更多“(ii) Theory Y. (5 marks)”相关问题
  • 第1题:

    5 Your manager has heard of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory and how it has some relevance to motivational techniques.

    Required:

    (a) Explain Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. (10 marks)


    正确答案:

    5 The way in which managers’ duties are undertaken can significantly influence the satisfaction that employees derive from their work. Abraham Maslow suggested that individuals have a hierarchy of personal needs which are identifiable, universally applicable and can be satisfied in the workplace. Understanding this concept provides guidance to management as to the appropriateness of
    motivational techniques.
    (a) Maslow’s theory of motivation is a content theory. Its basic idea is that each individual has a set of needs which have to be
    satisfied in a set order of priority.
    Maslow suggested that individuals have five needs:
    Self-actualisation
    (or self fulfilment)
    Esteem needs
    (or ego)
    Social needs
    Safety needs
    Physiological needs
    These needs are arranged in a hierarchy of importance and movement is upwards, from physiological needs to selfactualisation.Any individual will always want more; each need must be satisfied before the next is sought. However – andcritically so far as motivation in the workplace is concerned – a satisfied need is no longer a motivator.
    The theory is usually presented in the shape of a triangle, with physiological needs at its base and self-actualisation at itsapex. The triangle shape has a clear significance. As an individual moves up toward the apex, the needs thin out, that isphysiological needs are far greater than self-actualisation needs. For many individuals, reaching social needs is often thehighest need to be satisfied. The theory is sometimes presented as a staircase; again with self-actualisation at the top. Thissecond diagrammatic form. reflects the application of the theory to more modern situations, where it can reasonably beassumed that those within the organisation have already achieved physiological and safety needs. For such individuals, socialand esteem needs may well be greater.
    Physiological needs are the basic survival needs which, although part of the theory, probably have less relevance today. Theseneeds are usually seen as food, shelter (which is sometimes noted as a safety need), warmth and clothing.
    Safety needs are the desire for security, order, certainty and predictability in life and freedom from threat. The above two so-called ‘lower order needs’ dominate until satisfied.
    Social needs are the gregarious needs of mankind, the need for friendship, relationships and affection. This is often seen as the desire to be part of a family.
    Esteem needs are the desire for recognition and respect, often associated with status, especially in the modern world.
    Self-actualisation (self fulfilment) is the ultimate goal. Once this state is achieved the individual has fulfilled personal potential.
    However, later work by Maslow has suggested that there are two additional needs; freedom of enquiry (free speech and justice) and knowledge (the need to explore and learn). These additional needs are a further development of social needs and recognise the changing nature of modern life.

  • 第2题:

    (ii) job enlargement; (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Job enlargement is often referred to as ‘horizontal job enlargement’ and is aimed at widening the content of jobs by increasing the number of operations in which the job holder is involved and is another method by which employees at Bailey’s might become more involved. It reduces the level of repetition and dullness by providing a horizontal extension to activity, reducing monotony and boredom inherent in the operations at Bailey’s.

  • 第3题:

    (ii) Analyse why moving to a ‘no frills’ low-cost strategy would be inappropriate for ONA.

