Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Definition of Group Interaction free essay sample
Some definitions of a group Conceiving of a group as a dynamic whole should include a definition of group that is based on interdependence of the members (or better, the subparts of the group). Kurt Lewin (1951: 146) We mean by a group a number of persons who communicate with one another often over a span of time, and who are few enough so that each person is able to communicate with all the others, not at second-hand, through other people, but face-to-face. George Homans (1950: 1) To put it simply they are units composed of two or more persons who come into contact for a purpose and who consider the contact meaningful. Theodore M. Mills (1967: 2) A group is a collection of individuals who have relations to one another that make them interdependent to some significant degree. As so defined, the term group refers to a class of social entities having in common the property of interdependence among their constituent members. We will write a custom essay sample on Definition of Group Interaction or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Dorwin Cartwright and Alvin Zander (1968: 46) Descriptively speaking, a psychological group is defined as one that is psychologically significant for the members, to which they relate themselves subjectively for social comparison and the acquisition of norms and values, that they privately accept membership in, and which influences their attitudes and behaviour. John C Turner (1987: 1-2) A group exists when two or more people define themselves as members of it and when its existence is recognized by at least one other. Rupert Brown (1988: 2-3)
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Writings Of Thomas Hobbes And J.J.C. Smart Essays - Individualism
Writings Of Thomas Hobbes And J.J.C. Smart Surpassing the Obvious: Analysis of the Writings of Thomas Hobbes and J.J.C. Smart A term paper contrived is only as good as the sources from which it is assembled. It is from these reservoirs of knowledge that the bulk of a paper is developed. That is why it is absolutely imperative that the qualities of these sources are immaculate and relevant to the subject matter. Given my subject matter, ethical obligations and violence, it is critical to note and record the viewpoint of different philosophical ethical theories through the writings of different philosophers. Excerpts form Thomas Hobbes' The Leviathan and J.J.C. Smart in Ethics for the Modern Life, prove to be effective in both previously matriculated qualities. Both authors give arguments for different types of ethical theories that give some aspect of significant worth to my term paper topic. In The Leviathan, Thomas Hobbes argues from a modified psychological egoist stand. By this it is meant that in his writings he argues that every one has a strong intrinsically engrained psychological tendency to act selfishly and that it takes hard work and individual sacrifice to obtain any type of altruistic goal. Hobbes argues that man is naturally in a ?state of nature? and within this state each man is at constant war with other men in order to take and maintain property. He argues that it is our natural right that is derived from our helpless selfishness that causes this environment of destruction and constant fear. The reason that Hobbes is separated away from other psychological egoist is in his belief that man has as opportunity to ascend out of the barbarous state of nature to a higher plane of security and society. According to Hobbes this can only happen when the aforementioned ?natural right? to everyone else's property is relinquished by all to an ultimate sovereign: the Leviathan. Given that this right is renounced by all the element of fear is eliminated. Hobbes states that through the leviathan all concepts will be settled with a fair hand. J.J.C. Smart, however, does not go into such detail into the psyche of man as a whole; rather his objectives center around an ethical theory that he feels all men should accept and participate in. This theory is rule-utilitarianism. Being a subset of simple utilitarianism its goals are synonymous with strict utilitarianism in that it's ultimate intent is to provide the greatest happiness to the greatest number. Rule-utilitarianism, nevertheless, does provide for a more specific stipulation than simple utilitarianism. It states that any act is right (or ethical) if that act provides the most happiness to the most people. Smart argues that under Rule utilitarianism basic moral principles (i.e. don't steal, don't lie) are simply non-existent. This is because in some situations it may cause more happiness to lie and in those scenarios there should be no reservations in lying. Thomas Hobbes' effectively and persuasively argues for his beliefs in his book, The Leviathan. His strength in his convictions solidifies his arguments to audiences of both high expertise and those with less formal education in the subject. Thomas Hobbes, being a renowned philosopher, brings with his book a very