itgle.com

5 An organisation’s goals can only be achieved through the efforts of motivated individuals.Required:Explain what is meant by the following terms:(a) Hygiene factors. (8 marks)

题目

5 An organisation’s goals can only be achieved through the efforts of motivated individuals.

Required:

Explain what is meant by the following terms:

(a) Hygiene factors. (8 marks)


相似考题

2.1 Flavours Fine Foods is a leading producer for the food industry, supplying many of Europe’s leading restaurants.Started just five years ago by brothers Lee and Alan Jones, the organisation has grown from a small company employing five people to a multi-divisional organisation employing 120 people.The organisation’s production facility is divided into three separate departments. Each department has a single manager with supervisors assisting on the production lines. The managers and supervisors, all of whom are aware of their roles, work well together. However, although the organisation has grown, the owners continue to involve themselves in day to day activities and this has led to friction between the owners, managers and supervisors.As a result a problem arose last week. Alan Jones instructed a supervisor to repair a machine on the shop floor, which he refused to do without confirmation and instruction from his departmental manager. The supervisor’s manager,Dean Watkins, became involved and was annoyed at what he saw as interference in his department’s activities. Dean told Alan Jones that he “should have come to me first” because although the responsibility for the overall organisation was a matter for the brothers, action taken in the factory was his through powers that had been delegated to him and through his authority, as manager. In the argument that followed, Alan Jones was accused of failing to understand the way that the hierarchy in such a large organisation operates and that interference with operational decisions by senior management was not helpful.As a consequence of this, Alan Jones has asked you to explain to him and his brother the issues behind the dispute to clarify the roles of managers and supervisors and to indicate how and why successful delegation might be achieved.Required:(a) Explain to Alan Jones the main differences between the work of a manager and that of a supervisor.(13 marks)

参考答案和解析
正确答案:
5 Overview
Understanding what motivates people is necessary at all levels of management. It is important that professional accountants
understand the relevance of individual motivation. Unless individuals are well managed and motivated they are unlikely to cooperate
to achieve the organisation’s objectives.
Part (a):
(a) Hygiene (or maintenance) factors lead to job dissatisfaction because of the need to avoid unpleasantness. They are so called
because they can in turn be avoided by the use of ‘hygienic’ methods, that is, they can be prevented. Attention to these
hygiene factors prevents dissatisfaction but does not on its own provide motivation.
Hygiene factors (or ‘dissatisfiers’) are concerned with those factors associated with, but not directly a part of, the job itself.
Herzberg suggested that these are mainly salary and the perceived differences with others’ salaries, job security, working
conditions, the level and quality of supervision, organisational policy and administration and the nature of interpersonal
relationships. Resolution of hygiene factors, however, is short term, longer term resolution requires motivator factors.
更多“5 An organisation’s goals can only be achieved through the efforts of motivated individuals.Required:Explain what is meant by the following terms:(a) Hygiene factors. (8 marks)”相关问题
  • 第1题:

    2 The activities of an organisation have to be managed and co-ordinated to ensure that its objectives are met. The organisation’s structure is designed to support this.

    Required:

    (a) What is meant by the term ‘organisational structure,’ often shown as an organisation chart? (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    2 All organisations of whatever size have to work in a co-ordinated way to ensure that the objectives laid down are achieved.However, for effective co-ordination to take place, the structure must be correct and understood. Very often, managers know the structure but cannot explain its significance or appropriateness.
    (a) The structure of an organisation is often depicted as a chart. The structure explains the communication pattern, the linking mechanism between departments, tasks and individuals, the co-ordinating mechanism that ensures the entire organization is working toward the same objective, and who is in control of the organisation’s activities and at what level in the organisation.

  • 第2题:

    6 An important part of managing people in a professional organisation is to be able to distinguish between aggressiveness and assertiveness in an employee.

    Required:

    (a) Explain and give examples of aggressive behaviour. (8 marks)


    正确答案:
    6 To get the best out of people, managers need to have effective communication skills. Professional accountants as managers need to understand the difference between aggressive and assertive behaviour. Often an exchange of communication can be interpreted as a belligerent response from an employee. However, a slight difference in approach can communicate different feelings and achieve a more positive result.
    (a) Aggressive behaviour is competitive and directed at defeating someone else. It is standing up for oneself at the expense of other people. It is defending one’s rights but doing so in such a way that violates the rights of other people. Aggressive behaviour ignores or dismisses the needs, wants, opinions, feelings or beliefs of others.
    Characteristics of aggressive behaviour include excessive ‘I’ statements, boastfulness, and the individual’s opinions expressed as fact, threatening questions or postures from the individual, sarcasm and other throw-away remarks and a constant blaming of others.
    Aggressive behaviour can be self defeating. It may cause such antagonism in the others in the organisation that they will refuse to co-operate or work with the person showing aggressive behaviour.

  • 第3题:

    2 Traditionally, the only objective of a business was to make a profit. However, some writers have suggested that this idea is simplistic and that profitability is only one objective amongst many.

    Required:

    State and explain Drucker’s eight classifications of objectives.