    Note: requirement (b) (ii) includes 3 professional marks (16 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) ‘No frills’ low-cost budget airlines are usually associated with the following characteristics. Each of these characteristics
    is considered in the context of Oceania National Airlines (ONA).
    – Operational economies of scale
    Increased flight frequency brings operational economies and is attractive to both business and leisure travellers. In
    the international sector where ONA is currently experiencing competition from established ‘no frills’ low-cost budget
    airlines ONA has, on average, one flight per day to each city. It would have to greatly extend its flight network, flight
    frequency and the size of its aircraft fleet if it planned to become a ‘no frills’ carrier in this sector. This fleet
    expansion appears counter to the culture of an organisation that has expanded very gradually since its formation.
    Table 1 shows only three aircraft added to the fleet in the period 2004–2006. It is likely that the fleet size would
    have to double for ONA to become a serious ‘no frills’ operator in the international sector. In the regional sector, the
    flight density, an average of three flights per day, is more characteristic of a ‘no frills’ airline. However, ONA would
    have to address the relatively low utilisation of its aircraft (see Tables 1 and 2) and the cost of maintenance
    associated with a relatively old fleet of aircraft.
    – Reduced costs through direct sales
    On-line booking is primarily aimed at eliminating commission sales (usually made through travel agents). ‘No frills’
    low-cost budget airlines typically achieve over 80% of their sales on-line. The comparative figure for ONA (see
    Table 2) is 40% for regional sales and 60% for international sales, compared with an average of 84% for their
    competitors. Clearly a major change in selling channels would have to take place for ONA to become a ‘no frills’
    low-cost budget airline. It is difficult to know whether this is possible. The low percentage of regional on-line sales
    seems to suggest that the citizens of Oceania may be more comfortable buying through third parties such as travel
    agents.
    – Reduced customer service
    ‘No frills’ low-cost budget airlines usually do not offer customer services such as free meals, free drinks and the
    allocation of passengers to specific seats. ONA prides itself on its in-flight customer service and this was one of the
    major factors that led to its accolade as Regional Airline of the Year. To move to a ‘no frills’ strategy, ONA would
    have to abandon a long held tradition of excellent customer service. This would require a major cultural change
    within the organisation. It would also probably lead to disbanding the award winning (Golden Bowl) catering
    department and the redundancies of catering staff could prove difficult to implement in a heavily unionised
    organisation.
    Johnson, Scholes and Whittington have suggested that if an organisation is to ‘achieve competitive advantage through
    a low price strategy then it has two basic choices. The first is to try and identify a market segment which is unattractive
    (or inaccessible) to competitors and in this way avoid competitive pressures to erode price.’ It is not possible for ONA to
    pursue this policy in the international sector because of significant competition from established continental ‘no frills’
    low-cost budget airlines. It may be a candidate strategy for the regional sector, but the emergence of small ‘no frills’ lowcost
    budget airlines in these countries threaten this. Many of these airlines enter the market with very low overheads
    and use the ‘no frills’ approach as a strategy to gain market share before progressing to alternative strategies.
    Secondly, a ‘no frills’ strategy depends for its success on margin. Johnson, Scholes and Whittington suggest that ‘in the
    long run, a low price strategy cannot be pursued without a low-cost base’. Evidence from the scenario suggests that ONA
    does not have a low cost base. It continues to maintain overheads (such as a catering department) that its competitors
    have either disbanded or outsourced. More fundamentally (from Table 2), its flight crew enjoy above average wages and
    the whole company is heavily unionised. The scenario acknowledges that the company pays above industry salaries and
    offers excellent benefits such as a generous non-contributory pension. Aircraft utilisation and aircraft age also suggest a
    relatively high cost base. The aircraft are older than their competitors and presumably incur greater maintenance costs.
    ONA’s utilisation of its aircraft is also lower than its competitors. It seems highly unlikely that ONA can achieve the
    changes required in culture, cost base and operations required for it to become a ‘no frills’ low-cost budget airline. Other
    factors serve to reinforce this. For example:
    – Many ‘no frills’ low-cost budget airlines fly into airports that offer cheaper taking off and landing fees. Many of these
    airports are relatively remote from the cities they serve. This may be acceptable to leisure travellers, but not to
    business travellers – ONA’s primary market in the regional sector.
    – Most ‘no frills’ low-cost budget airlines have a standardised fleet leading to commonality and familiarity in
    maintenance. Although ONA has a relatively small fleet it is split between three aircraft types. This is due to
    historical reasons. The Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s appear to be very similar aircraft. However, the Boeings
    were inherited from OceaniaAir and the Airbuses from Transport Oceania.
    In conclusion, the CEO’s decision to reject a ‘no frills’ strategy for ONA appears to be justifiable. It would require major
    changes in structure, cost and culture that would be difficult to justify given ONA’s current position. Revolution is the
    term used by Baligan and Hope to describe a major rapid strategic change. It is associated with a sudden transformation
    required to react to extreme pressures on the organisation. Such an approach is often required when the company is
    facing a crisis and needs to quickly change direction. There is no evidence to support the need for a radical
    transformation. This is why the CEO brands the change to a ‘no frills’ low-cost budget airline as ‘unnecessary’. The
    financial situation (Table 3) is still relatively healthy and there is no evidence of corporate predators. It can be argued
    that a more incremental approach to change would be beneficial, building on the strengths of the organisation and the
    competencies of its employees. Moving ONA to a ‘no frills’ model would require seismic changes in cost and culture. If
    ONA really wanted to move into this sector then they would be better advised to start afresh with a separate brand andairline and to concentrate on the regional sector where it has a head start over many of its competitors.

