Capacity Management in Business

The Impact of the Eighteenth Century Books essays

The Impact of the Eighteenth Century Books essays Since the nineteenth century, the world had been changing really fast. As we have made dramatic progress in the science technology, the quality of life has been changed rapidly. However, those improvements of our lives have made us lazy to do anything because today our lives are flooded with the articles or goods. It is said since then that now we live in the hedonistic and materialistic culture. Living in those cultures, people do not need to care or worry about anything, and I think people dismiss from their minds to live together in peace because people tend to place a special emphasis more on the articles than on other people. As we start living in the hedonistic and materialistic culture, we have lost the value of the moral sense. Even now, it is worth to read and study a eighteenth century book, like Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, because it reminds us of the moral standards dismissed from todays our lives. I think many people who make a success of life today are influences by the eighteenth century books. Recently I have read the books about empirical and successful philosophy, such as Andrew Carnegie and Napoleon Hill. What they said in a book is really similar to what the eighteenth century books said. Both book claim that the moral standard is necessary to make a success of life or to obtain happiness in the course of life. Although many people want to make a success of life or obtain happiness, they tend not to practice the moral standards of old fashioned values. In the hedonistic and materialistic culture, our societies have been brimming over with insincere attitude, falsehood, hatred, envy, and jealousy. This is a reason why the moral sense of old fashioned values has been lost in our societies. However, anybody can change oneself or ones mind; I think the eighteen century books were written about the moral sense because of the Enlightenment. Especially, the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin has inf...

Interview reflection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Interview reflection - Essay Example Indeed, a calm disposition is an edge over this kind of activity. The question that asked candidates about qualities that commands respect in the classroom was full of insight. First, the personality of the person answering the question would be revealed. If â€Å"grades† were the answer , that reveals the person’s belief in positive or negative reinforcement. Another question that reveals the candidate’s belief is the one that inquires about the stating the goals of a school principal. This clearly shows what the person thinks or believes are the needs of the educational system according to his own perspective. Actually, almost all of the questions were very thought-provoking that required students to practice critical thinking skills and some ethics. The interview activity should always be a part of the class requirements. The activity helps students to understand themselves better and prepare them for real scenarios in the future. Applying concepts learned in the class and communicating them well to other people is a plus factor in one’s

Web-Based E-Compensation Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Web-Based E-Compensation - Research Paper Example They can conduct salary surveys, which they can use for requesting salary changes by using e-compensation software tool. Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Web-Based Compensation Tool versus a Client-Server Based System One of the benefits of using the web-based tool are that the computerized approach replaces tiresome manual procedure; hence making any reimbursement program very easier to administer and it is virtually free of error. Secondly, this system does not require installation and any updates; thus saving a lot of time for managers. The web-based compensation can be accessed from anywhere using the Internet connections and the standard browser; thus saving time for managers. The data for this tool can be stored remotely and it takes a little disk space. On the other hand, client-server based would require a manager to manager to maintain, implement, and formulate policies, as well as, processes for maintaining the security and integrity of the server or the client datab ase by resolving any database problems. However, one of the drawbacks with web-based compensation tool is that of the poor user experience due to performance challenges and browser constraints. Secondly, the remote server can be compromised and this is a disadvantage because private information can be disclosed easily to another party. Moreover, the web-based compensation tool requires Internet connections and this can be a limitation since lack of Internet connection can hinder the server from accessing information. Even though access to the Internet connections is increasing, it is still not everywhere; thus it may hinder server form easy access to information. On the other hand, in case of the client-server based, the client-server requires the user to be on the local network because the software is accessed through using the local network. The business entity has to invest in a remote for better access such as having PC everywhere in order to enable the user to access the softwa re. Lastly, accessing the software by using the local network connections is imperative because it can create a realistically swift response and self-sufficiency from the Internet. In my opinion, the client-server based or stand-alone PC-based system would be the most effective for offering the most value to stakeholders in an organization because of varied reasons. One of them is that this tool offers high security to the server; thus employing it in an organization can enable stakeholders to access their private information effectively. Secondly, the client-server based provides set-ups and can be altered without disturbing the clients; hence, it is an effective system for offering valuable services to the client. Moreover, the user and the client can share files effectively through web browsing, use of emails or chat rooms, and lastly, client-server is typically desktops, which are less costly because they can enable the stakeholder to access information even from remote areas as long one is connected to the local network.

