The Outbreak Of Ebola Virus - 1866 Words

The recent outbreak of the ebola virus in 2014 reminds the world of the vulnerability of society because of the great force of disease. However, this outbreak of ebola is miniscule in comparison to all the pestilence and plague that has emerged throughout history. Nothing compares to the bubonic plague, which killed one-third of Europe’s population, smallpox, which completely eradicated some indigenous populations in the Americas, and AIDS/HIV, which is one of the greatest challenges the world faces today. All of these are characterized by to no methods of treatment (at their height), extremely painful symptoms, and their ability to spread easily. The Black Death, smallpox, and AIDS may be considered the most devastating pandemics to†¦show more content†¦When Columbus first brought this disease to the Americas, he landed on the island of Hispaniola, now known as Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Here in 1507, the local indigenous group of three million people, the Tai no, was exposed to smallpox. A couple of decades later, the Taino were completely extinct. Soon afterwards, smallpox spread to Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the rest of Latin America and the Caribbean. Every two years, three to four million Indians continued to die. As a result, it destroyed all Aztec civilization. Also, religious and political leaders were among those that died, and this only weakened the social structure of this region. Smallpox led to the loss of culture, knowledge, and tradition (Mari 24-28). Even recently after the attacks of September 11, 2001, the government of the United States has been concerned with the possibility of smallpox being used as a weapon of bioterrorism. In other words, smallpox, a biological agent is purposely spread as an act of terrorism (Smallpox). On the other hand, HIV, which stands for human immunodeficiency virus, is most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, which has 62% of the world’s HIV cases. Because sub-Saharan Africa is home to 70% o f the poorest people in the world, people lack the skills and the money they need to survive. Therefore, the only way they can get their basic needs is the risky behavior. For example, women have to engage in sexual transactions for commercial

Interpersonal Communications Concept Analysis Paper

Katie Latimer November 1st, 2012 COMM 218 Concept Application Paper Communication takes place in any and all locations, intentionally and unintentionally, and it can be positive or negative. Many of our personal traits and character qualities can affect how we communicate with other people, and how they communicate with us. Recently, I had an experience that further proved this point to me in a very real and tangible way. Growing up, I have been known as levelheaded and optimistic. I don’t let a lot of distractions or emotions change or affect the way I act around others. As an athlete, my coaches always knew that if they called me into a game I would handle the pressure and play to the best of my ability, so I decided to change†¦show more content†¦I realize now, what I was feeling was a result of social comparison. According to Alder, Rosenfeld amp; Proctor (2013), social comparison is â€Å"†¦evaluating ourselves in terms of how we compare with others. We decide whether we are superior or inferior and similar or different by comparing ourselves to what social scientists call reference groups...† (p. 69). Social comparison, in this instance, brought upon feelings of inferiority, as I was displaying undesirable qualities. After a very disheartening day at class, I went home. By the time my mom came home, my attitude had worsened. First she asked me â€Å"What happened?†. I responded by saying, â€Å"Nothing, I’m fine.† Which she took literally, by the content of my words, when I was hoping that she would take them in a relational sense and see that I wasn’t really â€Å"fine†. In this instance, my mother was hearing my words in a contextual form, so when I said, â€Å"I’m fine.†, she heard me saying that I was okay and nothing was wrong. If she had realized that I was communicating with her relationally, she could have been able to tell by the tone of my voice and my non-verbal communications that I was not really â€Å"fine†. At the end of this very long day, I saw my boyfriend. While I am more open with him than I am with other people, I know that he still sees me as a smiling, level-headed person. Somehow he immediately knew that something was wrong. I decided to self-disclose to him, and tell him what was wrong. I told himShow MoreRelatedIntercultural Interview1422 Words   |  6 PagesINTRODUCTION TO HUMAN COMMUNICATION Ââ€" SPRING 2007 PROFESSOR CIRAULO INTERCULTURAL INTERVIEW PAPER ASSIGNMENT: Achieving competence as an interpersonal communicator in a diverse society is necessary to your personal and professional success. One way to enhance our understanding of interpersonal communication as a relationship-building activity is to engage in first hand dialogue with people from cultures other than your own. This assignment gives you the opportunity to engage in the dualRead MoreEssay on Interpersonal Communications in Sweet Home Alabama1411 Words   |  6 PagesIn Interpersonal Communications, it is important to understand how stereotyping can affect close relationships. When an individual uses stereotyping in a negative way, this in return negatively affects the relationship. This can lead to major problems in the long run. In Sweet Home Alabama, it is easy to see that false stereotypes lead to judgments reflecting badly on relationships. The clip shown of Sweet Home Alabama starts off with Melanie Carmichael, a fashion designer who is about to haveRead MoreConcept Comparison and Analysis Across Theories1051 Words   |  5 PagesConcept Comparison and Analysis Across Theories Nur 513 May 19, 2014 Theory is the core of nursing and nursing process. It describes, explains and predicts the uniqueness of a phenomenon. Theory is analysis and examine to determine the viability in the world of professional nursing. Concepts is the framework and foundation of the theory which consist of concrete and abstracts. The purpose of this paper is to select a core concept that is common to two nursing theories. Compare and AnalysisRead MoreRelationship Between The Senior Management Team Of A Company And The Junior Employees1392 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Interpersonal communication plays a very important role in an organization. It enabled employees from different departments to harmoniously work together towards the achievement of common shared goals. In fact, successful business relationships can only be maintained if employees hold impeccable interpersonal communication skills. In this paper, the focus will be on the business relationship between the senior management team of a company and the junior employees. In mostRead MoreInterpersonal Communication Analysis Of Dirty Dancing1242 Words   |  5 PagesKaitlyn Kirkwood Human Communication (40992) Mrs. Dixon 4 March 2015 Interpersonal Communication Analysis of Dirty Dancing The term interpersonal communication often referred to as dyadic communication sounds a lot more complex than it really is. It is the communication between two people, or face-to-face interaction. There are many different characteristics that separate dyadic communication from other forms of communication, such as being more direct, personal, immediate, spontaneous, and informalRead MoreCritical Analysis Of Communication Techniques And Phases Of The Therapeutic Relationship902 Words   |  4 PagesCritical Analysis of Communication Techniques and Phases of the Therapeutic Relationship As first year nursing students, we have been introduced to concepts that are fundamental to our professional development as future nurses, such as interpersonal understanding, and interpersonal communication. In fact, understanding the importance of interpersonal communication during different stages of the therapeutic relationship between a nurse and a client is one of our main learning objectives. As a resultRead MoreI Am A California Department Of Insurance987 Words   |  4 Pagesexcellent student, exceeding my own expectations, I am a Self-employed driven professional, compassion, empathy and patience person, who possess a strong desire to learn and grow professionally. I have excellent communication, listening, and problem solving skills, and strong interpersonal ability. However, I am working to improving my organization skills, in order to become more effective for my clients. Ultimately, my goal is to serve as an advocate for the elderly. The baby boomers generationRead MoreThe Break Up1428 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Effective communication is one of the most important things to maintain a happy relationship. Communication will help to create a better atmosphere and to know what are the interests, thoughts and feelings of your loved one. All romantic relationships need a lot of communications from both sides. The main factor is interpersonal communication, which couples are able to overlap environments and create a relationship. We reviewed the movie â€Å"The Breakup† and have found the concepts of IntegratingRead MoreInter Team Conflicts And Interpersonal Conflicts1306 Words   |  6 Pagesthings that can lead to conflicts and leaders must recognize these to have an effective team. As a result of this, the leader must take into account everyone’s background and experience level as the team is formed. This paper will discuss the inter-team conflicts, interpersonal conflicts, why policies are created and ways a leader can prevent conflicts from happening. Inter-team Conflict Conflict in teams can have an adverse effect on a team’s performance. As a leader, it is imperative toRead MoreThe Perception of Listening Essay examples1399 Words   |  6 Pages What is Listening and why is it important? This paper will address the viewpoint of listening skills and its outcome. Listening is an essential tool, which is one of the constructive aspects in the communication process, for communicating with other people. To listen well is a knack that is learned. However, for people to listen effectively, they would need to practice to obtain the skill. †As with any new skill, learning to listen takes effort, attention, and practice† (Stewart, 2006, p. 202)