    (15 marks)


    正确答案:
    2 For the complex, modern business, the view that the single objective of business is to make a profit is regarded by many writers as simplistic. Peter Drucker has argued that for a business to be successful, it must address a number of objectives.
    Drucker was one of the first writers to identify the dangers of the single objective of profit maximisation. Concentrating on a single objective (invariably profit) is not only unproductive but potentially harmful to the organisation and can endanger the survival of the business and seriously undermine its future. He argues that business organisations have in fact eight objectives, all of which must be addressed concurrently. These eight objectives are particularly relevant to management, bringing together as they do the need to address all the issues with which the organisation is concerned.
    Market standing is the need to identify and maintain market share and to ensure the development of new products to maintain share. Without market standing, no organisation can succeed.
    Innovation is the need to develop and find new products and processes; no business can survive on providing the same product or service over the long term. Innovation is fundamental to understanding growth; organisations grow by developing innovative differences to their competitors.
    Productivity and ‘contributed value’ recognises the need for efficiency and the efficient use of business resources.
    Physical and financial resources is a recognition of the need to use the correct and appropriate financial resources.
    Profitability. The word ‘profit’ does not appear, but ‘profitability’. Here there are three important determinants, profitability as a measure of effectiveness (many businesses make a profit which in fact is a poor return on the effort produced), the need for profit so that the business can be self-financing and the need to attract new capital.
    Manager performance and development is the explicit recognition that the business requires objectives and that management activity can be linked directly to those objectives.
    Worker performance and attitude is recognition that it is vital to measure the performance of the workforce by such means as labour turnover. However, worker attitude is more difficult to measure, but should be attempted.
    Public responsibility has become an issue in the twenty-first century. Any business needs to be aware that it is a part of the community within which it operates and is therefore part of a wider social system.

  • 第4题:

    (b) Explain what is meant by McGregor’s

    (i) Theory X; (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    (b) Douglas McGregor has suggested that the managers’ view of the individuals’ attitude to work can be divided into two categories, which he called Theory X and Theory Y. The style. of management adopted will stem from the view taken as to how subordinates behave. However, these two typologies are not distinct; they do in fact represent the two ends of a continuum.
    (i) Theory X is based on traditional organisational thinking. It assumes that the average person is basically indolent and has an inherent dislike of work which should be avoided at all costs. The individual lacks ambition, shuns responsibility, has no ambition and is resistant to change. This theory holds that the individual seeks only security and is driven solely by self-interest. It follows that because of this dislike of work, most have to be directed, controlled, organised or coerced. Management is based on fear and punishment and will have an exploitative or authoritarian style. This reflects the thinking of the classical school of management, based on a scientific approach, specialisation, standardisation and obedience to superiors.

  • 第5题:

    (c) What changes to Churchill’s existing marketing mix will be needed to achieve the three strategic goals?

    (15 marks)


    正确答案:
    (c) Each of the strategic goals will have a profound impact on the marketing mix as it currently exists. As each goal affects the
    market position of Churchill developing an appropriate marketing mix will be the key to successful implementation of the
    overall growth strategy. The product, the brand and the reputation it creates are at the heart of the company’s marketing
    strategy. Their focus on the premium segment of the market seems a sensible one and one which allows a small family-owned
    business to survive and grow slowly. Evidence suggests this is a luxury indulgence market reflecting changing consumer tastes
    and lifestyles. Managing the product range will be a major marketing activity. While the core products may develop an almost
    timeless quality there will be a need to respond to the product innovations introduced by its much larger competitors. The
    company’s emphasis on the quality of its products resulting from the quality of its ingredients is at the heart of its competitive
    advantage. Growing the product range will also bring the danger of under performing products and a consequent need to
    divest such products. Packaging is likely to be a key part of the products’ appeal and will be an area where constant innovation
    is important.
    Pricing raises a number of issues. Why is Churchill’s core product priced at £1 less than its immediate competition? What is
    the basis on which Churchill prices this product? Each of the methods of pricing has its advantages and disadvantages. Using
    cost plus may create an illusion of security in that all costs are covered, but at the same time raises issues as to whether
    relevant costs have been included and allocated. Should the company price in anticipation of cost reductions as volume
    increases? Should the basis for pricing be what your competitors are charging? As a luxury product one would assume that
    its demand is relatively price inelastic: a significant increase in price e.g. £1 would lead to only a small reduction in quantity
    demanded. Certainly, profit margins would be enhanced to help provide the financial resources the company needs if it is to
    grow. One interesting issue on pricing is the extent to which it is pursuing a price skimming or price penetration policy –
    evidence from the scenario suggests more of a price skimming policy in line with the luxury nature of the product.

