Corporate Governance Flashcards

1
Q

Corporate Governance

What is the primary duty of the board of directors?

A

To monitor management behavior.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Corporate Governance

What is the responsibility of the Nominating or Corporate Governance Committee of the board of directors?

A

Oversees the board

Responsible for hiring new CEO

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Corporate Governance

What is the responsibility of the audit committee of the board of directors?

A

The audit committee appoints and oversees the external auditor.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Corporate Governance

What is the duty of the compensation committee of the board of directors?

A

The compensation committee handles the CEO’s compensation package.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Corporate Governance

What does the NYSE and NASDAQ require of the board of directors?

A

They require the board to be independent.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Corporate Governance

What is the main goal in an executive compensation package?

A

The package should ensure that the goals of management should match those of the shareholders.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Corporate Governance

How can an executive compensation package ensure that goals of management align with those of shareholders?

A

Executive compensation should create an incentive for management to govern in a shareholder-friendly way that doesn’t sacrifice the long-term success of the enterprise for short-term gain.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Corporate Governance

Which influences help mold the direction that management takes?

A

They range from internal (Board of Directors- Audit Committee- Internal Control) to external (Creditors- SEC- IRS)

These influences should not be tainted by undue influence from management or have financial ties to management such as compensation-related duties

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Corporate Governance

What is shirking?

A

When management doesn’t act in the best interest of shareholders.

It can be alleviated by tying compensation to stock performance or company profit.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Corporate Governance

What requirements are imposed on a public company under Sarbanes-Oxley?

A

Management must submit a report on the effectiveness of Internal Control in the 10K.

Management must disclose significant Internal Control deficiencies.

CEO/CFO must certify that the financial statements comply with securities laws and fairly present the financial condition of the company.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Corporate Governance

What characteristics are promoted by the COSO framework on internal control?

A

Reliable financial reporting

Effective and efficient operations

Compliance

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Corporate Governance

What are the elements of the control environment?

A
Integrity & Ethics
Competence
The Board of Directors & Audit Committee
Management's Operating Style
Organizational Structure
Authority & Roles of Responsibilities
HR Policies
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Corporate Governance

What are control activities?

A

A component of internal control that includes actions being taken to promote the control environment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Corporate Governance

What are the basic elements of internal control?

A
Control Environment
Risk Assessment
Control Activities
Information and Communication
Monitoring
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Corporate Governance

What is the significance of the Information and Communication aspect of internal control?

A

Management must have access to relevant and timely information to make good decisions.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Corporate Governance

How does Monitoring affect internal control?

A

Internal Control activities must be constantly monitored and evaluated for effectiveness.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Corporate Governance

What activities does the COSO framework for enterprise risk management include?

A
Identifies Risk Factors
Promotes Risk Response Decisions
Compares Management Risk vs. Shareholder Goals
Aids in evaluating opportunities
Promotes Quicker Capital movement

Does NOT eliminate all risk

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Corporate Governance

What are possible responses to risk under the COSO framework for enterprise risk management?

A

Avoid or Reduce

Share or Accept

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Cost Accounting

What is Cost Accounting?

A
Cost Accounting is a component of GAAP that records Ending Inventory on the Balance Sheet for
o Direct Materials
o Direct Labor
o Work in Process
o Finished Goods

Cost Accounting also records for the Income Statement

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Cost Accounting

What is the difference between Cost Accounting and Managerial Accounting?

A

Cost Accounting - External Focus- GAAP

Managerial Accounting - Internal Focus- Not GAAP

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Cost Accounting

What are Product Costs (aka Inventory Costs)?

A

Prime Costs

Conversion Costs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Cost Accounting

What are included in Prime Costs?

A

Direct Material USED - Have become part of the product or had a direct impact on the product

Direct Labor Used - Employees who worked on product and had direct impact

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Cost Accounting

What is Factory Overhead?

A

All factory costs except for DM and DL used in production- including Spoilage (except for abnormal spoilage- which is a period cost and not included in OH).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Cost Accounting

What is included in Fixed Factory Overhead?

A

FFO = Estimated Costs / Normal Capacity

Uses Normal Activity

Examples of Fixed Factory OH: Depreciation (SL)- Utilities- Taxes

Under/Over-applied Fixed OH always goes to COGS

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Cost Accounting

What is included in Variable Overhead?

A

VO = Estimated Activity / Actual Activity

Uses Actual Activity

Examples of Variable Factory OH: Deprecation (Units of Prod)- Indirect materials (supplies & insignificant items)- Indirect labor (factory foreman- janitors- machine maintenance)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Cost Accounting

Where is Under/Over-applied Variable OH recorded?

A

If Immaterial – Goes to COGS

If Material – Goes to WIP- Finished Goods- or COGS- based on their Ending Balance

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Cost Accounting

Where is Under/Over-applied Fixed OH recorded?

A

It always goes to COGS

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Cost Accounting

What is indicated by a Debit balance in Actual Factory Overhead? How is it corrected?

A

Under-applied overhead.

If it’s Fixed OH- under-applied goes to COGS.

If it’s Variable OH- under-applied goes to COGS if immaterial- but is allocated to WIP- FG or COGS based on ending balances.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Cost Accounting

What is indicated by a Credit balance in Applied Factory Overhead? How is it corrected?

A

A credit balance indicates over-applied overhead.

If Fixed overhead- it is corrected from COGS.

If Variable overhead- it is corrected through COGS if immaterial- but if material overage is allocated to WIP- FG or COGS based on ending balances.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Cost Accounting

Which variables are used to calculate Direct Material balances?

A

Beginning Balance
DR Net purchases (plus freight-in)
CR Direct Materials Used
= Ending balance (goes to BS)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Cost Accounting

What variables are used to calculated Work in Process (WIP)?

A

Beginning Balance (End Bal of Previous WIP)
DR Direct Materials Used
DR Direct Labor Used (Conversion Cost)
CR COGM
DR Factory Overhead Applied (Conversion Cost)
= Ending Balance (Goes to BS)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Cost Accounting

What variables are included in Finished Goods calculations?

A
Beginning Balance
DR COGM
= COGAS (Cost of Goods Avail for Sale)
CR COGS
= Ending Balance (Goes to BS)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

Cost Accounting

How does Freight In affect Cost Accounting calculations?

A

Inventory (Product) Cost

Part of DM Purchases

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

Cost Accounting

How does Freight Out affect Cost Accounting?

A

Selling (Period) Cost

Not part of inventory

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

Cost Accounting

When is Job-Order Costing used?

A

Used when costs are easily connected to a specific product or product line

Can also be applied to services

Calculation is the same as normal cost accounting – just use your T Accounts
o DM to WIP to FG to COGS
o You’re likely going to be solving for the last job in the queue

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

Cost Accounting

What is the Direct Method for allocating service department costs?

A

No services allocated between service departments- even if they serve each other. Only allocate to product(s)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

Cost Accounting

What is the Step Method for allocating service department costs?

A

Services can be allocated to both other service departments and the product(s)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

Cost Accounting

Under process costing- how are the units shipped calculated?

A

Beginning Inventory
+ Units Started
- Ending Inventory
= No. Units Shipped

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

Cost Accounting

Which two inventory methods are used under Process Costing?