ACCOUNTING SYSTEM INSIGHTS Free Essays

AIS – Final Study Chapter Highlights Chapter 1 – ACCOUNTING SYSTEM INSIGHTS 1. Enterprise system – A system that supports business activities throughout the enterprise, including inputs, processing, and outputs 2. Integrated enterprise system – Shares data across functional areas within the enterprise 3. We will write a custom essay sample on ACCOUNTING SYSTEM INSIGHTS or any similar topic only for you Order Now Business processes – Related activities performed by an enterprise to create value by transforming input into output 4. Value chain – An organizing framework for business processes, beginning with vendors and ending with customers Baseline accounting system – A model that provides an enterprise-wide view of the firm`s accounting system 1. Transaction cycles – Accounting transactions related to specific business processes (1) Purchasing cycle – Transactions related to purchasing items from vendors (2) Payroll cycles – Transactions with employees (3) Sales cycle – Exchange or transactions between an enterprise and its customers 2. Vendors module – A module related to purchasing goods and services 3. Customers module – A module related to selling the customer a product or service 4. Employee module – A module related to the payroll cycle 5. Banking module – A module that involves cash received and cash paid 6. Financial module – A module that includes adjusting and correcting entries (1) Adjusting entries – Entries to bring accounts up to date at year end (2) Correcting entries – Entries to correct errors (3) Closing entries – Zeros out income and expense accounts at year end 7. Reports module – A module that relates to output from the accounting system (1) Financial reports – Reports that include a company`s income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows (2) Tax reports – Reports used when filling federal, state, and local returns (3) Management reports – Reports prepared to assist managers in making decisions (4) Sustainability reports – Reports used to evaluate an enterprise`s sustainability performance What is the importance and value of information as an asset? Today, the value of information assets for some business exceeds the value of other assets, such as land and buildings What is the role of the accounting system within the larger enterprise system? * The accounting system spans the entire value chain of an enterprise, tracking transaction information from the purchase of items from vendors through the sale of products or services to customers. Business processes are associated with the related acco unting transactions known as transaction cycles. Also read  Modules 9 10 The purchasing cycle consists of employee and payroll transactions. The sales cycle involves exchanges or transactions between an enterprise and its customers. In addition to the accounting system, other modules or subsystem can include supply chain management (SCM), operations/production system (OPS), human resource management (HRM), and customer relationship management (CRM). What are the database essentials that today’s accounting professional needs to know? 1) A field is a piece of data, such as customer first name (2) A record is a collection of related fields, such as a customer record (3) A table is a collection of related records, such as a CUSTOMER table (4) A database is a collection of related tables, such as an accounting database (5) A database form is a computer-based form for entering data into the database (6) A database query is used to extract data from a database, such as searching for a customer’s account balance. (7) A database report is a computer- based output to display What are the SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) phases? The system development life cycle organizes the activities involved in developing a new system into the following six distinct phases: (1) Plan the system project including scheduling, budgeting, and staffing (2) Analyze the new system requirements, such as what reports are required and what data needs to be collected by the system (3) Design business processes and databases for the new system (4) Build/buy and test databases and computer programs for the new system (5) Install new IT hardware, software, and databases 6) Deploy the new system, using the system on an ongoing basis and maintaining and updating it as necessary. Why is it important to safeguard information assets? * To protect information assets, organizations implement security and controls to prevent fraud, unauthorized access, modification, destruction, or disclosure. Internal control is the set of policies and procedures enterprises use to safeguard assets, including information assets, and to prevent and detect errors. What are the three functions of an accounting system in today’s business environment? 1) Collecting, recording, and storing financial and accounting data (2) Providing financial analytics and business intelligence for improved decision making and business performance (3) Safeguarding information assets stored in accounting systems using security, controls, and risk management Chapter 2 – ACCOUNTING DATABASES 1. Operational database – Databases used to store data related to business operations and transactions 2. Data warehouse – Stores data from a variety of sources and is used for business intelligence 3. Database administrator (DBA) – Responsible for managing the enterprise’s databases 4. Intersection table – Placed at the junction of two tables to eliminate a many-to-many relationship 5. Composite primary key – Used when more than one field is required to uniquely identify a record 6. Normalization – A process for removing database anomalies or problems 7. Database integrity – Ensures that the database contains accurate, valid data Rule 1: Entity integrity Each record in the database must have a unique identifier. No two records in the database can have the same primary key value. Rule 2: Primary key integrity The primary key value cannot be null (empty). Rule 3: Domain integrity The field values must be from a pre-defined domain. Rule 4: Referential integrity Data referenced and stored in related tables must be consistent across the database. DBMS is a software used to (1) Create database tables (2) Transfer data from the accounting software to the database (3) Update data in the database (4) Delete data from the database (5) Sort database tables (6) Run queries What data is stored in accounting databases? * Organizations store data about assets, liabilities, operations, transactions, employees, customers, vendors, and more in databases. Accounting databases needs to be well structured, redundancy-free, consistent, and current What are the three tiers in accounting system architecture? (1) Database tier: The back-end accounting database stores accounting data in database tables. A back-end database management system (DBMS) sorts, stores, inserts, updates, and deletes accounting data and runs queries (2) Application tier: Accounting software applications interact with the DBMS to access the back-end accounting database (3) User tier: The user tier consists of the interface appearing on the accountant’s computer screen. The user interface consists of database forms and reports. What are enterprise databases? * Enterprise databases used by an enterprise for business purposes can be considered as one of two types: internal databases or external databases (1) Internal databases are databases in which the data belongs to the organization. Internal databases consist of two varieties: operational databases and data warehouses. Operational databases, such as an accounting database, store enterprise transactions. Data warehouses store data from a variety of sources. 2) External databases are databases containing data collected by other organizations. What problems can result from poorly designed databases? * Poorly designed databases may contain database problems or anomalies, such as problems with inserting, updating, and deleting data. This can result in inaccurate, unreliable accounting data. * Three types of database anomalies (problems) are DUI: Deletion, Update, Insertion What are the steps used to bu ild an accounting database? (1) Identify and build database tables (2) Identify and enter fields in each database table (3) Select the primary key for each table 4) Identify and build relationships among database tables, removing any many-to-many relationships by creating intersection tables Chapter 3 – ACCOUNTING INTERFACE 1. Graphical User Interface (GUI) – User interface containing images and icons 2. Data validation – Tools used to minimize data entry errors, such as drop-down lists 3. Real-time reports – Reports that provide up-to-the-minute data without a time lag 4. Live reports – Reports that provide up-to-the-minute data continuously 5. Structured query language (SQL) – Code used to search and retrieve data 6. Query Builder Tools – Streamlines query development What is the role of the accounting system interface? * The accounting system user interface plays an important role in entering accounting data and retrieving accounting information. The accountant views the interface on the screen, and the RDBMS and database are behind the screen. The accounting software interface interacts with the RDBMS using database forms, queries, and reports. Features of a well-designed interface include user-friendly, effortless navigation, and customizable preferences. What is the role of database forms? Database forms are commonly used to input data into accounting system. The database forms are frequently designed to look like commonly used and familiar items, such as an invoice or a check. What is the role of database reports? * The output of the accounting system is typically displayed in a report format. The report displayed on the user’s computer screen is actually a database report that is formatted to meet accounting requirements. The database report uses information from the database to populate the report. What is the role of database queries? * One component of the user interface is retrieval or query. Sometimes the interface will call this a search and provide a form where the search question can be entered. In other instances, a query may be run to prepare a report, retrieving data from the database to enter into the database report that appears on the user’s computer screen. Well-designed database forms are designed to save time and minimize data entry errors. A few general guidelines for database form design include the following: (1) Enter data once (2) Use data validation (3) Enable auto entry (4) Mirror paper forms (5) Design user-friendly forms (6) Implement appropriate security Chapter 4 – ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS AND B. PROCESSES 1. Data flow diagrams (DFDs) – a technique used to document business processes using agent, event, data store, and data flow symbols 2. Data flows – shows how data enter, moves, and exits a system 3. Data stores – a database table represented by an open rectangle 4. Events – a process represented by a rounded rectangle 5. Agents – a person or department represented by a square symbol 6. External agent – an agent outside the enterprise 7. Internal agent – employees within the organization 8. Event-agent-database (EAD) table – each row in this table corresponds to an event in a DFD 9. DFD Fragment – a DFD of a single event 10. Black hole – a DFD error that occurs when data goes into a process but no data exists 11. Gray hole – a DFD error that occurs when the input data does not correspond to the output data 12. Miracle – a DFD error that occurs when there is no input to a process The approach to reading a DFD is to use the following four steps (1) Identify the agents (internal and external) (2) Identify events (3) Identify database tables (4) Trace the data flows How are accounting systems developed today? * Today, most accounting systems are developed in two stages. First, baseline accounting software is selected. Then the accounting software is customized to meet the enterprise’s specific needs. How is customization of accounting systems documented? * Customizing an accounting system involves documenting the specific needs of the enterprise using data flow diagrams to provide a detailed view of the enterprise’s business processes. Each module of the baseline model can be customized to meet the enterprise’s needs. Additional modules might also be needed to provide the required customization, such as a production module to track manufacturing costs. Chapter 5 – BUSINESS PROCESSES 1. Gap Analysis refers to analyzing the gap between the baseline modules and the customization required to meet enterprise-specific needs. 