...Advance Financial Management Graduate Business Administration 645 CRN: 11046 Building 163 – Room 2032 Winter Quarter 2013 Wednesday: 6:00-8:50 Paul Sarmas www.csupomona.edu/~psarmas CATALOG DESCRIPTION: A seminar course in finance utilizing comprehensive cases to simulate the role of the financial manager. 3 seminar-discussion. Prerequisite: GBA 546, all required 500-level courses, and microcomputer proficiency. Concurrent enrollment in GBA 646. Unconditional standing requirement. EXPANDED DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE AND INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS: A. Expanded Description of the Course: This course reinforces the basic concepts of financial management. The course provides an in-depth discussion of key topics that are critical to financial management: (1) the goals of the firms, (2) financial statement analysis, planning, and forecasting, (3) working capital policy and management, (4) capital budgeting techniques without and with risk, (5) capital structure theory and application, (5) the cost of capital estimation, and (6) long-term financing decisions. In addition, the course examines issues such as lease financing, merger and acquisition, and international financial management. B. Instructional Methods: The delivery system throughout this course will be a combination of class discussion and case analysis. The case analysis will be both in a written format and oral presentation. The amount of lecture will be limited to detailed coverage of concepts...
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...Journal of Case Research in Business and Economics Application of Six-Sigma in finance: a case study A. Ansari Seattle University Diane Lockwood Seattle University Emil Thies Zayed University Batoul Modarress Zayed University Jessie Nino Seattle University ABSTRACT In recent years, companies have begun using Six Sigma Methodology to reduce errors, excessive cycle times, inefficient processes, and cost overruns related to financial reporting systems. This paper presents a case study to illustrate the application of Six Sigma Methodology within a finance department. Specifically, the case relates to the Continuing Account Reconciliation Enhancement project undertaken by the finance department of a major U.S. defense contractor. The goal of the project was to streamline and standardize the establishment and maintenance of costing and planning for all business activities within the current financial management process. The Six Sigma implementation resulted in a significant reduction in the average cycle time and cost, per unit of activity, needed to produce the required financial reports. Key Words: Six Sigma, Process Management, Quality Management, Finance Application of Six-Sigma, Page 1 Journal of Case Research in Business and Economics INTRODUCTION In 1987, Motorola developed and organized the Six Sigma process improvement Methodology to achieve “world-class” performance, quality, and total customer satisfaction. Since that time, at least 25% of the Fortune 200, including...
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...302 Professor Ashley Harper November 7, 2014 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN GAAP AND IFRS 2 Both the IFRS ( International Financial Reporting Standards ) and the GAAP ( Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ) are a set of accounting rules that companies either can or must follow when preparing their financial statements. Set by policy boards, the United States enforces the use of GAAP as the set of rules of processes and standards that its companies must use for reporting and recording of their financial statements. At the same, other parts of the words use the IFRS as their set of rules for companies to follow. This IFRS set of rules were developed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Due to this, the world has been talking about combining the two standards into one globalized set of accounting standards that will comprise of both standards. The object of this would be to have the world recognize one set of globalized set of accounting practices. There are some differences that the US should be aware of before the convergence between the two ever takes place. Some of the major differences between GAAP and IFRS revolve around grants to employees, vesting, modifications, tax withholding, inventory differences, revenues and expenses, required financial documents, assets and liabilities, gains and losses, and comprehensive income. One of the key differences between the two sets of standards is when...