high respect from philosophers of every kind. This reputation is another positive attribute that sets Hobbes apart from the crowd and consequently makes his work a verifiably good source. Ironically, the age of this writing acts as a positive characteristic in its reputability as a good source. Although its first publication was in 1651, there have been few, if any deviations to his ideology. Hobbes, being a philosopher before his time, became a forerunner and set the standard by which most modern philosophers follow. J.J.C. Smart also expostulates effectively. In his arguments he is clear and concise and steers away from the pompous tone that philosophers sometimes enlist that causes the reading to be dull. His grounds also seem to be rooted in a great amount of his individual belief in his subject matter. Smart is extremely capable of displaying his passion for his thesis through his writing. Although not as well known as Thomas Hobbes, Smart does have a worthy reputation within the realms of philosophy. Conversely to Hobbes, Smart's
Saturday, March 21, 2020
Database System Basics
Database System Basics A computer system is made of different electronic components and parts that make it look complex. These fundamental components constitute a computer system that makes a computer to run effectively. The first component is the motherboard that forms a perfect platform on which internal electronic components are attached (Miller 67).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Database System Basics specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The motherboard consolidates all the basic components of a computer system. All the programs and applications in a computer system are run by a component known as the central processing unit. It is impossible for a computer to execute any tasks without the central processing unit (Miller 67). A computer can only boot to the operating system courtesy of the central processing unit. A computer system can not be complete without the storage media. The Random Access Memory commonly referred to as RAM is anot her fundamental component in a computer system that is responsible for storing files and information temporarily when the computer is running. The size of the Random Access Memory determines how fast the computer responds to commands. A computer with a low Random Access Memory will run slowly even if it has a powerful central processing unit. The other storage component in a computer system is the hard disk drive. Compared to the Random Access Memory, the hard disk drive stores data for a long time. The hard disk is able to retain the stored data and information with or without power. The data in the Random Access Memory disappears the moment the computer goes off. Because of its reliability, the hard disk is used to store very important files like system files and other program files.Advertising Looking for essay on computer science? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The other components include the power supply unit that is responsible for powering the computer system and the video card that is essential in displaying images. The graphics card makes the images and pictures appearing on the computer monitor to look clear and detailed (Pearsons 53). There are various ways in which the computer interacts with users on a daily basis. The user interacts with the computer system through the input and output devices. A combination of software and hardware form what is normally referred to as the user interface. The software enables the monitor to display the output on the computer monitor (Pearsons 53). The computer system receives input from users through hardware devices like the mouse, keyboard, joystick, game controller, touch screen and other peripherals. These input devices are referred to as peripherals because they are externally attached to the computer system. After processing the input in relation to the specified command, the user receives output from the computer system via output devices . Some of the output hardware includes the monitor and the printer. Human-computer interaction requires the user to be well equipped with the relevant computing skills and knowledge to be able to navigate the computer system effectively. The user is required to have some basic knowledge in computer operating systems, computer graphics, programming, database management and computer hardware technology. The computer is very useful in the sense that it helps human beings to process and store their data in a much simpler way. Computer applications such as the internet and computer games have enhanced human- computer interactions by necessitating information retrieval, electronic commerce and entertainment.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Database System Basics specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Miller, Michael. Absolute Beginnerââ¬â¢s Guide to Computer Basics. New York: Que Publishing, 2007. Print. Pearsons, June Oja Dan. New Perspectives on Computer Concepts2012: Brief. New York: Cengage Learning, 2011. Print.