A

FIFO

Weighted Average

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

Cost Accounting

What is another name for Process Costing?

A

Equivalent Units of Production

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

Cost Accounting

How will Equivalent Finished Units under FIFO compare to EFU under the Weighted Average method?

A

EFU FIFO will always be LESS than EFU Weighted Avg (unless Beginning Inventory is Zero)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

Cost Accounting

How are Direct Materials calculated under the Weighted Average Method?

A

Beginning Inventory + Current Costs / EFU WA

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

Cost Accounting

How are Conversion Costs calculated under Weighted Average Method?

A

Beginning Inventory + Current Costs / EFU WA

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

Cost Accounting

How are Equivalent Finished Units calculated for Direct Materials?

A

Units Shipped
+ EI x % Complete DM
= EFU (Weighted Average Method)

  • Beginning Inventory x % Complete
    = EFU (FIFO)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

Cost Accounting

How are Equivalent Finished Units calculated for Conversion Costs?

A

Units Shipped
+ EI x % Complete CC
= EFU (Weighted Average)

  • Beginning Inventory x % Complete
    = EFU (FIFO)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

Cost Accounting

How are Direct Materials calculated under the FIFO method?

A

Current Costs / EFU FIFO

Note: FIFO method uses Current Period costs only and ignores Beginning Inventory

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

Cost Accounting

How are Conversion Costs calculated under the FIFO method?

A

Current Costs / EFU FIFO

FIFO method uses Current Period costs only and ignores Beginning Inventory

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

Cost Accounting

How is WIP calculated?

A
Beginning balance (DM- DL- OH)
\+ Current Costs (DM- DL- OH)
- COGM (Goes to Finished Goods)
\+ DM EFU x Cost per DM EFU
\+ CC EFU x Cost per CC EFU
= Ending WIP
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

Cost Accounting

How do period costs and product costs relate to net sales- gross margin and operating income?

A
Net Sales 
- Product Costs
= Gross Margin
- Period Costs
= Operating Income
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
50
Q

Cost Accounting

What is the focus of Activity Based Costing (ABC)?

A

Focuses on eliminating non-value-added activities for poor quality and inventory and things customers don’t want or don’t care about

Inventory is expensive to store and storing something is not a value-added expenditure

Uses Cost Pools - Different departments can have different OH rates

Uses Several OH rates based on Activity - Cost Pool / Cost Driver

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
51
Q

Cost Accounting

How do Cost Pools and Allocations compare under ABC versus traditional costing system?

A

Cost Pools and Allocations increase compared to a traditional costing system

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
52
Q

Cost Accounting

What is Backflush Costing?

A

Connected to Just-in-Time Production- which is part of Activity-Based Costing and Total Quality Management (TQM)

o Works backward to “flush out” COGS
o ‘Mostly’ GAAP

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
53
Q

Cost Accounting

What are the characteristics of By-Products?

A

Usually immaterial and common costs aren’t allocated to them
o Low Market Value
o Can be valued at NRV
o Can be treated as a contra expense and netted against COGS
o Can be treated as a contra sale and netted against Sales
o Recognition rules are very flexible with valuing and classifying by-products

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
54
Q

Cost Accounting

What are Cost Functions?

A

Measure how costs change relative to activity levels

High-Low Method

Change in Cost (High-Low pts) / Change in Activity (High-Low pts)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
55
Q

Economics

How does a price increase affect supply?

A

When the prices of an item increases supply increases- because more sellers are willing to sell.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
56
Q

Economics

What is a supply curve shift?

A

When supply changes due to something other than price.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
57
Q

Economics

What are the characteristics of a positive supply curve shift (shift right)?

A

Supply increases at each price point

Higher Equilibrium GDP

Number of sellers increases - market can get flooded

Examples: Government subsidies or technology improvements that decrease costs for suppliers

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
58
Q

Economics

What are the characteristics of a negative supply curve shift (shift left)?

A

Supply decreases at each price point

Lower Equilibrium GDP

Cost of producing item increases

Examples: Shortage of gold- so less gold watches are made; wars or crises in rice-producing countries means there is less rice on the market

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
59
Q

Economics

How does price affect the demand for an item?

A

When the prices of an item increases- demand for it decreases.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
60
Q

Economics

What is a Demand Curve Shift?

A

When demand changes due to something other than price.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
61
Q

Economics

What is a Positive Demand Curve Shift (Shift Right)?

A

When demand increases at each price point

Price of substitutes go up - price of beef rises- so people buy more chicken

Future price increase is expected - War in Middle East- people go out and buy gas

Market expands - i.e. people get new free health care plan- demand at clinic rises

Expansion - more spending increases equilibrium GDP

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
62
Q

Economics

What is a Negative Demand Curve Shift (Shift Left)?

A

Demand decreases at each price point.

Price of complement goes up - price of beef goes up- less demand for ketchup

Boycott - Company commits social blunder- consumers boycott

Consumer income rises - Demand for inferior goods drops as people have more money to spend

Consumer tastes change

Contraction - less spending decreases equilibrium GDP

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
63
Q

Economics

What is the Marginal Propensity to Consume?

A

How much you spend when your income increases

Calculate: Change in Spending / Change in Income

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
64
Q

Economics

What is the Marginal Propensity to Save?

A

How much you save when income increases

Calculate: Change in Savings / Change in Income

Also equals 1 - Marginal Propensity to Consume

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
65
Q

Economics

How is the multiplier effect calculated?

A

(1 / 1-MPC) x Change in Spending

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
66
Q

Economics

How does increased spending by consumers and the government affect the demand curve?

A

As spending by consumers or the government increases- the demand curve increases (shifts right).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
67
Q

Economics

How does spending change due to the multiplier effect?

A

The increase in demand ends up being larger than the amount of additional income spent in the economy due to the multiplier effect.

One consumer spends money- which:

  • Increases the income of a business
  • Increases the income of a vendor
  • Increases income of employees
  • Increases tax revenue
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
68
Q

Economics

How is Price Elasticity of Demand calculated?

A

% Change in Quantity Demand / % Change in Price

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
69
Q

Economics

Under elastic demand- how does price affect revenues?

A

Price increases- Revenue decreases

Price decreases- Revenue increases

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
70
Q

Economics

What conditions would indicate Elastic Demand?

A
Many substitutes (luxury items)
Considered elastic if elasticity is greater than 1
10% drop in demand / 8% increase in price = 1.25 (Elastic)

Price increases- Revenue decreases
Price decreases- Revenue increases

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
71
Q

Economics

How does revenue react to price under Inelastic Demand?

A

Price increases- Revenue increases

Price decreases- Revenue decreases

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
72
Q

Economics

What conditions would indicate Inelastic Demand?

A

Few substitutes (groceries- gasoline)
Considered inelastic if coefficient of elasticity is less than 1
5% drop in demand / 10% increase in price = .5 (inelastic)

Price increases- Revenue increases
Price decreases- Revenue decreases

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
73
Q

Economics

What is Unitary Demand?

A

Total revenue will remain the same if price is increased

Considered unitary if coefficient of elasticity = 1

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
74
Q

Economics

How is Income Elasticity of Demand calculated?

A

% Change Quantity Demanded / % Change in Income

Normal goods greater than 1 (demand increases more than income)

Inferior goods less than 1 (demand increases less than income)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
75
Q

Economics

What conditions occur under periods of inflation?

