Finance and Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Finance and Management - Essay Example With the use of the budgets, businesses will produce different management reports to the various stakeholders. The reports will be important in the evaluation of the business performance and act as a motivation to the employees. Product cost can be defined a s the total costs that is incurred in the manufacturing of goods or the provision of servicers. Various cost elements are involved in the process of producing a product. These include material cost, labor costs, overhead costs, and other expenses (Polimeni, 2000). The sum of these costs constitutes product costs. Material costs are labor costs are direct cost that are associated with the goods and are easy to determine when determining the cost of products (Epstein & Lee, 2001). Material costs can be determined from the purchase receipts that are made. Labor expenses are also determined from the salaries and other allowances that are paid to the workers and other experts that are involved in the production of goods and services. The last component of product costs that includes the overhead expenditure poses a challenge to cost accountants on how to incorporate them in the product costs (Horngren, 2009). There are different cost accounting methods that can be used to allocate these costs to the products to determine the total costs of the products. Product costs are necessary for decision-making and for external purposes. Product costs can be determined using the following methods. First, marginal costing system can be used in calculating the product cost. In this method, only the variable costs are used in arriving at the product prices (Polimeni, 2000). The organization will therefore use these costs to make decisions. Fixed costs and sunk costs are not included in the calculation because they are past costs which cannot influence the future managerial costs. Product costs determined in this manner will only be important in making internal deci9isions and not for external uses. The second cost methodology that can be used is the total costing or absorption costing method. In this method, the prices of products are determined by adding all the costs incurred in production including the fixed costs and other overhead costs (Epstein & Lee, 2001). All the costs are considered relevant because the management incurred the cost in the process of making the product. The method of should be used in determining the selling price that is charged on the products because it incorporates all the costs involved in the process (Lucey, 2002). The prices can therefore be determined by adding a desired margin on the cost of the goods. Moreover, the product costs can also be determined by the use of activity based costing. Activity based costing assists in the allocation of overhead costs that are then summed up to the variable costs to arrive at the total product costs. In this method, the overhead costs are allocated to the various cost centers and using the cost drivers. The method helps in charging costs to the various activities. This method has been used widely to control the costs of activities and make managers do away with non-essential activities that do not add value to the product manufacturing. Through the elimination of the dummy and redundant activities, the management will be in a position to achieve efficiency and effectiveness in the process. The last costing methodology that can be employed is the throughout costing. This method is criticized by the accountants and is

Proposing a Solution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Proposing a Solution - Essay Example In this regard, as a resident of Los Angeles, California, the problem that has besieged commuters in this area is the consistent and persistent traffic jams that cause delays in arriving at scheduled destination in time. The essay hereby aims to achieve the following objectives: to define the problem; to find a solution; to defend one’s solution by testing it; and to offer reasons for adopting the proposal in detail. Definition of the Problem Traffic jams in Los Angeles have been manifested to be a perennial head-ache for daily commuters. Local residents, visitors and daily commuters have observed that traffic congestion has been a problem for several years now. One contends that traffic congestion is actually not the problem; it is an effect of something that has not been appropriately addressed. If one were to closely analyze the situation, the real cause of the problem is the greater increase in the number of vehicles commuting the area during peak hours and the lesser amou nt of accessible roads. The number and space of accessible roads apparently become limited during peak hours and could not possible accommodate the excessively large amounts of vehicles plying the area. Alternative Courses of Action Seeing this as a problem of demand and supply, the alternative courses of action are as follows: to address the demand aspect through implementing reforms and policies concerning road or freeway use (through increasing the tolls; parking fees; and penalties for violating traffic rules); and to encourage commuters to share riding in vehicles. Likewise, the local traffic agency could apply number coding schemes to lessen vehicles commuting during peak hours. In addition, to address the supply side, the possibilities of building more roads or alternate routes could be examined. Addressing the demand side means lessening the number of vehicles plying the freeway, especially during peak hours. As suggested, LA traffic enforcers could examine the possibilities of implementing increased prices for tolls, parking fees and penalties for traffic violations; encourage commuters to share riding in vehicles and even implementing a coding scheme where vehicles with plate numbers ending in certain numbers would not ply the freeway once a week. The advantage of this option is that lesser number of vehicles would mean lesser congestion. The disadvantage of this is that commuters could be enraged by limiting or restricting the use of their vehicles. The second alternative, addressing the supply side is to build more roads or alternate routes. The advantage of this option is that more roads would give vehicles greater spaces to travel. The disadvantages are: funds for construction and the space to accommodate more roads. Recommended Course of Action After evaluating the options, one would propose focusing on the demand side through instituting higher prices for tolls, parking fees and penalties for traffic violations to demotivate commuters in using vehicles and to be encouraged to share riding vehicles with others who go the same route. Likewise, applying the number coding scheme is another viable solution to limit the authorized vehicles plying the freeway. By increasing pricing policies, the city would generate more revenues and would enable the most efficient use of roads. As for the supply side, building more

