Budgeting, variance analysis and performance evaluations

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T&P Fashion Shops

T&P Fashion Shops is a new chain that operates 10 stores in major malls throughout the United States. Each store manager is responsible for preparing a flexible budget for the store. T&P headquarters accumulates and analyzes the information for each store and in the aggregate.

Below is the forecast (budgeted income statement) for the Houston store showing the breakdown of fixed and variable expenses in columns two through four. The last column shows the actual results.

T&P Fashions – Houston Store
Breakdown of Expenses (Forecast)
Forecast Fixed Variable Actual
Revenues $1,400,000 $1,260,000
Cost of Sales 790,000 790,000 760,000
Gross Profit $610,000 $500,000
Management 182,000 154,700 27,300 182,000
Shop assistants 258,000 154,800 103,200 262,000
Rent 23,200 18,560 4,640 22,000
Utilities 34,800 34,800 31,000
Misc. expenses 24,500 12,250 12,250 29,000
Total expenses $522,500 $526,000
Net income $87,500 $(26,000)
========= =========

Additional Information

  • Variable expenses are based on revenues and we assume that the percentage remains constant for flexible budgeting purposes.
  • Fixed costs are all within the relevant range.
  • Other expenses are all specific to this store. Headquarters pay for marketing and corporate overhead expenses.

Case Assignment

Required:

Computations (use Excel)

  1. Prepare a flexible budget and show variances for the year that passed. Indicate whether the flexible budget variances are favorable or unfavorable.
  2. Headquarters are contemplating charging each store a 5% marketing expense based on sales. How will that affect the operating profit of the store and the money available for managerial bonuses based on actual results for the past year? Summarize the information in a table.

Memo (use Word)

Write a 4- or 5-paragraph memo to the division manager explaining the flexible budget variances; how to interpret the information and what action, if any to take. Comment on the 5% marketing proposal too. Start with an introduction and end with a recommendation. Each of the four or five paragraphs should have a heading.

Short Essay (use Word)

Start with an introduction and end with a summary or conclusion. Use headings.

  • Discuss how to interpret static and flexible budget variances.
  • What are the benefits of variance analysis? How can such analysis be detrimental rather than beneficial to the organization?

Assignment Expectations

Each submission should include two files: (1) An Excel file and (2) a Word document. The Word document shows the memo first and short essay last. Assume a knowledgeable business audience and use required format and length. Individuals in business are busy and want information presented in an organized and concise manner.

B2B marketing case study unit 7

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For this assignment, read the case study, “Johnson Controls, Inc.” attached below. Once you have read and reviewed the case scenario, respond to the following questions with thorough explanations and well-supported rationale.

  1. Within the scope of the promotional element of the marketing mix, explain how traditional marketing might be used effectively by Johnson Controls.
  2. Describe how Johnson Controls could implement SEO marketing utilizing keywords with Google’s internet search advertising. Include a list of minimally five keywords that you would recommend Johnson Controls use.
  3. E-commerce is an important part of the B2B marketing world. Discuss how you would use e-commerce with Johnson Controls.
  4. Outline the advertising strategy that Johnson Controls might follow to promote the convenience store controller. What benefits would you emphasize in the body of the ad?

Your response should be a minimum of two pages, double-spaced. References should include your textbook plus a minimum of one additional credible reference. All sources used, including the textbook, must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations. All references and citations used must be in APA style.

Help in this

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Final Project: The research paper project is a two part assignment. The first section of the project you will provide an in-depth analysis of the developmental model as suggested by Scott and Steinberg. Provide an overview of how adolescent development, immaturity, and competence play a role in adolescent behavior and how the developmental model accounts for these factors. Additionally provide an analysis that compares and contrasts the role of interventions that are played out in the reform, punitive and developmental model. Be sure to utilize research studies that provide an overview of all three philosophies, and discusses their effectiveness and shortcomings. This section of the research paper should be 8- pages long.

