Author: chris

information based management

1-Summarize the reasons why it is important to clarify the elements of the operating theory of a public program before conducting an evaluation of its capacity to ameliorate the social problem it is designed to address. Define the elements of a program’s theory in your response.

2- Summarize the strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of a mailed surveys. Discuss when it is appropriate to use closed-end (forced choice) survey items. Differentiate among longitudinal and cross-sectional surveys, and describe variations of the former.

3- Describe various sources of subjectivity in social science research that inevitably compromise the ideal of value-free research.

4- Describe why the specification of the need for the amelioration of a social problem is a significant first step in designing a program to pursue that end.

The effect of First Time Line Managers leadership styles on the motivation of team members in an education setting

understanding and skills consistent with the four overarching learning outcomes of the MA
Ed programme:
1. Evaluating the appropriateness of a range of theories for conducting an appropriate and ethical small-scale enquiry into an aspect of their educational professional practice;
2.Undertaking a critical review of academically relevant and valid literature specifically related to an aspect of their educational professional practice;
3.Applying critically analytical research techniques appropriate for collecting and interpreting data within the context of an enquiry into an aspect of their educational professional practice;
4. Analysis of the outcomes of their research into an aspect of their educational professional practice, in order to synthesise recommendations for further practice and research

Business in the Asia Pacific Region

(a) Identify how the conduct of industrial policy has changed throughout the Asia Pacific region form the early development of countries like Japan and Korea to the recent development of China and Vietnam. Although you will need to refer to some descriptive material to chart the process of development, the key task is to analyse how development policies have changed and to use conceptual frameworks to explain this change.

(b) Identify the implications for business in light of the development policies being pursued across the region.

Waitrose Supply Chain and Operations

prepare a report on Waitrose using secondary data sources. The report should discuss and critically examine how operations and supply chain management have contributed to the overall competitiveness and success of the organisation. This would involve understanding how some or all of the different topics discussed in the class (e.g. forecasting, inventory management, supply chain networks and location assessment, Transportation and warehousing management) have been uniquely applied by the organisation to attain success.

Appliance Central PLC

Appliance Central PLC is a listed company which markets and sells a variety of electrical equipment including, but not limited to: television and audio equipment; laptops; iPads and tablets; storage devices; printers and scanners; phones; iPads and varied electrical accessories. Most of this equipment is sourced from the far East. The company was founded in 1988 and is based in Oxford, United kingdom. It owns and operates over 25 retail stores countrywide but also sells its product via an e-commerce website.
The company is audited by Mcknee and Associates, a firm of Chartered Certified Accountants. The audit manager for Appliace Central Plc is Emmanuel Stevens who has been the lead auditor for this client for the last three years. The team is under pressure to complete this year’s audit before March 15, 2013
The following matters have arisen during the audit of the financial statements for the year up to 31 December 2012, which is ongoing.
a) The company has an overdraft facility with the Beardsley Bank Plc of £10 million. The overdraft in the financial statements to 31 December 2012 is £8.5 million. The facility is due to expire on 31 March 2013 and the directors of Appliace Central have started negotiations with their bankers for a renewal of the facility and to increase the amount to £15 million. The bank has indicated that it is awaiting the outcome of the financial statement audit as well as a 12 month cash flow forecast before making its decision.
b) Due to worsening economic conditions and the bankruptcy of Appliace Central’s main competition. High-Street Electricals Plc in October 2012: the company restructured the retail shops, such that they are now grouped regionally and report into seven newly appointed regional managers. The regional managers have been set challenging sales and profit targets and have been offered substantial bonuses should they achieve (or even exceed) the set targets.
c) the e-commerce system was upgraded I June 2012, in order to reach a wider clientele by making online easier. The upgrade was done in-house, by the IT department of Appliace Central Plc. However, there have been concerns about how it links to the warehouse and payment systems. A manual work-around is currently being used to reconcile online orders and sales to the main finance systems.
d) The procurement team of eight, based at the end office on Oxford, has been recently suspended, after allegations of incomplete payments where brought against the company by one of the suppliers from Taiwan. The Taiwanese company is suing Appliace Central for £7.5 million (including interest ) on the grounds of breach of credit terms and outstanding payment for six months. However, company records show that all payments to date have been made fully, and within the agreed credit limits. The procurement team were suspended in order to allow the internal audit team carry out thorough investigation.
e) The draft accounts (unaudited ) for the year bellow: 1. Sales= £450 million (2011: £390 million), 2. Profit before tax= £44 million (2011: £28 million), 3. Inventory = £285 million (2011 : £211 million), 4. Trade debtors = £56 million (2011:£ 37 million), 5. Trade creditors = £120 million (2011: £80 million)
(Note: comparative figures for the prior year are shown are shown in brackets).

Required:
Acting as the lead auditor , Emmanuel Stevens, prepare a report to the Audit Engagement partner in which you address the following:
1. Define fraud ( in the auditing context) and discuss the auditor’s responsibilities with regard to fraud during the annual audit of financial statements of a company.
2. Identify and explain the fraud risk factors that the audit team should consider when conducting the audit of Appliance Central Plc.
3. Discuss the audit enquiries you would make of senior management at Appliace Central regarding the procurement cycle and the likelihood of a successful outcome of the lawsuit from the Taiwanese company.