Management Accounting and Management Decisions Essay Example

Management Accounting and Management Decisions Essay Management Accounting, Cdn. 6e (Horngren/Sundem/Stratton/Beaulieu) Chapter 1 Management Accounting and Management Decisions 1) Both internal managers and external parties use accounting information. Answer: TRUE Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 2) Internal accounting reports must follow generally accepted accounting principles and account for assets at historical cost. Answer: FALSE Diff: 2 Type: TF Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 3) Organizations that do not make or sell tangible goods are called service organizations. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 7 Objective: 3 4) The cost-benefit balance is the primary consideration in choosing among accounting systems and methods. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 2 Objective: 3 5) Planning refers to setting objectives, implementing plans, and evaluating objectives. Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 6) A budget is a quantitative expression of a plan of action. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 2 Objective: 3 7) Management by exception involves a detailed analysis of all deviations from planned performance regardless of the amount. Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 2 Objective: 3 8) Sales growth occurs in the mature market stage of product life cycle. Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 9) Line authority is authority exerted downward over subordinates. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 10) Line departments support or service staff departments. Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 11) According to the Financial Executives Institute, the controllers function is to obtain both short-term and long-term loans. We will write a custom essay sample on Management Accounting and Management Decisions specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Management Accounting and Management Decisions specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Management Accounting and Management Decisions specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 14 12) The CMA program focuses on management accounting and its role in Canadian business. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 13) The factors causing changes in management accounting today include increased global competition, technological advances and increased production by Canadian companies. Answer: FALSE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 14) The essence of the just-in-time philosophy is to eliminate waste. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 5) The Society of Management Accountants of Canada (SMAC) has developed standards of ethical conduct for management accountants, which include standards of competence, confidentiality, integrity and objectivity. Answer: TRUE Diff: 1 Type: TF Page Ref: 20 Objective: 9 16) A survey of managers selected which of the following business areas as the most common starting-point for future managers? A) Accounting. B) Finance. C) Legal environment of business. D) Computers in business. Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 2 Objective: 1 17) Management accounting refers to accounting information developed for A) shareholders. B) governmental authorities. C) managers within an organization. D) loan officers. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 18) ________ is a formal mechanism for gathering, organizing, and communicating information about an organizations activities. A) An accounting system B) Scorekeeping C) Management accounting D) Attention directing Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 19) ________ refers to accounting information developed for users within an organization. A) An accounting system B) Scorekeeping C) Management accounting D) Financial accounting Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 20) ________ is the accumulation and classification of data. A) An accounting system B) Scorekeeping C) Management accounting D) Attention directing Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 21) ________ means reporting and interpreting information that helps managers to focus on operating problems, imperfections, inefficiencies, and opportunities. A) Scorekeeping B) Attention directing C) Problem-solving D) None of the above Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 2) ________ is the aspect of accounting that quantifies the likely results of possible courses of action and often recommends the best course to follow. A) Scorekeeping B) Attention directing C) Problem-solving D) None of the above Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 23) The codes of conduct for integrity include all of the following EXCEPT A) avoiding actual or apparent conflicts of interest. B) refusing to ad vise or assist with the commission of fraud. C) recognizing and communicating professional limitations. D) communicating information subjectively. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 20 Objective: 9 24) A clerk prepares a monthly report comparing the actual phone bill with the expected phone costs. This activity would be classified as A) problem-solving. B) scorekeeping. C) planning. D) attention directing. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 25) Broad guidelines and detailed practices that together make up accepted accounting practice at a given time are referred to as A) GAAS. B) accounting conventions. C) GAAP. D) Revenue Canada regulations. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 26) Service organizations A) sell tangible goods. B) are not wholesalers. C) are considered manufacturers. D) must be profit-seeking. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 7 Objective: 3 27) A characteristic of service organizations is that A) labour is intensive. B) output is easy to define. C) major inputs and outputs can be stored. D) plant and equipment costs are high in proportion to labour costs. Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 7 Objective: 3 28) The watchword for the installation of systems in service industries and nonprofit organizations is A) maximize. B) simplicity. C) constraints. D) complexity. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 7 Objective: 3 29) Which of the following is a characteristic of both profit-seeking and nonprofit service organizations? A) Labour is intensive. B) Output is usually difficult to define. C) Major inputs and outputs cannot be stored. D) All of the above are characteristics. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 7 Objective: 3 30) Financial accounting is constrained by GAAP. Management accounting is constrained by A) GAAS. B) the cost-benefit balance. C) Revenue Canada. D) the controller. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 1) The primary consideration in choosing among accounting systems and methods is A) simplicity. B) behavioural issues. C) cost-benefit balance. D) computerization. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 32) An accounting system should provide accurate, timely budgets and performance reports in a form useful to A) shareholders. B) bankers. C) Revenue Canada. D) managers. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Pag e Ref: 3 Objective: 2 33) ________ is (are) a quantitative expression(s) of a plan of action. A) A budget B) Performance reports C) Variances D) Management by exception Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 34) ________ provide(s) feedback by comparing results with plans and by highlighting deviations from plans. A) A budget B) Performance reports C) Variances D) Management by exception Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 35) ________ is (are) deviations from plans. A) A budget B) Performance reports C) Variances D) Management by exception Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 36) ________ concentrate(s) on areas that deviate from the plan and ignore(s) areas that are presumed to be running smoothly. A) A budget B) Performance reports C) Variances D) Management by exception Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 37) Launching a new product line is an example of A) decision making. B) planning. C) controlling. D) organization. Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 38) Answering the following questions: When is dinner? Who is cooking it? is an example of A) planning. B) controlling. C) budgeting. D) analyzing. Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 39) Cooking dinner and tasting the food are examples of A) planning. B) controlling. C) budgeting. D) analyzing. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 40) Planning determines action, action generates feedback, and feedback influences A) reports. B) accounting systems. C) further planning. D) deviations. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 41) A quantitative expression of a plan of action is a A) variance. B) performance report. C) control. D) budget. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 42) Actual results are compared to budgeted amounts in a A) performance report. B) financial statement. C) production report. D) flexible report. Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 43) Management by exception means management concentrates on A) significant activities proceeding as planned. B) significant deviations from expected results. C) insignificant activities proceeding as planned. D) insignificant deviations from expected results. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 44) A synonym for deviation is A) planned. B) systematic. C) variance. D) reported. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 45) A significant unfavourable variance A) should be ignored because of materiality. B) could not result from careless budgeting. C) is the result of proper planning. D) should be analyzed, and measures should be taken to correct the situation. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 46) The product development stage in a products life cycle corresponds to A) no sales. B) sales growth. C) stable sales level. D) low and decreasing sales. Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 47) The introduction to market stage in a products life cycle corresponds to A) no sales. B) sales growth. C) stable sales level. D) low and decreasing sales. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 48) The mature market stage in a products life cycle corresponds to A) no sales. B) sales growth. C) stable sales level. D) low and decreasing sales. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 49) The phase-out-of-product stage in a products life cycle corresponds to A) no sales. B) sales growth. C) stable sales level. D) low sales to no sales. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 50) The various stages through which a product passes are called the A) product life cycle. B) production plan. C) market analysis. D) product initiative. Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 51) Product life cycles A) are the same for all products. B) must be considered to effectively plan for production. C) are computerized bicycles. D) have nothing to do with product profitability. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 52) Authority exerted downward over subordinates is referred to as A) line authority. B) staff authority. C) general authority. D) specific authority. Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 53) Authority to advise but NOT command is called A) line authority. B) staff authority. C) general authority. D) specific authority. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 54) An example of a line department at a jewelry manufacturer is the A) accounting department. B) finance department. C) maintenance department. D) sales department. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 55) According to the Financial Executives Institute, one function of controllership is A) investments. B) short-term financing. C) provision of capital. D) reporting and interpreting. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 14 56) The top accounting officer in an organization is often A) the controller. B) the treasurer. C) the CFO. D) the CEO. Answer: A Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 14 57) ________ is mainly concerned with the companys financial matters. A) The controller B) The treasurer C) The secretary D) None of the above Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 14 58) ________ is the designation that provides the greatest orientation toward management accounting. A) CIA B) CMA C) CEO D) CGA Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 14 59) According to the Financial Executives Institute, one function of treasurership is A) planning for control. B) protection of assets. C) investor relations. D) economic appraisal. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 14 Objective: 6 60) Chartered Accountants are A) internal auditors. B) management accountants. C) external auditors. D) clerical accountants. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 61) The largest Canadian association of professional accountants whose major interest is management accounting is the A) Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. B) Certified General Accountants of Canada. C) Government Accounting Institute. D) Society of Management Accountants of Canada. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 62) A philosophy to eliminate waste by reducing the time products spend in the production process and eliminating the time that products spend on activities that do NOT add value is A) computer-integrated manufacturing. B) just-in-time. C) better late than never. D) added value tax. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 63) Systems that use computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing, together with robots and computer-controlled machines are called A) just-in-time systems. B) robotic-computer systems. C) computer-integrated manufacturing systems. D) manufacturing-robotic systems. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 64) Which of the following factors is causing changes in management accounting today? A) Shift from a manufacturing-based to a service-based economy. B) Increased global competition. C) Advances in technology. D) All of the above are factors. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 65) Systems that use CAD and CAM together with robots and computer-controlled machines are called A) JIT. B) CMA. C) CIM. D) none of the above. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 66) Below is a statement from the Code of Professional Ethics for the Society of Management Accountants. Maintain at all times independence of thought and action. It is an example of A) competence. B) confidentiality. C) integrity. D) objectivity. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 20 Objective: 9 67) Management accountants are similar to CAs and CGAs in that they A) give opinions on financial statements. B) are licensed by the Canadian Institute of public accountancy. C) adhere to codes of conduct. D) are independent of the company they work for. Answer: C Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 68) The Society of Management Accountants has adopted a set of standards of professional ethics which includes codes of conduct regarding all of the following EXCEPT A) competence. B) independence. C) integrity. D) confidentiality. Answer: B Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 20 Objective: 9 69) Which of the following individuals would likely NOT be users of management accounting reports? A) company presidents B) university deans C) bankers D) chief physicians Answer: C Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 70) Which of the following statements about management accounting is FALSE? A) It is concerned with how measurements and reports will influence managers daily behaviour. B) It is less sharply defined than financial accounting. C) Its primary users are organizational managers at various levels. D) It is constrained by generally accepted accounting principles. Answer: D Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 71) Which of the following statements about ethical dilemmas faced by management accountants is FALSE? Ethical dilemmas A) are clear-cut. B) involve conflict between two or more ethical standard. C) require individual integrity and judgment. D) require the application of ethical standards. Answer: A Diff: 2 Type: MC Page Ref: 20 Objective: 9 72) Which of the following statements about line authority is TRUE? Line authority A) is similar to staff authority. B) is indirectly related to the basic activities of an organization. C) is exerted upwardly from subordinates. D) includes the authority to command action. Answer: D Diff: 1 Type: MC Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 3) Broad concepts or guidelines and detailed practices, including all conventions, rules, and procedures that together make up accepted accounting practice at a given time. Answer: Generally accepted accounting principles Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 74) The person from whom the controller derives authority to set accounting procedures. Answer: The company president Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 12 75) Weighing known costs against probable benefits, the primary consideration in choosing among accounting systems and methods. Answer: Cost-benefit balance Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 11 Objective: 7 76) A quantitative expression of a plan of action, and an aid to coordinating and implementing the plan. Answer: Budget Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 2 Objective: 2 77) Deviations from plans. Answer: Variances Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 2 Objective: 2 78) Concentrating on areas that deserve attention and ignoring areas that are presumed to be running smoothly. Answer: Management by exception Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 2 Objective: 2 79) Authority exerted downward over subordinates. Answer: Line authority Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 80) Authority to advise but not to command. It may be exerted downward, laterally, or upward. Answer: Staff authority Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 81) The largest Canadian professional organization of accountants whose major interest is management accounting. Answer: Society of Management Accountants Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 82) A philosophy to eliminate waste, by reducing the time products spend in the production process and eliminating the time that products spend on activities that do not add value. Answer: Just-in-time philosophy Diff: 1 Type: SA Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8 83) Describe the major users of accounting information. Answer: In general, users of accounting information fall into three categories: (1) Internal managers who use the information for short-term planning and controlling routine operations. (2) Internal managers who use the information for making nonroutine decisions and formulating overall policies and long-range plans. (3) External parties, such as investors and government authorities, who use the information for making decisions about the company. Diff: 1 Type: ES Page Ref: 2 Objective: 1 4) Explain the cost-benefit and behavioral issues involved in designing an accounting system. Answer: The cost-benefit balance, weighing known costs against probable benefits, is the primary consideration in choosing among accounting systems. The systems value must exceed its cost. In addition, the systems effects on the behaviour of managers should also be considered. The system must provide accurate, timely budgets and performance reports in a form useful to