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...Running Head: Financial Concepts in Rodolfo Furniture Store Scenario Financial Concepts in Rodolfo Furniture Store Scenario: Discussion and Explanation Writer’s Name Course Name, Semester No, Class Level Supervisor Name September 11, 2009 Abstract Rodolfo's Furniture Store Scenario provides the expedient case study for studying the concept of financial principle in the competitive economic environment. The current paper discusses the approach of financial management with correct application of ideas to create value and economic efficiency through analysis of financial transactions to establish the position of Rodolfo in market. Cost Relationships and Behaviors to Supplement Decision-Making Prerogatives for the Manager Financial principles, financial markets, and business ethics form a foundation for the financial decisions that managers routinely make. Rodolfo’s case study shows that the arrival of new competitor from oversees have put unexpected challenges on the financial condition of the company. The principles of finance describe typical behavior in financial transactions and provide guidance for decision making in the case of Rodolfo. Competitors have advantage of applying the new technology to produce customized product with precise measurement to meet the demands of customer. Rodolfo is also seeing the issue of rise in labor cost due to economic prosperity of the city. Since financial self-interest guides rational decision making, Rodolfo has...
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...Capital Budgeting Techniques | | GLOSSARY Capital Budget: (1) The amount of money set aside for the purchase of fixed assets (e.g., equipment, buildings, etc.). Also, (2) a request for authorization to purchase new fixed assets. Mutually Exclusive Proposals: Consideration of two or more assets that perform the same function. If one is chosen for purchase, the others are automatically rejected. Profitability Index: A ratio of the present value of the benefits (PVB) to the present value of the costs (PVC). The index is used instead of Net Present Value (i.e., PVB - PVC) when evaluating mutually exclusive proposals that have different costs. As the picture above illustrates, the capital budgeting decision may be thought of as a cost-benefit analysis. We are asking a very simple question: "If I purchase this fixed asset, will the benefits to the company be greater than the cost of the asset?" In essence, we are placing the cash inflows and outflows on a scale (similar to the one above) to see which is greater. A complicating factor is that the inflows and outflows may not be comparable: cash outflows (costs) are typically concentrated at the time of the purchase, while cash inflows (benefits) may be spread over many years. The time value of money principle states that dollars today are not the same as dollars in the future (because we would all prefer possessing dollars today to receiving the same amount of dollars in the future). Therefore, before we can place...
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...d) e) f) g) Question 2 : For professional accountants in public practice, what are the circumstances that are likely to pose a conflict of interest with the client? Conflict of interest often arises in situation when a professional accountant in public practice competes directly with the client or is in business relationship with a major competitor of the client. Conflict of interest is also likely to arise when a professional accountant performs services for clients who are in dispute with each other or whose interests are in conflict. Question 3 : For each of the following situations, discuss whether it creates a threat to professional independence. What safeguards would you suggest? a) Heng, a sole proprietor in public practice, plans to establish a separate department that will provide internal audit services to her audit clients. Heng is a sole proprietor and this means he shall not have large capital base to reject clients nor does he has adequate staff force to rotate...
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...MODULE 1, ASSIGNMENT 3 September 12, 2013 Topics: Performance Management, Financial Management and Financial Reporting Overview In this assignment, candidates get a chance to apply all the steps except for steps 6 and 9 in the Steps for Approaching Business and Corporate Strategy to a small business case. As mentioned previously, these steps provide candidates with a systematic approach for addressing a case involving business-level strategic issues. Applying this approach effectively is one of the important competencies that candidates will learn in the CMA Canada Professional Programs. The starting point for solving a business problem is to analyze the current situation and identify the problems that need to be addressed. A major component of the situational analysis is to take a close look at the environments within which an organization finds itself. One of the methods commonly used in such an environmental analysis is “SWOT” (an acronym for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats), which considers the strengths and weaknesses in the internal environment as well as the opportunities and threats in the external environment. Candidates can refer to the required reading Situational Analysis Tools mentioned below for more information on how to go about doing a SWOT analysis. The next major step is to identify the issues and analyze various alternatives for addressing the major issues. In this case, a shortage of available cash is a major issue and needs to be addressed...