A

Interest rates increase
Reduced demand for loans
Reduced demand for houses- autos- etc.
Value of bonds and fixed income securities decrease
Inferior good demand to increase
Foreign goods more affordable than domestic
Demand for domestic goods decrease

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
76
Q

Economics

What happens under Demand-Pull inflation?

A

Overall spending increases

Demand increases (shifts right)

Market equilibrium price increases

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
77
Q

Economics

What happens under Cost-Push inflation?

A

Overall production costs increase
Supply decreases (shifts left)
Market equilibrium price increases

Note: Demand-Pull and Cost-Push Inflation BOTH result in market equilibrium price to increase

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
78
Q

Economics

What is the Equilibrium Price?

A

The price where Quantity Supplied = Quantity Demanded

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
79
Q

Economics

What is Optimal Production?

A

When Marginal Revenue = Marginal Cost

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
80
Q

Economics

What is the result of a Price Floor?

A

Causes a surplus if above equilibrium price.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
81
Q

Economics

What is GDP (Gross Domestic Product)?

A

The annual value of all goods and services produced domestically at current prices by consumers- businesses- the government- and foreign companies with domestic interests

Included: Foreign company has US Factory

Not included: US company has foreign factory

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
82
Q

Economics

What is included under the income approach for calculating GDP?

A
Sole Proprietor and Corp Income
Passive Income
Taxes
Employee Salaries
Foreign Income Adjustments
Depreciation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
83
Q

Economics

What is included under the Expenditure Approach for calculating GDP?

A

Individual Consumption

Private Investment

Government Purchases

Net Exports

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
84
Q

Economics

What is Nominal GDP?

A

Measures goods/services in current prices.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
85
Q

Economics

For what is a GDP Deflator used?

A

Used to convert GDP to Real GDP

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
86
Q

Economics

What is Real GDP?

A

Nominal GDP / GDP Deflator x 100

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
87
Q

Economics

What is Gross National Product (GNP)?

A

Like GDP; Swaps foreign production. US Firms overseas are included- Foreign firms domestically are not included

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
88
Q

Economics

What is the Consumer Price Index (CPI)? How is it applied?

A

Price of goods relative to an earlier period of time- which is the benchmark. Year 1 = 1.0

((CPI Current - CPI Last) ÷ CPI Last) * 100

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
89
Q

Economics

How is disposable income calculated?

A

Personal Income - Personal Taxes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
90
Q

Economics

How is Return to Scale calculated?

A

% Increase in output / % Increase in input

Greater than 1 = Increasing returns to scale

Less than 1 = Decreasing returns to scale

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
91
Q

Economics

When is the economy in Recession?

A

When GDP growth is negative for two consecutive quarters.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
92
Q

Economics

What is a Depression?

A

A prolonged- severe recession with high unemployment rates

No requisite period of time for the economy to officially be in a depression

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
93
Q

Economics

What are the stages of the Economic Cycle?

A
Peak (highest)
Recession (decreasing)
Trough (lowest)
Recover (increasing)
Expansion (higher again)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
94
Q

Economics

What are leading indicators?

A

Conditions that occur before a recession or before a recovery

Example: Stock Market or New Housing Starts

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
95
Q

Economics

What are lagging indicators?

A

Conditions that occur after a recession or after a recovery

Examples: Prime Interest Rates- Unemployment

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
96
Q

Economics

What are coincident indicators?

A

Conditions that occur during a recession or during a recovery

Example: Manufacturing output

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
97
Q

Economics

Which people are included in the calculation of unemployment?

A

Only people looking for jobs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
98
Q

Economics

What is Cyclical Unemployment?

A

GDP doesn’t grow fast enough to employ all people who are looking for work

Example: People are unemployed in 2010 because there aren’t enough jobs available due to the economy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
99
Q

Economics

What is Frictional Unemployment?

A

People are changing jobs or entering the work force. This is a normal aspect of full employment.

Example: A recent college graduate is looking for a job

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
100
Q

Economics

What is Structural Unemployment?

A

A worker’s job skills do not match those necessary to get a job so they need education or training

Example: A construction worker wants to work in an office- so they quit their job and get computer training

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
101
Q

Economics

How does inflation relate to unemployment?

A

High Unemployment = Low Inflation (Vice Versa)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
102
Q

Economics

What is the Discount Rate?

A

The rate a bank pays to borrow from the Fed.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
103
Q

Economics

What is the Prime Rate?

A

The rate a bank charges their best customers on short-term borrowings.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
104
Q

Economics

What is the Real Interest Rate?

A

Inflation-adjusted interest rate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
105
Q

Economics

What is the Nominal Rate?

A

Rate that uses current prices

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
106
Q

Economics

What is the Risk-Free Rate?

A

Rate for a loan with 100% certainty of payback.

Usually results in a lower rate.

US Treasuries are an example.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
107
Q

Economics

What is included in the M1 money supply?

A

Currency- Coins- and Deposits

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
108
Q

Economics

What is included in the M2 money supply?

A

Highly liquid assets other than currency- coins or deposits

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
109
Q

Economics

What is Deficit Spending?

A

Increased spending levels without increased tax revenue.

Lower taxes without decrease in spending

Gamble that the multiplier effect will take over and boost economy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
110
Q

Economics

How can the Fed control the money supply?

A

By buying and selling the government’s securities.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
111
Q

Economics

How does the Fed control economy-wide interest rates?

A

By adjusting the discount rate charged to banks

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
112
Q

Economics

What is a Tariff?

A

A tax on imported goods

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
113
Q

Economics

What is a quota?

A

A limit on the number of goods that can be imported

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
114
Q

Economics

How do international trade restrictions affect domestic producers?

A

They are good for domestic producers.

Demand curve shifts right

Fewer substitutes

They can charge higher prices

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
115
Q

Economics

How to international trade restrictions affect foreign producers?

A

They are bad for foreign producers

Demand curve shifts left

Fewer buyers

They must charge lower prices

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
116
Q

Economics

How do international trade restrictions affect foreign consumers?

A

They are good for foreign consumers

Supply curve shifts right

Goods purchased at lower prices in the foreign markets

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
117
Q

Economics

How do international trade restrictions affect domestic consumers?

A

They are bad for domestic consumers

Supply curve shifts left

Fewer goods bought due to higher prices

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
118
Q

Economics

What is Accounting Cost?

A

Explicit (Actual) cost of operating a business

Implicit costs are opportunity costs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
119
Q

Economics

What is Accounting Profit?

A

Revenue - Accounting Cost

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
120
Q

Economics

What is Economic Cost?

A

Explicit + Implicit Cost

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
121
Q

Economics

What is Economic Profit?

A

Revenue - Economic Cost

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
122
Q

What is the primary focus of working capital management?

A

Managing inventory & receivables (current assets & liabilities)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
123
Q

How is Net Working Capital calculated?

A

NWC = Current Assets - Current Liabilities

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
124
Q

What are the characteristics of effective Working Capital Management?

A

Shorten the cash conversion cycle

Don’t negatively impact operations

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
125
Q

What is the Inventory Conversion Period?

A

Average time needed to convert materials into finished goods and sell them

Average Inventory = (BI + E) / 2

Inventory Conversion Period = Average Inventory / Sales Per Day

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
126
Q

What is the Receivables Collection Period?