    Place is an equally important issue – the vertical integration strategy of the company has led to company-owned shops being
    the main way customers can buy the product. At the same time, this distribution strategy has led to Churchill’s sales being
    largely confined to one region in the UK – although it is the most populous. If Churchill has a desire to grow, does it do this
    through expanding the number of company owned and franchised outlets or look for other channels of distribution in
    particular the increasingly dominant supermarket chains? Each distribution strategy will have significant implications for other
    elements in the marketing mix and for the resources and capabilities required in the company.
    Finally, promotion is an interesting issue for the company. The relatively recent appointment of a sales and marketing director
    perhaps reflects a need to balance the previous dominance of the manufacturing side of the business. Certainly there is
    evidence to suggest that John Churchill is not convinced of the need to advertise. There are some real concerns about how
    the brand is developed and promoted. Certainly sponsorship is now seen as a key part of the firm’s promotional strategy. The
    company has a good reputation but customer access to the product is fairly limited. Overall there is scope for the company
    to critically review its marketing mix and implement a very different mix if it wants to grow.
    The four Ps above are very much the ‘hard’ elements in the marketing mix and Churchill in its desire to grow will need toensure that the ‘softer’ elements of people, physical evidence and processes are aligned to its ambitious strategy.

  • 第6题:

    (b) Provide an example that illustrates a structured application of the terms contained in the above statement in

    respect of a profit-seeking organisation OR a not-for-profit organisation of your own choice. (6 marks)


    正确答案:
    (b) An illustration of the features detailed above, framed in the context of a University as an organisation in the not-for-profit sector
    might be as follows:
    The Overall objective might well be stated in the mission statement of a University. An example of such a mission statement
    might be as follows:
    ‘To provide a quality educational environment in a range of undergraduate and post-graduate disciplines and a quality
    educational focus for students and the business community.’
    More specifically, objectives may be seen as the achievement of ‘value for money’ thereby ensuring effectiveness in areas such
    as:
    – The provision of high added value to students;
    – The establishment of a reputation for recognised expertise in specific areas of research work within the wider community;
    and
    – The provision of a high quality service to industry and commerce.
    Strategies may focus on aspects such as:
    – The recruitment and retention of high quality academic staff;
    – The development of IT equipment and skills within the institution;
    – The mentoring of students in order to ensure high added value and low drop-out rates in intermediate years of study;
    and
    – The close liaison with employers as to qualities in graduate/post-graduate employees that they will value highly.
    The determinants used to measure the results of strategies might include:
    – Competitiveness – cost per graduate compared to other institutions; growth in student numbers; number of staff holding
    a PhD qualification;
    – Financial performance – average cost per graduate; income generation from consultancy work;
    – Quality – range of awards (percentages of 1st class degrees); employer responses; measures of quality of delivery of
    education, advice to students, etc;
    – Flexibility – variable entry and exit points to courses; modular structure; the variety of full-time, part-time and distance
    learning modes;
    – Resource Utilisation – staff:student ratios; quotas met by each course; accommodation filled;
    – Innovation – latest IT provision in linking lecture theatres to information databases; increased provision of flexilearning/
    mixed mode course provision.
    The application of business change techniques might include the following:
    BPR with a focus on IT developments, flexible-learning or mixed mode course provision.
    JIT with a focus on moves towards student-centred uptake of educational opportunities e.g. via intranet availability of lecture
    and tutorial material linked to more flexible access to staff rather than a ‘push’ system of pre-structured times of
    lectures/tutorials.
    TQM with a focus on moves to improve quality in all aspects of the learning environment including delivery of lectures, access
    to staff and pastoral care issues.
    ABM with a focus on activities on a per student basis (both planned and actual) with a view to eliminating activities that do
    not add value e.g. cost per lecture per student.

  • 第7题:

    4 (a) Explain the auditor’s responsibilities for other information in documents containing audited financial

    statements. (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    4 HEGAS
    (a) Auditor’s responsibilities for ‘other information’
    ■ The auditor has a professional responsibility to read other information to identify material inconsistencies with the
    audited financial statements (ISA 720 ‘Other Information in Documents Containing Audited Financial Statements’).
    ■ A ‘material inconsistency’ arises when other information contradicts that which is contained in the audited financial
    statements. It may give rise to doubts about:
    – the auditor’s conclusions drawn from audit evidence; and
    – the basis for the auditor’s opinion on the financial statements.
    ■ In certain circumstances, the auditor may have a statutory obligation (under national legislation) to report on other
    information (e.g. Management Report).
    ■ Even where there is no such obligation (e.g. chairman’s statement), the auditor should consider it, as the credibility of
    the financial statements may be undermined by any inconsistency.
    ■ The auditor must arrange to have access to the other information on a timely basis prior to dating the auditor’s report.
    Material inconsistency
    ■ If a material inconsistency is identified, the auditor should determine whether it is the audited financial statements or
    the other information which needs amending.
    ■ If an amendment to the audited financial statements is required but not made, there will be disagreement, resulting in
    the expression of a qualified or adverse opinion. (Such a situation would be extremely rare.)
    ■ Where an amendment to other information is necessary, but refused, the auditor’s report may include an emphasis of
    matter paragraph (since the audit opinion cannot be other than unqualified with respect to this matter).
    Material misstatement of fact
    ■ A material misstatement of fact in other information exists when information which is not related to matters appearing
    in the audited financial statements is incorrectly stated or presented in a misleading manner.
    ■ If management do not act on advice to correct a material misstatement the auditors should document their concerns to
    those charged with corporate governance and obtain legal advice.
    Tutorial note: Marks would be awarded here for the implications for the auditor’s report. However, such marks, which are
    for the restatement of knowledge would NOT be awarded again if repeated in answers to (b).