  • 第4题:

    (ii) why the ‘fair value option’ was initially introduced and why it has caused such concern. (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Fair value option
    As set out above, the standard permits entities to designate irrevocably on initial recognition any financial asset or liability
    as one to be measured at fair value with gains and losses recognised in profit or loss. The fair value option was generally
    introduced to reduce profit or loss volatility as it can be used to measure an economically matched position in the same
    way (at fair value). Additionally it can be used in place of IAS 39’s requirement to separate embedded derivatives as
    the entire contract is measured at fair value with changes reported in profit or loss.
    Although the fair value option can be of use, it can be used in an inappropriate manner thus defeating its original
    purpose. For example, companies might apply the option to instruments whose fair value is difficult to estimate so as
    to smooth profit or loss as valuation of these instruments might be subjective. Also the use of this option might increase
    rather than decrease volatility in profit or loss where, for example, a company applies the option to only one part of a
    ‘matched’ position. Finally, if a company applied the option to financial liabilities, it might result in the company
    recognising gains or losses for changes in its own credit worthiness.
    The IASB has issued an exposure draft amending IAS 39 in this area restricting the financial assets and liabilities to
    which the fair value option can be applied.
    I hope that the above information is useful.

  • 第5题:

    (ii) the strategy of the business regarding its treasury policies. (3 marks)

    (Marks will be awarded in part (b) for the identification and discussion of relevant points and for the style. of the

    report.)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Strategy of the business regarding its treasury policies
    Treasury policies are reviewed regularly by the Board. It is group policy to account for all financial instruments as cash
    flow hedges. As a result, changes in the fair values of financial instruments are deferred in reserves to the extent the
    hedge is effective and released to profit or loss in the time periods in which the hedged item impacts profit or loss.
    The Group contracts fixed rate currency swaps and issues floating to fixed rate interest rate swaps to meet the objective
    of protecting borrowing costs. The cash flow effects of the interest rate swaps match the cash flows on the underlying
    instruments so that there is no net cash flow effect from movements in market interest rates. If the interest rate swaps
    had not been transacted there could have been an increase in the annual net interest payable to the Group. The strategy
    of the group is to minimise the exposure to interest rate fluctuations.

  • 第6题:

    (b) (i) Discusses the principles involved in accounting for claims made under the above warranty provision.

    (6 marks)

    (ii) Shows the accounting treatment for the above warranty provision under IAS37 ‘Provisions, Contingent

    Liabilities and Contingent Assets’ for the year ended 31 October 2007. (3 marks)

    Appropriateness of the format and presentation of the report and communication of advice. (2 marks)


    正确答案:

    (b) Provisions – IAS37
    An entity must recognise a provision under IAS37 if, and only if:
    (a) a present obligation (legal or constructive) has arisen as a result of a past event (the obligating event)
    (b) it is probable (‘more likely than not’), that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle
    the obligation
    (c) the amount can be estimated reliably
    An obligating event is an event that creates a legal or constructive obligation and, therefore, results in an enterprise having
    no realistic alternative but to settle the obligation. A constructive obligation arises if past practice creates a valid expectation
    on the part of a third party. If it is more likely than not that no present obligation exists, the enterprise should disclose a
    contingent liability, unless the possibility of an outflow of resources is remote.
    The amount recognised as a provision should be the best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the present obligation
    at the balance sheet date, that is, the amount that an enterprise would rationally pay to settle the obligation at the balance
    sheet date or to transfer it to a third party. This means provisions for large populations of events such as warranties, are
    measured at a probability weighted expected value. In reaching its best estimate, the entity should take into account the risks
    and uncertainties that surround the underlying events.
    Expected cash outflows should be discounted to their present values, where the effect of the time value of money is material
    using a risk adjusted rate (it should not reflect risks for which future cash flows have been adjusted). If some or all of the
    expenditure required to settle a provision is expected to be reimbursed by another party, the reimbursement should be
    recognised as a separate asset when, and only when, it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received if the entity
    settles the obligation. The amount recognised should not exceed the amount of the provision. In measuring a provision future
    events should be considered. The provision for the warranty claim will be determined by using the expected value method.
    The past event which causes the obligation is the initial sale of the product with the warranty given at that time. It would be
    appropriate for the company to make a provision for the Year 1 warranty of $280,000 and Year 2 warranty of $350,000,
    which represents the best estimate of the obligation (see Appendix 2). Only if the insurance company have validated the
    counter claim will Macaljoy be able to recognise the asset and income. Recovery has to be virtually certain. If it is virtually
    certain, then Macaljoy may be able to recognise the asset. Generally contingent assets are never recognised, but disclosed
    where an inflow of economic benefits is probable.
    The company could discount the provision if it was considered that the time value of money was material. The majority of
    provisions will reverse in the short term (within two years) and, therefore, the effects of discounting are likely to be immaterial.
    In this case, using the risk adjusted rate (IAS37), the provision would be reduced to $269,000 in Year 1 and $323,000 in
    Year 2. The company will have to determine whether this is material.
    Appendix 1
    The accounting for the defined benefit plan is as follows:

  • 第7题:

    (ii) Explain why the disclosure of voluntary information in annual reports can enhance the company’s

    accountability to equity investors. (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Accountability to equity investors
    Voluntary disclosures are an effective way of redressing the information asymmetry that exists between management and
    investors. In adding to mandatory content, voluntary disclosures give a fuller picture of the state of the company.
    More information helps investors decide whether the company matches their risk, strategic and ethical criteria, and
    expectations.
    Makes the annual report more forward looking (predictive) whereas the majority of the numerical content is backward
    facing on what has been.
    Helps transparency in communicating more fully thereby better meeting the agency accountability to investors,
    particularly shareholders.
    There is a considerable amount of qualitative information that cannot be conveyed using statutory numbers (such as
    strategy, ethical content, social reporting, etc).
    Voluntary disclosure gives a more rounded and more complete view of the company, its activities, strategies, purposes
    and values.
    Voluntary disclosure enables the company to address specific shareholder concerns as they arise (such as responding
    to negative publicity).
    [Tutorial note: other valid points will attract marks]

  • 第8题:

    (ii) Describe the claim of each of the four identified stakeholders. (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Stakeholder claims
    Four external stakeholders in the case and their claims are as follows.
    The client, i.e. the government of the East Asian country. This stakeholder wants the project completed to budget and
    on time. It may also be concerned to minimise negative publicity in respect of the construction of the dam and the
    possible negative environmental consequences.
    Stop-the-dam, the vocal and well organised pressure group. This stakeholder wants the project stopped completely,
    seemingly and slightly paradoxically, for environmental and social footprint reasons.
    First Nation, the indigenous people group currently resident on the land behind the dam that would be flooded after its
    construction. This stakeholder also wants the project stopped so they can continue to live on and farm the land.
    The banks (identified as a single group). These seem happy to lend to the project and will want it to proceed so they
    make a return on their loans commensurate with the risk of the loan. They do not want to be publicly identified as being
    associated with the Giant Dam Project.
    Shareholders. The shareholders have the right to have their investment in the company managed in such a way as to
    maximise the value of their shareholding. The shareholders seek projects providing positive NPVs within the normal
    constraints of sound risk management.
    Tutorial note: only four stakeholders need to be identified. Marks will be given for up to four relevant stakeholders
    only.