Thursday, March 5, 2020
3 Types of Phrasal Verbs
3 Types of Phrasal Verbs 3 Types of Phrasal Verbs 3 Types of Phrasal Verbs By Mark Nichol Phrasal verbs are constructions consisting of a verb and either a preposition, a particle, or both. 1. Prepositional Phrasal Verb This construction consists of a verb and a preposition, as in ââ¬Å"I take after him,â⬠ââ¬Å"Weââ¬â¢re looking into that,â⬠and ââ¬Å"Please stand by.â⬠2. Particle Phrasal Verb This construction consists of a verb and a particle, as in ââ¬Å"She didnââ¬â¢t want to give in,â⬠ââ¬Å"I decided to follow up,â⬠and ââ¬Å"He left out the best part.â⬠A particle phrasal verb can also be interrupted by a noun or a pronoun, as in ââ¬Å"He tried to look the name up,â⬠ââ¬Å"I handed the assignment in yesterday,â⬠and ââ¬Å"We worked the details out.â⬠In these latter types of constructions, the particle can be relocated to be adjacent to the verb, as in ââ¬Å"He tried to look up the name,â⬠ââ¬Å"I handed in the assignment yesterday,â⬠and ââ¬Å"We worked out the details.â⬠Which alternative looks or sounds more natural varies randomly; in the first example, ââ¬Å"look up the nameâ⬠suggests viewing the name from a certain direction, while ââ¬Å"look the name upâ⬠implies research, but the other two sentences seem better written when the verb and the particle are adjacent. 3. Prepositional-Particle Phrasal Verb This construction consists of a verb, a particle, and a preposition. Examples include ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m looking forward to a vacation,â⬠She sat in for me during my absence,â⬠and ââ¬Å"Theyââ¬â¢re not willing to put up with it anymore.â⬠Note that many words serve as both prepositions and particles. As noted above, the phrase ââ¬Å"look upâ⬠can refer to the act of directing oneââ¬â¢s attention upward, but it also has a figurative meaning: When one looks something up or, to be more formal, conducts research sight, but not an upward motion of the head, is involved. Take care not to confuse phrasal verbs and compound nouns (sometimes used as adjectives) that consist of the same words. For example, one signs up for a class but attends a signup session, or simply a signup. Also, the prepositional phrases ââ¬Å"in toâ⬠and ââ¬Å"on toâ⬠are combined into one word only in certain circumstances: Into is correct when the reference is to a location, as in ââ¬Å"I went into the doctorââ¬â¢s office,â⬠a literal reference, as opposed to ââ¬Å"I went in to see the doctor,â⬠which is figurative. Onto is correct when you could precede it with up, as in ââ¬Å"I climbed (up) onto the rock,â⬠but in sentences such as ââ¬Å"I want to hold on to this book,â⬠the two-word form is preferred. Notice, too, that phrasal verbs are generally colloquial and are seldom suited for formal writing; a more succinct alternative is frequently available. And even in informal prose, writers should consider omitting extraneous adverbial particles when a verb alone would do, as in ââ¬Å"help outâ⬠in place of help. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Grammar 101 category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:75 Contronyms (Words with Contradictory Meanings)50 Idioms About Arms, Hands, and Fingers40 Irregular Verbs That Can End in ââ¬Å"-tââ¬
Monday, February 17, 2020
Career aspiration Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Career aspiration - Essay Example My interest is in aviation engineering. Aviation engineers end up airport executives and professional pilots although this branch is also related to airspace development, designing the airport, navigation technologies, and so on. Airspace development is related to planning and designing the airspace. And it is extremely important that it is done in a proper manner in order that military operations are not affected and also so for the easy navigation of commercial airlines. Then there is airport design, which is again important due to several reasons, one being that the design needs to be in accordance with global environmental standards. Aviation engineers in the manufacturing field are generally paid between $17,500 and $54,500 (AvScholars). Their responsibility is toward production; ranging from developing and selecting manufacturing ways to overseeing everyday tasks taking place on the factory floor. They have to intensely research regarding designing, projecting, production and maintenance technologies and functions of various kinds of vehicles that move in sky or space. Also, there is a requirement of manufacturing better aircrafts ââ¬â lighter and faster, those that comply with the environmental rules and those that do not make too much sound. All this comes under the work of aviation engineers as they are responsible for the design and manufacture of aircrafts. They have to decide which production system will prove to be better for manufacturing in terms of cost. They have to conduct experiments that help in determining the performance properties of the air vehicle that has been designed and this is done through analytical skills. A person definitely needs a proper engineering degree to pursue aviation engineering for which purpose it is extremely necessary that there are highly qualified institutions that cater to the interested people. An undergraduate education in this field is of four years and the graduating students receive a
