Criticism of Absorption Cost System Math Problem

Criticism of Absorption Cost System - Math Problem Example As common sense would have it, fixed cost remains fixed no matter what the level of production is. Hence, in such a case managers often tend to over produce thinking it’s better to allocate the fix overhead over a wider range of output and reducing the cost per unit (since spreading fixed cost over greater units tends to drive down fixed cost per unit and when fixed costs per unit go down then so does the overall costa per unit), thus seeking an increase in profit per unit of output. The lower fixed cost per unit does of course increase the level of profitability. But a couple of factors need to be considered while making the overproduction decision. While over producing tends to allocate fixed cost over a greater units of output, we need to see whether we really need to over produce. Many factors would need to be considered including the demand for the excess produce, storage and handling costs, cash flow situation etc. There would be no point going for over production if the re is no sales market for additional units or the storage costs are high as such a step might actually cost more than the saving done by allocating the fixed overheads on excessive production. It also needs to be considered that what would happen to the excess inventory that would be produced. If the company has not taken care of the market conditions and consequently it produces in excess of its projected sales, then such an exercise would result in excessive stock piling. Clearly the company wouldn’t be profitable in such a scenario. Another key question that needs to be answered is whether the incentive to overproduce allows over producing stock irrespective of stock piling or storage conditions. The excessive inventory that would be produced would be visible to everyone, reflected on managerial accounts as well as in the company’s audited financial statements. It is no doubt important for managers and decision makers to consider here whether the allocation of fixed overheads provides an incentive to overproduce or not. However the danger reflected by the incentive to over produce should not be made the basis of decision making about the allocation of the fixed overheads. I agree with your view that over production results in excess inventory. Yes, sometimes it does happen that excessive production is done at the year-end so that the production costs can be driven down and financial statements are efficiently window dressed to show a good position of the company. However you need to know that there are some products that take a lot of time to be produced and their fixed costs are extremely high. In such a case, I personally think that over production is justified provided there are adequate storage facilities and there is an active sales market. Student’s Response: â€Å"In my experience allocations which are confined to fix overhead is the catalyst to overproduce a less than desirable product. There are two things that definitely go w rong. 1. When management have an incentive to decrease the cost of product, usually this is a force step toward decrease quality of all resource used to make a final product with less capital and in less time.

Management case study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Management case study - Essay Example Organizations are also realizing the importance of ethical behavior in managing a diverse workforce. Diversity can be defined as the presence of members of different ages, genders, ethnic groups, and/or educational backgrounds in an organization. Since the composition of the workforce has been changing over the past few years, managing diversity has become a challenge to organizations. In the past, in many organizations in the United States, while male employees' occupied prominent managerial positions. However, the situation today has undergone a radical change with people from diverse backgrounds occupying managerial positions. The reasons for the emergence of this kind of diversity may be changing demographic structure of the workforce, competitive Pressures, rapidly growing increase in International Business etc. A major reason for emergence of diversity is changes in the demographic structure. Government legislation against discrimination and the increasing globalization of the firms have also led to the diversity of the workforce. In addition, modern organizations have realized that diversity should be encouraged because it enhances their competitiveness. Changing demographics is one of the most important reasons for the emergence of diversity. ... The increase in skills and education levels across the entire population combined with legal provision of equal opportunity for all have led to an increase in the number of people from diverse backgrounds occupying managerial positions. Diversity will help organizations to remain competitive. This fact is slowly being realized by organizations these days. Those firms that adopt a proactive, affirmative approach to recruiting people from diverse backgrounds generally have a talented and capable workforce. Moreover, organizations which hire people from diverse backgrounds are likely to gain a reputation as fair employers and are more likely to attract competent employees. Qualified employees in such organizations feel that they have better opportunities for growth as these organizations tend to follow fair and progressive policies. Increasing globalization of firms An organization faces the challenge of blending different cultures when it expands its operations beyond its national boundaries. Managers and technical personnel who go to a foreign country to put an organizational system in place will have to change their leadership styles, communication patterns and other practices to suit the culture of the foreign country. By so doing, they assist in bringing about a fusion of cultures and increasing employee productivity for the benefit of both the organization and the country. Those organizations which value diversity are in a better position to work with people from different cultures, customer and social norms when they go global. Therefore, in a business environment, where geographical borders no longer act as a constraint, organizations have to ensure that people of the host country are part of its workforce so that