A

Average time needed to collect A/R

RCP = Average Receivables / Credit Sales Per Day

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
127
Q

What is the Payables Deferral Period?

A

Average time between materials and labor purchase and their A/P payment

Average Payables = (BP + EP) / 2

Payables Deferral Period = Average Payables / (COGS/365)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
128
Q

What is the Cash Conversion Cycle?

A

Amount of time it takes to receive a cash inflow (Customers) after making a cash outflow (Vendors)

Inventory Conversion Period
+ Receivables Collection Period
– Payables Deferral Period
= Cash Conversion Cycle

(Inventory Really (-Pays) Cash)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
129
Q

What traits should Cash and Short-Term Investments have?

A

Liquid

Safe

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
130
Q

For what are Letters of Credit used?

A

Used for importing goods.

Issued by importer’s bank.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
131
Q

What is the advantage of using Trade Credit?

A

No interest cost if paid timely.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
132
Q

What is a Lockbox System? What are the advantages?

A

Customer Payments are sent to a bank-managed PO box.

Employees don’t have access to cash.
Deposits are more timely.
Interest income from deposits should pay for the Lockbox fees (if they don’t- lockbox is not beneficial)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
133
Q

What is float?

A

Time it takes to mail a payment and have it clear your bank account

Maximize float on cash payments

Minimize float on cash receipts

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
134
Q

What are Zero Balance Accounts?

A

Regional bank sends enough cash to cover daily checks

Advantages:
Checks take longer to clear -more float
Low amounts of cash tied up for compensating (minimum) balances

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
135
Q

What is the difference between Treasury Bills- Notes and Bonds?

A

Treasury Bills: Short term (less than one year) Think: $1 Bill

Treasury Notes: Medium term (less than 10 years- more than 1)

Treasury Bonds: Long term (greater than 10 years) Think: government is in long-term bondage to you; they owe you money

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
136
Q

What is commercial paper?

A

Similar to T-Bill- but issued by corporations instead of Government

Greater than 9 Months Maturity

Unsecured

Issued by large firms

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
137
Q

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Commercial Paper?

A

Advantages: Financing at less than Prime. No compensating balances required.

Disadvantages: Unpredictability of markets. Credit crisis emerges and large insurance/investment companies aren’t lending.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
138
Q

What is Economic Order Quantity?

A

The order quantity that minimizes inventory costs.

EOQ = Square Root of (2DO/C)

D = Unit Demand (Annual)
O = Order Cost
C = Cost of Inventory
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
139
Q

What is Carrying Cost?

A

The cost of keeping inventory.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
140
Q

What is Order Cost?

A

Cost of executing an order and starting product production.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
141
Q

What is inventory reorder point?

A

How low inventory should get before it should be re-ordered.

IOP = Average Daily Demand x Average Lead Time

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
142
Q

What is a Just In Time (JIT) system?

A

Orders inventory so that you get it just in time for when it’s needed

JIT is valuable when Order Cost is low and Cost of Carrying Inventory is high

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
143
Q

What is Factoring of receivables?

A

Receivables are sold to a financing company where they pay less than the value of the receivables due to a discount related to risk of non-collection

144
Q

What is a Trade Discount?

A

Buyer saves if paid early

Example: 1/10 Net 30

1% Discount if paid within 10 days

If not- bill is still due in 30 days

145
Q

What is the cost of forgoing a discount?

A

(Discount % x 365) / ((100% - Discount) x (Pay Period - Discount Period))

146
Q

What is the Prime Rate?

A

A benchmark used for lending only to the best customers

Most customers will be charged Prime + 3%- for example

If the lending institution and the customer are not in the same country- the LIBOR rate is often used

147
Q

What is the Nominal (Face- Coupon- Stated) Rate?

A

Interest rate stated on the face of a bond.

148
Q

How is Current Yield calculated?

A

CY = Interest Payment / Bond Price

149
Q

What is the Effective (YTM- Market) Rate?

A

PV of Principle + Interest = Bond Price

150
Q

What is a Zero Coupon Bond?

A

No interest payments made

Bond sold at a discount

Interest reflected when Bond matures

151
Q

What are the characteristics of a Junk Bond?

A

High interest rate

High default risk

152
Q

What are debenture bonds?

A

Bonds unsecured by collateral

153
Q

What are subordinated debentures?

A

Debenture Bonds that will be repaid if any assets are left after liquidation of a company

154
Q

What are Redeemable Bonds?

A

Provision in Bond contract allows demand of Bond payment under certain circumstances

155
Q

What is a Callable Bond?

A

Borrower can pay off debt early

156
Q

What is a Convertible Bond?

A

Lender can demand payment via company stock instead of money

157
Q

What is a Sinking Fund?

A

Borrower deposits regular sums into an account that will eventually pay off the debt

158
Q

What is the disadvantage of Common Stock in comparison to bonds?

A

Common Stock is more expensive to issue than debt.

Why? Investors demand a greater ROI than debtors (bondholders)

159
Q

What is the advantage of Preferred Stock?

A

Hold dividend priority over common stock

160
Q

What is Weighted Average Cost of Capital?

A

A company uses this to determine the true cost of their capital

Example:
Debt costs 5%; 40% of Cap.
Equity costs 12%; 60% of Cap.
(5% x 40%) + (12% x 60%)
WACC = 9.2%
161
Q

What is CAPM?

A

A stock’s expected performance is based on its beta (risk) compared to that of the stock market.

More risk = more expected return.

162
Q

How is Cost of Debt calculated?

A

(Interest Expense - Tax Benefit) / Carrying Value of Debt

163
Q

Financial Management

What is the primary focus of working capital management?

A

Managing inventory & receivables (current assets & liabilities)

164
Q

Financial Management

How is Net Working Capital calculated?

A

NWC = Current Assets - Current Liabilities

165
Q

Financial Management

What are the characteristics of effective Working Capital Management?

A

Shorten the cash conversion cycle

Don’t negatively impact operations

166
Q

Financial Management

What is the Inventory Conversion Period?

A

Average time needed to convert materials into finished goods and sell them

Average Inventory = (BI + E) / 2

Inventory Conversion Period = Average Inventory / Sales Per Day

167
Q

Financial Management

What is the Receivables Collection Period?

A

Average time needed to collect A/R

RCP = Average Receivables / Credit Sales Per Day

168
Q

Financial Management

What is the Payables Deferral Period?

A

Average time between materials and labor purchase and their A/P payment

Average Payables = (BP + EP) / 2

Payables Deferral Period = Average Payables / (COGS/365)

169
Q

Financial Management

What is the Cash Conversion Cycle?

A

Amount of time it takes to receive a cash inflow (Customers) after making a cash outflow (Vendors)

Inventory Conversion Period
+ Receivables Collection Period
– Payables Deferral Period
= Cash Conversion Cycle

(Inventory Really (-Pays) Cash)

170
Q

Financial Management

What traits should Cash and Short-Term Investments have?

A

Liquid

Safe

171
Q

Financial Management

For what are Letters of Credit used?

A

Used for importing goods.

Issued by importer’s bank.

172
Q

Financial Management

What is the advantage of using Trade Credit?

A

No interest cost if paid timely.