2. Big Bang refers to when all system modules are built and implemented for the entire enterprise at the same time. 3. Stages refers to when modules or locations for a new system are built and implemented stage by stage instead of all at once. How are business processes documented? * The baseline accounting system can be customized using data flow diagrams (DFDs) to document the enterprise’s business processes. What is gap analysis? * A gap analysis identifies the gap between the selected baseline system, such as SAP, and the customization required by the specific enterprise. What is the difference between the big bang approach and stages approach to customization? * The two approaches to customization are big bang and stages. The big bang approach is used when all the modules are built and implemented for the entire enterprise at the same time. The stages approach involves completing modules or locations stage by stage instead of all at once. What is a workflow management system? Workflow management systems automate workflow by automatically forwarding the electronic document to the next step in the business process. Chapter 6 – INTEGRATED ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS 1. Order-to-cash – corresponds to the sales cycle 2. Procure-to-pay – corresponds to the purchasing cycle 3. Spaghetti code – programming code used to connect stand-alone systems 4. Three-tier architecture à ¢â‚¬â€œ when an enterprise system uses layers of IT components: enterprise database, application, and client computers 5. Firewall – software programs on a router that monitor network traffic 6. Business process management (BPM) – transforming business processes to improve efficiency Top Reasons for Failed ERPs include the following: (1) Unrealistic budget. Underestimated costs. Overestimated benefits. (2) Unrealistic schedule. Not enough time allowed for project completion. (3) Not a good fit. User requirements are not net. Baseline system not a good fit with business processes. (4) Too much change. Failure to educate employees on changes to expect. Lack of adequate change management. (5) Lack of project champion at the top. Commitment by top management is lacking to champion the project. What are advantages of an integrated enterprise system? * The integrated enterprise system offers many advantages over the functional silo approach to enterprise systems. The accounting functions are integrated into the larger enterprise system, permitting accounting to share data with other functional areas and better coordinate activities. What are challenges associated with an integrated enterprise system? * Challenges of an integrated enterprise system include business processes that may need to be redesigned and managing the changes required by the new system. How is data entered in an integrated enterprise system? Database forms that relate to business process activities permit users to enter data once into the IES and have the data shared throughout the enterprise, eliminating the need for different functional areas to rekey the same data. How does an integrated enterprise system relate to the accounting system? * Integrated enterprise system use a modular approach that is con sistent with the baseline accounting system model. The basic module names may vary but the functions are basically the same. Integrated enterprise systems integrate accounting with other modules for an enterprise. Customer and vendor systems can also be integrated. Chapter 10 – FRAUD AND INTERNAL CONTROL 1. Entity-level IT controls – processes, organization structure, and leadership for IT to support an organization’s business strategy and objectives, such as internal audits 2. IT general controls – controls that apply to IT services in general and ensure continued IT operation and availability, such as change and access controls 3. Application controls – controls embedded within business process applications, such as accounting software controls A. Classification by the control objectives specified in the COSO internal control framework: i. Operation controls – controls to ensure that operations are completed appropriately, such as the timing of cash disbursements to ensure that late fees are avoided ii. Financial controls – controls to ensure that external financial reports are prepared on a timely basis in compliance with laws, regulation, or contractual agreements iii. Compliance controls – controls to maintain confidentiality of information in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations B. Classification by how the process is completed: iv. Manual controls – controls performed without the assistance of technology v. Automated controls – controls performed automatically by computers 1. Input controls – controls over data entered into the system 2. Processing controls – controls to ensure that amounts have been processed appropriately 3. Output controls – controls to ensure that reports are distributed only to appropriate users vi. Hybrid controls – a combination of manual and automated controls What is SOX and how does it affect the accounting system? Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) legislation resulted from the accounting scandals of 2002. This legislation requires organizations to use recognized framework for internal controls. As a result, many organizations adopted COSO’s Internal Control – Integrated Framework and the COBIT framework for IT controls What is IT control architecture? * IT control architecture is a blueprin t for IT controls in the organization. This blueprint shows that internal control impacts IT at three levels within the organization resulting in three levels of IT controls: * Entity-level IT controls Application controls * IT general controls How can control weaknesses be documented? (1) Build a DFD (2) Document preventive and selective controls on the DFD (3) Document control HotSpots on the DFD Fraud and abuse can be classified into three broad categories: (1) Corruption, such as bribery (2) Misappropriation of assets, including theft of cash, fraudulent disbursements, or stealing merchandise (3) Fraudulent financial reporting, such as misstating financial statements in order to meet earning targets. Three elements required to prove fraud are the followings: 1) A material false statement is made with the intent to deceive (2) A victim relies upon the false statement (3) The victim incurs damages The fraud triangle depicts the three conditions that typically must exist in order f or a fraud to be perpetrated (1) Motive – reason for committing the fraud, such as financial difficulties (2) Opportunity – access to the asset or financial statements in order to carry out the fraud (3) Means – knowledge or skills that permit the perpetrator to commit the crime Internal Control is a process, effected by an entity’s board of directors, management, and other personnel. This process is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of objectives in effectiveness and efficiency of operations, reliability of financial reporting, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act) emphasize a strong system of internal control as a means of avoiding Enron-sized accounting frauds. SOX Requirements to remember (1) Section 302. Corporate responsibility for financial reports (2) Section 404. Management assessment of internal controls (3) Section 806. Protection for employees of publicly traded companies who provide evidence of fraud (4) Section 906. Corporate responsibility for financial reports Audit and Internal Controls (SOX) (1) Audit of internal control – tests of controls to obtain evidence that internal control over financial reporting has operated effectively (2) Audit of financial statements – tests of controls to assess risk and substantive procedures to collect evidence regarding the accuracy, completeness (3) IT audit – audit of IT controls 4) Integrated audit – integrates an audit of internal control with an audit of financial statements There are two types of deficiencies that may be found in internal control over financial reporting: (1) Material weakness – deficiency that results in a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis (2) Significant deficiency – a deficiency in internal control o ver financial reporting that is less severe than a material weakness COSO (Committee of Sponsoring Organization of the Treadway Commission) Internal Control Objectives 1) Effectiveness and efficiency of operations (2) Reliability of financial reporting (3) Compliance with laws and regulation Internal Control Components (1) Control environment – control environment factors include integrity and ethical values, importance of board directors, management philosophy and operating style, organization structure, commitment to financial reporting competencies, authority and responsibility, and human resources (2) Risk assessment – involves identifying, analyzing, and managing risks that affect a company’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data properly. Risk assessment control objectives include the following: A. Importance of financial reporting objectives B. Identification and analysis of financial reporting risks C. Assessment of fraud risk (3) Control activities – include policies and procedures to mitigate risks including financial, operational, and compliance controls. Control activities include the following: D. Segregation of duties – to divide authorization, recording, and asset custody among different individuals E. Independent reconciliations of assets and accounting records – such as bank statement reconciliations and inventory reconciliations F. Physical controls – to provide for physical security of assets, such as security cameras and restricted access to corporate buildings G. IT controls – to ensure appropriate information processing, authorization, and data integrity. (E. g. Data validation) (4) Information and communication – includes the accounting system for identifying, recording, processing, and reporting transactions and financial data. An organization’s system produces reports, containing operational, financial, and compliance information. Internal control principles related to this component include information technology, information needs, information control, management communication, upstream communication, board communication, and communication with external parties (5) Monitoring – involves assessing internal controls as well as the process for taking corrective action if needed. Effective monitoring includes: H. Ongoing monitoring – such as controls over purchasing I. Separate evaluations – such as an internal audit that assesses internal controls. J. Upstream communication to report internal control deficiencies COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and related Technology) Three Dimensions (1) IT Resources can be divided into the following four categories: A. Application – consists of manual and programmed procedures to process information B. Information – includes structured and unstructured data in any form, such as text, graphics, pictures, audio and video. Data is input, processed, and output by the system C. Infrastructure – refers to IT technology including hardware and software. It may also include physical structures, such as a data center facility D. People – includes staff members as well as their knowledge and skills to plan, organize, acquire, implement, deliver, support, monitor, and evaluate IT processes and systems (2) IT Processes deliver information, run applications, and use infrastructure and people to accomplish IT goals in light of business requirements. IT processes are grouped into the following four domains E. Plan and Organize (PO) domain – relates to IT strategy and tactics to contribute to attaining business goals F. Acquire and Implement (AI) domain – identifies, acquires (built or bought), and implements IT solutions. Also ensures that the SDLC phases and activities are used when upgrading and modifying current systems G. Deliver and Support (DS) domain – concerned with the delivery of IT services. Encompasses IT operations, security and training. Assures the continued support and maintenance of these services H. Monitor and Evaluate (ME) domain – monitors IT processes for compliance with control requirements. Includes management oversight of control processes as well as independent assurance services provided by internal and external audits (3) Business Requirements (Information Criteria) I. Three criteria relate to the information security: confidentiality, integrity, availability (CIA) J. For the remaining four criteria, COBIT relies upon definitions used by COSO’s Internal Control – Integrated Framework (Effectiveness, Efficiency, Reliability, Compliance) Chapter 11 – CYBERSECURITY What are the 10 domains of cybersecurity? (1) Legal, regulations, compliance, and investigations (2) Information security and risk management (3) Security architecture and design (4) Telecommunications, network, and Internet security (5) Control access (6) Operations security (7) Physical and environmental security 8) Application security (9) Business continuity and disaster recovery (10) Cryptography What is the scope of cybersecurity in the accounting system? * Cybersecurity in an enterprise is not limited to just guarding against hackers and cyberattacks. It involves many aspects of enterprise operations, including how you train and educate your employees about secur ity awareness to safeguarding information assets, how to implement new technologies in a security conscious manner, how to maintain backups in order to recover and continue business operations, and how to provide the highest level of security in a cost-effective way Why is encryption important in securing accounting data? * For accounting purposes, encryption provides an especially valuable tool offering increased data integrity and confidentiality. Encryption can be used for accounting data in transit and for accounting data stored in the database. If an attacker is successful in penetrating the enterprise security and reaches the database, encryption of the stored data is an additional line of defense *Refer to Lecture PPT slides for more detailed information regarding key terms. Chapter 12 – THE RISK INTELLIGENT ENTERPRISE What is a risk intelligent enterprise? * The risk intelligent enterprise moves beyond security and controls to managing risk and then to using risk to create value What is the enterprise risk management (ERM) framework? * The ERM framework offers guidance to enterprises implementing enterprise risk management. ERM units may consist of entity-level units, divisions, business units, and/or subsidiaries * The four ERM objectives are Strategic – relate to goals that support the entity’s mission * Operational – relate to the effective and efficient use of the entity’s resources * Reporting – relate to the reliability of the enterprise’s reporting, both internal and external * Compliance – relates to the entity’s compliance with all applicable laws and regulations * The eight ERM components consist of * Internal environment – involves the risk management philosophy of the ente rprise, including the tone set by top management. Risk resilience, risk appetite, risk tolerance, integrity, and ethical values also affect the nternal environment * Objective setting – setting objectives that are consistent with the entity’s mission and risk appetite * Event identification – involves identifying potential events that might affect the entity. Events can be either internal events or external events that might affect the entity’s ability to achieve objectives. * Risk assessment – the process of assessing the extent to which events would impact an entity’s ability to achieve its objectives (impact/likelihood) * Risk response (avoidance/reduction/sharing/acceptance) * Control activities Information and communication * Monitoring What is spreadsheet risk management? * A significant risk for many enterprises is the widespread use of spreadsheets with limited controls. A spreadsheet risk management program includes using access and change controls with spreadsheets in order to be SOX compliant Chapter 13 – ACCOUNTING SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT * This chapter explains stages of SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) and SDM (Software Development Methodologies). Refer to Lecture PPT slides for more information. How to cite ACCOUNTING SYSTEM INSIGHTS, Papers

