as well as accounting software (www.issai.org).  This knowledge will allow the auditor the ability to determine if the system and/or company are in compliance with government regulations.  By being knowledgeable of government regulations, the auditors can easily identify what regulations are not being followed and what needs to change (www.questia.com).  Additionally, the knowledge would also allow them to be able to properly evaluate the system in order to determine areas that need improvement.  The auditor will need to have computer skills in order to properly navigate through a system and basically know how to use a computer.  Finally, the auditor will need good communication skills in order to determine the clients’ needs as well as to clearly communicate any errors, improvements, and especially what government regulations the client is not in compliance with (www.accountingtoday.com).  Now, recommend a series of actions that need to be taken by auditors and their firms to ensure that the auditors maintain their skills.Auditors and firms will need to allow auditors to attend IT workshops to remain abreast of any and all changes and/or improvements in IT systems.  They will also need to attend monthly seminars and/or workshops pertaining to changes in government regulations to ensure that they are always aware of what the regulations are and changes that may have occurred.  ReferenceFundamental Principles of Performance Auditing.  (n/d).  From www.issai.org website:  http://www.issai.org/media/69911/issai-300-english.pdf The 21st century audit:  Scandals, new regs and more complex standards create a new landscape.  Carlino, Bill.  2011, April 01.  From www.accountingtoday.com website: HTTP://WWW.ACCOUNTINGTODAY.COM/ATO_ISSUES/25_4/THE-21ST-CENTURY-AUDIT-57768-1.HTML?ZKPRINTABLE=TRUE  The Emergence of Accounting Information Systems Programs.  Dillon, Thomas W.; Kruck, S. E.  From www.questia.com website:  http://www.questia.com/library/journal/1P3-790122201/the-emergence-of-accounting-information-systems-programs  The new breed of auditors:  A&A used to mean checklists and workpapers, but not anymore.  Carlino, Bill.  2012, May 1.  From www.accountingtoday.com website: HTTP://WWW.ACCOUNTINGTODAY.COM/ATO_ISSUES/26_5/AUDITOR-LANDES-AICPA-ENRON-WORLDCOM-AUDIT-62448-1.HTML?ZKPRINTABLE=TRUE  Response-70 wordThe 21st century auditor requires knowledge of technology and accounting information systems in addition to his / her understanding of accounting concepts and guidelines. The degree of knowledge in technology and AIS will vary with each auditor. Recommend the top-five technology and AIS skills that the 21st century auditor should have. Justify your recommendations.The top technology and AIS skills that the 21st century auditor should have are information security skills,, knowledge of how to reengineer accounting  processes , knowledge of the various types of accounting software available, knowledge of information flow techniques and the regulatory changes which occur as technology evolves. The auditor of the 21st century must be willing to not only have this knowledge but the ability to learn and understand accounting technology in a rapidly changing environment.  As technology changes methods of accounting, governmental regulations will have to change as well to keep up with these changes requiring the auditor to continuously learn new requirements as they are changed to meet these new accounting methods. Now, recommend a series of actions that need to be taken by auditors and their firms to ensure that the auditors maintain their skills.Auditors and their firms will find it necessary to implement a continuous learning and growth process for their employees. One of the primary things that must be taught to employees is technology enhancements, the importance of this technology and the benefits of this technology. As the employees continue to learn and understand the information, a cycle of continuous teaching and learning must be adopted by the firm to keep employees knowledgeable of the most recent information. On site classes, video teleconferences or even web based training could be incorporated to keep costs down in this on-going process.Q-200 wordWe'll begin this discussion by exploring Maslow's "Hierarchy of Needs" in relation to environmental issues and consumption and materialism. To get started, open and reply to the kick-off question below.Q-200 wordOur general topic for this thread is exploring the promise, drawbacks, and reality of green businesses such as organic food and ecotourism. To get started, read and reply to the kick-off question below.Q-170 wordOur very existence depends on the flora and fauna (plant and animal species) on our planet. What services do we get from ecosystems? Is our life sustainable without these species?Q-170 wordThreatened and Endangered Species (graded)In the upper Midwest and Northern states, the grey wolf was an endangered species. It had been hunted nearly to the point of extinction. Threatened and endangered species exist all over the world. What is the difference between a threatened and endangered species, and are there any examples in your state or country?Q-200 wordUpon completion of this discussion, you will be able to:Explain the importance of recording transactions in the books of account.A journal is used to chronologically record all transactions of a business. These transactions are then posted to the ledger. Consider the steps involved in recording transactions in the books of account and respond to the following:Discuss whether entering a transaction in a journal and posting it again in the ledger involves unnecessary duplication of work.Q-200 wordUpon completion of this discussion, you will be able to:Identify the importance of maintaining a trial balance.A trial balance lists all the accounts and their corresponding balances as on a particular date. It indicates whether an account has a debit or a credit balance. Consider the features of a trial balance and respond to the following:Discuss the importance of preparing a trial balance while entering transactions using a computerized system.Q-300 wordToday’s companies rely on managers to guide the daily process by using human, technological, financial, and other resources to reach company goals. Managers are responsible for developing and carrying out this management process. Remember, a role is a set of behavioral expectations, or a set of activities that a person is expected to perform. Management roles are just these: sets of activities that managers carry out daily.Managers’ roles fall into three basic categories.InformationalInterpersonalDecisionalFor this discussion activity:Select one of the three categories (informational, interpersonal, or decisional) and discuss why it is important to a manager.Explain management processes used in your selected category.Identify the types of managerial responsibilities that would fall into that category.Using an external source (a web resource or the Excelsior College Library), detail characteristics commonly attributed to a management process related to the managerial role you selected.  In response to your colleagues:Discuss any personal experiences you have had with the three categories of management roles. Discuss any similarities or differences to your own perceptions.
discussion by monday

discussion by monday

Question # 00067818 Posted By: neil2103 Updated on: 05/10/2015 04:30 AM Due on: 05/31/2015
Subject Accounting Topic Accounting Tutorials:
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    will take care of themselves. Mt48 Response-70 word Cost of ...
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