173
Q

Financial Management

What is a Lockbox System? What are the advantages?

A

Customer Payments are sent to a bank-managed PO box.

Employees don’t have access to cash.
Deposits are more timely.
Interest income from deposits should pay for the Lockbox fees (if they don’t- lockbox is not beneficial)

174
Q

Financial Management

What is float?

A

Time it takes to mail a payment and have it clear your bank account

Maximize float on cash payments

Minimize float on cash receipts

175
Q

Financial Management

What are Zero Balance Accounts?

A

Regional bank sends enough cash to cover daily checks

Advantages:
Checks take longer to clear -more float
Low amounts of cash tied up for compensating (minimum) balances

176
Q

Financial Management

What is the difference between Treasury Bills- Notes and Bonds?

A

Treasury Bills: Short term (less than one year) Think: $1 Bill

Treasury Notes: Medium term (less than 10 years- more than 1)

Treasury Bonds: Long term (greater than 10 years) Think: government is in long-term bondage to you; they owe you money

177
Q

Financial Management

What is commercial paper?

A

Similar to T-Bill- but issued by corporations instead of Government

Greater than 9 Months Maturity

Unsecured

Issued by large firms

178
Q

Financial Management

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Commercial Paper?

A

Advantages: Financing at less than Prime. No compensating balances required.

Disadvantages: Unpredictability of markets. Credit crisis emerges and large insurance/investment companies aren’t lending.

179
Q

Financial Management

What is Economic Order Quantity?

A

The order quantity that minimizes inventory costs.

EOQ = Square Root of (2DO/C)

D = Unit Demand (Annual)
O = Order Cost
C = Cost of Inventory
180
Q

Financial Management

What is Carrying Cost?

A

The cost of keeping inventory.

181
Q

Financial Management

What is Order Cost?

A

Cost of executing an order and starting product production.

182
Q

Financial Management

What is inventory reorder point?

A

How low inventory should get before it should be re-ordered.

IOP = Average Daily Demand x Average Lead Time

183
Q

Financial Management

What is a Just In Time (JIT) system?

A

Orders inventory so that you get it just in time for when it’s needed

JIT is valuable when Order Cost is low and Cost of Carrying Inventory is high

184
Q

Financial Management

What is Factoring of receivables?

A

Receivables are sold to a financing company where they pay less than the value of the receivables due to a discount related to risk of non-collection

185
Q

Financial Management

What is a Trade Discount?

A

Buyer saves if paid early

Example: 1/10 Net 30

1% Discount if paid within 10 days

If not- bill is still due in 30 days

186
Q

Financial Management

What is the cost of forgoing a discount?

A

(Discount % x 365) / ((100% - Discount) x (Pay Period - Discount Period))

187
Q

Financial Management

What is the Prime Rate?

A

A benchmark used for lending only to the best customers

Most customers will be charged Prime + 3%- for example

If the lending institution and the customer are not in the same country- the LIBOR rate is often used

188
Q

Financial Management

What is the Nominal (Face- Coupon- Stated) Rate?

A

Interest rate stated on the face of a bond.

189
Q

Financial Management

How is Current Yield calculated?

A

CY = Interest Payment / Bond Price

190
Q

Financial Management

What is the Effective (YTM- Market) Rate?

A

PV of Principle + Interest = Bond Price

191
Q

Financial Management

What is a Zero Coupon Bond?

A

No interest payments made

Bond sold at a discount

Interest reflected when Bond matures

192
Q

Financial Management

What are the characteristics of a Junk Bond?

A

High interest rate

High default risk

193
Q

Financial Management

What are debenture bonds?

A

Bonds unsecured by collateral

194
Q

Financial Management

What are subordinated debentures?

A

Debenture Bonds that will be repaid if any assets are left after liquidation of a company

195
Q

Financial Management

What are Redeemable Bonds?

A

Provision in Bond contract allows demand of Bond payment under certain circumstances

196
Q

Financial Management

What is a Callable Bond?

A

Borrower can pay off debt early

197
Q

Financial Management

What is a Convertible Bond?

A

Lender can demand payment via company stock instead of money

198
Q

Financial Management

What is a Sinking Fund?

A

Borrower deposits regular sums into an account that will eventually pay off the debt

199
Q

Financial Management

What is the disadvantage of Common Stock in comparison to bonds?

A

Common Stock is more expensive to issue than debt.

Why? Investors demand a greater ROI than debtors (bondholders)

200
Q

Financial Management

What is the advantage of Preferred Stock?

A

Hold dividend priority over common stock

201
Q

Financial Management

What is Weighted Average Cost of Capital?

A

A company uses this to determine the true cost of their capital

Example:
Debt costs 5%; 40% of Cap.
Equity costs 12%; 60% of Cap.
(5% x 40%) + (12% x 60%)
WACC = 9.2%
202
Q

Financial Management

What is CAPM?

A

A stock’s expected performance is based on its beta (risk) compared to that of the stock market.

More risk = more expected return.

203
Q

Financial Management

How is Cost of Debt calculated?

A

(Interest Expense - Tax Benefit) / Carrying Value of Debt

204
Q

Fnancial Planning

What is a Static Budget?

A

Budget targeted for a specific segment of a company.

205
Q

Fnancial Planning

What is a Maser Budget?

A

Budget targeted for the company as a whole

Includes budgets for Operations and Cash Flows

Includes set of budgeted Financial Statements

206
Q

Fnancial Planning

How do Fixed Costs affect budgeting?

A

Costs independent of the level activity within the relevant range

Property Tax is the same whether you produce 100-000 units or zero units

However – Fixed Costs per unit vary given the amount of activity

If you produce fewer units- fixed costs per unit will be greater than if you produce more units – i.e. less units to spread the cost over

207
Q

Fnancial Planning

How do Variable Costs affect budgeting?

A

The more Direct Materials or Direct Labor used- the more Variable Costs per unit

However – Variable Costs per unit don’t change with the level of activity like Fixed Costs per unit

208
Q

Fnancial Planning

How are Material Variances calculated?

A

SAM:

Standard Material Costs
- Actual Material Costs
= Material Variance

209
Q

Fnancial Planning

How are Labor Variances calculated?

A

SAL

Standard Labor Costs
- Actual Labor Costs
= Labor Variance

210
Q

Fnancial Planning

How are Overhead Variances calculated?

A

OAT

Overhead Applied
- Actual Overhead Cost
= Total Overhead Variance

211
Q

Fnancial Planning

How does Absorption Costing compare to Variable Costing?

A

Absorption Costing - External Use- Cost of Sales- Gross Profit- SG&A

Variable Costing - Internal Use- Variable Costs- Contribution Margin- Fixed Costs

212
Q

Fnancial Planning

How is Contribution Margin calculated?

A

Sales Price (per unit)
- Variable Cost (per unit)
= Contribution Margin (per unit)

213
Q

Fnancial Planning

How is Break-even Point (per unit) calculated?

A

Total Fixed Costs / Contribution Margin (per unit)
= Break-even Point Per Unit

Assumption: Total Costs & Total Revenues are LINEAR

214
Q

Fnancial Planning

What is the focus in a Cost Center?

A

Management is concerned only with costs

215
Q

Fnancial Planning

What is the focus in a Profit Center?