  • 第9题:

    (ii) Explain THREE strategies that might be adopted in order to improve the future prospects of Diverse

    Holdings Plc. (6 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) The forecast situation of Diverse Holdings Plc is not without its problems. KAL and OPL require the immediate attention
    of management. The position of KAL is precarious to say the least. There is a choice of strategies for it:
    (i) Outsource the manufacture of appliances
    (ii) Set up a manufacturing operation overseas
    (ii) Withdraw from the market.
    Each alternative must be assessed. Whatever decision is taken it is unlikely to affect the other four subsidiaries.
    PSL is also independent of the other subsidiaries. A strategic decision to widen its range of products and outlets must
    surely help. Hence management should endeavour to find new markets for its products, which are separate and distinct
    from those markets served by its appointed distributors.
    21
    In order to improve the prospects of OPL management need to adopt appropriate strategies since at the present time the
    company appears to be in a high growth market but is unable to capture a reasonable market share. Perhaps the answer
    lies in increased or more effective advertising of the endorsement of the product range by health and safety experts.
    Management should endeavour to develop a strategy to integrate further its subsidiaries so that they can benefit from
    each other and also derive as much synergy as possible from the acquisition of HTL.
    It is of paramount importance that management ensure that sufficient funds are channelled into growing OFL and HTL,
    which are both showing a rising trend in profitability. The group has depleted cash reserves which must to some extent
    be attributable to the purchase of HTL. It is possible that the divestment of KAL would provide some much needed
    funding.

  • 第10题:

    (ii) Briefly discuss FOUR non-financial factors which might influence the above decision. (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Four factors that could be considered are as follows:
    (i) The quality of the service provided by NSC as evidenced by, for example, the comfort of the ferries, on-board
    facilities, friendliness and responsiveness of staff.
    (ii) The health and safety track record of NSC – passenger safety is a ‘must’ in such operations.
    (iii) The reliability, timeliness and dependability of NSC as a service provider.
    (iv) The potential loss of image due to redundancies within Wonderland plc.

  • 第11题:

    (ii) evaluates the relative performance of the four depots as indicated by the analysis in the summary table

    prepared in (i); (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) The summary analysis in (a)(i) shows that using overall points gained, Michaelangelotown has achieved the best
    performance with 12 points. Donatellotown and Leonardotown have achieved a reasonable level of performance with
    eight points each. Raphaeltown has under performed, however, gaining only four out of the available 12 points.
    Michaelangelotown is the only depot to have achieved both an increase in revenue over budget and an increased
    profit:revenue percentage.
    In the customer care and service delivery statistics, Michaelangelotown has achieved all six of the target standards,
    Donatellotown four; Leonardotown three. The Raphaeltown statistic of achieving only one out of six targets indicates the
    need for investigation.
    With regard to the credit control and administrative efficiency statistics, Leonardotown and Michaelangelotown achieved
    all four standards and Donatellotown achieved three of the four standards. Once again, Raphaeltown is the ‘poor
    performer’ achieving only two of the four standards.

  • 第12题:

    (ii) Recommend further audit procedures that should be carried out. (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Further audit procedures:
    Request from Peter Sheffield a written representation detailing:
    – the exact nature of his control over Jarvis Co, i.e. if he is a shareholder then state his percentage shareholding, if
    he is a member of senior management then state his exact position within the entity,
    – a comment on whether in his opinion the balance is recoverable,
    – a specific date by which the amount should be expected to be repaid, and
    – a confirmation that there are no further balances outstanding from Jarvis Co, or any further transactions between
    Jarvis Co and Pulp Co.
    Tutorial note: Reference to the Exposure Draft ISA 550 Related Parties (Revised and Redrafted) requirement for both
    general and specific management representations will be awarded credit.
    Review the terms of any written confirmation of the amount, such as a signed agreement or invoice, checking whether
    any interest is due to Pulp Co. The terms should be reviewed for details of any security offered, and the nature of the
    consideration to be provided in settlement.
    From discussion with Peter Sheffield, develop an understanding of the business purpose of the transaction, particularly
    to understand whether the balance is a trade receivable or an investment.
    Review the board minutes for evidence of any discussion of the transaction and the recoverability of the balance
    outstanding.
    Obtain the most recent audited financial statements of Jarvis Co and:
    – ascertain whether Peter Sheffield is disclosed as the ultimate controlling party or disclosed as a member of key
    management personnel,
    – scrutinise the disclosure notes to find any disclosure of the transaction, where it should be described as a related
    party liability, and
    – perform. a liquidity analysis to establish whether the amount can be repaid from liquid assets.