Part II of the research project requires you to develop a rehabilitation program that utilizes the developmental model. You will present this rehabilitation model in a power point presentation and should be no more than 10 slides. The ppt will provide an overview of the program, the goals of the program, the treatment methods that will be utilized in the program, and what the designed outcomes would be for an adolescent to graduate from that program.

The first section of the final project is to be 8- pages long with a cover page, abstract, headers, APA 6th ed citations and references. Do Not Use MLA or any other form of referencing. The second section needs to be included as a separate Power Point attachment.

This assignment is to be plagiarism free. It has to be an authentic and original paper as I know you will produce top quality work. It is a Two-part assignment; the first part is the 8- page essay, followed by the second part which is a 10 slide power point illustrating the point made from the essay.

I need help responding back to either on of these discussion question

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Question #1

New technology is always being introduced. Create a list of 2 of the most important criteria that would help an organization determine when to upgrade or make a technological investment.

    1. One of the most important criteria for deciding to make an investment in technology is considering the cost benefits of a new system (Johnson, Leenders, Flynn p. 99). What does the current process cost and what will the technology save the company in terms of time, money, expertise? There are many benefits to new technology, including cost reductions, efficiency increase, accessibility, better communications, accuracy, integration, and monetary tracking. But these will have to be weighed against the price of the system and the effort in using a system that takes time and energy to use correctly. If the technology fits the size and work that the organization already does, meaning, the technology is not meant for a much larger company, then the cost benefits will be the most important deciding factor. If the technology is prohibitively expensive, then this will not serve the organization. There are technological options for nearly every type of work task that exists, an organization could us all their resources purchasing technology. On the other hand, if the organization has the money and would like to stop spending their resources on people hand working certain processes, then technology could be a huge improvement. And example of this would be to have an accounting system that helps the organization keep track of their finances where they will have significantly less accounting personnel than if they did not have the software.
    2. Another critically important criteria is considering how complex the process the technology is meant to replace. Also, with the projected future of the company due to organizational goals, will the process continue to get even more complex? With using a technological tool instead of hand made process, it will be more efficient, exact, and there are many things a software tool can easily and automatically generate. For example, if the procurement process is complex, then purchasing an e-procurement system would be wise to reduce error, streamline certain processes in procurement, track money spent, provide metrics for what is purchased and what money is spent (p. 103). This is a complex process including many people at various levels of the organization, so being able to provide visible data on a large amount of the organization’s spend is very valuable to the organization. However, some technology is simply a nice to have where the process it is meant to replace is not complex, and is not visible to many different people who need to know critical information. Asking the question of complexity will help the organization to purchase the right technology for their needs.

You have been tasked to secure the latest technology for the sales force coming on board in the next six months. Compare and contrast 2 different approaches to securing the latest technology at the very lowest price.

The type of procurement used for purchasing an item should depend on the specifics of that item and the time and effort related to that type of procurement. In order to purchase technology for the sales force of an organization within 6 months, this will restrict the possible types of procurement.

  1. RFQ: If the sales force technology is a commercial product that multiple vendors sell, but is a higher dollar item, then the process that makes the most sense is the Request for Quotation (RFQ) (p. 84). In the RFQ, the description of the item needed is very clear and easily understood, such as for a commercial product. In the RFQ, a form is filled out, then sent electronically to potential suppliers. In the selection of the winner, the quotes are gathered and compared against each other to select the vendor based on price (pg 84). This process takes time, but is reasonably quick to stick to the 6 month timeline, and is best suited for larger dollar items..
  2. Reverse auction: In the Reverse Auction, the potential vendors will bid against each other via an online tool. This method can help the buyer get the rock-bottom price for the item they are purchasing. For this type of procurement, the requirements will need to be specific and clear, there needs to be multiple and willing vendors, and a reasonable reserve price (p. 108). In the Reverse Auction event, the bidders can see the bids the other bidders have put in, and they will automatically see their bid in relation to other bidders. While this can get the lowest possible price, there are several potential issues with this type of procurement process. Some include: the buyer taking unreasonably low bids, suppliers can collude, the buyer can ruin some of their supplier relationships, and this process takes much preparation and time to execute, unlike the RFP process.