Empowering through a Self-Sufficiency Strategy Essay

Empowering through a Self-Sufficiency Strategy - Essay Example To overcome the difficulties faced by the tsunami, all NGO's working in that area contributed a lot. Their activities were focussed in areas like physical well being of the victims akin to food clothing and shelter, mental aspects relating to sense of security, reinstating relationships and the economic side comprising of funds as well as resources required for daily life. The initial response of NGO's was to supply materials like food, clothing, napkins etc. More over they also concentrated in the removal of debris, dead bodies of humans and animals. Besides these activities, other services like ensuring clean drinking water, community medical camps, immunization programmes, trauma counselling etc was also done (Arnold.J.P.S. 2005). The devastation caused by the tsunami in the coastal regions has created a new challenge for NGO's working in that area, particularly in the field of water purification. To face the challenging situation NGO's have developed and installed equipments in t he region. (Asian Tsunami concentrates minds around the world. 2006.) The civil wars taking place in Afghanistan and Iraq has increased the misery of the common man living there. During the latter half of the year 2005 many natural disasters occurred in different parts of the world. Large scale of destruction has occurred. The most important effect of war on the society is the destruction of the victim's social environment, their natural living instincts and history as well as identity of their cultures (Zwi.A.B 2000 July 22). The roles that various NGO's play in Iraq are vital. At present they have tailored to the present situation of mistrust, doubt etc. NGO's have adopted the coordination mechanism which helps to locate the needy as well as to understand the situation. To cater to the present needs, NGO's have triggered the field related emergency arrangements. Due to the crisis in Iraq over 8 million people are in need for humanitarian aid. This situation has arisen due to a number of causes like corrupted basic services, failure of finding livelihoods, and uncontrolled price rises. The sadder side of Iraq is that the government and other agencies have a limited role to solve the crisis because of the lack of chance to contact the population. (NGOs Coordination Committee in Iraq. 2007). During the rehabilitation process of the Afghan war, funds around 35 million were distributed for developing the health services sector. NGO's working in the health sector of Afghanistan has brought significant changes and success in the area. Preparation of separate waiting room for female patients and a completely renovated delivery room accompanied by a neo natal ward equipped with modern equipments were also established. For the disposals of clinical waste, pits were dug up and steel and brick furnaces were constructed. NGO"s has also appointed their own staff for monitoring these activities also. (A Formula for Success in Afghanistan) The dangerous war fields of Congo, Sudan and Uganda in Africa are among the most dangerous places to live in. this fact was published by a poll conducted by Reuters. The most affected are children and woman who always find themselves in the receiving end. (Rowling.M. 7-7-2006) Rowling.M. 7-7-2006. The world's 10 worst child danger spots. According to