Monday, February 3, 2020
Employee Recruitment and Retention Research Proposal
Employee Recruitment and Retention - Research Proposal Example Considering this worldwide demands, labor force also needs to acquire more broad skills as well as continuous learning in order to utilize technology efficiently. Understandably, building, operating, and maintaining the petrochemical plants, marketing and distributing of different products, require technical expertise (Dolan, 2004; p 117) critical in the recruitment and retention procedures in a company. As oil and gas companies continuously expand, they are also confronted with labor crisis which brought about by the layoffs made previous years ago and the labor force has continued to shrink according to various petrochemical companies (Parry, Davidson & Clark, 2006; p 2, par 1). The Human Resource Departments of different Oil & Gas Producers added (2005; par 1-2 ) that they are facing one of the greatest challenges companies have encountered in the recent years. Undeniably, pool of engineers in the industry is aging. In United Arab Emirates for example, the mean age of production engineers is around 48. Therefore, HR departments are quite pressured to prepare for the replacement of their aging workforce by the young professionals within the coming years (AME Info, 2005; par 1-2). Besides, competition in the labor market these days is very tight. Khafji Joint Operations (KJO), an oil and gas company of the jointed Saudi Government and Arabian Oil Company (AOC) in accordance with JPPOA or Joint Petroleum Production Operations Agreement operates consistently. The company prioritizes Saudi & Kuwaiti nationals to fill in vacant positions either through worker internal transfer within KJO, or via the Internal Training Program such as KJO training center. In the event that vacant posts are not filled in, Executive Management may announce and seek the assistance of accredited employment agencies to invite applicants outside Saudi Arabia; accommodate them schedule them for panel interviews, oral and written examinations and if they qualify, may undergo a comprehensive medical examination prior to employment. The above stated scenarios suggest for a review of current practices in Human Resources management; thereby challenging HR managers to formulate better agenda. This study will be an offshoot to the future human resource issues that have been forecast in most researches; and may be confronted within KJO on skilled labor shortages and dissatisfaction of their employees. Objectives This study primarily aims to assess the employee recruitment and retention process of Khafji Joint Operations (KJO) and shall achieve these objectives below: 1. Determine the recruitment and retention models adapted by Khafji Joint Operations (KJO). 3 2. Review the evidences on effectiveness of recruitment and retention policies in Khafji Joint Operations (KJO). 3. Describe the characteristics of individuals who enter in in Khafji Joint Operations (KJO) in terms of:
Sunday, January 26, 2020
Not For Profit Organizations Prepare Financial Statement Accounting Essay
Not For Profit Organizations Prepare Financial Statement Accounting Essay Contributions are the primary revenue to a Not-for-profit organization. Because of the fundamental accounting of NFPO is different with profit-oriented companies, NFPO has its own accounting method for recognizing contributions. There are two methods of recording contributions are restricted fund method and deferral method. The objective of paper is to identify which method should be used. The restricted fund method recognizes restricted contributions as revenue when they are received. The deferral method recognizes restricted contributions until related expenses are incurred in future period. The paper will illustrate an example to compare the difference between the two methods, analyze the effects on financial statements and advantages and disadvantages of each method. The timing treatment restricted donation is primary difference among two methods. The advantages of deferral method is reduces noise from timing mismatch between when expenses are incurred and when revenues are recog nized. The matching helps avoid misstating cost for a period. It better evaluate the actual performance of organization. And deferral method can help the organization to develop an accounting plan extends beyond the current period which more rational use the contributions. But under the deferral method, it is not clearly presents information regarding how the organization manages the restricted contributions. And deferral of external restricted contributions to a liability may be confusing to the basic users. The restricted fund method will give a different result than deferral method. Restricted fund method is more clearly to present the information regarding restricted contributions how to use. Another advantage is the restricted funds method increasing comparability between current year and previous years in one organization. This is seen as both advantage and disadvantage in the same time. Because of an organization chooses which restricted funds to report, it lack comparability between with two organizations. Choosing an appropriate accounting method is important for nonprofit. It can attract more donations to support organization activities. Organizations should seek the help of professionals to assist it in implementing its accounts. 