  • 第13题:

    (b) How can Maslow’s theory be applied to the motivation of staff? (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    (b) This theory is based on the idea that the goals of the individual and the organisation can be integrated and that personal satisfaction can be achieved through the workplace. It also assumes that individuals will achieve self-actualisation through their role in assisting the organisation to achieve its objectives. It follows therefore that work is the principal source of satisfaction.
    The theory’s practical application is that managers should recognise that subordinates’ needs are always evolving and increasing, so continued attention to increasing the employees’ personal development, opportunities for advancement and recognition of achievement are essential to keep them motivated.

  • 第14题:

    5 All managers need to understand the importance of motivation in the workplace.

    Required:

    (a) Explain the ‘content theory’ of motivation. (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    5 The way in which managers treat their employees can significantly influence the satisfaction that the employees derive from their work and thus the overall success of the organisation. Understanding the importance of motivation is therefore an important management skill.
    (a) Content theories address the question ‘What are the things that motivate people?’
    Content theories are also called need theories (because they concentrate on the needs fulfilled by work) and are based on the notion that all human beings have a set of needs or required outcomes, and according to this theory, these needs can be satisfied through work. The theory focuses on what arouses, maintains and regulates good, directed behaviour and what specific individual forces motivate people. However, content theories assume that everyone responds to motivating factors in the same way and that consequently there is one, best way to motivate everybody.

  • 第15题:

    (ii) Describe the basis for the calculation of the provision for deferred taxation on first time adoption of IFRS

    including the provision in the opening IFRS balance sheet. (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) A company has to apply IAS12 to the temporary differences between the carrying amount of the assets and liabilities in
    its opening IFRS balance sheet (1 November 2003) and their tax bases (IFRS1 ‘First time adoption of IFRS’). The
    deferred tax provision will be calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantially enacted by the balance
    sheet date. The carrying values of the assets and liabilities at the opening balance sheet date will be determined by
    reference to IFRS1 and will use the applicable IFRS in the first IFRS financial statements. Any adjustments required to
    the deferred tax balance will be recognised directly in retained earnings.
    Subsequent balance sheets (at 31 October 2004 and 31 October 2005) will be drawn up using the IFRS used in the
    financial statements to 31 October 2005. The deferred tax provision will be adjusted as at 31 October 2004 and thenas at 31 October 2005 to reflect the temporary differences arising at those dates.

  • 第16题:

    (ii) Explain the accounting treatment under IAS39 of the loan to Bromwich in the financial statements of

    Ambush for the year ended 30 November 2005. (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) There is objective evidence of impairment because of the financial difficulties and reorganisation of Bromwich. The
    impairment loss on the loan will be calculated by discounting the estimated future cash flows. The future cash flows
    will be $100,000 on 30 November 2007. This will be discounted at an effective interest rate of 8% to give a present
    value of $85,733. The loan will, therefore, be impaired by ($200,000 – $85,733) i.e. $114,267.
    (Note: IAS 39 requires accrual of interest on impaired loans at the original effective interest rate. In the year to
    30 November 2006 interest of 8% of $85,733 i.e. $6,859 would be accrued.)