managers. Diff: 1 Type: ES Page Ref: 14 Objective: 7 85) Distinguish between line and staff roles in an organization, and give an example of each. Answer: Line authority is authority exerted downward over subordinates. Staff authority is authority to advise but not to command. It may be exerted downward, laterally, or upward. Line departments are directly responsible for conducting the basic mission of the organization, that is, producing and selling a product or service. Staff departments are indirectly related to these basic activities through servicing and supporting the line departments. An example of a line role would be the sales executives, whereas a staff role would include the top accounting executive. Diff: 1 Type: ES Page Ref: 12 Objective: 5 86) Contrast the functions of controllers and treasurers. Answer: The treasurer is concerned mainly with the companys financial matters such as investor relations, provision of capital, short-term financing, credits and collections, and banking. The controller is concerned with operating matters such as reporting and interpreting, evaluating and consulting, tax administration, government reporting, and protection of assets. Diff: 1 Type: ES Page Ref: 1 87) Explain a management accountants ethical responsibilities. Answer: A certified management accountant must adhere to a code of conduct regarding competence, confidentiality, integrity, and objectivity developed by the Society of Management Accountants. An unethical act is one that violates the ethical standards of the profession. Management accountants have an obligation to the organizations they serve, their profession, the public, and themselves to maintain the highest standards of ethical conduct. Diff: 1 Type: ES Page Ref: 20 Objective: 9 88) Explain the role of budgets and performance reports in planning and control. Answer: Budgets and performance reports are essential tools for planning and control. Budgets result from the planning process. Managers use them to translate the organizations goals into action. A performance report compares actual results to the budget. Managers use these reports to monitor, evaluate, and reward performance and, thus, exercise control. Diff: 3 Type: ES Page Ref: 3 Objective: 2 89) Discuss the role that management accountants play in the companys value-chain functions. Answer: Management accountants play a key role in planning and control. Throughout the companys value chain, management accountants gather and report cost and revenue information for decision makers. Diff: 2 Type: ES Page Ref: 9 Objective: 4 90) Identify current trends in management accounting. Answer: Many factors have caused changes in accounting systems in recent years. Most significant are globalization, technology, and a shift from a manufacturing-based to a service-based economy. Without continuous adaptation and improvement, accounting systems would be obsolete. Diff: 2 Type: ES Page Ref: 16 Objective: 8

How to Write a Good Essay Introduction

How to Write a Good Essay Introduction How to Write a Good Essay Introduction An introduction can also be called the core of the essay. A good and strong introduction does not only create a first impression, but also gives your audience the context of it and the topic which they are going to be acquainted with. The introduction shows the focus of your essay. The role of the introduction is to engage the audience’s attention. How to write a good essay introduction? Somestudents cannot write an essay until they start if off; i.e. writing an introduction. If you are one of those students, do not spend too much time on your introduction and make sure to revise and shorten it if necessary. The general rule states that an introduction is effective when it takes about half to three quarters of the first page of the essay. Of course every essay is strictly individual as its word count. If you decide to make your introduction longer than one paragraph, then make sure it corresponds to the whole length of the essay. The most important thing about your introduction is to make it strong and clear and get to the discussed topic as fast as possible. The best would be if you could get to the point in the first or second sentence of the introduction. Avoid being too broad on your subject and get straight to the point. Try not to use generalizations. Stay focused and sharp on the topic. Useful tips on writing a good essay introduction As always, there are a few strategies that can help you write a good and strong essay introduction. Once you have picked and researched a topic and are getting ready to write an introduction, do not repeat the given assignment, avoid in-depth and detailed explanations; they are more suitable for the body paragraph of the essay, but not the introduction. Do not give definitions that the readers already know. In general, try not to get your audience bored. Keep it sharp and clear. It would be great if you could quote an expert or use statistics that proves your topic. A nice joke would be very helpful; you could also try with a little anecdote. If necessary, provide some background information in the introduction of your essay. You can also give some personal experience or reflection. Depending on the subject of the essay you can focus on different angles; if it is a science essay, always clarify key concepts and use relevant scientific literature; if it is a more technical essay, clarify the terms that can be unfamiliar to your readers but essential in understanding what you are writing about. Essay writing is not fiction writing, nothing must come to as a surprise for the audience. The story of the essay is outlined and mapped in the introduction and later it is examined in details in the body of it. A strong and logical introduction is what makes a good essay introduction. Background information in the introduction is important but it has to be relevant and brief. Find the hook and make a point. For example, you have decided to write an essay on good nutrition. Start with a quote like â€Å"I am what I eat. So what I want to be and what I have been today and tomorrow†. And after that you can elaborate with one sentence that bad nutrition harms your health, physical and even mental condition. You can also quote some statistics on people who drink or eat products like Coca Cola and fast food on a daily basis and what research shows as a negative result of that. And here you have your first impression and thesis. At the end check your introduction carefully, shorten it if necessary, remove grammar and spelling mistakes and make sure it has a clear and well stated thesis that captures the audience’s attention.