2.0 Introduction Contributions are the primary revenue to a Not-for-Profit Organization (NFPO). Because the NFPO has characteristics which difference with the for-Profit Organization, its accounting method of recording contributions has own standards in Part III of CICA Handbook-Accounting section. NFPO is required to use the restricted fund method or the deferral method of recording contributions. The purpose of this report is to identify which accounting method should be used to record contributions when Not-for-Profit organization prepares the financial statements. The report will illustrate an example to compare the different between the two methods, analyze the effects on financial statements and advantages and disadvantages of each method. This report is significance because adoption of different accounting method will affect result of financial statement presented. Financial statements are important communication information about NFPO to members, contributors and creditors. Financial statemen ts satisfy their and others interested needs, like the financial condition of organizations and how the management has discharged its stewardship responsibility to those that have provided resources to the organizations, especially important as resources are contributed for specific purposes and management is accountable for the appropriate utilization of such resources. The study is limited to Not-for-Profit Organization. The potentially benefit from this report is for all Not-for-Profit organizations. CICA states that many not-for-profits are subject to reporting requirements such as the production of audited statements or mandatory reporting to funders. (Improved Annual Reporting by Not-for-Profit Organizations.p4) Thus, effective financial report help build an organizations reputation. They can make a support, and can be a key means of reaching new partners and volunteers. 3.0 Background Although the not-for-profit organization applies a separate set of accounting standards in Part III of the CICA Handbook, the Accounting Standards Board (AcSB) emphasizes that the accounting standards for not-for-profit are not a stand-alone set of standard, there should be no differences in accounting between profit-oriented enterprises and non-for-profit organizations when the circumstances and transaction are the some. (CICA. Handbook) In 2008, the AcSB invited not-for-profit organizations to comment on a proposal that would see them use the same system of financial reporting that publicly traded corporations would soon be using. Some respondents opposed change the rules governing the way they report their financial information. When you try to put charitable organizations in the same realm as publicly traded organizations it becomes a challenge because the users of the financial statements have very different needs than a shareholder would have. said Michael Herrea, interim treas urer for the Anglican Church of Canada. If the church was required to use IFRS, Mr. Herrera said it would greatly increase the amount of financial reporting required; the additional information generated would be of no benefit to end users. According to comments received, the AcSB adopted a free choice of the accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations in Part III or IFRSs in Part I of the Handbook. Let us assume that non-for-profit organizations apply Part III of Handbook, which requires recording contributions should adopt restricted fund method or deferral method. 4.0 Definition Not-for-profit organizations have three types of contributions to report: unrestricted contributions, restricted contributions and endowment contributions. Following I will discuss that how three types of contributions are accounted for under the restricted fund method and the deferral method. 4.1 Deferral Method Under the deferred method, unrestricted contributions are automatically recorded as revenue when they are received. Restricted contributions are recorded as revenue until the related expense as been incurred in the future. Endowment contributions are recognized as direct increases in net assets, which are shown in the statement of changes in net assets. Especially, restricted contributions for the purchase of depreciable capital assets are deferred; the revenue is realized as the asset is being amortized. Non-depreciable capital assets, like land, are recognized as increase in net assets. 