  • 第17题:

    (ii) How existing standards could be modified to meet the needs of SMEs. (6 marks


    正确答案:
    (ii) The development of IFRSs for SMEs as a modification of existing IFRSs
    Most SMEs have a narrower range of users than listed entities. The main groups of users are likely to be the owners,
    suppliers and lenders. In deciding upon the modifications to make to IFRS, the needs of the users will need to be taken
    into account as well as the costs and other burdens imposed upon SMEs by the IFRS. There will have to be a relaxation
    of some of the measurement and recognition criteria in IFRS in order to achieve the reduction in the costs and the
    burdens. Some disclosure requirements, such as segmental reports and earnings per share, are intended to meet the
    needs of listed entities, or to assist users in making forecasts of the future. Users of financial statements of SMEs often
    do not make such kinds of forecasts. Thus these disclosures may not be relevant to SMEs, and a review of all of the
    disclosure requirements in IFRS will be required to assess their appropriateness for SMEs.
    The difficulty is determining which information is relevant to SMEs without making the information disclosed
    meaningless or too narrow/restricted. It may mean that measurement requirements of a complex nature may have to be
    omitted.
    There are, however, rational grounds for justifying different treatments because of the different nature of the entities and
    the existence of established practices at the time of the issue of an IFRS.

  • 第18题:

    (d) Draft a letter for Tim Blake to send to WM’s investors to include the following:

    (i) why you believe robust internal controls to be important; and

    (ii) proposals on how internal systems might be improved in the light of the overestimation of mallerite at

    WM.

    Note: four professional marks are available within the marks allocated to requirement (d) for the structure,

    content, style. and layout of the letter.

    (16 marks)


    正确答案:

    You will be aware of the importance of accurate resource valuation to Worldwide Minerals (WM). Unfortunately, I have to
    inform. you that the reserve of mallerite, one of our key minerals in a new area of exploration, was found to have been
    overestimated after the purchase of a mine. It has been suggested that this information may have an effect on shareholder
    value and so I thought it appropriate to write to inform. you of how the board intends to respond to the situation.
    In particular, I would like to address two issues. It has been suggested that the overestimation arose because of issues with
    the internal control systems at WM. I would firstly like to reassure you of the importance that your board places on sound
    internal control systems and then I would like to highlight improvements to internal controls that we shall be implementing
    to ensure that the problem should not recur.
    (i) Importance of internal control
    Internal control systems are essential in all public companies and Worldwide Minerals (WM) is no exception. If anything,
    WM’s strategic position makes internal control even more important, operating as it does in many international situations
    and dealing with minerals that must be guaranteed in terms of volume, grade and quality. Accordingly, your board
    recognises that internal control underpins investor confidence. Investors have traditionally trusted WM’s management
    because they have assumed it capable of managing its internal operations. This has, specifically, meant becoming aware
    of and controlling known risks. Risks would not be known about and managed without adequate internal control
    systems. Internal control, furthermore, helps to manage quality throughout the organisation and it provides
    management with information on internal operations and compliance. These features are important in ensuring quality
    at all stages in the WM value chain from the extraction of minerals to the delivery of product to our customers. Linked
    to this is the importance of internal control in helping to expose and improve underperforming internal operations.
    Finally, internal control systems are essential in providing information for internal and external reporting upon which, in
    turn, investor confidence rests.
    (ii) Proposals to improve internal systems at WM
    As you may be aware, mineral estimation and measurement can be problematic, particularly in some regions. Indeed,
    there are several factors that can lead to under or overestimation of reserves valuations as a result of geological survey
    techniques and regional cultural/social factors. In the case of mallerite, however, the issues that have been brought to
    the board’s attention are matters of internal control and it is to these that I would now like to turn.
    In first instance, it is clear from the fact that the overestimate was made that we will need to audit geological reports at
    an appropriate (and probably lower) level in the organisation in future.
    Once a claim has been made about a given mineral resource level, especially one upon which investor returns might
    depend, appropriate systems will be instituted to ask for and obtain evidence that such reserves have been correctly and
    accurately quantified.
    We will recognise that single and verbal source reports of reserve quantities may not necessarily be accurate. This was
    one of the apparent causes of the overestimation of mallerite. A system of auditing actual reserves rather than relying
    on verbal evidence will rectify this.
    The purchase of any going concern business, such as the mallerite mine, is subject to due diligence. WM will be
    examining its procedures in this area to ensure that they are fit for purpose in the way that they may not have been in
    respect of the purchase of the mallerite mine. I will be taking all appropriate steps to ensure that all of these internal
    control issues can be addressed in future.
    Thank you for your continued support of Worldwide Minerals and I hope the foregoing goes some way to reassure you
    that the company places the highest value on its investors and their loyalty.
    Yours faithfully,
    Tim Blake
    Chairman