  5. Question #2

New technology is always being introduced. Create a list of two (2) of the most important criteria that would help an organization determine when to upgrade or make a technological investment.

When a business is looking to upgrade or even begin to start using technology, there are a few things that need to be viewed at such as; what are their needs, what type of company are they, and what is the company hoping to gain from the technology. A business needs to look at software, both the operating system and applications. Application software will help the business in everyday activities, such as looking at supplies records, seeking inventory levels and reports from the last quarter’s production. Operating systems is how the computer systems will run, as well as hooking up compatible devices such as printers and hard drives.There also needs to be an understanding of what level if information systems the company is seeking. Is the company small enough that it only requires an executive support system ESS level system, or so large that the business needs a fully operational level system? The benefit of having a technological system is there is a more accessible electronic trail of what is currently being worked on and past projects.

You have been tasked to secure the latest technology for the sales force coming onboard in the next six months. Compare and contrast two (2) different approaches to securing the latest technology at the very lowest price.

First: What type of sales will be conducted, and how can the new system most benefit the company? If the company is a local business that has a storefront but also sells on the internet than it would need different technology than a business with only a storefront. I would first look at what technology and programs are coming out in the next six months, and also contact different suppliers on what quotes they can give; I would also ask if there is an added expense for extra IT help and if so what is that? There would be a lot of research of all programs to make sure it will be suitable in the operations of the company.

Second: Being tasked to find new technology for the sales force I would look at possibly just upgrading the current software, this could be a much cheaper way to go rather than implementing a whole new software system. I would contact our current software company and ask about up and coming upgrades and how much it will cost. Sometimes upgrading current software will be far less expensive than getting a whole new system.

Probable Cause

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Probable Cause:

Compare the Aguilar two-prong test with the Illinois v. Gates decision. The Aguilar two-prong test is found in Aguilar v. Texas, 378 U.S. 108 (1964). The Gates test is found in Illinois v. Gates, 462 U.S. 213 (1983). You might want to discuss how Spinelli fits into this, too.

To complete this activity, please do not exceed two type-written pages. This is not a major research paper, but rather a means in which to show me that you are understanding the material and can apply it to a specific topic. However, you must cite to any material that you obtain from other sources than your own thoughts. A failure to do so will result in a 0. Also, when providing your references, you must use proper citation. Plagiarism is not tolerated

respond to a post

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add or comment to the following post with reference.

1) Continue week’s 2 theme, by comparing and contrasting management theories to leadership theories in order to develop or refresh a working knowledge of application of these principles in practice. Find two alternate academic sources to support your analysis.

One concept if implemented well, it will create the most effective team dynamics and the true environment of success. A team leader often gets fooled by the name and thinks that by calling them a leader, it makes them automatically a good leader, where in fact it needs effort, commitment and time to deserve being called a leader. Being a leader means to get the best out of your team members and adding to what they can produce, many so-called leaders never attempt to add something to the team value and even worse when they stop others from adding!

Leaders don’t mind being powerless, what they care about is being influential. Using power doesn’t encourage people to be creative, it might control what they do but it can’t control what they think and want. Also, successfully juggling between the two important objectives of leading the people in the team and managing the work progress will create a more efficient and powerful team force.

2) Describe in detail how you can apply project management techniques to the risk communication project. See the project description to understand what the requirements are for the assignment and then create your project management plan.