Diploma in Hospitality Management

Questions: 1. Within the first article you will analyze the contribution of the entertainment industry and the development and distribution of different activities to the UK economy.2. In the second article you will compare local, regional and national funding agencies and their impact on the entertainment and venue industry in UK. Answers: The entertainment industry is clearly associated with the show biz or show business. It has contributed significantly to the UK economy. Till now, the show business has contributed around 4.6 billion pounds to the Gross Domestic Product of UK and then over 1.3 billion pounds to the Exchequer as per the independent report. Due to the entertainment industry, the quantity of jobs has significantly increased due to the entertainment industry of UK. It resulted in an increase in the employment of around 44,000 people in 2014. The film industry of UK employs more individuals than both the pharmaceutical and fund management manufacturing sectors with 70 percent of the graduates of the workforce and that people are earning around 32500 GBP that is mainly higher than the average salary (Blanchflower, 2009). The entertainment industrys reputation in the UK is significantly and imperatively strong. The exports of the UK entertainment industry during 2013 were found to be as GBP 2.1 billion and that the trade surplus i.e. net trade contribution since 2000 has been GBP 380 million (British Film Institute, 2015). This mainly indicates a significant increase with the entertainment industry effectively competing within the global market and developing an imperative contribution to the net trade position of UK through promoting the UK abroad emulated by the export earnings. The production that is spent on an inward investment on an average accounts for around 80 percent of the aggregate UK production and this critically contributes GBP 3.7 billion to the GDP of UK followed by GBP 1 billion to Exchequer revenues (British Film Institute, 2015). It should be noted that the growth is also further driven by the investments of the major studio where the example could be associated with the cumulative investment by Pinewood of GBP 63 million since 2007 and hence, it is anticipated to expand in the upcoming years where Pinewood would propose a significant development scheme for extendi ng the capacity of the studio and the GBP 100 million investment at Leavesden by Warner Bros (Humphries, 2006). The entertainment industry of UK makes a contribution substantially to the UKs cultural life and that the UK show businesses are found to be a significant means for expressing the identity of British. The UK audience like the films and plays of UK and that on an average earn 30 percent box office revenue within the domestic cinemas (British Film Institute, 2015). The entertainment industry of UK has boosted the box office GBP 69 million on an average annually since 2000 (British Film Institute, 2015). The sales or revenue for the films of UK on Blu-ray and DVD, films on VoD, film rentals, soundtrack CDs and related computer video games emulated by the merchandising associated with the film which further made a contribution of around GBP 239 million to the GDP of UK and GBP 108 million to the Exchequer (British Film Institute, 2015). 2. In accordance with the department for Culture, Media and Sport, there are skills investment funds mainly to support skills development in the films, high end TV animation, video game industries and visual effects. Government is contributing up to 8 million every year in 2013/14 and 2014/15 through the Skills Investment Fund, match financing industry venture. This is a one off allocation from DCMS to bolster aptitudes in the digital content sectors and innovative commercial ventures and is being conveyed by Creative Skillset. Innovative England are putting forth business loans to digital creative organizations hoping to grow new products, including applications, software and content for the development of cross platform TV, medicinal services, interactive, e-learning and versatile applications. Organizations situated in the South West, North and Midlands will have the capacity to apply for a loan of between GBP 50,000 and GBP 200,000 which is then reimbursed more than three years (Humphries, 2006). The repayments of the loan in the main first year are negligible, trailed by 24 equal reimbursements over the last two years. The loan must be coordinated 50:50 with other fund, sourced by the organi zation (Ukie.org.uk, 2015). Apart from this, the BFI film fund makes a utilization of the National Lottery funds for developing and supporting the genuine UK films and filmmakers which further expands the audiences who can further enjoy them. Their basic aim is to champion bold, diverse and distinctive films while increasing the audiences across the nation UK (Toporowski, 2011). They also make a provision of the support for the development, production and completion of the feature films that would reflect fairly those people having different backgrounds. That would also facilitate high quality British emulated by some of the other independent releases so as to expand the choice of films for the audiences and then also offer a springboard for the film exports of UK. Apart from this, the BFI diversity fund has given a rise to numerous opportunities for some of the individuals for the development on a professional basis and that the supporting organizations and companies so as to demonstrate the leadership within diversity. Some of the other private funding agencies include the names of creative Scotland, Creative England, Northern Ireland Screen and Ffilm Cymru Wales offer development opportunities or funding associated to their nations (Ukie.org.uk, 2015). This further fosters commerce, creativity and the development of the film skills. More than this, the agency of the capital film, Film London, runs directly several schemes related to production that supports the making of the local film (UK stabilizes some science funding, 2013). Apart from this, the direct assistance is further provided in accordance with the form of a Film Tax Relief for benefiting the UK films that are made by the production company of the British Films and that qualify as an official co-production or Cultural test which are aimed for theatrical release and hence, have a significant expenditure for production with at least 10 percent of the making of the films being spent in the UK (Ukie.org.uk, 2015). References Blanchflower, D. (2009). WHERE NEXT FOR THE UK ECONOMY? 1.Scottish Journal of Political Economy, 56(1), pp.1-23. Humphries, C. (2006). Skills in a Global Economy: Ten Proposals for a UK Skills Policy.Local Economy, 21(3), pp.241-248. Toporowski, J. (2011). Profits in the UK economy: some Kaleckian models .Review of Political Economy, 5(1), pp.40-54. UK stabilizes some science funding. (2013).Phys. Today. Ukie.org.uk. (2015). UK games industry contributes 1.43bn to economy | Ukie. [online] Available at: https://ukie.org.uk/news/2015/02/uk-games-industry-contributes-%C2%A3143bn-economy [Accessed 10 Mar. 2016]. British Film Institute. (2015). The economic contribution of the UKs film, high-end TV, video games and animation programme sectors. [online] Available at: https://www.bfi.org.uk/education-research/film-industry-statistics-reports/reports/uk-film-economy/economic-contribution-uks-film-sectors [Accessed 10 Mar. 2016].

The Role Of Minor Characters In A free essay sample

Separate Peace Essay, Research Paper Without the minor characters the narrative # 8220 ; A Separate Peace # 8221 ; would be losing major points and it wouldn? t tally swimmingly. The minor characters in the narrative play an of import function in the manner the narrative falls together and in doing Finny to decease. The minor characters in this narrative set up sort of props for other things to go on in the narrative. For illustration Brinker? s struggle with Gene. The first portion of the struggle begins in the butt room where Brinker brings Gene after Finny has his autumn. Brinker tries to state everyone that Gene in fact did strike hard Finny off of the tree. Gene gets out by doing up a brainsick narrative but he is still huffy at Brinker for this so he must acquire even. So subsequently on in the narrative, at the winter carnival, Gene gives Brinker a ground to keep a stigma against him. We will write a custom essay sample on The Role Of Minor Characters In A or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Gene, caught up in the exhilaration, and acquiring back at Brinker for the butt room incident, pours some cider down Brinker? s pharynx. This cyder about choking coils Brinker which causes him to be angry at Gene and he must acquire even with Gene subsequently. So even later in the narrative, as his retaliation, Brinker sets up another test about Gene? s forcing Finny off of the tree. He gets everyone into his # 8220 ; # 8221 ; tribunal room # 8221 ; to watch the test and he tries to turn out that Gene did in fact push Finny away. The consequence of all of this retaliation and the consequence of Brinker? s being is that Finny finds out the truth which is that Gene did strike hard him out of the tree on intent. The major consequence is that Finny dies because of Brinker. So Brinker, being a minor character, has the function of partially doing Finny to decease in the terminal. If it wasn? T for Brinker, Finny would hold still been alive. Minor characters besides add secret plan and volume to the narrative and maintain it alive. For illustration Leper? s traveling to the war. When Leper goes to the war, it is brought as a surprise. This is because Leper is non expected to be a war traveling type of cat. Leper is a quiet, non athletic cat, doing him non a really ideal war individual. Brinker would hold been expected to be the first to enlist in the war because he is so large and athletic. This is one portion of the minor characters adding secret plan to the narrative. Another portion is Leper? s really in writing description of the war to Gene. This makes the war seem really existent in the narrative. The most of import thing Leper does to lend to the narrative as a minor character is that he is besides to fault for Finny? s decease. Brinker calls Leper into the â€Å"court† to depict what he saw when Finny fell out of the tree. It was during Leper? s description of how he saw Gene bouncing the limb when Finny realized the truth and had his 2nd accident on the stepss, which lead to his decease. So Leper can be said to be portion of the ground Finny dies, and at the same clip he adds secret plan to the narrative in how he goes to war. If Leper wasn? T in the narrative, Finny would hold still been alive because Brinker wouldn? T be able to turn out that Gene was guilty and Finny wouldn? Ts have run out of the tribunal to hold his 2nd autumn. The minor characters in this novel are besides used to for-shadow things. For illustration, When Doctor Stanpole turns out the visible radiation in the corridor. When Finny finds out about Gene? s knowing forcing him off the tree, he runs and falls down the steps. Dr. Stanpole comes to analyze him on the steps. Gene stays back out of the manner so that Finny doesn? t acquire all worked up and ache himself once more. Once everyone is gone but the physician, Gene approaches him at the chapel doors, and attempts to inquire him what? s incorrect. # 8220 ; It? s the leg once more. Broken once more. But a much cleaner interruption I think, much cleansing agent. A simple break. He found the light switch and the anteroom was plunged into darkness. # 8221 ; Doctor Stanpole is used in this portion of the narrative as a for-shadow to Finny? s decease. The for-shadowing is when the physician says that it? s a simple break, and turns out the visible radiations. The darkness for-shadows decease. The physician is besides set up to be portion of the cause of Finny? s decease. The physician is the 1 who tries to run on Finny? s bone and put it by traveling it. But the physician does something incorrect. Bone marrow flights from finny? s bone, acquiring into his bosom and killing him. So the physician is one of the minor characters and he is used to for-shadow Finny? s decease, besides he is portion of Finny? s decease. This makes him an of import portion of the narrative. If Doctor Stanpole wasn? T in the narrative, there wouldn? t be any for-shadowing of Finny? s decease, and Finny might still be alive because a different physician would hold had to make the operation and he may non hold done the same error. Without the minor characters of this narrative, Finny would likely still be alive and the narrative would be missing some of the for-shadowing of Finny? s decease. The minor characters in # 8220 ; A Separate Peace # 8221 ; play of import functions in how the narrative falls together and how they all cause Finny to decease in the terminal.