4.2 Restricted Fund Method The restricted fund method requires the entity must have a general fund and at least one restricted fund. The Unrestricted contributions and investment income are recorded as revenue in general fund. Restricted contributions are recognized as revenue if a restricted fund has been established for that purpose. If no related fund has been established, restricted contributions are treated the same way under the deferred method in general fund. 5.0 Comparison on Deferral Method and Restricted fund Method The primary difference among two methods is timing treatment restricted contributions. This affects the amount of liabilities and revenues reported. There is an example details a NFPO using deferral method and restricted fund method of recording contributions separately blow. The ABC Company is a not-for-profit training organization, funded through an agreement with the Province of AB. ABCs purpose is to provide accounting training program to all accountants in Alberta. ABC received $100,000 from the Province to establish the Princess Royal Scholarship endowment. This amount was invested in debt securities, which generated the $50,000 of investment income. The investment income is restricted for use to provide annual scholarships. $900,000 received from a wealthy and grateful benefactor on Jan 1, 2012 the beginning of its fiscal year. He requested that the money was to be used for purchasing and maintaining a property to house the administrative offices and operating facility. At the July 1, the following item were purchased in cash: Land $400,000; operating facility $300,000, it estimated life of 20 years. At the November 21, a donor contributes $10,000, without restriction for the operation of ABC. $ 25,000 of investment income paid out for Scholarship. In addition, ABC spent $16,000 for the year on maintenance costs for the operating facility. Donations Deferral Method Restricted Fund Method Presentation One fund one general fund; one capital fund; one endowment fund Scholarship As net asset Recognized as revenue in endowment fund Facility Included in deferred contribution; Recognized as revenue until facility expense incurred Recognized as revenue in capital fund Amortization Start to amortize deferred contribution Included in capital fund Interest earned on endowment Included in deferred contribution; Recognized as revenue until scholarships paid out Recognized as revenue in endowment fund Land As net asset As asset in capital fund 6.0 What are the effects on Financial Statements? Primarily the nonprofit organization must produce three important annual financial statements: the statement of financial position, the statement of operation, and the statement of cash flow. Kelly Bourgeois conclude that each component of a nonprofit organizations existence, like organizations programs or projects, is dependent on the organizations financial feasibility. Financial feasibly is accounted for through primarily those three financial statements. One of the principle differences in nonprofit financial statements compared to for-profit entities is the objective of a nonprofit is to realize its socially desirable goals and objectives for the community it serves, rather than to realize a net profit (2003. P16). According to analysis above, financial statements are showed blow. 6.1 Deferral Method ABC The Statement of Operation For the year ended December 31, 2012 Revenue Contributions 58,500 Expense Maintenance expense 16,000 Amortization 7,500 Scholarship 25,000 48,500 Excess revenues over expenses 10,000 ABC Statement of Changes in Net Assets For the year ended December 31, 2012 Unrestricted Investment in Restricted for Total Funds Capital Assets Endowment Net assets at the Beginning of the year - Add: Excess revenues Over expenses 10,000 10,000 Investment in Land 400,000 400,000 Endowment 100,000 100,000 Net assets at end of year 10,000 400,000 100,000 510,000 ABC Statement of Financial Position For the year ended December 31, 2012 Assets Cash and investment 319,000 Capital assets Land 400,000 Operating facility 300,000 Accumulated amortization (7,500) 692,500 1011,500 Liabilities Deferred contributions 501,500 Net assets Invested in capital assets 400,000 Restricted for endowment 100,000 Unrestricted net assets 10,000 510,000 1011,500 6.2 Restricted Fund Method If the ABC adopts the restricted fund method of recording contributions, the different format and results of financial statements will be presented than the deferral method. ABC Statement of Operation For the year ended of December 31, 2012 General Capital Endowment Total Fund Fund Fund Revenues Contributions 10,000 900,000 100,000 1010,000 Interest income 50,000 50,000 Expenses Maintenance 16,000 16,000 Amortization 7,500 7,500 Scholarship 25,000 25,000 Excess of revenues Over expenses 10,000 876,500 125,000 1011,500 ABC Statement of Position For the year ended of December 31, 2012 General Capital Endowment Total Fund Fund Fund Assets Cash and investment 10,000 184,000 125,000 319,000 Capital assets Land 400,000 400,000 Operating facility 300,000 300,000 Accumulated amortization (7,500) (7,500) 10,000 876,500 125,000 1,011,500 