Differences in Men’s and Women’s Speech Essay Example for Free

Differences in Men’s and Women’s Speech Essay Many works have been devoted to the differences in communication between people. It has been proved that such factors as the interlocutors’ education or the status of the relationship influence people’s utterances. Furthermore, linguists claim that also biological sex influences the choice of language people use to communicate with each other. In discourse on different ways of communication of males and females, linguists have resigned with the term â€Å"sex† replacing it by the â€Å"gender† which refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviours, activities, and the attributes that a given society considers appropriate for men and women. For most academics gender communication focuses on the expressions used by one gender in the relationships and roles between people. First of all, men and women approach communication with a distinct set of rules and interpretations of talk. While men focus on status and independence, women in the same time focus on intimacy and connection and this difference might make communication between the sexes problematic. Deborah Tannen states that communication between men and women can be like cross cultural communication, prey to a clash of conversational styles (Tannen, 2001). In a similar manner to Tannen, John Gray (1992) presents theory that women use a lot of artistic words expressions like metaphors, comparisons or generalizations in their speech which men understand literally causing miscommunication between the sexes. He also states that men are more direct and straight in their speech. However he declares that in addition to a communication difference, there is a difference in thinking, feeling, perception, etc. Jennifer Coates (1986) wrote about her studies involving gender separated discussion groups. From her observations she noted that women reveal a lot about their private lives in their conversations, stick to one topic for a long time, let all speakers finish their sentences and try to have everyone participate. In contrast, men discussed things other than their personal relationships and feelings, change topics frequently, dominate conversations and establish a hierarchy in communication over time. The influence of gender differences begins very early in childhood and can shape the communication of style of the adult (Tannen, 2001). Studies on children show that there are language differences between boys and girls as early as nursery. Tannen highlights differences in the way young girls and boys use language in childhood, stating  that girls make requests, use language to create harmony and use more words while boys make demands, create conflict and use more actions. The differences in adults are thought to stem from influences in childhood such as parents and playtime tools. In the first few years of life girls are more used to physical touch by their mothers during childhood compared with boys. Women therefore use touch to express caring, empathy and emotions. In contrast, men regard touch as way to communicate sexual interest, orders, and as a symbol of control. Men are more competitive and verbally assertive due to childhood influences of toys such as guns and swords. Summing up, persons communication skills in addition to being partially genetic are therefore also shaped by factors such as society and culture.

From classical ballet to contemporary ballet

From classical ballet to contemporary ballet From Classical Ballet to Contemporary Ballet Ballet originally emerged in the late 15th century in the Renaissance court of Italy. Then, it was a dance interpretation of fencing.   Ballet was further developed and popularized in the French Courts in the 17th century. From court ballet to modern ballet, the dance techniques and practice has evolved throughout the years. Contemporary Ballet now incorporates classical ballet with modern dance techniques such as floor work and turn-in of the legs. (wikipedia, par 9) Ballet shows now focus more on the plot as compared to the 17th century, where the focus was the intertwine of music and poetry. It had also often included singing. 17th Century Ballet had minimal plot because Ballets were designed principally for the entertainment of the aristocracy, hence rich costumes, scenery, and elaborate stage effects were emphasized. In the 19th century, there was an increase in interest among the public, and Ballets such as Swan Lake (1876), Sleeping Beauty (1890), and The Nutcracker (18 92) were produced. There was an influence of jazz, jazz rhythms and modern dance at that time, originating in the USA, hence greater body expressions. Today, Ballet is an internationally practiced and appreciated dance, with many dance school dedicated to the teaching of Ballet, including prominent schools such as the royal ballet school and many other small private dance centres. These schools train Ballet dancers from young and even adults who have never learned Ballet as a child are able to practice due to the large amount of adult Ballet classes for beginners. For those who are not striving to be a professional Ballet dance, practicing Ballet is a form of sport which teaches excellent posture and trains you to be graceful and disciplined. From the increase in Ballet schools, dancers and shows for the public, it can be concluded that one of the most significant change in the practice of Ballet, would be the accessibility of Ballet. In the 17th century, ballet was performed in the royal courts. It was a dance that was rather exclusive for the royals and the high society. Many commoners would not have the luxury to attend Ballet performances. However, as Ballet developed, it became more popular and much appreciated and watched by various people. Today, Ballets are relatively inexpensive to watch, including well know Ballets such as Swan Lake and the Nutcracker being some of the most famous ballets that are widely watched even to those who have little knowledge about dance or do not come from well off family backgrounds. Ballet is viewed as a classical performance that is available for anyone. What has not changed about Ballet is that Ballet is still considered a high culture performance art, despite the fact that it is one of the most practiced and watched dances by many from various social status and education level. Youve got to attend Ballet performances in order to be â€Å"cultured†. Also, Ballet is still very female dominant in the eyes of the public. This is to say that parents would tend to send their daughters to Ballet classes rather than sons. However, this is not to say there are few males Ballet dancers. Ballet now being so much more accessible, in level with other dance forms such as hip hip and jazz, it is no longer a dance for the rich and privilege.