A

Management is concerned with both costs and profits

216
Q

Fnancial Planning

What is the focus in an Investment Center?

A

Management is concerned with costs- profits- and assets

217
Q

Fnancial Planning

What is the Delphi technique?

A

Forecasting technique where Data is collected and analyzed

Requires judgement/consensus

218
Q

Fnancial Planning

What is Regression Analysis?

A

A forecasting technique where Sales is the dependent variable.

Simple Regression - One independent variable

Multiple Regression - Multiple independent variables

219
Q

Fnancial Planning

What are Econometric Models?

A

Forecast sales using Economic Data

220
Q

Fnancial Planning

What are Naive Forecasting Models?

A

Very Simplistic

“Eyeball” past trends and make an estimate

221
Q

Fnancial Planning

How does a Moving Average compare to Exponential Smoothing?

A

Both project estimates using average trends from recent periods

Difference: Exponential Smoothing weighs recent data more heavily

222
Q

Fnancial Planning

What are the characteristics of Short-term Cost Analysis?

A

Uses Relevant Costs Only

Ignore Sunk Costs

Opportunity Cost is a Must

223
Q

Financial planning

What is a Static Budget?

A

Budget targeted for a specific segment of a company.

224
Q

Financial planning

What is a Maser Budget?

A

Budget targeted for the company as a whole

Includes budgets for Operations and Cash Flows

Includes set of budgeted Financial Statements

225
Q

Financial planning

How do Fixed Costs affect budgeting?

A

Costs independent of the level activity within the relevant range

Property Tax is the same whether you produce 100-000 units or zero units

However – Fixed Costs per unit vary given the amount of activity

If you produce fewer units- fixed costs per unit will be greater than if you produce more units – i.e. less units to spread the cost over

226
Q

Financial planning

How do Variable Costs affect budgeting?

A

The more Direct Materials or Direct Labor used- the more Variable Costs per unit

However – Variable Costs per unit don’t change with the level of activity like Fixed Costs per unit

227
Q

Financial planning

How are Material Variances calculated?

A

SAM:

Standard Material Costs
- Actual Material Costs
= Material Variance

228
Q

Financial planning

How are Labor Variances calculated?

A

SAL

Standard Labor Costs
- Actual Labor Costs
= Labor Variance

229
Q

Financial planning

How are Overhead Variances calculated?

A

OAT

Overhead Applied
- Actual Overhead Cost
= Total Overhead Variance

230
Q

Financial planning

How does Absorption Costing compare to Variable Costing?

A

Absorption Costing - External Use- Cost of Sales- Gross Profit- SG&A

Variable Costing - Internal Use- Variable Costs- Contribution Margin- Fixed Costs

231
Q

Financial planning

How is Contribution Margin calculated?

A

Sales Price (per unit)
- Variable Cost (per unit)
= Contribution Margin (per unit)

232
Q

Financial planning

How is Break-even Point (per unit) calculated?

A

Total Fixed Costs / Contribution Margin (per unit)
= Break-even Point Per Unit

Assumption: Total Costs & Total Revenues are LINEAR

233
Q

Financial planning

What is the focus in a Cost Center?

A

Management is concerned only with costs

234
Q

Financial planning

What is the focus in a Profit Center?

A

Management is concerned with both costs and profits

235
Q

Financial planning

What is the focus in an Investment Center?

A

Management is concerned with costs- profits- and assets

236
Q

Financial planning

What is the Delphi technique?

A

Forecasting technique where Data is collected and analyzed

Requires judgement/consensus

237
Q

Financial planning

What is Regression Analysis?

A

A forecasting technique where Sales is the dependent variable.

Simple Regression - One independent variable

Multiple Regression - Multiple independent variables

238
Q

Financial planning

What are Econometric Models?

A

Forecast sales using Economic Data

239
Q

Financial planning

What are Naive Forecasting Models?

A

Very Simplistic

“Eyeball” past trends and make an estimate

240
Q

Financial planning

How does a Moving Average compare to Exponential Smoothing?

A

Both project estimates using average trends from recent periods

Difference: Exponential Smoothing weighs recent data more heavily

241
Q

Financial planning

What are the characteristics of Short-term Cost Analysis?

A

Uses Relevant Costs Only

Ignore Sunk Costs

Opportunity Cost is a Must

242
Q

Information Technoloby

Which IT personnel roles should always be segregated?

A

Operators

Programmers

Librarians

243
Q

Information Technoloby

What are the duties of a systems analyst?

A

Designs or purchases IT system

Responsible for flowcharts

Liaison between Users and Programmers

Note: Think IT Manager

244
Q

Information Technoloby

What is the primary duty of a Systems Administrator?

A

A Systems Administrator controls database access.

245
Q

Information Technoloby

What are the duties of a Systems Programmer?

A

Writes- Updates- Maintains- & Tests software- systems- and compilers

246
Q

Information Technoloby

Which duties should a Systems Programmer NOT have?

A

In order to maximize internal control- a Systems Programmer should NOT have application programming duties/abilities or be an Operator on the system.

247
Q

Information Technoloby

What are the duties of a Systems Operator?

A

Schedules and Monitors Jobs

Runs IT Help Desk

248
Q

Information Technoloby

What duties should a System Operator NOT have?

A

For internal control purposes- they should not be a Programmer on the system.

249
Q

Information Technoloby

If it is not possible to segregate duties in an IT System- what actions should be taken to compensate for internal control purposes?

A

Include Computer Logs.

Control Group should review the logs.

250
Q

Information Technoloby

What is the purpose of a Management Information System (MIS)?

A

To assist with decision making.

251
Q

Information Technoloby

What is an Accounting Information System (AIS)?

A

A type of Management Information System (MIS) that processes accounting transactions.

252
Q

Information Technoloby

What are the characteristics of an Executive Information System (EIS)?

A

Specialized for Company Executive needs

Assists with Strategy Only

No Decision-Making Capabilities

253
Q

Information Technoloby

What are the characteristics of an Expert System (ES)?

A

Computer uses reasoning

Structured

No human interpretation needed

254
Q

Information Technoloby

What are the characteristics of a Decision Support System (DSS)?

A

Computer provides data

Gives Interactive Support

Human interpretation needed

255
Q

Information Technoloby

What are the characteristics of an Ad Hoc computer report?

A

User initiates the report.

The report is created upon demand.

256
Q

Information Technoloby

When are Exception reports generated?

A

Exception reports are produced when Edit Tests- Check Digits- or Self-Checking Digits identify a problem

257
Q

Information Technoloby

What is a query?

A

A type of Ad Hoc report- initiated by a user.

258
Q

Information Technoloby

What is End-User Computing?

A

The User develops and executes their own application.

259
Q

Information Technoloby

What is the primary benefit of E-commerce?

A

E-commerce makes business transactions easier.

260
Q

Information Technoloby

What are the risks of E-commerce?

A

Compromised data or theft.

Less paper trail for auditors.

261
Q

Information Technoloby

What are the benefits of Electronic Data Interchange?

A

Uses globally-accepted standards

Efficient

262
Q

Information Technoloby

What is a File Server?

A

A file server stores shared programs and documents.

263
Q

Information Technoloby

What is the purpose of a Database?

A

Located on a File Server- a Database allows users to share documents.