Mental Illness and the Criminal Justice System Essay

Mental Illness and the Criminal Justice System - Essay Example justice system and on the offenders themselves, the options which are available for such offenders to be treated and corrected, how the psychiatric services, the community and other agencies can help to successfully combat the problem: are reviewed and solutions are sought in this paper. Hiday (p.508) states that there are three subgroups of persons with severe mental illness who come into contact with the criminal justice system: 1) Those committing only misdemeanor offences that often involve survival behaviors 2) Those with accompanying character disorders who also abuse alcohol and drugs, both of which contribute to their high rates of criminal offenses, arrests and incarceration 3) A much smaller subgroup who fit the stereotypical image of a severely disordered person driven to criminally violent actions by delusions. All three groups live in impoverished communities where it is difficult to survive with a major mental illness. After the failure of other social institutions, the criminal justice system is left to deal with the mentally ill person. Understanding federalism: the interaction among national, state and local governments becomes crucial to understanding mental health policy development. From the earliest days of the republic, mental health care was a sector operating in the intersection of state and local levels of government. The advent of Medicaid and Medicare in the 1960s, coupled with the national community mental health center (CMHC) program eventually created a major federal presence in financing mental health services. Yet the role of states and mental health communities within the mental health system continued alongside such initiatives, and in some ways was elaborated by the partnership required by some of the services (Rochefort: 467). According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV), the term serious mental illness refers to diagnosable mental, behavioral or

Forecasting business needs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Forecasting business needs - Essay Example Historically, at Blues Inc., changes in sales are closely reflected in changes in the advertising budget. Based on the $2.4 million figure, we forecast an advertising budget of $162 million. We have also forecast the overall market size based on its recent performance. Currently, the market size is approximately $39 billion. To eliminate the effects of temporary changes in market conditions, we used a two-year weighted moving average, with the most recent year has greater significance. This gives us an indication of the trend and helps to even out any spikes or sudden changes. You have also requested a production schedule, by quarter, for the next year. We have based the overall production level based on our 6 percent market share of a $39 billion industry. This is approximately 777 million units. Accounting for the industry growth rate, for Blue inc, this will mean 50 million units for the year. Because there has been a considerable fluctuation in sales during the fourth quarter of previous years, we used a centered moving average to arrive at our results to compensate for the seasonal changes. We utilized the past 6 years of data. This gave us sufficient information to arrive at an answer, without using data that is outdated and may skew the results. Arriving at the results of this forecast has required my team to consider past results to predict our future performance. When deciding which method to use, it was important to review the existing data to see which method would yield the best results.