The Sirens of Titan essays

The Sirens of Titan essays Throughout the novel, there are events and characters which have definite parallels in modern world religions such as Christianity. The trials and tribulations of Malachi Constant, and perhaps even other characters in the novel, and the story of Jesus as laid forth in the bible seem to possess similar aspects. Before delving into the specific areas which may contain parallels, perhaps it would be best to consider what the areas in the novel are being compared to: Jesus and his life. Roughly twenty years ago, a movement began in the religious community in which theologians and historians alike began an attempt at separating the "historical Jesus" from the Jesus found in the bible. What has slowly become apparent is that the Jesus found in the bible is much different than the actual man. In essence, what is seen in the bible is an image of Jesus, rather than the real Jesus. This concept of image vs. reality in religion is also reflected in The Sirens of Titan. But who c! reates this image? In the case of Jesus, religion was the force which began to interpret his life and present him as something other than he was. In The Sirens of Titan, a similar image-creating force continually appears where one would instead expect to find the "God" to Malachi's "Jesus"; religion is substituted for God in the novel. As presented in the bible and the Catholic church, Jesus was the son of God. He was the wisest of men, capable of walking on water, healing the sick, blessing the lives of men and guiding the way to eternal happiness in the kingdom of heaven. Sent to earth to preach the word of God and help men learn to lead better lives, he willingly suffered, even gave his life, for mankind's sins so that man may be forgiven in death and allowed to enter into God's heaven. Yet, consider the source of this information for a moment. These are not the words of Jesus himself, but rather interpretations of Jesus by those who followed him. A v...

Andragogy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Andragogy - Research Paper Example The seven steps to creating a learning planning for adults is called the progress model which means that solving problems is the focus of how learning is accomplished. The following paper will examine the assumptions that define andragogy and the meaning behind them as they support adult learning and the differences between adult and child level learning capacities. The origins of andragogy can be traced back to a German educator in 1833 who used the term to define adult education from child education. Alexander Kapp created the term which specifically means man-leading, which is in contrast to the term pedagogy which means child-leading. In the 20th century American education theorists defined three different types of adult learning. The first is andragogy, the second is self directed learning, with the third being transformative. Andragogy is used as a description of adult learning as a concept in which the learner is motivated by a series of assumptions that end with the learner developing solution to problems in order to learn in the context that an adult learns best (Melik & Melik, 2010, p. 108). Defining andragogy is a bit difficult as it has been presented through a variety of different ideas and is therefore not quite a firm theory through which to filter ideas. Andragogy was originally presented with three assumptions. Some criticisms of the ideas behind andragogy is that it is focused on the individual and not a critical evaluation of the social perspective on adult learning. The concept of andragogy has been correctly criticized for not informing the social perspective, but Knowles suggests that it does not have to promote the social perspective in order to have value in developing a structure of ideas about adult learning. One of the main proponents of andragogy as a theory of learning for adults is Malcolm Knowles. Knowles introduced the idea in the 1970s in response to the fact that most theory on learning was focused on

RELIGION IN PROMETHEUS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

RELIGION IN PROMETHEUS - Essay Example We are then prompted to ask, what is the connection between science and religion? The key to Prometheus is the spoiler alert. In its proposition, the engineers with their religion of self-sacrifice are said to have seeded life on earth and elsewhere. Inferring from the film, the crucifixion of Jesus about 2000 years ago is said to have prompted a civil war among the engineers. The theme of the war was founded on the meaning of the Cross Event as practised on earth. Ridley Scotts Prometheus has become the most debated film of the summer. It is beautiful and significant and presents human questions that appear the most primary of the time (Hey, 2008). However, whether the questions are asked well in the film and if the responses given out of that are satisfactory is debatable. One of the most controversial and intriguing thematic concern of the films is the involvement of an overt discussion of faith and science. The character of Dr Elizabeth is a scientist whose father was a missionary in the Catholic Church. The controversy arises in her character. The argument is pegged on the fact that she maintains her religious faith despite her argument for the evidence that an alien ancient species had used genetic engineering to create humanity in its image. Instead of questioning the concept of a supernatural creator, Elizabeth shifts her belief to the credence of an intergalactic God who made the creator species. The 1968 ‘Chariots of the Gods book by Erich Daniken promotes the pseudoscience ‘ancient astronaut theory (Juhant & ZÃŒÅ'alec, 2011). It is quite interesting to imagine how the scientific community would react to Scotts move to embrace this approach. However, it would be more interesting to contemplate the reaction of the religious communities to its plotline. The belief in an external force that plays a role in the creation of humanity could be a concept that has the potential for both anger and delight among the religious groups. It should be

Math project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Math project - Essay Example I considered various factors, including my family expenditure in every month. Finally I came to a conclusion that I could afford to purchase a Honda CR-V within a period of sixteen months. I borrowed a loan from one of the banks in our country. I made this decision with considerations to the costs and interest payments. I also considered down payments, trade in allowances and other debts. This was not the only payment I had to make, thus I allocated an affordable amount to this budget. I had some rent, insurance and taxes that needed to be paid within every month. I therefore had to limit my debt payments to less than 45% of my monthly gross income. My entire household earns $5,000 in terms of gross wages every month. 24% of this amount was spent on rent. This is approximately $1,200. After paying this, only $ 2,550 remains. I still needed money for insurance, groceries, fuel and other household expenses. I decided to budget 20% of my total earnings to the purchase of the car. This meant that I had to set aside $ 1,000 for purchase of the car. The car is one that I can finance for not more than $2,000 per month. I could not spend more than this amount on the car since I needed to cater for all the other needs. I have a family to provide for alongside all other requirements in life. The amount that was hereby allocated to car payments included insurance and registration fees. The car selected is a front wheel drive and costs approximately $31,600. I chose this car since it was affordable for me then. The car also favored my taste and preference. A front wheel drive car is cheaper than a four wheel drive. I had to borrow $32,000 from the bank. This was the lowest amount possible depending on the situation at hand. In making this decision, I had considered all factors, including the total payment, loan term and interest rate. I tried to make the initial