  • 第8题:

    Which of the following can best explain Judy Garland’s words?

    A. Be your true self rather than follow others.

    B. Don’t copy others or you can’t be the first class.

    C. Make efforts to be the first instead of the second.

    D. Don’t learn from others unless they’re excellent.


    正确答案:A

  • 第9题:

    (b) As a newly-qualified Chartered Certified Accountant in Boleyn & Co, you have been assigned to assist the ethics

    partner in developing ethical guidance for the firm. In particular, you have been asked to draft guidance on the

    following frequently asked questions (‘FAQs’) that will be circulated to all staff through Boleyn & Co’s intranet:

    (i) What Information Technology services can we offer to audit clients? (5 marks)

    Required:

    For EACH of the three FAQs, explain the threats to objectivity that may arise and the safeguards that should

    be available to manage them to an acceptable level.

    NOTE: The mark allocation is shown against each of the three questions.


    正确答案:
    (b) FAQs
    (i) Information Technology (IT) services
    The greatest threats to independence arise from the provision of any service which involves auditors in:
    ■ auditing their own work;
    ■ the decision-making process;
    ■ undertaking management functions of the client.
    IT services potentially pose all these threats:
    ■ self-interest threat – on-going services that provide a large proportion of Boleyn’s annual fees will contribute to a
    threat to objectivity;
    ■ self-review threat – e.g. when IT services provided involve (i) the supervision of the audit client’s employees in the
    performance of their normal duties; or (ii) the origination of electronic data evidencing the occurrence of
    transactions;
    ■ management threat – e.g. when the IT services involve making judgments and taking decisions that are properly
    the responsibility of management.
    Thus, services that involve the design and implementation of financial IT systems that are used to generate information
    forming a significant part of a client’s accounting system or financial statements is likely to create significant ethical
    threats.
    Possible safeguards include:
    ■ disclosing and discussing fees with the client’s audit committees (or others charged with corporate governance);
    ■ the audit client providing a written acknowledgment (e.g. in an engagement letter) of its responsibility for:
    – establishing and monitoring a system of internal controls;
    – the operation of the system (hardware or software); and
    – the data used or generated by the system;
    ■ the designation by the audit client of a competent employee (preferably within senior management) with
    responsibility to make all management decisions regarding the design and implementation of the hardware or
    software system;
    ■ evaluation of the adequacy and results of the design and implementation of the system by the audit client;
    ■ suitable allocation of work within the firm (i.e. staff providing the IT services not being involved in the audit
    engagement and having different reporting lines); and
    ■ review of the audit opinion by an audit partner who is not involved in the audit engagement.
    Services in connection with the assessment, design and implementation of internal accounting controls and risk
    management controls are not considered to create a threat to independence provided that the firm’s personnel do not
    perform. management functions.
    It would be acceptable to provide IT services to an audit client where the systems are not important to any significant
    part of the accounting system or the production of financial statements and do not have significant reliance placed on
    them by the auditors, provided that:
    ■ a member of the client’s management has been designated to receive and take responsibility for the results of the
    IT work undertaken; and
    ■ appropriate safeguards are put in place (e.g. using separate partners and staff for each role and review by a partner
    not involved in the audit engagement).
    It would also generally be acceptable to provide and install off-the-shelf accounting packages to an audit client.

  • 第10题:

    不搞改革,不坚持开放政策,我们确定的战略目标就不能实现。

    A、If we do not carry out reforms and adhere to the opening-up policy, the strategic goals we have determined can not be achieved.

    B、Without carrying out reforms and following the opening-up policy, our strategic goals can not be reached.

    C、We can not achieve our strategic goals unless we carry out reforms and adhere to the opening-up policy.

    D、Without carrying out reforms and following the opening-up policy, it is impossible for us to reach our strategic goals.


    参考答案:C

  • 第11题:

    (a) List and explain FOUR methods of selecting a sample of items to test from a population in accordance with ISA 530 (Redrafted) Audit Sampling and Other Means of Testing. (4 marks)

    (b) List and explain FOUR assertions from ISA 500 Audit Evidence that relate to the recording of classes of

    transactions. (4 marks)

    (c) In terms of audit reports, explain the term ‘modified’. (2 marks)