The effectiveness of pay for performance plan Essay

The effectiveness of pay for performance plan - Essay Example Not every employee is the same; therefore their preferences and motivating factors are as varied as their individual personalities. Utilizing, combining, and integrating the right compensation strategy in the corporate structure plays a critical role in maintaining employee motivation, retaining talent, and attracting high-performing candidates to the company. Although pay for performance compensation plans have always played an integral role in the compensation package of many companies there are a number of shortcomings related to the merit pay system. Traditional compensation models ignore the key emotional influencers that reveal an individual’s key motivating factors. According to a recent paper called â€Å"The Psychological Costs of Pay-for-Performance†, by Ian Larkin, Lamar Pierce of Harvard and Francesca Gino of Washington University, this working paper identify the psychological costs of how social comparison, employee overconfidence, and loss aversion are pri me determinants of the success and viability of individual performance-based compensation systems (Tighe, 2011). â€Å"Social comparison is the tendency of individuals to compare their pay vs. effort ratio with their peers and their expectations of their compensation to be â€Å"fair† based on these preconceived notions. As a result of this comparisons pay plan effectiveness or perceived fairness is often compromised. Individuals commonly judge the extent of other people’s work contribution based on what they can see and not on actual results. Consequently coworkers are often unfairly judged since the value or true extent of their work is performed off premises or behind closed doors such as with salespeople or executives. Although in the case of major CEO’s or star athletes for instance pay becomes a social measuring stick to which they compare against their peers, so pay becomes more closely tied to social factors and not necessarily economics. Employee overc onfidence is where individuals have the tendency to overestimate their own abilities and skill set therefore they are prone to accepting tasks above their capabilities. According to Larkin; â€Å"Psychologists and decision research scholars have long noted that people tend to be overconfident about their own abilities and too optimistic about their future."; "Recent research has shown that overconfidence is not as much an individual personality trait as it is a bias that affects most people"(Tighe, 2011). The authors elaborate that in general people tend to be overconfident in their ability to complete tasks that they tend to perform frequently. On the other hand individuals tend to underestimate their ability to complete tasks which they are not familiar with or seem too complex. Since pay-for-performance systems are based on the ability of individuals to pick and choose positions that they feel best matches their skill set, the misalignment between the individual’s percept ion of themselves and their true skill set can cause them to undertake projects or tasks that are beyond their capabilities (Tighe, 2011). Instead of pay-for-performance becoming a catalyst for increased organizational achievement and individual performance an employee’s overconfidence can cause them to underperform under pressure, increase general dissatisfaction, and can also bring about a

Social Model Of Health Health And Social Care Essay

Social Model Of Health Health And Social Care Essay This essay will define the social model of health and health definitions, taking into account social health factors and influences on the social model of health. A summary will present the key findings of this analysis challenging the current effectiveness of the social model of health. The social model of health aims to improve personal and community well-being and health by evaluating the conditions of social and environmental health causes in conjunction with biological and medical considerations (Quipps, 2011) both at local and national level working to eradicate health inequalities. Causes can be understood as social, personal, economic and environmental issues (Ottewill and Wall, 2004, p. 14) present in class, ethnicity, gender, social disability and mental health. The World Health Organisation determines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity (Blackburn with Darwen PCT, 2012). The social model of healths focus on well-being relates to a sense of happiness or being healthy (Cambridge Dictionaries Online, 2011). To obtain this all aspects of a persons life, social conditions, housing, education should be fulfilled; health is therefore multidimensional (Yurkovich and Lattergrass, 2008, pp. 439; Hilleboe, 1972, pp.139). The impact of the social model of health and causes of social conditions are factors that can determine the perception of health conditions and the management of health needs. For example childhood health attitudes and upbringing can determine future adult health perceptions and outcomes (Toivanen and Modin, 2011). As an instance a child may not have been encouraged to exercise and in adulthood develop related health conditions; intervention in community fitness knowledge could have reduced any further health risks. The impact from food manufactures can also influence social attitudes affecting a healthy diet such as overeating. Advertising, food labeling and the concept of convenience foods (Naidoo Wills, 2008, pp. 177) has encouraged an inactive lifestyle, creating chronic conditions (Kirby et al., 2012, pp. 1572). This may cause heart problems, diabetes and place pressure on health services. Under the social model of health, health policy should pressure food industries to provide healthier options, alert people of unhealthy eating and encourage healthier eating as a positive state of well-being, especially in poor communities where there is a lack of available healthy food and food education (The Fat Nutritionist, 2012). Social class inequalities determine social indifference of class status, responses and management of health perceptions (Naidoo Wills, 2008, pp. 111) and could affect available health distribution amongst social classes such as postcode lottery (WHO, 2012), possibly leading to the exclusion of health benefits for the lower classes (McDougall, 2007, pp. 339). The social model of health aims to promote well-being and reduce social class inequalities making health available for all social classes and ensuring the access of health information, hospitals, clinics, health websites