Internal Control Over Fixed Assets Accounting Essay

Internal Control Over Fixed Assets Accounting Essay Maintaining control over plant and equipment: subsidiary ledgers Unless internal controls over plant and equipment are carefully designed many units of equipment are likely to be broken, discarded or stolen without any entry being made in the accounting records for their disposal. The assets accounts will then be overstated and depreciation programs for such missing unites of equipment will presumably continue. Consequently net income will be misstated because of the omission of losses on retirement of plant assets and because of erroneous depreciation charges. One important control devise which guards against failure to record the retirement of assets is the use of controlling accounts and subsidiary ledgers for plant and equipment. The general ledger ordinarily contains a serpent assets account and related depreciation accounts for each major classification of plant assets, such as land, buildings ,office equipment and deal very equipment. For example the general ledger will contain the account office equipment and also the related accounts depreciation expense: office equipment and accumulated deportation: office equipment, the general ledger account, office equipment, contains entries for a variety of items: typewriters, filing cabinets , dicta phones, desks, etc It is not possible in this one general account to maintain adequate information concerning the cost of each item, its estimated useful life, book value, insured value, and other date which may be needed by management as a basis for decisions on such issues a replacement, insura nce and taxation. A subsidiary ledger should therefore be established for office equipment, and for each of the other general ledger accounts which represents many separate units of plant property. The subsidiary ledger in a manual accounting system may consist of a card life, with a separate card of each unit of property, such as a typewriter or desk. Each card shows the name of the asset, identification number, and such as details as date of acquisition, cost, useful life, depreciation, accumulated depreciation, insurance coverage, repair, and gain or loss on disposal. The general ledger account, Office Equipment, serves as a control; the balance of this controlling account is equal to the total cost of the items in the subsidiary ledger for office equipment, The general ledger account, Accumulated Depreciation: Office Equipment, is also a controlling account; its balance is equal to the total of the accumulated depreciation shown on all the cards in the office equipment ledger. Every acquisition of office equipment is entered in the controlling account and also on a card in the subsidiary ledger . Similarly , every disposal of an item of office equipment is entered in both be controlling account and the subsidiary ledger. Each card in a subsidiary ledger for plant and equipment shows an identification number which should also appear in the form of metal tag attached to the asset itself. Consequently, a physical inventory of plant and equipment can be taken and will prove whether all units of equipment shown by the records are actually on hand and being used in operations. Other advantages afforded by a plant and equipment ledger are the ready availability of information for the periodic computation of depreciation, and for entries to record the disposal of individual items of property. A better basis is also available for supporting the date in tax return, for obtaining proper insurance coverage , and for supporting claims for losses sustained on insured property. In well managed companies , it is standard practice to control expenditures for plant and equipment by preparing a budget of all planned acquisitions for at least a year in advance. A first essential to the preparation of such a budget is a detailed record showing the assets presently owned, their cost, age , and remaining useful life. Plant and equipment: Transactions that change the amount of investment in the plant and equipment of a business have a tendency to occur infrequently and to involve relatively large amount Current assets, on the other hand , are in more or less fluid state, undergoing smaller changes constantly. Although a companys methods of internal accounting control generally apply to all transactions, whether they relate to current assets or to plant and equipment . the auditing procedures differ for the two groups. In auditing current assets at the balance sheet date, the auditor is concerned with the balance on hand. changes that occurred during the year are not substantiated in detail except in audits designed as complete audits, With plant and equipment , the auditor is concerned with all changes that took place during the audit period regardless of the type of audit that is being performed ALL of any substantial amount that either increase or decrease the value of such assets must be examined. LAND: Land used in the operation of a business should be recorded separately from land acquired as an investment or speculation. Procedures in accounting for the two types of land differ considerably. Land held for business use appears on the balance sheet as a part of plant and equipment, and expenses associated with it are operating expense, whereas land acquired as an investment is classified with other investment assets, and applicable expense sometimes are capitalized, they are treated as non operating or financial expenses. Land acquired for use in the operation of a business should always be recorded separately from the building that may be located thereon. The principal reason for this is that the buildings are subject to depreciation, which must be treated as an operating cost, while it is not customary to take into consideration any depreciation on land in ascertaining the operating costs of a business. In cases where an auditor finds land and building recorded in a single real estate account , he should recommend a segregation of the land and buildings with a specific value on each. This will facilitate the computation of depreciation of building apart from the land. Land is, in a sense, the most permanent asset of a business, the auditor should ascertain that the land account is charged with(1) the original cost,(2) the expenses incident to the purchase, such as a cost of investigating the title, recording the deed, commissions paid, and any other expenses that represent an addition to the purchase price and(3) the cost of subsequent improvements that increase the value of the land, such as draining, grading, building approaches, assessments for sewers, and treat improvements. Not infrequently. Assessments for improvements charged off as current operating expenses. Such costs, however, should be charged to the land account. When land is sold. The land account should be credited with the cost price, while the difference between the cost and the selling price should be recorded separately as a loss or a gain. Under this procedure the balance of the land account will always represent the original cost plus the cost of improvements of the land owned. Vehicles: Every organization that has vehicles must have a vehicle politics. This will write down the policy on a range of cases