Reflection on Becoming a Teacher

Reflection on Becoming a Teacher I have always had aspirations to be a Primary teacher. Although I am relatively new to the profession I am ] However despite the challenges that face me I am trying to remain positive and make the best out of this situation Before I started writing I felt the best start way to reflect on my practice was to conduct a SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities Threats) to analyse my CPD opportunities in a way to focus on my goals and reflect on my practice so far. (See Appendix 1) By doing this I was able to highlight what I believe to be important and factors that I would like to improve on. I will now look at the political issues affecting education in Scotland, current research and how each have had an impact on my own learning. From this I will then review my position and set my goals for the future. The Political Position Harold Wilson the former Labour P.M. once said: A week is a long time in politics First Minister Alex Salmond discovered to his dismay the meaning of this quote in the first week of December last year. On Tuesday the 1st December 2009 Fiona Hyslop was redeployed from her position as Education secretary marking the first change in the Scottish Government Cabinet since the SNP came into power over two years ago. (Swanson 2009) The question is what happened? Alex Salmond made this decision only days after the Scottish government statistics showed a fall in teacher numbers of 1,348 over the past year, despite his plea to increase them. Fiona Hyslop has suffered a lot of criticism as education secretary the main reason being her failure to deliver the SNPs biggest education pledge of lowering primary 1-3 class sizes to 18. The final straw was Ms Hyslop threatening to centralise education taking power away from local authorities. The opposition parties also threatened a vote of no confidence in the Education Secretary if the First Minister did not do something to deal with the situation- a threat that could not be taken lightly. (Macleod 2009) By the 8th of December the SNP Government and the new Education Secretary Mike Russell faced its first challenge an enquiry into the class sizes pledge a major part of the SNP 2007 manifesto was called into question of whether or not the pledge was deliverable in their time in office. As if the current situation wasnt bad enough on the 11th Dec 2009 the General Teaching council published their report of probationers gaining employment after their initial year and their findings were not encourage able. The report stated that out of teachers surveyed only one teacher in five (20.2%) gained a full time permanent job after completing probation this summer and a significantly greater number of new teachers more than 1 in 4 have been able to gain employment as a teacher at all. Commenting on this report EIS General Secretary Ronnie Smith said The fact that so many of our newly qualified teachers are unemployed or under-employed on very patchy, short-term, contracts is a tragedy not only for these individual teachers but also for Scottish education and its pupils. (EIS 2009) Current Research and Personal Experiences Every aspect of being a teacher draws on both your professional and personal resources and values (Moyles and Robinson 2002 cited Asprey, Hamilton and Haywood 2002) Watzke (2007) amongst others talks of stage theory in teaching stating that there are distinct changes in a teachers thinking throughout his or her career. Fuller (1969) was one of the first to comment on this matter and suggests that in the beginning teachers are not concerned about teaching but their own survival. This stage known as self concerns e.g.. Can they survive and pass their probationary year? Later in their career Fuller stated the focus is on actual performance as teachers calling this stage task concerns. This makes sense as it is only natural once you have confidence in yourself to then focus on improving your learning experiences. The last stage after successful teaching the focus then moves on to having a meaningful and positive influence on their pupils which is known as impact concerns. As teachers learn and grow in the teaching profession they learn what works and what does not and this is something that comes from experience therefore it makes sense to follow a path like Fuller suggested. All teachers are very different and each have their own unique learning style. However, one thing what I would hope all teachers would have a shared value is the belief that the children are the most important part of their job and is their job as teachers to get the best out of the children they teach. As humans we all have our own values as individuals and as teachers. Eisner and Vallance (1974) talk of three main dimensions on which varied value positions are held. They suggest that that they are best represented as continua: Individual society This is the concept of whether education should be geared to meet individuals needs rather than educational terms being planned to meet the needs of the society. values skills This is the concept of whether education should focus on developing individuals sense of values in a moral ethical context, or on developing their skills. adaptive reconstructive This is whether education should prepare children to fit into the present society, or strive to change and in turn changing society. ( Eisner and Vallance 1975 cited in Pollard 2005) By looking at these three dimensions, we can perhaps see where our own values fit in. Pollard (2005) like Watzke (2007) talks of how teachers change and adapt as they gain more experience throughout their career. Pollard (2007) uses this example; a newly qualified or student teacher may place their self at the individual extreme of the first dimension placing more importance on skills extreme and feel more comfortable with the adaptive extreme of the third dimension. However, as time goes on and more experience is gained opinions may change. Being on supply I am able to see good practice in many different schools in my area. I also have the opportunity to be flexible and work in different establishments Nursery, Primary and the Additional Support Needs (ASN) sector. Working on supply you get to know particular schools and soon realise the schools that are nice to work in and the ones you may want to steer clear of. The question is how do we know this? What makes something feel like this?   I think what it comes down to is the culture of each individual school. Culture is both a dynamic phenomenon that surrounds us at all times, being constantly enacted and created by our interactions with others (Schein 2004 p1) Every organisation whether they realise it or not has their own unique culture. Being in so many different schools you come across just how different the working environment can be from school to school. The tricky part is being able to gauge the culture and act accordingly because what wouldnt be an issue in one school could be in another. The most popular example is the staff room. If it is my first time working in a particular school you have to gauge the environment and try to follow suit for example the seating arrangements, the biggest mistake you can make is to sit on someone elses seat if this happens you may either depending on the school get asked to move or be given the evil eye for the rest of the day. Another example especially in a big staffroom is when you sit down and other groups come in after and sit in little groups and you are left in the middle on your own twiddling your thumbs. To be on the safe side I usually wait until everyone is in the staffroom and then ask is it ok to sit in a particular seat. Sometimes you ask Is it ok to sit here?   To which the reply will be Oh yes you dont need to worry, we dont have particular seats in here but then you realise that every break time and lunch all of the staff remain in the same seats. Therefore culture is so in built they dont even realise its there but from an outsiders point of view it is more apparent. Once youve got your seat the next obstacle is talking to people. As soon as you walk in to a staffroom you can immediately sense the ambience, it is hard to explain but it is very apparent. As noted above you soon realise what schools you prefer to be in and those you arent as keen on, because in some schools you are only the supply teacher and you can sit and be ignored. On the other hand you walk in to some schools and you immediately feel a good atmosphere and although you still go through the same ritual in the staffroom asking where to sit you dont feel as apprehensive as the staff talk to you and make you feel welcome and generally seem interested in you as a person. Although I dont currently have a base school I do have schools where I work in more often. One such school is the school I worked in during my probationary year. Looking back it is funny how your first impressions of a place can be somewhat different after you have worked in a place for a while. The dynamics of a place can be very different on the outside than they are on the inside. NEED TO ADD MORE HERE On the whole my probationary school is a very good place to work on and portrays an ethos of respect and supportiveness. During my time in the school I had two very good mentors who I could always go to when I needed help which was the case for  most  of the staff in the school. However, I found out very quickly who I could ask advice from and who not to bother. My class had a lot of problems and was one Continuing professional development (CPD) is now an obligatory and accepted part in the contracts of all teachers who teach in Scottish schools. 35 hours worth of professional development activities is required over the course of the year. Teachers decide on what goals they would like to achieve over the school year and tailor this around what courses they will attend. With the advent of the Curriculum for Excellence (CFE) the Government is proposing CPD opportunities to be more specific and clearly linked to the priorities of the CFE. The biggest study carried out on CPD in the early stages of teachers career was by Draper et al., 1991, 1997, 1998 The Scottish Study of Probationers: 1988-1991 and 1995 -1996.   The research followed a group of teachers as they completed their probationary year. The researchers hypothesised the CPD would be at the fore front of the probationers activities and believed they would regard it as a priority. However, what they did find was probatio ner teachers stated that they spend more time proving to others that they could do their job rather than trying to further develop their practice. From a personal experience this is something that I myself can relate to. From the minute you walk into a school as a probationer you (unconsciously in some cases) are being judged for competency. This idea also ties in with Fuller (1969) first stage of self concerns teacher are concerned with their own learning and the thoughts of others around them. Draper et al also found that the teachers who completed their probationary year on a supply based method was more likely to threaten their development as they were not in the same place for any one time. Results showed that the second cohort 1995/96 was more satisfied with their professional development experiences than the first cohort 5 years previous to them. However, those teachers who completed their probationary year through short term contracts reported lower levels of satisfaction an d perhaps have an impact on their practice in the future. As one of their participants in the study commented: The effect of short-term contracts on initially keen and dedicated staff is disastrous. Morale, dedication and professionalism quickly evaporate. (Draper et al., 1997, cited in GTCS 2006) This is not surprising as the chances of those teachers being in a position to partake in many CPD sessions are rather low as what school nowadays would fund a place on a course for example for someone who a) isnt a permanent member of staff and b) probably wont be in the school long enough for the training to benefit the school. Without a doubt this will have an effect on a teachers morale if little or no opportunities to develop present themselves. I myself find myself in a similar position a supply teacher the professional development opportunities are little or none. (Draper et al cited in GTCS Research Jan 2006) It may sound clichà © but for as long as I can remember I have always wanted to be a Primary teacher. I applied for Primary Teaching in 6th year at school however I was not successful. Teaching for me at the time had been my only option and at the time I was devastated but soon realised that I could apply again. I then went on to complete a B/A honours degree in Psychology at the University of Psychology and then went on to the Post Graduate Primary course at the University of Paisley. Looking at my strengths I believe teaching ICT seems to be one of them. ICT is something that I enjoy and is something that the children always respond well to. It comes very natural to me given the fact that I have grown up using computers. This is probably why the children enjoy it as they can see that is something I love doing and this in turn enthuses them. In my probationary school I led an in service on Activ Primary for my colleagues who were either new to the IWB (Interactive whiteboard) or were still puzzled after attending the course on Activ Primary. By doing this I felt good as it felt like I was giving back to the school by supporting colleagues rather than being supported all the time. Even now as a Supply Teacher I carry my pen drive around with me which has along with many other things ICT activities. Teachers in different schools often ask me where I get my resources most of which are from the internet. A recent example is an interactive advent calendar Power Point w hich I use with the children in the lead up to Christmas. Although I do feel that ICT is a strength of mine like everything else I am constantly learning new ideas and will continue to learn. Looking at the SWOT analysis I have some experience using Active Learning in the upper school I would like to gain experience in using active learning in the early years. As a whole one of my goals is to try to keep abreast of current developments in early years education especially in light of the CFE. I recently was given the opportunity to attend an in-service in Story Grammar one of the schools in which I do supply in. I found this to be very interesting and very beneficial in the early years. By attending this course this prompted me to look more closely into the curriculum where Story Grammar came from Key to Learning Curriculum and I purchased the Curriculum book by Galina Doyla. I have tried to use some of the ideas from the book in my work in the Nursery. Obviously just now I only volunteer in the Nursery my first and foremost goal for the future would be to gain a permanent job in early years. REFERENCE LIST Asprey, E., Hamilton. C Haywood.S (2002). PGCE Professional Workbook Professional Issues in Primary Practice. Exeter: Learning Matters BBC News. (2009). Demoted SNP education secretary endorses successor. Available: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8388141.stm). Last accessed 4th December 2009. EIS. (2009). Collapse of jobs for new teachers is damaging pupils education prospects says EIS. News release Available: http://www.eis.org.uk/public.asp?id=431dbase=3. Last accessed 15th December 2009. GTC SCOTLAND RESEARCH. (1996). Developing Teachers: A review of Early Professional Learning. Available: http://www.gtcs.org.uk/Research_/publishedresearch_/CPDresearch/research_cpd.aspx. Last accessed 20/12/09. Macleod, A. (2009). Fiona Hyslop stripped of education role in SNP Cabinet. Available: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6939026.ece. Last accessed 10th December 2009. Pigge, F.L. and Marso, R.N. (1997) A seven year longitudinal multi-factor assessment of teaching concerns development preparation and early years of teaching, Teaching and Teacher Education 13(2): 225-235. Pollard, A, Collins, J, Maddock, M, Simco, N, Swaffield, S, Warin, J Warwick P (2005) Reflective Teaching (2nd edition) London: Continuum Schein (2004). Organizational culture and leadership. (3rd edition) San Francisco: Jossey Bass. SNP. (2007). SNP 2007 Manifesto. Available: http://www.snp.org/node/13534. Last accessed 11th December 2009. Swanson. I. (2009). Fiona Hyslop sacked. Available: http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/politics/Fiona-Hyslop-sacked-as-Education.5871555.jp. Last accessed 4th December 2009. Watzke, J.L. (2007). Longitudinal research on beginning teacher development: Complexity as a challenge to concerns-based stage theory. Teaching and Teacher Education. 23 (1), 106-122.