    正确答案:
    (a)SamplingmethodsMethodsofsamplinginaccordancewithISA530AuditSamplingandOtherMeansofTesting:Randomselection.Ensureseachiteminapopulationhasanequalchanceofselection,forexamplebyusingrandomnumbertables.Systematicselection.Inwhichanumberofsamplingunitsinthepopulationisdividedbythesamplesizetogiveasamplinginterval.Haphazardselection.Theauditorselectsthesamplewithoutfollowingastructuredtechnique–theauditorwouldavoidanyconsciousbiasorpredictability.Sequenceorblock.Involvesselectingablock(s)ofcontinguousitemsfromwithinapopulation.Tutorialnote:Othermethodsofsamplingareasfollows:MonetaryUnitSampling.Thisselectionmethodensuresthateachindividual$1inthepopulationhasanequalchanceofbeingselected.Judgementalsampling.Selectingitemsbasedontheskillandjudgementoftheauditor.(b)Assertions–classesoftransactionsOccurrence.Thetransactionsandeventsthathavebeenrecordedhaveactuallyoccurredandpertaintotheentity.Completeness.Alltransactionsandeventsthatshouldhavebeenrecordedhavebeenrecorded.Accuracy.Theamountsandotherdatarelatingtorecordedtransactionsandeventshavebeenrecordedappropriately.Cut-off.Transactionsandeventshavebeenrecordedinthecorrectaccountingperiod.Classification.Transactionsandeventshavebeenrecordedintheproperaccounts.(c)AuditreporttermModified.Anauditormodifiesanauditreportinanysituationwhereitisinappropriatetoprovideanunmodifiedreport.Forexample,theauditormayprovideadditionalinformationinanemphasisofmatter(whichdoesnotaffecttheauditor’sopinion)orqualifytheauditreportforlimitationofscopeordisagreement.

  • 第12题:

    填空题
    According to Skinner, language behavior can only be studied through observation of the()factors.

    正确答案: external
    解析: 暂无解析

  • 第13题:

    4 All organisations require trained employees. However, training can take many forms, some of which are internal to the organisation.

    Required:

    Explain what is meant by the terms:

    (a) Computer based training. (3 marks)


    正确答案:
    4 All organisations need appropriately trained employees. Due to the nature of modern business, especially the professions, much of this training is internal and often on a one to one basis. Accountants as managers should therefore be able to understand the different approaches to training and which of them is the most appropriate and cost effective for the training requirements of the organisation.
    (a) Computer based training can be inexpensive and is based upon user friendly interactive computer programs designed to enable trainees to train on their own and at their own pace.

  • 第14题:

    (d) Explain to the management of Bailey’s why consideration should be given to resolving the problems through:

    (i) job rotation; (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    (d) (i) Job rotation is the planned rotation of staff between jobs and tasks to reduce monotony and boredom and provide fresh opportunities and challenges. This could be a useful way of encouraging employees at Bailey’s alongside enrichment and enlargement. Rotation would encourage better understanding between employees at Bailey’s. It takes two forms,the transfer to another job after some time in an existing job and the introduction of another individual to the job being vacated, or as a form. of training where individuals are moved through different jobs to learn new skills.

  • 第15题:

    4 A properly conducted appraisal interview is fundamental in ensuring the success of an organisation’s performance

    appraisal system.

    Required:

    (a) Describe three approaches to conducting the appraisal interview. (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    4 Appraisal systems are central to human resource management and understanding the difficulties of such schemes and the correct
    approach to them is necessary if the appraisal process is to be successful and worthwhile.
    (a) The manager conducting the interview might base it on one of three approaches.
    The Tell and Sell Method. The manager explains to the employee being appraised how the appraisal assessment is to be undertaken and gains acceptance of the evaluation and improvement plan from the employee. Human resource skills are important with this approach in order for the manager to be able to provide constructive criticism and to motivate the employee.
    The Tell and Listen Method. The manager invites the employee to respond to the way that the interview is to be conducted.This approach requires counselling skills and encouragement to allow the employee to participate fully in the interview. A particular feature of this approach is the encouragment of feedback from the employee.
    The Problem Solving Method. With this method the manager takes a more helpful approach and concentrates on the work problems of the employee, who is encouraged to think through his or her problems and to provide their own intrinsic motivation.

  • 第16题:

    6 Communication is important for all organisations and requires an understanding of communication flows and channels.

    Required:

    (a) Briefly explain the main purposes of the three main formal communication channels in an organisation:

    (i) Downwards; (3 marks)


    正确答案:
    6 There are many forms of communication within an organisation, both formal and informal. Formally communicated information often flows in one of three main directions: downwards, upwards and lateral. However, all organisations also have informal communication channels and management must understand their importance.
    (a) Formal communicated information flows in three main directions.
    (i) Downwards. This form. of communication is often the one most easily recognised and understood. The purpose of downward communication is to give specific directives, to provide information about procedures and practices and to provide information about work practices. It also serves to tell employees about their performance and provides information on organisational and departmental objectives.

  • 第17题:

    5 A management accounting focus for performance management in an organisation may incorporate the following:

    (1) the determination and quantification of objectives and strategies

    (2) the measurement of the results of the strategies implemented and of the achievement of the results through a

    number of determinants

    (3) the application of business change techniques, in the improvement of those determinants.