such as: Insurance Depreciation Repair and Maintenance Purchasing, disposal and replacement Private usage of it by staff What needs to be done when an accident happen Driver training and qualifications Carrying the passengers The costs of replacement and repair must be good in the budget procedure. For every vehicle there must be a record of journeys so that the operation costs per Km can be evaluated and private use closely monitored. Buying fuel for cash is risky, and it might be safer to establish an account with a reputable fuel company and pay every month by check instead Buildings: Buildings may be acquired through the purchase of real estate in which case separate values should be placed upon the buildings and land, the basis of the valuation being cost. In the preparation of annual should be valued at cost plus addition and Improvements less the depreciation. For balance sheet purposes, the buildings are generally listed at cost with the allowance for depreciation being deducted. The difference is extended as the book value of the buildings. Occasionally they question arises whether the accounts for buildings, as will as land and other types of plant and equipment should be marked up from the basis of cost to a higher current value determined by an appraisal. In the audit of the buildings account the auditor should prepare working papers in which different buildings are segregated. These working papers should show the book values at the beginning of the period under audit the cost of additions or deductions during the period. These beginning and ending balance should be checked with the amount of the building and ending balance on the balance sheet as both dates and should be in agreement with the account on the books. If the subsidiary building ledger is maintained it should be compared with the controlling account in the general ledger to see that they agree . all additions and deductions during the period should be carefully examined to be sure that they have been properly accounted for, due care being used to disting uish between capital and revenue expenditure. AUDIT OBJECTIVES Audit procedures to be followed when examining plant and equipment records are designed to acquaint the auditor with the recording methods used. To assure him that the claim of ownership is valid, and to assist him in determining that the assets do in fact exist and that the provisions for depreciation are adequate but not excessive. they also help in determining that internal accounting control is adequate that property accounts show consistent treatment of properly capitalizable items, hat no significant additions to properties have been charged to income, and that proper retirements and replacements. Elements of Internal Control over fixed assets Fixed Assets are sometimes referred to as Property, Plant and Equipment (PPE) and the terms are used interchangeably. In many companies the following elements of Internal Control over PPE are considered and performed according to standard guidelines: Approval process for Capital Expenditures (Capex) Determination whether planned expenditure is capitalized or expensed Purchasing and Accounts Payable systems are correctly applied If capitalized, appropriate useful life and salvage value determined Correct depreciation expense is calculated and applied each period Property tax reports filed with tax jurisdictions Insurance coverage relates directly to asset exposure However, there is one critical element of Internal Control that often is missed. This involves periodically checking that the information shown in the property record system corresponds to the actual assets reported to be there. To put this into perspective, a company may have a very good system of invoicing and accounts receivable, but it is still necessary to confirm that outstanding balances as part of the required annual audit. One well known aspect of this is the verification of ageing debts in the A/R ledger to confirm their collect ability. Similarly, with inventory (raw material, work in process and finished goods), for the past 70 years companies have been required to perform a physical count and valuation at least once a year. Further, auditors are required to monitor closely the inventory taking and pricing. In the case of perpetual inventory systems, periodic sample testing is required, again with external auditor input. After the reconciliation of receivables and inventory, adjusting entries must be made to bring the accounting records into agreement with the underlying assets. It is equally necessary that the same kind of reconciliation of reported balances to actual physical assets is in place because for many companies, PPE may represent 35% or more of total assets. Without a periodic reconciliation, the property record system will lose accuracy as items are scrapped or enhanced. If a reconciliation is performed and adjusting entries made, however, the resultant asset category totals have been verified. Managem ent can then sign with confidence the Section 404 certification its assertion that there is a system of Internal Controls and that the system is working properly. The Assets Register An Assets registry should be established with a record sheet or an entry for each asset. Each asset must be given a unique ref number for identification goals. The register will include information about when and where the item was purchased; how much its insured for; how much it cost; repair history; ref number, serial numbers and details of guarantees and warranties. It may also contain information on depreciation, if it is pertinent. The entry should state where the item held and who is responsible for its security and maintenance. The Assets Register must be checked by a committee member and senior manager each quarter or any discrepancies reported and take the appropriate action. Internal Control of Fixed Assets: A Controller and Auditors Guide: What are standard fixed asset control procedures? Tagging & labeling of assets assets are labeled or tagged so that they can be easily identified & their ownership established I insurance of assets against theft, fire, flood etc.- in most countries, only vehicles are insured. But it is a recommended practice to insure all project assets. In some financing agreements, this is mandatory Physical inventory of assets at regular intervals Log books for vehicles , construction equipment, generators etc. The log book records the details of use of the asset & is usually maintained by the driver or operator. It helps in identifying personal use of project assets. It is also used for calculating fuel consumption Cross referencing of financial & fixed asset records done to avoid payment to supplier before assets are recorded in the FAR. For internal control purposes it is vital to reconcile the financial accounting records with fixed asset records Note: In some countries, it is the Government Policy to only insure vehicles. Auditingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ second editionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦..silvoso. bauer**** ****Accounting the basis for business decisionsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.fifth editionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ walter B. meigs and Robert F. meigs.

