Hayley Wicks
ACCT 540
Week 5 Assignment

The Sample Brief Memorandum in the back of our text is an excellent example of combing everything we have learned so far in this course with regards to content, but it lacks proper APA format when using in-text citations, and it does not include a works cited. It is evident in this memorandum that the research process was performed efficiently and effectively, and fully progressed through the steps of determining the relevant facts, identifying the research problem, conducting research questions, identifying the key terms on which to gather data, and finally organizing the research to propose a conclusion. In addition, the author of the memo makes references to authoritative sources and uses the plain English described by the SEC when explaining his or her findings from the research process. The author of the sample memorandum states the relevant facts related to the research topic at the very beginning of the memorandum. I find the most significant fact to be the fact that Sony’s financial statements did not disclose the losses from Sony Pictures. The facts stated help the reader to identify the problems related to this topic. Namely, the problems that need to be addressed include misrepresentations of goodwill, and financial statement disclosures for different segments. Once the problems are understood, the researcher can proceed to ask the research questions that will lead him or her to a solution. Based on the issue regarding goodwill, the author of this memo inquires if an annual write-down is necessary according to FAS 142. Also, the author questions the need for financial statement disclosures of two separate segments. After the research questions are developed, the researcher should identify key terms in order to help narrow the scope of the research process. It is evident that the author of the sample