Working to Stop the Slaughter :: College Admissions Essays

Working to Stop the Slaughter    Gunfire kills 30,000 Americans every year. Gunfire disproportionately kills the young. Fifteen to twenty-four-year-olds are far more likely to die in gun murders and accidents than the average American. (Center for Disease Control) People in their early twenties are also more likely to use a gun to take their own life. In 1998, gun violence killed 4,476 18 to 22 year olds. In other words, gunfire kills 13 people in our age group every day. Every day, students like us mourn friends, classmates, siblings, and childhood playmates who died from gun violence. We have volunteered our time in schools where students struggle to learn because of the preoccupying threat of gunfire. Duck and cover has made a comeback. Our generation is learning to cower under our desks- not in fear of Soviet bombs but in fear of neighborhood arsenals. There are common sense solutions that work in Canada and Europe. Our elected leaders compound the daily tragedy when they choose not to act.    All it takes is some common sense. We can start by treating guns more like cars. Guns are exempt from the product safety regulations that govern everything from automobiles to power mowers to teddy bears. The gun industry, like any other industry, needs to take responsibility for the risks it creates. A government investigation helped prompt the Firestone recall. No government agency has similar responsibilities to investigate and respond to defective guns. Gun buyers have responsibilities as well. People who own dangerous products, like cars and guns, have the responsibility to learn to operate them safely and get a license.    Generations of college students have spoken out against injustice. Their efforts forced change. Students took to the streets to call for an end to the Vietnam war. The Freedom Riders spearheaded the civil rights movement. Our age group bears the brunt of the gun violence epidemic. When guns kill 30,000 Americans a year while Congress stands by and does nothing, it is time for our generation to speak up. We need to tell the stories of the people behind the statistics -- the lives full of hope and promise cut short by gunfire.

Attachment Theory Essay

Attachment theory describes the dynamics of long-term relationships between humans. Its most important tenet is that an infant needs to develop a relationship with at least one primary caregiver for social and emotional development to occur normally. Attachment theory explains how much the parents’ relationship with the child influences development. Attachment theory is an interdisciplinary study encompassing the fields of psychological, evolutionary, and ethological theory. Immediately after World War II, homeless and orphaned children presented many difficulties,[1] and psychiatrist and psychoanalyst John Bowlby was asked by the UN to write a pamphlet on the issue which he entitled maternal deprivation. Attachment theory grew out of his subsequent work on the issues raised. Infants become attached to individuals who are sensitive and responsive in social interactions with them, and who remain as consistent caregivers for some months during the period from about six months to two years of age, this is known as sensitive responsiveness. When an infant begins to crawl and walk they begin to use attachment figures (familiar people) as a secure base to explore from and return to. Caregivers’ responses lead to the development of patterns of attachment; these, in turn, lead to internal working models which will guide the individual’s perceptions, emotions, thoughts and expectations in later relationships.[2] Separation anxiety or grief following the loss of an attachment figure is considered to be a normal and adaptive response for an attached infant. These behaviours may have evolved because they increase the probability of survival of the child.