Hamlet and His Home Essay examples -- William Shakespeare Hamlet Essay

Hamlet and His Home Hamlet begins at the open mouth of the Void. Barnardo and Francisco call out to each other and into darkness; they stand atop a guard platform that is naked to the open air and to the night. Every character's entrance is marked by a series of interrogatives, as characters already on stage try to ascertain the identity of those who are newly arrived and yet unseen. Darkness isolates these men from each other as they stand on the edge of civilization, the place where the solid stones of Elsinore castle open up into the world of night and the supernatural. The nature of the ghost remains debatable: Horatio has initially insisted that the guards' delusions have conjured the phantom (1.1.21), and, even accepting the reality of the apparition, Catholic teaching (ghosts are spirits of the dead coming up from purgatory) and Protestant doctrine (all ghostly apparitions are demons in disguise) hold divergent opinions on the nature and source of phantoms (Garber 12/15). The men have gather ed together on the guard platform, which has become a kind of stage within a stage. They have come to see a visitor who is a creature of hallucination, purgatory, or hell. This ghost is coming out of the open maw of night above and around the platform; what is known clings to the battlements, and all else in existence hails from the empty, the unknown, the imagined, the demonic. When Barnardo reports to Marcellus, "I have seen nothing" (1.1.20), the word "nothing" takes on a number of meanings. He has not seen the apparition; gazing out into the dark, he has barely seen anything at all. But "seeing" is still phrased in the positive, and so "nothing" becomes something to see. It is more than absence: emptiness itself exists as an ... ...st famous moments deal with a nothing that is the absence of what is known: as Hamlet asks what it would be not to be, the ultimate opaqueness of death is fearsome enough to make him go on living. It is too much for the prince to stare Nothing in the face. Later, in the play's most famous tableau, Hamlet literally stares at an embodiment of Nothing as he holds Yorick's skull. The skull's eye sockets are without subjectivity, empty of their tenant organs and the mind that saw through them; they contain, in a word, "nothing." But from their hollows something maddeningly elusive stares back: simultaneously a presence and an absence, as haunting as Hamlet's own dead father, and opaque as the darkness that envelopes Elsinore. Part of the play's power is in this substantive "nothing," a portal of slippage that relentlessly destabilizes what is known and what is knowable.