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...AUO1 – Auditing and Information Systems Additional Study Questions Accounting Information Systems Competency 302.1.1: Nature and Purpose The student understands the nature and purpose of information systems. * What is the difference between transaction processing systems, management information systems, and decision support systems? Transaction processing systems - document financial activities Management information systems - used to collect qualitative as well as quantitative information for decision making within organizations Decision support systems - help the developers of an AIS identify what information they need for their planning, decision making, and control functions * How is a flowchart used? A document flowchart traces the physical flow of documents through an organization—that is, the flow of documents from the departments, groups, or individuals who first created them to their final destinations. * How is the accounting information system documented? An accounting information system is a collection of data and processing procedures that creates needed information for its users. An information system's components: Data or information is input, processed, and output as information for planning, decision-making, and control purposes. Nine reasons to document an AIS are (1) to explain how the system works, (2) to train others, (3) to help developers design new systems, (4) to control system development and maintenance costs, (5) to standardize...
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...Chapter 5 1. State several factors that have affected the incidence of lawsuits against CPAs in recent years. a. “Growing awareness of the responsibilities of public accountants by the users of financial statements. b. An increased consciousness on the part of the SEC for its responsibility for protecting investors’ interested c. The complexity of auditing and accounting functions caused by the increasing size of businesses, the globalization of business, and the complexities of business operations d. The tendency of society to accept lawsuits by injured parties against anyone who might be able to provide compensation, regardless of who was at fault, coupled with the joint and several liability doctrine e. Large civil court judgments against CPA firms awarded in a few cases, encouraging attorneys to provide legal services on a contingent-fee basis, which offers the injured party a potential gain when the suit is successful, but minimal losses when it is not. f. Many CPA firms being willing to settle legal problems out of court in an attempt to avoid costly legal fees and adverse publicity, rather than pursuing resolution through the judicial process g. The difficulty judges and jurors have understanding and interpreting technical accounting and auditing matters.” (Arens, Elder, & Beasley, 2012) 10. Compare and contrast traditional auditors’ legal responsibilities to clients and third-party users under common law. How...
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...Ashley Richardson 11/15/2013 Western Governors University AUO1 – Auditing and Information Systems Additional Study Questions/ Study Guide 1. Accounting Information Systems Competency 302.1.1: Nature and Purpose The student understands the nature and purpose of information systems. * What is the difference between transaction processing systems, management information systems, and decision support systems? 2. Transaction processing systems - document financial activities 3. Management information systems - used to collect qualitative as well as quantitative information for decision making within organizations 4. Decision support systems - help the developers of an AIS identify what information they need for their planning, decision making, and control functions * How is a flowchart used? 5. A document flowchart traces the physical flow of documents through an organization—that is, the flow of documents from the departments, groups, or individuals who first created them to their final destinations. * How is the accounting information system documented? 6. An accounting information system is a collection of data and processing procedures that creates needed information for its users. An information system's components: Data or information is input, processed, and output as information for planning, decision-making, and control purposes. 1. Data flow diagrams provide both a physical and a logical view of a system...
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...objectives of this report are to how much we understand that big company’s activities, analysis organisations, and accomplishment of the goals. This report examines Guinness Peat Group plc (GPG)’s activities such as planning for organisation, controlling, structure, and delegation etc. Guinness Peat Group (GPG) is an investment holding company that focuses on various sectors including financial services, textiles, food processing, motor vehicle distribution, building services, property development, and food and produce distribution. About half of its holdings are in Australia and New Zealand, with the rest in Asia, Europe, and the US. Portfolio companies include UK-based thread manufacturer Coats Holdings, New Zealand produce wholesaler Turners & Growers, and residential property developer CIC Australia. In the end of 2010, total number of employees was 23,386, revenue was $2,089.3M, and net profit came to $70.7M. It was requested by Jimmy 1. Explain the importance of planning for this organisation. Planning involves setting the organisation’s goals, establishing a strategy for achieving these goals, and developing a comprehensive set of plans to integrate and coordinate organisational work. According to annual report 2010, GPG (Guinness Peat Group...
