8 accounting discussion questions

* questions with multiple due dates with the first one needing to be completed by 8/29 at a minimum of 250 words.

Course Discussion and Participation

Each discussion is to include at least one reference and be a minimum of 250 words each.

Level 4

· Provides concrete examples from the readings to support postings

· Integrates prior readings in postings

· Integrates personal observations and knowledge in an accurate and highly 
insightful way

· Presents new observations

· Constructively responds to classmates’ postings

· Participates in all module discussions

· Posts are organized and information is presented in a logical sequence

· Word choice and sentence structure are suitable for graduate-level work

Discussion 1 Due 8/29

Review the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act which was created in 2002 to address the accounting scandals in the late 90s early 00s (Enron, WorldCom, etc.). Identify the provisions that you feel made the biggest impact. What other provisions could have been included in the Act to strengthen the Responsible Stewardship and Integrity of the accounting profession? And conversely, what existing provisions in the Act do you believe (if any) are unnecessary or over-regulate the profession?

Discussion 2 Due 9/4

Summarize the events of a recent accounting scandal. Identify how the illegal/unethical act was detected and the punishments that resulted (fines, prison terms, etc.). Consider what could have been done to detect this act earlier and what could have been done to prevent this from happening in the first place. Select a different example than those listed on previous posts.

Discussion 3 Due 9/11

US GAAP follows the Historical Cost Concept in valuing the cost of Long-Term Assets. Explain this principle and how it compares to the standards used in the reporting of Long-Term Assets under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). If there is a convergence of standards, which method do you believe should be used and why?

Discussion 4 Due 9/18

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different types of financing:

· Issuing bonds

· Borrowing from Bank

· Equity financing

Discussion 5 Due 9/25

Discuss the efficient Market Hypothesis. Do you believe financial statement analysis can be performed in a way that provides significant advantage to an investor?

Discussion 6 Due 10/2

Why is the accuracy of cost allocation so important? Cite real-life examples of either successes or failures in cost allocation.

Discussion 7 Due 10/9

Identify a real-life outsourcing decision that has been made. Identify the specific reasons for the outsourcing. If information is available, discuss the results of the outsourcing decision (jobs lost, cost savings, etc.). Cite sources as deemed necessary.

Discussion 8 Due 10/16

Identify the costs and benefits to a company of gathering, reporting, and disclosing non-financial information (ex.: Balanced Scorecard, Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting, Sustainability Reporting, etc.).