Introduction to american civilization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Introduction to american civilization - Essay Example By the 1840s, steam powered locomotives became the major source of traveling and transportation in the United States. The railroad was used to transport large items which reduced the costs of transportation. By the 1880s, electric railways were being used for transportation in cities like New York (Steven, 2006). The Transcontinental Railroad brought much profit and efficiency to organizations and individuals in the United States. The Industrial revolution allowed the massive cultivation of the American West with the use of new farming techniques and mechanization. This led to efficiencies in production and the railroad ensured the distribution of foodstuff to distant markets. Industrialization also led to the increased urbanization of the American people. Automobiles would further revolutionize the concept of traveling. Mass manufacturing led to an increase in goods and as a result a new middle class emerged eager for these products. The progressive era in the United States was launched in order to protect the rights of workers and reduce waste and corruption. This era was also marked with a desire to improve the lives of ordinary citizens. Alcohol was prohibited in this era and women’s rights were achieved. Media exposed corruption in political circles. Political reforms to enable the citizens to rule directly were implemented. Theodore Roosevelt launched the square deal to ensure that food and drugs would be safe for citizens. The railroad rates were also regulated. Universal health care, health insurance and conservation of the environment were some of the major goals of his government. President Howard Taft also believed in the progressive era. During his presidency, the civil service was expanded and the US postal service was made more efficient. He also launched many antitrust suits against large companies and promoted world peace. President Woodrow Wilson is credited with the establishment of the F ederal Reserve System which is the central

Creative Intelligence Essay Example for Free

Creative Intelligence Essay 1. Introduce change Discover new solutions Make ideas exciting Work best with people 2. My strength is being Decisive Thorough Imaginative Understanding 3. Successful people are Ambitious Disciplined Willing to take risks Self-confident 4. I get my best results by Focusing on current problems Applying careful analysis Trying new products Gaining the support of others 5. I see the future as Unknown A challenge Providing many opportunities Facilitating change 6. I appreciate teachers who Explain ideas clearly Making learning interesting Recognize original ideas Involve others in learning 7. People see me as Energetic Persistent A perfectionist Committed 8. People who make things happen Are highly motivated Enjoy experimenting Have the courage of conviction Challenge the status quo 9. Discoveries depend on Being committed Being curious Being open-minded Having a broad perspective 10. A good writer Is convincing Presents new ideas Provides a unique perspective Has a compelling vision 11. Breakthrough thinking Makes progress possible Helps to solve difficult problems Explores new frontiers Encourages teamwork 12. I dislike 13. I communicate best by being 14. I am committed to 15. Creative organizations 16. Achieving results depends on being 17. I prefer situations where I 18. Change depends on 19. My goal is to 20. Leaders 21. Ethical Behavior 22. The arts 23. Creative thinkers 24. Breaking with tradition 25. When under pressure, I

The Simplicity of Raymond Chandlers The Big Sleep :: sleep

The Simplicity of Raymond Chandler's The Big Sleep Raymond Chandler would like us to believe that The Big Sleep is just another example of hard-boiled detective fiction. He would like readers to see Philip Marlowe, Vivian Regan, Carmen Sternwood, Eddie Mars, and the rest of the characters as either "good guys" or "bad guys" with no deeper meaning or symbolism to them. I found the book simple and easy to understand; the problem was that it was too easy, too simple. Then came one part that totally stood out from the rest of the book &emdash; the chessboard. Marlowe toyed with it whenever he got the chance, and it probably helped him think of a next move in a particular case. I found it odd that Chandler made such a brief mention of chess, but I did not realize why until I finished the book and had time to think about what I had read. In a very interesting sense, the entire novel resembles the game of chess. Each character is a piece, and the name of the game is survival. Though the ultimate goal in chess is to take poss ession of the king, the underlying strategy is to eliminate as many pieces as one possibly can. This serves as insurance in the overall goal. Being that the characters/pieces determine the direction of the goal, let us look at them to begin. I have chosen to examine two characters in-depth and then put them on the board with the rest of the people in the novel. Philip Marlowe does not correspond to the knight of the chessboard. Chandler assumes that the reader will fall into the easy trap of assigning Marlowe to the role of the knight. After all, he is the main man in the novel, the one who needs to solve the case. His self-description in the opening chapter lures the reader into believing he is a typical white knight hero. "I was neat, clean, shaved and sober, and I didn't care who knew it. I was everything the well-dressed private detective ought to be" (3). This is a fitting description of a knight only because knights must possess similar qualities in order to be heroes. The Simplicity of Raymond Chandler's The Big Sleep :: sleep The Simplicity of Raymond Chandler's The Big Sleep Raymond Chandler would like us to believe that The Big Sleep is just another example of hard-boiled detective fiction. He would like readers to see Philip Marlowe, Vivian Regan, Carmen Sternwood, Eddie Mars, and the rest of the characters as either "good guys" or "bad guys" with no deeper meaning or symbolism to them. I found the book simple and easy to understand; the problem was that it was too easy, too simple. Then came one part that totally stood out from the rest of the book &emdash; the chessboard. Marlowe toyed with it whenever he got the chance, and it probably helped him think of a next move in a particular case. I found it odd that Chandler made such a brief mention of chess, but I did not realize why until I finished the book and had time to think about what I had read. In a very interesting sense, the entire novel resembles the game of chess. Each character is a piece, and the name of the game is survival. Though the ultimate goal in chess is to take poss ession of the king, the underlying strategy is to eliminate as many pieces as one possibly can. This serves as insurance in the overall goal. Being that the characters/pieces determine the direction of the goal, let us look at them to begin. I have chosen to examine two characters in-depth and then put them on the board with the rest of the people in the novel. Philip Marlowe does not correspond to the knight of the chessboard. Chandler assumes that the reader will fall into the easy trap of assigning Marlowe to the role of the knight. After all, he is the main man in the novel, the one who needs to solve the case. His self-description in the opening chapter lures the reader into believing he is a typical white knight hero. "I was neat, clean, shaved and sober, and I didn't care who knew it. I was everything the well-dressed private detective ought to be" (3). This is a fitting description of a knight only because knights must possess similar qualities in order to be heroes.