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...needs someone to be in charge of day to day activities that is going to be responsible for decision making, planning, controlling, directing personnel, outlining organization structure and will be responsible for taking strategies in competitive advantages. In today’s business environment, corporate organizations need to take every advantage they can to remain competitive due to highly increasing competition in the market, i.e. electronics commerce ( e-commerce) and introduction of new technology day by day. Customers need specialized products and service and accurate information convening product they are purchasing, product availability, order status, delivering time. Shareholders expect greater value from their investment and accurate information of the financial status of the company. This new competitive environment requires companies ability to create value for their customers and to differentiate themselves from their competitors through the formulation of clear business strategy. In today's business environment, knowledge is power so business strategy must be supported by appropriate organizational factors such as accounting information systems, organizational design and effective manufacturing process Management Accounting deals with provision of information inside the company - that is, the process of identifying, measuring and forecasting, analyzing, interpreting, an communicatinginformation for the pursuit of an organization's goals. Business Environment,...
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...CHAPTER 1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING I. Introduction As professionals, CPAs perform an essential role in society. They are responsible to all those who use their professional services. They also have a continuing responsibility to improve the art of accounting, maintain the public’s confidence, and carry out the profession’s special responsibilities for self-governance. However, the role of a CPA in helping businesses come up with a good and effective decision-making is said to be one of the important responsibilities of a CPA. The many traditional roles of a CPA in assisting businesses take on even greater importance in a volatile economic environment. CPAs are relied upon so much because of not only their keen analytical and decision-making skills but also their objectivity, integrity and dedication to service. Many CPAs provide services well beyond accounting, auditing and reporting. The consumer often expects a CPA to be proficient at many specializations, even those just indirectly related to the traditional role of an accountant. The CPA's role has been quickly expanding, and one leading CPA proposed that the term CPA more appropriately stand for Certified Professional Advisor. (www.picpa.org) A CPA is much more than its definition of Certified Public Accountant. The term certified refers to the licensing to carry on business as a CPA and meeting the standards as promulgated by the American Institute of CPAs and the various state societies...
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...CHAPTER 1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING I. Introduction As professionals, CPAs perform an essential role in society. They are responsible to all those who use their professional services. They also have a continuing responsibility to improve the art of accounting, maintain the public’s confidence, and carry out the profession’s special responsibilities for self-governance. However, the role of a CPA in helping businesses come up with a good and effective decision-making is said to be one of the important responsibilities of a CPA. The many traditional roles of a CPA in assisting businesses take on even greater importance in a volatile economic environment. CPAs are relied upon so much because of not only their keen analytical and decision-making skills but also their objectivity, integrity and dedication to service. Many CPAs provide services well beyond accounting, auditing and reporting. The consumer often expects a CPA to be proficient at many specializations, even those just indirectly related to the traditional role of an accountant. The CPA's role has been quickly expanding, and one leading CPA proposed that the term CPA more appropriately stand for Certified Professional Advisor. (www.picpa.org) A CPA is much more than its definition of Certified Public Accountant. The term certified refers to the licensing to carry on business as a CPA and meeting the standards as promulgated by the American Institute of CPAs and the various state societies...
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...and owners’ equity items in an entity. The accounting process is the identifying, measuring and communicating of economic information about an entity to a variety of users for decision-making purposes. The first component of the process is the identification of business transactions which are then measured and communicated to the different users of financial reports. Business transactions for a mobile phone distributor include the following: 1. The contribution of capital by the owner to commence the business. This transaction would increase cash (asset) and increase capital (equity). 2. The purchase of inventory (mobile phones) on credit. This transaction would increase inventory (asset) and increase creditor (liability). 3. The payment of office rent. This transaction would decrease cash (asset) and decrease profit (equity). 4. The purchase of office equipment for cash. This transaction would increase office equipment (asset) and decrease cash (asset). 5. Withdrawal of business funds by owner. This transaction would decrease cash (asset) and increase drawings/decrease capital (equity). 1.2 Differentiate between financial and management accounting. Give an example of how management...
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