and community centres eventually leading an individual and/or community to better health choices and lifestyles (local.gov.uk, 2012). For instance should inadequate disabled legislation challenge a persons ability to actively become a productive member of society, their condition could become institutionalising. Silva et al., (2012); Kizito, et al., (2012) suggest that free access to health services can reduce b arriers to poor health of the population and increase the effectiveness of social well-being, allowing individual potential to be fulfilled. Larson (1991, p. 2) further exemplifies this concept in social health disability by suggesting social well-being can be the capacity of a person to perform usual tasks in their everyday life despite their illness. In cases of ethnic and social inequalities access of health support and information can influence good health. The UK is culturally diverse consisting of different ethnic groups, and language barriers can impact on the understanding of these groups, which may lead to some social exclusion. Health information may not be fully understood and from a Health Survey for England found the black and minority groups are most likely to become ill (Postnote, 2007, p.1) because of a lack of understanding in social health matters. The social model of health would prescribe that health facilities and information should be formatted and made accessible in a way that can be received and understood by different ethnic groups to reduce health risks and improve social well-being. Minority mental health inequality has been previously under represented, however the social model of health would understand that minority cultural and social background issues, should be addressed by social health services to deliver appropriate health care and enable a sense of well-being (Aisenberg, 2008, pp. 297). In environmental conditions Seedhouse (1988) as cited in Ottewill and Wall (2004) suggested that ensuring appropriate food, shelter and warmth (p 4) can also support a sense of well-being and improvement of health creating a sense of security. Seedhouse further supports this concept when identifying an individuals condition of health as equal to the circumstances surrounding them, which may affect their ability to achieve goals based on the state of their biological and mental capacity. Thomas McKeown explores living conditions further as being a critic of medical explanations as to the improvements of mortality rates between 1850 and 1970, determined health improvements were a result of better living conditions and nutrition (Department for Health and Aging, 2008), a basis for social well-being. The Black Report of 1980 also determined health inequalities in lower social classes were a result of poor housing and sanitary conditions leading to unhealthy life styles (Maguire, N. D.). Socio-economic factors can also affect health, as incomes become divided lower income may encourage poor living conditions (Kawachi, 1997), and with persistent economic conditions can affect health (Watts, 2000). In gender the socio-economic status of women and mens health can be affected through economic opportunity and prosperity (Ballantyne, 1999). The social model of health would focus on reducing economic disparities in salary to offer equal health. To conclude, social health determinants can significantly influence the physical, mental health and well-being of a person and society to fulfil their lifes potential. The social model of health is a factor in attaining good health by recognising the benefits of improved living conditions, lifestyle choices, food and access to care. Specifically social well-being draws attention to improving social inequalities and encourages a healthy society whilst challenging government and businesses to adapt to different service users, ensuring they are not impinged by their illness. In evaluation, the social model of health is not diverse enough and could benefit from broadening itself in conjunction with medical concepts, and push harder for inequalities to be recognised in society where poverty is commonplace, and health care practices are being ignored in hospitals and other care environments.

A Jew In Germany Or Occupied Europe: :: essays research papers fc

A Jew In Germany or Occupied Europe: This is my diary which I have decided to write, so that I can hopefully relive my youth when I read this when I am an old man. I live in the south of Poland with my family which I adore very much since they mean everything to me. We have a small family business, a small shop, which supplies us with enough money to get by on during these hard times since the slump nearly five years ago. Life is hard but rewarding at the moment, soon there will be a new member to the family, since my wife is expecting our second child. I hope one day to see my children grow up and carry on the business which I started nearly eight years ago in 1927. Today I received a letter from my sister Erika, who lives in Germany. She too followed the family tradition and set up her own shop in Germany with her husband, but in this letter she seems to be very distressed and worried. She says that life has started to become very difficult since 1933. There has been a new ruling body installed in Germany called NAZI and according to her newspapers it is led by a hero, who has come to save Germany; Adolf Hitler. These Nazis oppose our jewish religion greatly; nearly everybody does, but this is a new strain of hatred that I have no seen before. In letter she states that some new anti-semitic rules called "The Nuremburg Laws" came into effect just this month which will practically sign her business' death warrant. Over the pass year her shop has been fire bombed several times and even her distressed children are receiving threats from kids their own age. Her husband has even been assaulted by brown shirted thugs belonging to this Nazi party. I hope she will write soon because I think she will not be able to cope with any more of this harassment. There is an air of uncertainty of the frost bittern streets of our city. We are currently celebrating "Chunakah", the festival of Light which coincides with Christmas. These celebrations are now hollow to us, hollow with the emptiness of absent relatives. Many of my friends like me are worried for our loved ones in Germany and Czechoslovakia. The Nazi power in Germany has grown like an petty acorn to a giant oak tree. There are daily reports in our papers about increased pogroms against our fellow jews and families in Germany. My family and I are very worried about my sister.