The initial stage of establishing a risk communication project is the identification of the project goals and the target audience. The plan should solely focus on one goal for easier managing purposes. The next stage is to identify the type of information that should be given to the target audience. The project’s scope and communication objectives are stated in the next step of the project (Burke, 2013). The management should research on past literature since it is beneficial to the project at large. The reasons for selection of target audience and topic should be considered during the process. Creating a baseline plan for the project is sufficient for the successful completion of the project. My project management plan is about building the resilience of health systems by WHO in the Pacific island. The first stage involved identifying the target audience which countries that is vulnerable to climate change. I recognized the information that the audience needed then researched in the previous literature on the topic. Reasons for the selection of the target audience were considered, and then I created a baseline plan. The information that I collected will be applied to the principles of risk communication programs then build my case study.

ece497 week 1 discussion RESPONSE s.e.

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Respectfully discuss your differences in terms of strengths and limitations of the theorist. Then, support your positions with personal examples and/or research. Lastly, present an area of the analysis in which you both agree, along with the reasons for agreement. 150 words.




After completing the theorists/theories table, I have realized that a lot of the ideas and concepts have had a great deal of influence on my work with children in the past and will continue to do so in the future. For example, Bronfenbrenner’s ecological stages theory displays how many different factors can influence a child’s development. He discussed all the various levels of a child’s social circle and how they all interrelate. This will be important in my work with children because it will allow me to better understand how the people in a child’s life might influence the work I’m doing with the child. Additionally, this will be important to acknowledge in order to foster caregiver and community involvement in a way that is most productive for all involved.

Another theory that will influence my work in the future is Bandura’s social learning theory. The concepts developed by Bandura will allow me to focus on the effects of modeling and social skills and stories often associated with working with children with disabilities. Knowing how children develop much of their understanding of their social interactions with others by imitation will allow me to create opportunities to establish prosocial behaviors and coping mechanisms to help children overcome their limitations.

Finally, Piaget’s cognitive learning theory really impacts my work with children because it takes into account biological factors as well as environmental influences on a child’s development. This is important, especially when working with children with disabilities, because a lot of the children I have worked with in the past are born with their disabilities. However, managing and manipulating the environment and the way in which others interact with these children makes the difference in whether or not they are successful.

As I (excitedly) complete the final course in my degree program, I realize that a combination of many of these theories should be utilized to create the most comprehensive approach to fostering healthy, safe, and successful development of every child.

Critical thinking Assignment 1: Conflicting Viewpoints Essay

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Assignment 1: Conflicting Viewpoints Essay


When looking for information about a particular issue, how often do you try to resist confirmation bias by seeking out sources that might contradict your own point of view? This assignment asks you to engage in this aspect of critical thinking. This assignment is divided into two (2) parts. In Part I of the assignment, you will read a book excerpt about critical thinking processes, review one (1) Website in order to gather information, and engage in pre-writing to examine your thoughts. In Part II of the assignment, you will write an essay geared towards synthesizing your ideas. As author E.M. Forster said, “How do I know what I think until I see what I say?”

Part I

Preparation and Pre-writing: Follow the steps below to explore an issue through reading and writing –

  1. Read “The Believing Game and How to Make Conflicting Opinions More Fruitful” by Peter Elbow athttp://www.procon.org/sourcefiles/believinggame.pdf. Devise strategies for playing the “Believing Game” and the “Doubting Game,” which are discussed in the Elbow article. According to the article, “the doubting game represents the kind of thinking most widely honored and taught. It’s the disciplined practice of trying to be as skeptical and analytic as possible with every idea we encounter. The believing game is the mirror image of the doubting game or critical thinking. It’s the disciplined practice of trying to be as welcoming as possible to every idea we encounter.”
  2. Select one (1) of the issues from ProCon.org that your professor has approved as a topic choice for your essay. Go to www.procon.org, scroll to the list of issues, click on the issue you selected, and read the background information section on the issue. 
      1. To play the “Believing Game,” read either the Pro section or the Con section on the www.procon.org Website – whichever argument is in opposition to your position on the chosen issue. Consider at least three (3) of the premises (reasons) listed in that section. Apply the “believing” questions suggested by Elbow, such as “What’s interesting or helpful about the view? What would you notice if you believed this view? … In what sense or under what conditions might this idea be true?”
      2. To play the “Doubting Game,” read either the Pro column or the Con column on the www.procon.org Website – whichever argument is in agreement with your position. Consider at least three (3) of the premises (reasons) listed in that section. Apply the “doubting” questions suggested by Elbow, such as the journalistic questions who, what, when, where, why, how.