    Required:

    (a) Discuss the meaning and inter-relationship of the terms (shown in bold type) in the above statement. Your

    answer should incorporate examples that may be used to illustrate each term in BOTH profit-seeking

    organisations and not-for-profit organisations in order to highlight any differences between the two types of

    organisation. (14 marks)


    正确答案:
    5 (a) Objectives may be viewed as profit and market share in a profit-oriented organisation or the achievement of ‘value for money’
    in a not-for-profit organisation (NFP). The overall objective of an organisation may be expressed in the wording of its mission
    statement.
    In order to achieve the objectives, long-term strategies will be required. In a profit-oriented organisation, this may incorporate
    the evaluation of strategies that might include price reductions, product design changes, advertising campaign, product mix
    change and methods changes, embracing change techniques such as BPR, JIT, TQM and ABM. In NFP situations, strategies
    might address the need to achieve ‘economy’ through reduction in average cost per unit; ‘efficiency’ through maximisation of
    the input:output ratio, whilst checking on ‘effectiveness’ through monitoring whether the objectives are achieved.
    The annual budget will quantify the short-term results anticipated of the strategies. These results may be seen as the level of
    financial performance and competitiveness achieved. This quantification may be compared with previous years and with
    actual performance on an ongoing basis. Financial performance may be measured in terms of profit, liquidity, capital structure
    and a range of ratios. Competitiveness may be measured by sales growth, market share and the number of new customers.
    In a not-for-profit organisation, the results may be monitored by checking on the effectiveness of actions aimed at the
    achievement of the objectives. For instance, the effectiveness of a University may be measured by the number of degrees
    awarded and the grades achieved. The level of student ‘drop-outs’ each year may also be seen as a measure of ineffectiveness.
    The determinants of results may consist of a number of measures. These may include the level of quality, customer
    satisfaction, resource utilisation, innovation and flexibility that are achieved. Such determinants may focus on a range of nonfinancial
    measures that may be monitored on an ongoing basis, as part of the feedback information in conjunction with
    financial data.
    A range of business change techniques may be used to enhance performance management.
    Techniques may include:
    Business process re-engineering (BPR) which involves the examination of business processes with a view to improving the
    way in which each is implemented. A major focus may be on the production cycle, but it will also be applicable in areas such
    as the accounting department.
    Just-in-time (JIT) which requires commitment to the pursuit of ‘excellence’ in all aspects of an organisation.
    Total quality management (TQM) which aims for continuous quality improvement in all aspects of the operation of an
    organisation.
    Activity based management systems (ABM) which focus on activities that are required in an organisation and the cost drivers
    for such activities, with a view to identifying and improving activities that add value and eliminating those activities that do
    not add value.
    Long-term performance management is likely to embrace elements of BPR, JIT, TQM and ABM. All of these will be reflected
    in the annual budget on an ongoing basis.

  • 第18题:

    (c) (i) Explain the inheritance tax (IHT) implications and benefits of Alvaro Pelorus varying the terms of his

    father’s will such that part of Ray Pelorus’s estate is left to Vito and Sophie. State the date by which a

    deed of variation would need to be made in order for it to be valid; (3 marks)


    正确答案:
    (c) (i) Variation of Ray’s will
    The variation by Alvaro of Ray’s will, such that assets are left to Vito and Sophie, will not be regarded as a gift by Alvaro.
    Instead, provided the deed states that it is intended to be effective for IHT purposes, it will be as if Ray had left the assets
    to the children in his will.
    This strategy, known as skipping a generation, will have no effect on the IHT due on Ray’s death but will reduce the
    assets owned by Alvaro and thus his potential UK IHT liability. A deed of variation is more tax efficient than Alvaro
    making gifts to the children as such gifts would be PETs and IHT may be due if Alvaro were to die within seven years.
    The deed of variation must be entered into by 31 January 2009, i.e. within two years of the date of Ray’s death.

  • 第19题:

    6 The explosive growth of investing and raising capital in the global markets has put new emphasis on the development

    of international accounting, auditing and ethical standards. The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has

    been at the forefront of the development of the worldwide accountancy profession through its activities in ethics,

    auditing and education.

    Required:

    Explain the developments in each of the following areas and indicate how they affect Chartered Certified

    Accountants:

    (a) IFAC’s ‘Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants’; (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    6 DEVELOPMENTS AND CERTIFIED CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
    Tutorial note: The answer which follows is indicative of the range of points which might be made. Other relevant material will
    be given suitable credit.
    (a) IFAC’s ‘Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants’
    Since its issue in 1996, IFAC’s ‘Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants’ (‘The Code’) has undergone several revisions
    (1996, 1998, 2001, 2004 and 2005). IFAC holds the view that due to national differences (of culture, language, legal and
    social systems) the task of preparing detailed ethical requirements is primarily that of the member bodies in each country
    concerned (and that they also have the responsibility to implement and enforce such requirements).
    In recognizing the responsibilities of the accountancy profession, IFAC considers its own role to be in providing guidance and
    promoting harmonization. IFAC has established ‘The Code’ to provide a basis on which the ethical requirements for
    professional accountants in each country should be founded.
    IFAC’s conceptual approach is principles-based. It provides a route to convergence that emphasises the profession’s integrity.
    This approach may be summarised as:
    ■ identifying and evaluating circumstances and relationships that create threats (e.g. to independence); and
    ■ taking appropriate action to:
    – eliminate these threats; or
    – reduce them to an acceptable level by the application of safeguards.
    If no safeguards are available to reduce a threat to an acceptable level an assurance engagement must be refused or
    discontinued.
    This approach was first introduced to Section 8 of The Code, on independence, and is applicable to assurance engagements
    when the assurance report is dated on or after 31 December 2004.
    Further to the cases of Enron, Worldcom and Parmalat, IFAC issued a revised Code in July 2005 that applies to all professional
    accountants, whether in public practice, business, industry or government2.
    A member body of IFAC may not apply less stringent standards than those stated in the Code. The Code is effective from
    30 June 2006.
    Practicing accountants and members in business must maintain the high standards of professional ethics that are expected
    by their professional bodies (such as ACCA). These developments codify current best practice in the wake of the
    aforementioned recent corporate scandals.
    The developments in The Code have wider application in that it:
    ■ applies to all assurance services (not just audit);
    ■ considers the standpoints of the firm and of the assurance team.
    Since ACCA is a member-body of IFAC the elevation of The Code to a standard will affect all Chartered Certified Accountants.
    .