Liabilities Deferred contributions Fund balances Invested in capital assets 692,500 692,500 Externally restricted 184,000 184,000 Endowment 125,000 125,000 Unrestricted 10,000 10,000 10,000 876,500 125,000 1,011,500 (Fund balance=Asset-Liability) Under the deferral method, interest is recognized as an increase in the contribution revenue on the statement of operation as scholarship paid out. The operating facility is capitalized and amortization is recorded as expense. The amount of the restricted contribution recognized as revenue for the year is equal to the corresponding expenses incurred. The revenue over expense $10,000 which is unrestricted contribution received. The amount of the contribution not used at the end of the year is recorded as an increase in the liabilities deferred contributions on the statement of position. The deferred contributions decrease when the related revenues are recognized. Land and endowment are recorded as increase in net asset. Under the restricted fund method, the contributions are classified to general fund, capital fund and endowment fund. Each fund has a self-balancing separately. The Contributions and interest earned are immediately recognized as revenues in the corresponding fund. Any e xpenditure related to that fund is deducted from the balance. In this case, using the restricted fund method of recording contributions is better than using the deferral method. Because the restricted fund method is more clearly shows the ABC how to spend the restricted contributions. The restricted fund method makes ABC easy to report activity to its members, donators, and also to any government entity that is charged with the responsibility of overseeing its operation. 7.0 Advantages and Disadvantages Before identify which accounting method should be used of recording contributions for nonprofit, it is necessary to know the advantages and disadvantages of the restricted fund method and the deferral method. In terms of the ABC example this means that two methods would give different results of financial statements. 7.1 Deferral Method Under the deferral method, the recorded deferred contributions are transferred to the income statement as revenue when corresponding expenses been incurred. The contribution revenue is matched to the related expenses in the same accounting period. 7.1.1 Advantages For an accounting perspective, using the deferral method means the contribution revenues expected during a specific accounting period are directly matched to the anticipated expenses during this period. This helps the organization to develop an accounting plan extends beyond the current period which more rational use the contributions. Secondly, the deferral method reduces noise from timing mismatch between when expenses are incurred and when revenues are recognized. The matching helps avoid misstating cost for a period. The mention above, the objective of nonprofit financial statements is assessing whether the organization is achieving its objectives at the lowest possible cost. The deferral method can avoid misstating, for instance, avoid result in understated cost. Thus, it better evaluate the actual performance of organization. 7.1.2 Disadvantages Along with the benefits of the deferral method, there are several disadvantages need to be aware of. Using the deferral method the results of the unrestricted and restricted contributions are combined, and organization-wide totals are presented in the each of the financial statement. The restricted contributions remain unfulfilled are accumulated as deferred contribution. The organizations excess of revenue over expenses for the period represents the increase in resources that are not restricted to cover specific expenses of a future period (Cynthia L. Orr. 1996. P4). Thus, it is not clearly presents information regarding how the organization manages the restricted contributions. Another disadvantage is the restrictions are deferred and not reported until used. Deferral of external restricted contributions to a liability may be confusing to the basic users. 7.2 Restricted Fund Method As mentioned above that the fund accounting must be set up if a nonprofit adopts the restricted fund method. The organization would choose which restricted funds to report, and all similar contributions would be treated in the same manner. 