Part II

Synthesizing and Writing: Now that you have examined your thinking about an issue by pre-writing about your ideas –

Write a four (4) page paper in which you:

  1. Present an argument on an issue by stating your conclusion and identifying your premises.
  2. Identify three (3) premises of the argument in opposition to your conclusion, and describe your reactions to these premises, based on the believing questions suggested by Elbow, such as “What’s interesting or helpful about the view? What would you notice if you believed this view? In what sense or under what conditions might this idea be true?”
  3. Identify three (3) premises of the argument in agreement with your conclusion, and explain your responses to the journalistic questions you asked in order to probe these premises, based on the doubting questions suggested by Elbow, such as the journalistic questions who, what, when, where, why,and how.
  4. Examine at least three (3) types of biases that you likely experienced when you read the premises on the Pro side of the argument and the premises on the Con side of the argument. (Note: Refer to the specific types of biases discussed in Chapter 2 of the Webtext.)
  5. Describe whether or not your position on the issue has changed. Indicate whether or not your premises supporting the issue have changed. Explain why or why not.

The paper should follow guidelines for clear and organized writing:

  • Include an introductory paragraph and concluding paragraph.
  • Address main ideas in body paragraphs with a topic sentence and supporting sentences.
  • Adhere to standard rules of English grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:

  • Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA Style format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
  • Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.

You must follow these submission guidelines:

  • Submit the essay to Turnitin.com and then submit the originality report and final essay with any needed revisions to Blackboard.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

  • Identify the informal fallacies, assumptions, and biases involved in manipulative appeals and abuses of language.
  • Write clearly and concisely about critical thinking using proper writing mechanics.
  • Use technology and information resources to research issues in critical thinking skills and informal logic.

PSY 400 words learning theory and perspectives, psychology homework help

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http://selfdeterminationtheory.org

https://www.learning-theories.com/elaboration-theory-reigeluth.html

https://www.learning-theories.com/social-learning-theory-bandura.html

“The Impact of the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction on Student Self-Determination” article

Throughout the past several decades, the understanding of how we learn has been defined and redefined. For the discussion please include the following:

  1. Evaluate and discuss the applicability of social learning theory and Bloom’s taxonomy to the concepts of how we learn.
  2. Analyze how social learning theory and Bloom’s taxonomy incorporate cognitivism and constructivism into their frameworks.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of social learning theory and Bloom’s taxonomy may have contributed to the focus on the more recent theories of emotional intelligence, metacognition, and motivation (i.e., self-determination). This may be opinion, but please support your ideas with your experiences or current understanding.
  4. Go to the Ashford University Library and research three scholarly articles pertaining to the historical relevance of one of the following: emotional intelligence, Self-determination Theory, or metacognition..
  5. Address the following questions about what you discovered during your research:
  • What historical trends do you notice in the literature about your assigned subject?
  • Does there appear to be any event or series of events (such as research findings) that helped to promote this area of variable within learning psychology?
  1. Evaluate your learning style and share an example of how a better understanding of this theory might be applied to explain your learning behavior(s) in a real-life situation at school, work, or home.

Discussion board 150-200 words

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discuss what you learned from reviewing the student sample essays.

Now that you have read the Research Paper Student Sample Essays, reply to this thread in 150-250 words, and include the 4-6 most important things you observed when reading through the student sample essays. While bullet points or numbering is OK, you still must use complete sentences.Include a word count in parentheses at the end of your thread. You will not be permitted to view other students’ threads until you post your own. You will also not be able to edit or delete your thread once it is posted, so be sure you have followed directions carefully and proofread your work.