Comparing Women in The Bell Jar and Enormous Changes at the Last Minute

Independent Women in The Bell Jar and Enormous Changes at the Last Minute      Ã‚  Ã‚   The women's movement was in full swing in America in the sixties. These were the women who were escaping from their kitchens, burning their bras, and working in careers that were traditionally male-oriented, while at the same time demanding payment equal to men's salaries. In her essay: What Would It Be Like if Women Win, Gloria Steinem has many thoughts on the ways feminism could change this country and what the society would be like if her changes were made. An interesting change she is looking to make involves sexual hypocrisy: "No more sex arranged on the barter system, with women pretending interest, and men never sure whether they are loved for themselves or for the security few women can get any other way" (Steinem, Takin' it to the Streets, 476). This new attitude can be found in much of the literature of the sixties. Specifically, in two of the books we have read, women authors have projected this concept of a "new sexual women" into their characters.    The main character in Sylvia Plath's novel, The Bell Jar, could be the spokesperson for all of Steinem's ideas. Esther Greenwood breaks all of the traditional rules that a female in her time should have been following. Esther is a bold and independent woman. Which makes Buddy Willard, he... ...or this reason, and not just because her mother wants to serve her husband, that she delivers them. She is not willing to be a servant.    The women authors of the sixties incorporate many ideas of the feminine movement into their works. Their characters are strong and independent. They make bold choices, like their creators, and that is what makes them interesting.    Works Cited Bloom, Alexander and Wini Breines, eds. Takin' it to the Streets. Oxford University Press, New York, 1995) Paley, Grace. Enormous Changes at the Last Minute. Farrar, Strauss, and Giroux, New York, 1974. Plath, Sylvia. The Bell Jar. Harper and Row, New York, 1971.   

Work Is a Blessing

In â€Å"Work Is A Blessing† by Russel Honore, he talks about how he found out that work really is a blessing. Living in a family of 12 children, he had to get a job and the age of 12, he complained about this job to his grandpa and dad. They told him that work is a blessing. It took him years to understand this statement. Russel attended college but he had to get a job to pay for it. The job at ROTC was a requirement at first, but later turned into a way of life.Honore was in Bangladesh and saw a woman working. What really made him pay action to this woman was that she was breaking bricks with a hammer and she had a baby on her back. He asked his partner why they don’t get a machine to do that; and the men told him that if they did that the woman would lose her job and not have a way to feed her family. Honore then realized that to work is really a blessing. In this story he talks about how working is a great achievement, even if it isn’t best job.Getting a job that anyone may not like is better than not having a job at all. I had a job as a cook and I didn’t like the job very much, but I just dealt with it. It was a starter job that helped me pay for a couple of things that I needed to help me get to college. I didn’t like the boss and didn’t like the coworkers but that didn’t change the fact that I was one person out of so many who got a job when I really needed one. According to Honore when people don’t have a job they are not free.Which I believe he is right on this. Have you ever had a moment when you couldn’t buy something because you didn’t have money? Well, that just proves you’re not free. No matter what, in life anyone will have to pay for something. Honore retired from the Army but still works. He helps people to prepare for a disaster. He also plans on getting into a little farming someday. Honore says he will never stop working. Thought out Honore years he has learned to appreciate his father’s words.