264
Q

Information Technoloby

What is the purpose of a LAN (Local Area Network)?

A

It connects computers in close proximity.

265
Q

Information Technoloby

What is the purpose of a WAN (Wide Area Network)?

A

It connects computers that are far apart.

266
Q

Information Technoloby

What are the characteristics of a VAN (Value-Added Network)?

A

Privately-owned Network

Serves as 3rd Party Between 2 Companies

Routes EDI Transactions

Accepts wide range of Protocols

Very Costly

267
Q

Information Technoloby

What is the purpose of a Firewall?

A

Prevents unauthorized access to a network.

268
Q

Information Technoloby

What are the characteristics of a virus?

A

Takes over a computer

Needs a host program to run

269
Q

Information Technoloby

What are the characteristics of a computer worm?

A

Takes over multiple computers

Doesn’t need a host program to run

270
Q

Information Technoloby

What is the purpose of Automated Equipment Controls?

A

They prevent and detect hardware errors.

271
Q

Information Technoloby

What is RAM?

A

Random Access Memory.

Internal memory in the computer used during immediate processing.

272
Q

Information Technoloby

What is a CPU?

A

Computer Processing Unit

It processes commands within a computer.

273
Q

Information Technoloby

What is Job Control Language?

A

It schedules and allocates system resources.

274
Q

Information Technoloby

What are examples of input devices?

A
Keyboard
Mouse
Scanner
Magnetic Ink Reader
Magnetic Tape Reader
EDI
Point of Sale Scanner
275
Q

Information Technoloby

What are examples of Output Devices?

A

Speakers

Monitors

Printers

276
Q

Information Technoloby

What are the characteristics of Magnetic Tape storage?

A

Sequential Access – Sorts data in order

Slower data retrieval

Header Label prevents Operator error by loading wrong tape

External Labels prevent accidental destruction by operator

277
Q

Information Technoloby

What are the characteristics of Magnetic Disks?

A

Random Access - Finds data in random spots

Faster data retrieval

Uses Boundary Protection for data

278
Q

Information Technoloby

What is a Gateway?

A

Connects one network to another

Note: the Internet is connected by Gateways

279
Q

Information Technoloby

What are Parity Checks?

A

A control that detects internal data errors.

A bit is added to each character- it checks to see if a bit was lost.

280
Q

Information Technoloby

What is an Echo Check?

A

Transmitted data is returned to the sender for verification (it echoes back to the sender)

281
Q

Information Technoloby

What is a Change Control?

A

It authorizes program changes and approves program test results.

282
Q

Information Technoloby

What is security software?

A

Software that controls access to IT systems.

Note: Don’t confuse this with anti-virus software

283
Q

Information Technoloby

What is the purpose of a Digital Signature?

A

It confirms a message has not been altered.

284
Q

Information Technoloby

List the types of computers from smallest to largest

A

PDA/Smartphone/Tablet

Microcomputer - PC- Laptop (cost-effective)

Minicomputer - Like a Mainframe- but smaller

Mainframe - Large computer with terminals attached

Supercomputer - Very powerful and very big

285
Q

Information Technoloby

What are the units of computer data from smallest to largest?

A

Bit - 1 (on) and 0 (off)
Byte - 8 bits to a byte/character
Field - group of related characters/bytes (i.e. Name- Zip Code- Serial #)
Record - Group of related fields (i.e. Member name- address- phone number)
File - Group of related records (i.e. Membership directory)

286
Q

Information Technoloby

What is the duty of a design engineer?

A

Determine language used for a specific computer- on a computer-to-computer basis

287
Q

Information Technoloby

What are object programs?

A

Programs written in base computer language- not similar to English.

288
Q

Information Technoloby

How can source programs be recognized?

A

They are written in a language close to English.

289
Q

Information Technoloby

What is the purpose of a Compiler?

A

Takes Source language (English) and converts to Object (Computer) Language

290
Q

Information Technoloby

How does Online Analytical Processing work?

A

It uses a Data Warehouse to support management decision making.

291
Q

Information Technoloby

What is Data Mining?

A

Using artificial intelligence and pattern recognition to analyze data stores within a Data Warehouse.

292
Q

Information Technoloby

What is the purpose of online transaction processing?

A

To process a company’s routine transactions.

293
Q

Information Technoloby

What are the characteristics of batch processing?

A

Data held- updates multiple files all at once

Leaves a better audit trail

Uses Grandfather-Father-Son backup (3 levels of backup kept in 3 locations)

294
Q

Information Technoloby

What does an output control check for?

A

Checks to see if output data is valid- distributed and used in an authorized manner.

295
Q

Information Technoloby

What does a processing control check?

A

Checks if data processing produced proper output

296
Q

Information Technoloby

What is a hash total?

A

An input control number- a meaningless sum of values included in the input.

Example would be summing a list of SSNs to make sure the data is the same once entered as it was prior to input into the system.

297
Q

Information Technoloby

What is a validity check?

A

Checks to see if data in existing tables or files belongs in the set

For example- is there a # in an alpha-only field or a letter in a numeric-only field

298
Q

Information Technoloby

What is a limit check?

A

Checks to see if numbers surpass a certain limit- i.e. in an age field is the number greater than 110.

299
Q

Information Technoloby

What is a check digit?

A

An input control that adds an identification number to a set of
digits – usually at the end

300
Q

Information Technoloby

What is a field check?

A

An input check that prevents invalid characters- i.e. checks for alphabetic letters in a SSN field

301
Q

Information Technoloby

What is a Hot Site?

A

A disaster recovery system where if the main system goes down- a Hot Site is ready to take over immediately.

302
Q

Information Technoloby

What is a Cold Site?

A

If a main system goes down- a Cold Site will take time to get set up and running.

303
Q

Information Technoloby

What is the most common database language?

A

SQL - Standard Query Language

304
Q

Information Technoloby

What is a Data Definition Language?

A

Defines SQL Database

Controls SQL Tables

305
Q

Information Technoloby

What is a Data Manipulation Language?

A

Queries SQL Database tables

306
Q

Information Technoloby

What is a Data Control Language?

A

Controls Access to SQL Database

307
Q

Information Technoloby

What are the characteristics of a Relational Database?

A

Logical structure

Uses rows and columns similar to spreadsheet

308
Q

Information Technoloby

What are the characteristics of a Hierarchical Database?

A

Has various levels

Uses trees to store data

309
Q

Information Technoloby

What are the advantages of a database?

A

Data is more accessible

Reduced redundancy

310
Q

Information Technoloby

What are the disadvantages of a database?

A

Cost of installation

Skilled personnel required to maintain

311
Q

Information Technoloby

What are the components of a database?

A

Desktop client

Application Server

Database Server

Think: Your desktop computer runs applications and saves to a database

312
Q

Performance Measures

What four perspectives are included in Balanced Scorecard?

A

Financial - ROI- Revenue Growth- Profitability

Customer - Increase Customers- Increase Satisfaction

Internal Business Processes - Efficient and Effective Operations- Improve Quality- Reduce Defects

Learning & Growth - Training- Personnel Development

313
Q

Performance Measures

Why was Balanced Scorecard created?

A

To measure Performance.

314
Q

Performance Measures

What are Strategy Maps?

A

Diagrams of Strategic Cause and Effect Relationships.