Global Competitiveness Essays -- Economics Business Essays

Global Competitiveness As the world becomes a smaller place, economies are shifting away from national economies to global economies. Robert Reich, Ira Magaziner, and Michael Porter each offer a different view of how a company remains competitive in this global economy. Reich stresses the difference between American-owned corporations and American competitiveness. Magaziner highlights the growing need of innovation and the avoidance of national complacency. Porter focuses on his diamond of national competitiveness. While Whirlpool is an American owned company—the company’s headquarters and upper management all operate out of America—the majority of the company’s factories and production lies overseas in South America and Asia. Similarly, while Toyota is a Japanese owned company, it has increasingly manufactured its cars within US borders. Whirlpool is an American company but does not benefit American competitiveness. Reich maintains that â€Å"foreign-owned businesses that benefit national competitiveness most are those that commit their engine of competitiveness to the host country.† Whirlpool may be American run, but Toyota’s factories in America create American jobs and train an American workforce, both commodities in national competitiveness. Reich further emphasizes the importance of a skilled work force: â€Å"A nation’s most important competitive asset is the skills and learning of its work force†¦[and]†¦National policies should reward any global corporation that invests in the American work force.† Stressing the skilled work force, as Magaziner has noticed, is not just an American necessity. Magaziner gives two examples of countries who take national pride in training the work force: Korea and Singapore. Bo... ...ompanies cannot compete, Tonelson gives two credible reasons for trade barriers. First, infant industries will have a chance to develop and one day be able to compete on a global arena. Second, hurting industries will have a chance to revamp their productions, regain efficiency and once again compete with the foreign product. On the other hand, Krugman believes that most nations use trade deficit and international competitiveness as a political ploy to impose trade barriers. Each country’s economy depends on the population within the country, not on what other countries are doing. Nations should thus not impose any trade barriers so that the foreign competition could both stimulate and replace inefficient companies. Meanwhile, nations should upgrade their workforce to efficiently produce goods that ship to other countries, creating a mutually beneficial cycle.

Decline of Amphibians Essay -- Animal Research

Introduction When researching the population decline of amphibians as a global issue, it is evident that there have been drastic changes in the past 30 years. Mike Lannoo from the U.S. Declining Amphibian Task Force says that there have been significant losses in amphibian populations for an extensive period of time (No Single Reason, 1999). Stuart et al. (2004) stated that according to scientists at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), at least 427 species, roughly 7.4%, are at a dangerously high risk of extinction (Kaylor, 2006). The problem of amphibian decline cannot be linked directly to one single cause (No Single Reason, 1999). Instead, scientists have related the decline to disease, habitat loss, changes in climate, and pollution (Hayes, Falso, Gallipeau, Stice, 2010; Brooks et al., 2002; Dunson et al., 1992). It is concluded that many of these factors are related to and possibly caused by human interaction (McCallum, 2007). The declines could be caused by pathogens, climate change, or wildlife toxicology, says Dr. Ashley Mattoon from the Worldwatch Institute (Kirby, 2000). Amphibian decline is a serious global topic and is especially harmful in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Specifically, there are many causes of amphibian decline in Virginia. The Weldon Cooper Center at the University of Virginia ranks Virginia 12th in population at an annual growth rate of 7% (Kelhart, 2006). Of Virginia’s 79 species of amphibians, four species are classified as near threatened, three species are classified as vulnerable, and one species is classified as endangered (Amphibians in VA, n.d.). The problem of amphibian decline can be traced back to many sources, which can either be classified as n... ...ander (Desmognathus fuscus) of southern Appalachia. Retrieved from ScienceDirect website: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306456500000528 No Single Reason for Amphibian Decline. (1999, November 19). ScienceDaily. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/1999/11/991119075426.htm Sexton, O. J., Phillips, C., & Bramble, J. E. (1990, September 19). The Effects of Temperature and Precipitation on the Breeding Migration of the Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) [Press ]. Retrieved February 14, 2012, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/info/1446443#ufo Stuart, S. N., Chanson, J. S., Cox, N. A., Young, B. E., Rodrigues, A. S. L., Fischman, D. L., & Waller, R. W. (2004, October 14). Status and Trends of Amphibian Declines and Extinctions Worldwide. Abstract retrieved from Science Mag website: http://www.sciencemag.org/content/306/5702/1783