  • 第20题:

    In relation to the law of contract, distinguish between and explain the effect of:

    (a) a term and a mere representation; (3 marks)

    (b) express and implied terms, paying particular regard to the circumstances under which terms may be implied in contracts. (7 marks)


    正确答案:

    This question requires candidates to consider the law relating to terms in contracts. It specifically requires the candidates to distinguish between terms and mere representations and then to establish the difference between express and implied terms in contracts.
    (a) As the parties to a contract will be bound to perform. any promise they have contracted to undertake, it is important to distinguish between such statements that will be considered part of the contract, i.e. terms, and those other pre-contractual statements which are not considered to be part of the contract, i.e. mere representations. The reason for distinguishing between them is that there are different legal remedies available if either statement turns out to be incorrect.
    A representation is a statement that induces a contract but does not become a term of the contract. In practice it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the two, but in attempting to do so the courts will focus on when the statement was made in relation to the eventual contract, the importance of the statement in relation to the contract and whether or not the party making the statement had specialist knowledge on which the other party relied (Oscar Chess v Williams (1957) and Dick
    Bentley v Arnold Smith Motors (1965)).
    (b) Express terms are statements actually made by one of the parties with the intention that they become part of the contract and
    thus binding and enforceable through court action if necessary. It is this intention that distinguishes the contractual term from
    the mere representation, which, although it may induce the contractual agreement, does not become a term of the contract.
    Failure to comply with the former gives rise to an action for breach of contract, whilst failure to comply with the latter only gives rise to an action for misrepresentation.

    Such express statements may be made by word of mouth or in writing as long as they are sufficiently clear for them to be enforceable. Thus in Scammel v Ouston (1941) Ouston had ordered a van from the claimant on the understanding that the balance of the purchase price was to be paid ‘on hire purchase terms over two years’. When Scammel failed to deliver the van Ouston sued for breach of contract without success, the court holding that the supposed terms of the contract were too
    uncertain to be enforceable. There was no doubt that Ouston wanted the van on hire purchase but his difficulty was that
    Scammel operated a range of hire purchase terms and the precise conditions of his proposed hire purchase agreement were
    never sufficiently determined.
    Implied terms, however, are not actually stated or expressly included in the contract, but are introduced into the contract by implication. In other words the exact meaning and thus the terms of the contract are inferred from its context. Implied terms can be divided into three types.
    Terms implied by statute
    In this instance a particular piece of legislation states that certain terms have to be taken as constituting part of an agreement, even where the contractual agreement between the parties is itself silent as to that particular provision. For example, under s.5 of the Partnership Act 1890, every member of an ordinary partnership has the implied power to bind the partnership in a contract within its usual sphere of business. That particular implied power can be removed or reduced by the partnership agreement and any such removal or reduction of authority would be effective as long as the other party was aware of it. Some implied terms, however, are completely prescriptive and cannot be removed.
    Terms implied by custom or usage
    An agreement may be subject to terms that are customarily found in such contracts within a particular market, trade or locality. Once again this is the case even where it is not actually specified by the parties. For example, in Hutton v Warren (1836), it was held that customary usage permitted a farm tenant to claim an allowance for seed and labour on quitting his tenancy. It should be noted, however, that custom cannot override the express terms of an agreement (Les Affreteurs Reunnis SA v Walford (1919)).
    Terms implied by the courts Generally, it is a matter for the parties concerned to decide the terms of a contract, but on occasion the court will presume that the parties intended to include a term which is not expressly stated. They will do so where it is necessary to give business efficacy to the contract.

    Whether a term may be implied can be decided on the basis of the officious bystander test. Imagine two parties, A and B, negotiating a contract, when a third party, C, interrupts to suggest a particular provision. A and B reply that that particular term is understood. In just such a way, the court will decide that a term should be implied into a contract.
    In The Moorcock (1889), the appellants, owners of a wharf, contracted with the respondents to permit them to discharge their ship at the wharf. It was apparent to both parties that when the tide was out the ship would rest on the riverbed. When the tide was out, the ship sustained damage by settling on a ridge. It was held that there was an implied warranty in the contract that the place of anchorage should be safe for the ship. As a consequence, the ship owner was entitled to damages for breach of that term.
    Alternatively the courts will imply certain terms into unspecific contracts where the parties have not reduced the general agreement into specific details. Thus in contracts of employment the courts have asserted the existence of implied terms to impose duties on both employers and employees, although such implied terms can be overridden by express contractual provision to the contrary.