315
Q

Performance Measures

What is a Strategic Initiative?

A

A plan to achieve goals.

316
Q

Performance Measures

What measures are used under Value-Based Management?

A
Return on Investment
Residual Income
Spread
Economic Value Added
Free Cash Flow
317
Q

Performance Measures

How is Return on Investment (ROI) calculated?

A

ROI = Return / Investment

Example: You Invest $100 to buy a machine that generates $60 in Operating Income

$60 / $100 = 60% ROI

318
Q

Performance Measures

How is Residual Income calculated?

A

Operating Income - (Required Rate of Return x Invested Capital) = Residual Income

319
Q

Performance Measures

What is another name for Required Rate of Return (RROR)?

A

RROR is also called ‘Cost of Capital’

320
Q

Performance Measures

What is Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC)? How is it calculated?

A

Cost of Capital is the weighted average of the interest rates you pay for your Capital.

Includes Debt and the Rate of Return your Equity Shareholders expect

Example: 45% of your Capital is supported by debt and has an interest rate of 9%. 55% of your Capital is supported by equity and shareholders expect a ROR of 12%

Your Cost of Capital is: (.45 x .09) + (.55 x .12) = 10.65%

321
Q

Performance Measures

How is Spread calculated?

A

Spread = ROI - Cost of Capital

322
Q

Performance Measures

What is the primary point of Economic Value Added? How is it calculated?

A

Investments should exceed costs- with an emphasis on stockholder value.

Economic Value Added = Operating Income After Tax - (Net Assets x WACC)

323
Q

Performance Measures

How is Free Cash Flow calculated?

A
Operating Income After Tax
\+ Depreciation & Amortization
- Capital Expenditures
- Change in Net Working Capital
= Free Cash Flow
324
Q

Performance Measures

What is measured by Six Sigma?

A

It measures a product versus its quality goal.

325
Q

Performance Measures

What is the Asset Turnover Ratio?

A

Sales / Average Assets

326
Q

Performance Measures

What does the Current Ratio tell us? How is it calculated?

A

Can the company pay their short-term liabilities?

Current Ratio = Current Assets / Current Liabilities

327
Q

Performance Measures

What does the Debt to Equity Ratio tell us? How is it calculated?

A

How is the company financing its capital?

Debt to Equity Ratio = Total Debt / Total Equity

328
Q

Performance Measures

What does the Debt to Total Assets ratio tell us? How is it calculated?

A

What proportions of the company’s assets are encumbered with debt?

Debt to Total Assets = Total Liabilities / Total Assets

329
Q

Performance Measures

What does Gross Margin % tell us? How is it calculated?

A

How profitable is the product after COGS?

Gross Margin = Gross Profit / Net Sales

330
Q

Performance Measures

What does Operating Profit Margin tell us? How is it calculated?

A

How profitable is the product after all expenses (except interest and taxes)?

Operating Profit Margin = Operating Profit / Net Sales

331
Q

Performance Measures

How is Times Interest Earned calculated and what does it mean?

A

Can the company make their interest payments?

Times Interest Earned = Earnings Before Tax & Interest / Interest Expense

332
Q

Performance Measures

What does Return on Assets tell us? How is it calculated?

A

What % return are the assets generating?

Return on Assets = Net Income (net of interest & taxes) / Average Total Assets

333
Q

Performance Measures

How is Market/Book ratio calculated?

A

Market Value of Common Stock / Book Value of Common Stock

334
Q

Performance Measures

What is Inventory Turnover and how is it calculated?

A

How quickly does inventory get sold?

Inventory Turnover = COGS / Average Inventory

335
Q

Performance Measures

What is the Quick Ratio and how is it calculated?

A

It measures short-term liquidity- and only includes assets that are quickly available (i.e. not inventory)

Quick Ratio = (Current Assets - Inventory) / Current Liabilities

336
Q

Performance Measures

What is Average Collection Period- and how is it calculated?

A

How many days does it take the company to collect payment on A/R?

Average Collection Period = Average AR / Average Sales Per Day

337
Q

Performance Measures

What is an Internal Failure?

A

Products have quality defects- but are caught BEFORE they leave the warehouse.

338
Q

Performance Measures

What is an External Failure?

A

Product reaches the customer- but they are not satisfied with the quality of the product.

This includes recalls.

339
Q

Performance Measures

What is Appraisal Cost?

A

Quality control- testing & inspection costs.

340
Q

Risk Management

Define Market Risk

A

The risk that a sluggish economy will affect the value of a debt instrument

341
Q

Risk Management

Define Sector Risk

A

The risk that an event in the investment’s business sector will harm the investment

For example- the banking sector is sluggish- so even stocks of healthy banks suffer

342
Q

Risk Management

Define Credit/Default Risk

A

The risk that a debtor will be unable to make loan payments or pay back the principal

343
Q

Risk Management

Define Interest Rate Risk

A

The risk that a change in interest rates will adversely affect the value of the note

Example: Bond is for 10% but prevailing market rate is now 12%. If bondholder wants to sell it- they will have to sell it at a discount.

344
Q

Risk Management

What does Standard Deviation measure?

A

It measures the volatility of an investment.

345
Q

Risk Management

What is Systematic Risk?

A

Risk that impacts the entire market and can’t be avoided or reduced through diversification

Example: Wars

346
Q

Risk Management

What is Unsystematic Risk?

A

Relates to a particular industry or company

Example: You own stocks in ethanol plants and an untimely freeze kills all of the corn in the Midwest

347
Q

Risk Management

What does Beta measure?

A

Beta measures how volatile the investment is relative to the rest of the market.

In other words- how quickly (and in what amount) does the value of the stock change when the market sways?

348
Q

Risk Management

What is Variance?

A

It compares volatility of an investment to the market average.

Factors include both Systematic and Unsystematic Risk.

349
Q

Risk Management

What is a Derivative?

A

An asset whose value is DERIVED from the value of another asset.

Derivatives are measured at Fair Value.

350
Q

Risk Management

How is an Option used?

A

Gives the buyer the option to buy or sell a financial derivative at a certain price

Traders use them to speculate where they think the price will be at a certain point and make a profit

Hedgers use them to offset risk

351
Q

Risk Management

What is a Future?

A

A Forward Contract with a future value.

They are sold and traded on the futures market.

352
Q

Risk Management

What is an Interest Rate Swap?

A

Forward Contract to swap payment agreements

They are highly liquid and often valued using the Zero-Coupon method.

Example: Steve pays Sally a fixed payment with a fixed interest rate. Sally pays Steve a variable payment tied to a benchmark such as LIBOR

353
Q

Risk Management

What is Legal Risk?

A

Risk that a law or regulation will void the derivative

354
Q

Risk Management

What is a Fair Value Hedge?

A

Hedge that protects against the value of an asset or liability changing.

Changes in value are reported in earnings.

355
Q

Risk Management

What is a Cash Flow Hedge?

A

A hedge that protects against a set of future cash flows changing.

Changes in value are reported in OCI.

356
Q

Risk Management

What is a Foreign Currency Hedge?

A

A hedge that protects against the value of a foreign currency changing.

For example- a foreign currency hedge might be used to protect against the following: If you have receivables denominated in a foreign currency and that currency dips in value – your receivables are worth less than before.