You Might Want to Do Some Introspection

You might want to do some introspection. For each of the eight intelligences in the Howard Gardner list, think about your own level of talents and performance. For each intelligence, decide if you have an area of expertise that makes substantial use of the intelligence. For example, perhaps you are good at music. If so, is music the basis of your vocation? Students can also do this type of introspection, and it can become a routine component of PBL lessons.Students can come to understand that they are more naturally gifted in some areas than in others, but that they have some talent in all of the eight areas identified by Howard Gardner. Curriculum and instruction can be developed to help all students make progress in enhancing their talents in each of these eight areas of intelligence. Robert Sternberg Many teachers have provided testimonial evidence that PBL encourages participation on the part of their students who do not have a high level of â€Å"school smarts. They report that some of their students who were not doing well in school have become actively engaged and experienced a high level of success in working on projects. These observations are consistent with and supportive of the research of Robert Sternberg. As noted earlier in this chapter, different researchers have identified different components of intelligence. Sternberg (1988, 1997) focuses on just three main components: Practical intelligence–the ability to do well in informal and formal educational settings; adapting to and shaping one's environment; street smarts.Experiential intelligence–the ability to deal with novel situations; the ability to effectively automate ways of dealing with novel situations so they are easily handled in the future; the ability to think in novel ways. Componential intelligence–the ability to process information effectively. This includes metacognitive, executive, performance, and knowledge-acquisition components that help to steer cognitive processes. Sternberg provides examples of people who are quite talented in one of these areas but not so talented in the other two.In that sense, his approach to the field of intelligence is somewhat like Howard Gardner's. However, you can see that Sternberg does not focus on specific components of intelligence that are aligned with various academic disciplines. He is far more concerned with helping people develop components of intelligence that will help them to perform well in whatever they chose to do. Sternberg strongly believes that intelligence can be increased by study and practice. Quite a bit of his research focuses on such endeavors. Some of Sternberg's work focuses specifically on â€Å"street smarts† versus â€Å"school smarts. He notes that some people are particularly talented in one of these two areas, and not in the other. This observation is consistent with the work of Lev Vygotsky (Fosnot, 1996) who argues that the type of learning that goes on outside of s chool is distinctly different than the type of learning that goes on in school. While some students are talented in both informal and formal education, others are much more successful in one rather than the other. A teacher who is skillful in developing PBL can help students to design projects that are consistent with their learning abilities and interests.David Perkins In his 1992 book, Smart Schools, David Perkins analyzes a number of different educational theories and approaches to education. His analysis is strongly supportive of Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. Perkins' book contains extensive research-based evidence that education can be considerably improved by more explicit and appropriate teaching for transfer, focusing on higher-order cognitive skills, and the use of project-based learning. Perkins (1995) examines a large number of research studies both on the measurement of IQ and of programs of study designed to increase IQ.He presents detailed arguments that IQ has three major components or dimensions. Neural intelligence. This refers to the efficiency and precision of one's neurological system. Experiential intelligence. This refers to one's accumulated knowledge and experience in different areas. It can be thought of as the accumulation of all of one's expertises. Reflective intelligence. This refers to one's broad-based strategies for attacking problems, for learning, and for approaching intellectually challenging tasks. It includes attitudes that support persistence, systemization, and imagination.It includes self-monitoring and self-management. There is substantial evidence to support the belief that a child's neural intelligence can be adversely affected by the mother's use of drugs such as alcohol and cocaine during pregnancy. Lead (such as from lead-based paint) can do severe neural damage to a person. Vitamins, or the lack thereof, can affect neural intelligence. Moreover, there is general agreement that neural intelligence has a â€Å"use it or lose it† characteristic. It is clear that neural intelligence can be maintained and, indeed, increased, by use.