  • 第21题:

    4 (a) ISA 701 Modifications to The Independent Auditor’s Report includes ‘suggested wording of modifying phrases

    for use when issuing modified reports’.

    Required:

    Explain and distinguish between each of the following terms:

    (i) ‘qualified opinion’;

    (ii) ‘disclaimer of opinion’;

    (iii) ‘emphasis of matter paragraph’. (6 marks)


    正确答案:
    4 PETRIE CO
    (a) Independent auditor’s report terms
    (i) Qualified opinion – A qualified opinion is expressed when the auditor concludes that an unqualified opinion cannot be
    expressed but that the effect of any disagreement with management, or limitation on scope is not so material and
    pervasive as to require an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion.
    (ii) Disclaimer of opinion – A disclaimer of opinion is expressed when the possible effect of a limitation on scope is so
    material and pervasive that the auditor has not been able to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence and accordingly
    is unable to express an opinion on the financial statements.
    (iii) Emphasis of matter paragraph – An auditor’s report may be modified by adding an emphasis of matter paragraph to
    highlight a matter affecting the financial statements that is included in a note to the financial statements that more
    extensively discusses the matter. Such an emphasis of matter paragraph does not affect the auditor’s opinion. An
    emphasis of matter paragraph may also be used to report matters other than those affecting the financial statements
    (e.g. if there is a misstatement of fact in other information included in documents containing audited financial
    statements).
    (iii) is clearly distinguishable from (i) and (ii) because (i) and (ii) affect the opinion paragraph, whereas (iii) does not.
    (i) and (ii) are distinguishable by the degree of their impact on the financial statements. In (i) the effects of any disagreement
    or limitation on scope can be identified with an ‘except for …’ opinion. In (ii) the matter is pervasive, that is, affecting the
    financial statements as a whole.
    (ii) can only arise in respect of a limitation in scope (i.e. insufficient evidence) that has a pervasive effect. (i) is not pervasive
    and may also arise from disagreement (i.e. where there is sufficient evidence).

  • 第22题:

    Swim Co offers training courses to athletes and has prepared the following breakeven chart:

    Required:

    (a) State the breakeven sales revenue for Swim Co and estimate, to the nearest $10,000, the company’s profit if 500 athletes attend a training course. (2 marks)

    (b) Using the chart above, explain the cost and revenue structure of the company. (8 marks)


    正确答案:
    (a)ThebreakevensalesrevenueforSwimCois$90,000.Thecompany’sprofit,tothenearest$10,000,if500athletesattendthecourseis$20,000($140,000–$120,000).(Fromthegraph,itisclearthatthepreciseamountwillbenearer$17,000,i.e.$140,000–approximately$123,000.)(b)CoststructureFromthechart,itisclearthatLineCrepresentsfixedcosts,LineBrepresentstotalcostsandLineArepresentstotalrevenue.LineCshowsthatinitially,fixedcostsare$20,000evenifnoathletesattendthecourse.Thisleveloffixedcostsremainsthesameif100athletesattendbutoncethenumberofattendeesincreasesabovethislevel,fixedcostsincreaseto$40,000.LineBrepresentstotalcosts.If100athletesattend,totalcostsare$40,000($400perathlete).Since$20,000ofthisrelatestofixedcosts,thevariablecostperathletemustbe$200.Whenfixedcostsstepupbeyondthispointatthelevelof200athletes,totalcostsobviouslyincreaseaswellandLineBconsequentlygetsmuchsteeper.However,sincetherearenow200athletestoabsorbthefixedcosts,thecostperathleteremainsthesameat$400perathlete($80,000/200),eventhoughfixedcostshavedoubled.If300athletesattendthecourse,totalcostperathletebecomes$300each($90,000/300).Sincefixedcostsaccountfor$40,000ofthistotalcost,variablecoststotal$50,000,i.e.$166·67perathlete.So,economiesofscaleariseatthislevel,asdemonstratedbythefactthatLineBbecomesflatter.At400athletes,thegradientofthetotalcostslineisunchangedfrom300athleteswhichindicatesthatthevariablecostshaveremainedthesame.Thereisnofurtherchangeat500athletes;fixedandvariablecostsremainsteady.RevenuestructureAsregardstherevenuestructure,itcanbeseenfromLineAthatfor100–400athletesthepriceremainsthesameat$300perathlete.However,if500athletesattend,thepricehasbeenreducedasthetotalrevenuelinebecomesflatter.$140,000/500meansthatthepricehasgonedownto$280perathlete.Thiswasobviouslynecessarytoincreasethenumberofattendeesandatthispoint,profitismaximised.1

  • 第23题:

    According to Skinner, language behavior can only be studied through observation of the()factors.
    external