7.2.1Advantages Using fund accounting system to record contributions can help to ensure that organizations use their resources in accordance with the stipulations donors; granting agencies and governing boards impose. Fund accounting segregates the account balances related to its purpose and keeps these funds from mingling with the other accounts of the organization. This ensures that the assets assigned to each fund remain available for the purpose of that fund. And the restricted fund method keeps the organization accountable to the donors who support the organization. Each donor wants to see the nonprofit serve the individuals who need its assistance. When the nonprofit organization issues its financial statements at the end of the year, the contributors can review the performance of each fund. The financial statements identify the money received for each fund and how the organization distributes those funds (Kathy Adams Mclntosh). Thus, the restricted fund method is more clearly to present the i nformation of restrictions. Secondly, choosing the restricted funds to report and treating similar contributions in same manner consistently that is increase comparability between current year and previous years in one organization. This is seen as both advantage and disadvantage in the same time. 7.2.2Disadvantages Because of an organization chooses which restricted funds to report, it lack comparability between with two organizations. Because of this choice, two organizations following the restricted fund method may each report similar kinds of restricted contributions differently. For example, one organization may present contributions restricted for purchasing equipment in a separate restricted capital fund. Another organization may not report a separate capital fund. It results in lacking comparability on similar contributions of two organizations. 8.0 Recommendation Which accounting method is best? This is a matter of what the entity wants to communicate in the financial statements. The best system is a system that gives the members of an organization control over its financial health and portrays this health through their records.(Kelly Bourgeo. June, 2003. p16). So the executive director and board of nonprofit should assess the financial health thought that, the financial statements should be easily comprehensible so that any person taking the time to read them will understand the financial picture; they should be concise and they should clearly show the relationship among the each transaction without confusing detail involving transfers (Kelly Bourgeo. P17). First, I recommend that using fund accounting. Because the fund accounting approach is more clearly presents information regarding how the restrictions are distribution and spent. And it can be effective, especially when accounting reports must be sent to more than one government agency. For example, if a charity receives an endowment for the childcare program, a contribution restricted to support homeless shelter and a grant for providing meals to stray pets, each of these programs is to fall into the jurisdiction of a different government agency. So by creating funds for each program, it is provide each monitoring agency with an accounting of what has been done with the donations received to support each program (Malcolm Tatum. 2012). The organizations determine an appropriate accounting method should determine who the uses of the financial statements will be and what their needs. For a nonprofit, it receives recurring restricted contributions, so donors will be one of the major users. In my opinion, the restricted fund method is better than deferral method. Because the restricted fund method provides donors with simply but robust information on how their contributions are be used. It let users clearly to understand the financial pictures. And it reflects a more accurate accrual basis of revenue recognition for the funds presented than the deferral method. The deferral method may be confusing to users because of recording restricted contributions as a liability. Each method has advantages and disadvantages separately for its use. So organizations should seek the help of professionals to assist it in implementing its accounts. 9.0 Conclusion The not-for-profit organization is required to choose either the restricted fund method or the deferral method of recording contributions when it prepares financial statements. According to analysis above, the timing restriction treatment is the primary cause for some of the more significant reporting and recognition differences. Using the restricted fund method, the restricted contributions are recognized as revenue when they are received. It more clearly presents the information of restrictions for the funds presented. The deferral method recognizes contributions until they are spent. The matching principle helps avoid misstating cost for a period. It better evaluate the actual performance of organization. But it may be confusing to basic users because of deferred restricted contributions as a liability. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. The choice depends on the financial reporting objective and on the motivations of organizations manager. The accounting method, on ce selected, all received contributions must been applied that method consistently. The accounting policy seems be changed if the organization changes its method. There is not required to, I recommend that nonprofit uses fund-based structure. If no such fund has been established, restricted contributions are treated the same way as under the deferred contribution method. Choosing an appropriate revenue recognition policy is important. The organizations should seek the help of professionals to assist it in implementing its accounts.
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