  • 第19题:

    (ii) Evaluate the relative advantages and disadvantages of Chen’s risk management committee being

    non-executive rather than executive in nature. (7 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Advantages and disadvantages of being non-executive rather than executive
    The UK Combined Code, for example, allows for risk committees to be made up of either executive or non-executive
    members.
    Advantages of non-executive membership
    Separation and detachment from the content being discussed is more likely to bring independent scrutiny.
    Sensitive issues relating to one or more areas of executive oversight can be aired without vested interests being present.
    Non-executive directors often bring specific expertise that will be more relevant to a risk problem than more
    operationally-minded executive directors will have.
    Chen’s four members, being from different backgrounds, are likely to bring a range of perspectives and suggested
    strategies which may enrich the options open to the committee when considering specific risks.
    Disadvantages of non-executive membership (advantages of executive membership)
    Direct input and relevant information would be available from executives working directly with the products, systems
    and procedures being discussed if they were on the committee. Non-executives are less likely to have specialist
    knowledge of products, systems and procedures being discussed and will therefore be less likely to be able to comment
    intelligently during meetings.
    The membership, of four people, none of whom ‘had direct experience of Chen’s industry or products’ could produce
    decisions taken without relevant information that an executive member could provide.
    Non-executive directors will need to report their findings to the executive board. This reporting stage slows down the
    process, thus requiring more time before actions can be implemented, and introducing the possibility of some
    misunderstanding.

  • 第20题:

    (ii) Using the previous overhead allocation basis (as per note 4), calculate the budgeted profit/(loss)

    attributable to each type of service for the year ending 31 December 2006 and comment on the results

    obtained using the previous and revised methods of overhead allocation. (5 marks)


    正确答案:

  • 第21题:

    (ii) Calculate the probability of the net profit being less than £75 million. (2 marks)


    正确答案:

  • 第22题:

    (ii) Briefly discuss THREE disadvantages of using EVA? in the measurement of financial performance.

    (3 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Disadvantages of an EVA approach to the measurement of financial performance include:
    (i) The calculation of EVA may be complicated due to the number of adjustments required.
    (ii) It is difficult to use EVA for inter-firm and inter-divisional comparisons because it is not a ratio measure.
    (iii) Economic depreciation is difficult to estimate and conflicts with generally accepted accounting principles.
    Note: Other relevant discussion would be acceptable.

  • 第23题:

    (ii) Deema Co. (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Deema Co
    The claim is an event after the balance sheet date. If the accident occurred prior to the year end of 30 September 2007,
    the claim gives additional evidence of a year end condition, and thus meets the definition of an adjusting post balance
    sheet event. In this case the matter appears to have been properly disclosed in the notes to the financial statements per
    IAS 10 Events After the Balance Sheet Date and IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets. A
    provision would only be necessary if the claim was probable to succeed and there is sufficient appropriate evidence that
    this is not the case. There is therefore no disagreement, and no limitation on scope.
    Therefore the senior is correct to propose an unqualified opinion.
    However, it is not necessary for the audit report to contain an emphasis of matter paragraph.
    ISA 701 Modifications to the Independent Auditor’s Report states that an emphasis of matter paragraph should be used
    to highlight a matter where there is significant uncertainty.
    Uncertainties are normally only regarded as significant if they involve a level of concern about the going concern status
    of the company or would have an unusually great effect on the financial statements. This is not the case here as there
    is enough cash to pay the damages in the unlikely event that the claim goes against Deema Co. This appears to be a
    one-off situation with a low risk of the estimate being subject to change and thus there is no significant uncertainty.