Client Understanding Paper

University of Phoenix ACC/541 Client Understanding Paper As per your request of an analysis of the following topics: Adjusting lower of cost or market inventory on valuation, Capitalizing interest on building construction, Recording gain or loss on asset disposal, and Adjusting goodwill for impairment. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) established clear guidelines addressing the items mentioned above. I will outline that FASB generally accepted accounting standards (GAAP) affect each area, and how these improvements to the company will benefit the company’s financial health (FASB, 2010). The methods of inventory valuation are different according to companies, but at the end of the day the chosen method should be consistent each year according to the general accepted accounting principles. A manufacturing company will generate inventories for finished product, raw materials and work in progress, so lowering the cost of market inventory can be very intimidating and consuming. Inventories and prepaid expenses present some additional valuation issues. With the emphasis on net income reporting, the inventory valuation process has become secondary to the matching of expired inventory costs to sales. The use of any of the acceptable inventory flow assumption techniques prescribes the amount that remains on the balance sheet, and it is likely that each of these flow assumptions will result in different inventory valuations in fluctuating market conditions. In addition, the accounting convention of conservatism requires that a lower of cost or market valuation be used for inventories (Schroeder, Clark, & Cathey, 2005). Using the first-in-first out (FIFO) or the last-in-first-out (LIFO) method is the perfect way to identify the cost of each inventory item. â€Å"A valuation method (e. g. LIFO, FIFO, average cost and specific identification) is used to compute the cost of the inventory dollar amounts and then it is compared to the market dollar amount. † LIFO is not commonly used because the last goods purchased are the first to be sold. The inventory at the beginning of the year will have the earliest goods purchased acquiring a valuation of an early price. FIFO is better used for lowering cost especially during periods of increase prices. It is also important to identify a method for valuing the items in the inventory and calculating the cost of goods sold. This can be done through the cost method, the lower of cost or market and the retail method. â€Å"A valuation method is used to compute the cost of the inventory dollar amounts and then it is compared to the market dollar amount. The lower of the two amounts must be used when recording inventory. † The cost method involves all direct and indirect costs to acquire the inventory. The cost of the products purchased consists of the invoiced purchase price minus discounts or trade with and addition of transportation, shipping additional cost incurred for attaining the product. Lower of cost or market method â€Å"determine the market value of each item on hand as of the inventory date, compare the market value with the cost of each item, and use the lower of the two as the inventory value of that item† (Hagen, 2005). The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AIPCA) in conjunction with the Financial Standards Accounting Board (FASB) issued ARB No. 3 that lower of    cost or market rule apply to all inventories. Lower of cost or market aspect (LCM) is also supported and defined by SFAC No. two and SFAC No. 6. The LCM rule considers the market that purchases and sells the inventory. In general, the conservatism principle applies to LCM method of accounting. Conservatism principle directs a company to choose the more â€Å"conservative† dollar amount when considering two amounts that represent inventories. This helps a Company to report accurate losses on their income statement. To determine LCM, one must also consider net realizable value (NRV). This value represents the selling price of inventories minus the fees associated with completion of sales. The NVR is key to determining true LCM. Conclusion of market value also refers to an items current replacement cost. This cost falls between the NRV (ceiling value) and the floor value (NRV- normal profit). Inventory cost adjustments are required by accounting standards. Incorrectly reporting inventory values at higher levels is a fraudulent act (with harsher penalties under Sarbanes Ox). Inventory valued at $10 with a true value of $5 is a punishable event (FASB, 2010). When a building asset is developed, a vast amount of time is required between the start and completion of the project. Normally the cost of should include all cost to prepare the asset for its useful life of the asset or for sale. The capitalization of interest cost on a building give a guideline on the amount of interest to be capitalized and for the financial statement disclosure. The expenditures must be qualified ahead of time, activities must be in progress and the company must be paying interest. Capitalization ends when the building fully constructed and is in use. Interest is not capitalized on inventories manufactured on a repeated basis or if the building is acquired using gifts or grants under restriction by the donor or grantor. â€Å"When additional financing is incurred after construction expenditures have begun, a firm may capitalize interest on construction expenditures either using an end-of-period average interest rate that includes all financing outstanding at the end of the period (general or specific, as appropriate) or using only the finance outstanding when the construction expenditure was made. Scofield, 2004) The average capitalized rate can be computed using the weighted-average or the specific method. If you were to purchase a building after it was completed, the sales price would include all costs (plus a profit to the seller). Part of the costs in building something is the interim borrowing costs†¦ in this case, the construction loan. Adding the loan to the other costs (brick, mortar, labor) is called â€Å"capitali zing† the interest expense. This creates a higher cost basis for the building and can be â€Å"recovered† through the depreciation expense deduction (over the life of the building). The three main events in the life of an asset are the acquisition, useful life, and disposal or retirement. At the end of an asset’s life, gain or loss of its disposal is recorded. A gain or loss will take place at the disposal of any assets and should be logged as journal entry along with any related incidental cost. The unrealized gains and losses are noticed according to its earnings. All changes whether upward or downward that involves investment shares are shown as income or losses with a change in market value that requires an adjustment to its carry value. At the time disposal there can either be a gain or loss or no gain or loss. Schroeder, Clark and Cathey states that all unrealized gains and unrealized losses will be valued the same for asset valuation purposes. For trading securities, the gains and losses are noticed in those periods in which they occur; for these assets the method is consistent with other accrual accounting requirements. A consistency with the SFAC No. six definition of comprehensive income is determined because comprehensive income is determined by the changes in net assets and would include changes in the market values of assets. For trading securities, no further masking of gains against losses that occurred under the aggregate valuation approach of SFAS No. twelve is needed. Goodwill for impairment must be assessed by companies at least once per year. If an impairment of goodwill the carried amount will be lessened and there will be recognition of impairment loss. Goodwill for impairment test must be recorded as reporting units. These could be the company’s operating segments identified under SFAS 131, or a â€Å"component† of a reportable operating segment as defined in paragraph 30 of SFAS 142. (Huefner and Largay III, 2008). Goodwill is comparing each unit’s estimated fair value of the reporting unit with the unit’s fair values of its identifiable net assets. This process and the process of allocating purchase price differentials of asset acquired, goodwill and liabilities assumed is very similar. The total of the tentative assignments of goodwill to reporting units can surpass the total goodwill recorded by the total entity but when this occurs, the tentative unit assignments are reduced in some reasonable fashion to make the sum equal to the total recorded goodwill (Huefner and Largay III, 2008). Losses on impairment cannot be changed but according to Schroeder, Clark and Cathey, an impairment loss for goodwill should be reversed only if the specific external event that caused the recognition of the impairment loss reverses. A reversal of an impairment loss should be recognized as income in the income statement for assets carried at cost and treated as a revaluation increase for assets carried at revalued amount. At the end of the developing period, the annual impairment test is done on an aggregate basis, which means an increase in goodwill on some books annot offset impairments found in other units. Huefner and Largay III also states that given the potential significance of the change in the accounting treatment of a major asset, the authors expected to observe numerous large impairment write-offs due to implementing the new standard, and large increases in net income because of eliminating goodwill amortization as an expense. In conclusion assets involving current assets, long-term investments, fixed assets, and intangible assets at some point can be changed into cash. Intangible assets except goodwill can either be determinable or indeterminable useful lives. Schroeder, Clark and Cathey explain that those with determinable useful lives are written off over the period of benefit. The cost of acquiring goodwill as well as intangible assets with indeterminate useful lives, is not amortized. References Schroeder, Richard G. , Clark, Myrtle W. , and Cathey, Jack M. (2005). Financial Accounting Theory and Analysis, The Development of Accounting Theory. Financial Accounting Standards Board. 2010). Financial Accounting Standards Board home. Retrieved April 5, 2010 from, http://www. fasb. org/. Scofield, B. (1994) Full disclosure of interest capitalization decisions. The National Public Accountant. Retrieved on April 5, 2010 from http://www. allbusiness. com/accounting. Huefner, R. J. , Largay J. A. (2008). The CPA Journal. The Effect of the New Goodwill Accounting Rules on Financial Statements. Retrieved on April 5, 2010 from http://www. nysscpa. org/cpaj ournal/2004/1004/essentials/p30. htm Client Understanding Paper University of Phoenix ACC/541 Client Understanding Paper As per your request of an analysis of the following topics: Adjusting lower of cost or market inventory on valuation, Capitalizing interest on building construction, Recording gain or loss on asset disposal, and Adjusting goodwill for impairment. The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) established clear guidelines addressing the items mentioned above. I will outline that FASB generally accepted accounting standards (GAAP) affect each area, and how these improvements to the company will benefit the company’s financial health (FASB, 2010). The methods of inventory valuation are different according to companies, but at the end of the day the chosen method should be consistent each year according to the general accepted accounting principles. A manufacturing company will generate inventories for finished product, raw materials and work in progress, so lowering the cost of market inventory can be very intimidating and consuming. Inventories and prepaid expenses present some additional valuation issues. With the emphasis on net income reporting, the inventory valuation process has become secondary to the matching of expired inventory costs to sales. The use of any of the acceptable inventory flow assumption techniques prescribes the amount that remains on the balance sheet, and it is likely that each of these flow assumptions will result in different inventory valuations in fluctuating market conditions. In addition, the accounting convention of conservatism requires that a lower of cost or market valuation be used for inventories (Schroeder, Clark, & Cathey, 2005). Using the first-in-first out (FIFO) or the last-in-first-out (LIFO) method is the perfect way to identify the cost of each inventory item. â€Å"A valuation method (e. g. LIFO, FIFO, average cost and specific identification) is used to compute the cost of the inventory dollar amounts and then it is compared to the market dollar amount. † LIFO is not commonly used because the last goods purchased are the first to be sold. The inventory at the beginning of the year will have the earliest goods purchased acquiring a valuation of an early price. FIFO is better used for lowering cost especially during periods of increase prices. It is also important to identify a method for valuing the items in the inventory and calculating the cost of goods sold. This can be done through the cost method, the lower of cost or market and the retail method. â€Å"A valuation method is used to compute the cost of the inventory dollar amounts and then it is compared to the market dollar amount. The lower of the two amounts must be used when recording inventory. † The cost method involves all direct and indirect costs to acquire the inventory. The cost of the products purchased consists of the invoiced purchase price minus discounts or trade with and addition of transportation, shipping additional cost incurred for attaining the product. Lower of cost or market method â€Å"determine the market value of each item on hand as of the inventory date, compare the market value with the cost of each item, and use the lower of the two as the inventory value of that item† (Hagen, 2005). The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AIPCA) in conjunction with the Financial Standards Accounting Board (FASB) issued ARB No. 3 that lower of    cost or market rule apply to all inventories. Lower of cost or market aspect (LCM) is also supported and defined by SFAC No. two and SFAC No. 6. The LCM rule considers the market that purchases and sells the inventory. In general, the conservatism principle applies to LCM method of accounting. Conservatism principle directs a company to choose the more â€Å"conservative† dollar amount when considering two amounts that represent inventories. This helps a Company to report accurate losses on their income statement. To determine LCM, one must also consider net realizable value (NRV). This value represents the selling price of inventories minus the fees associated with completion of sales. The NVR is key to determining true LCM. Conclusion of market value also refers to an items current replacement cost. This cost falls between the NRV (ceiling value) and the floor value (NRV- normal profit). Inventory cost adjustments are required by accounting standards. Incorrectly reporting inventory values at higher levels is a fraudulent act (with harsher penalties under Sarbanes Ox). Inventory valued at $10 with a true value of $5 is a punishable event (FASB, 2010). When a building asset is developed, a vast amount of time is required between the start and completion of the project. Normally the cost of should include all cost to prepare the asset for its useful life of the asset or for sale. The capitalization of interest cost on a building give a guideline on the amount of interest to be capitalized and for the financial statement disclosure. The expenditures must be qualified ahead of time, activities must be in progress and the company must be paying interest. Capitalization ends when the building fully constructed and is in use. Interest is not capitalized on inventories manufactured on a repeated basis or if the building is acquired using gifts or grants under restriction by the donor or grantor. â€Å"When additional financing is incurred after construction expenditures have begun, a firm may capitalize interest on construction expenditures either using an end-of-period average interest rate that includes all financing outstanding at the end of the period (general or specific, as appropriate) or using only the finance outstanding when the construction expenditure was made. Scofield, 2004) The average capitalized rate can be computed using the weighted-average or the specific method. If you were to purchase a building after it was completed, the sales price would include all costs (plus a profit to the seller). Part of the costs in building something is the interim borrowing costs†¦ in this case, the construction loan. Adding the loan to the other costs (brick, mortar, labor) is called â€Å"capitali zing† the interest expense. This creates a higher cost basis for the building and can be â€Å"recovered† through the depreciation expense deduction (over the life of the building). The three main events in the life of an asset are the acquisition, useful life, and disposal or retirement. At the end of an asset’s life, gain or loss of its disposal is recorded. A gain or loss will take place at the disposal of any assets and should be logged as journal entry along with any related incidental cost. The unrealized gains and losses are noticed according to its earnings. All changes whether upward or downward that involves investment shares are shown as income or losses with a change in market value that requires an adjustment to its carry value. At the time disposal there can either be a gain or loss or no gain or loss. Schroeder, Clark and Cathey states that all unrealized gains and unrealized losses will be valued the same for asset valuation purposes. For trading securities, the gains and losses are noticed in those periods in which they occur; for these assets the method is consistent with other accrual accounting requirements. A consistency with the SFAC No. six definition of comprehensive income is determined because comprehensive income is determined by the changes in net assets and would include changes in the market values of assets. For trading securities, no further masking of gains against losses that occurred under the aggregate valuation approach of SFAS No. twelve is needed. Goodwill for impairment must be assessed by companies at least once per year. If an impairment of goodwill the carried amount will be lessened and there will be recognition of impairment loss. Goodwill for impairment test must be recorded as reporting units. These could be the company’s operating segments identified under SFAS 131, or a â€Å"component† of a reportable operating segment as defined in paragraph 30 of SFAS 142. (Huefner and Largay III, 2008). Goodwill is comparing each unit’s estimated fair value of the reporting unit with the unit’s fair values of its identifiable net assets. This process and the process of allocating purchase price differentials of asset acquired, goodwill and liabilities assumed is very similar. The total of the tentative assignments of goodwill to reporting units can surpass the total goodwill recorded by the total entity but when this occurs, the tentative unit assignments are reduced in some reasonable fashion to make the sum equal to the total recorded goodwill (Huefner and Largay III, 2008). Losses on impairment cannot be changed but according to Schroeder, Clark and Cathey, an impairment loss for goodwill should be reversed only if the specific external event that caused the recognition of the impairment loss reverses. A reversal of an impairment loss should be recognized as income in the income statement for assets carried at cost and treated as a revaluation increase for assets carried at revalued amount. At the end of the developing period, the annual impairment test is done on an aggregate basis, which means an increase in goodwill on some books annot offset impairments found in other units. Huefner and Largay III also states that given the potential significance of the change in the accounting treatment of a major asset, the authors expected to observe numerous large impairment write-offs due to implementing the new standard, and large increases in net income because of eliminating goodwill amortization as an expense. In conclusion assets involving current assets, long-term investments, fixed assets, and intangible assets at some point can be changed into cash. Intangible assets except goodwill can either be determinable or indeterminable useful lives. Schroeder, Clark and Cathey explain that those with determinable useful lives are written off over the period of benefit. The cost of acquiring goodwill as well as intangible assets with indeterminate useful lives, is not amortized. References Schroeder, Richard G. , Clark, Myrtle W. , and Cathey, Jack M. (2005). Financial Accounting Theory and Analysis, The Development of Accounting Theory. Financial Accounting Standards Board. 2010). Financial Accounting Standards Board home. Retrieved April 5, 2010 from, http://www. fasb. org/. Scofield, B. (1994) Full disclosure of interest capitalization decisions. The National Public Accountant. Retrieved on April 5, 2010 from http://www. allbusiness. com/accounting. Huefner, R. J. , Largay J. A. (2008). The CPA Journal. The Effect of the New Goodwill Accounting Rules on Financial Statements. Retrieved on April 5, 2010 from http://www. nysscpa. org/cpaj ournal/2004/1004/essentials/p30. htm