更多“(b) Explain what is meant by McGregor’s(i) Theory X; (5 marks)”相关问题
  • 第1题:

    5 An organisation’s goals can only be achieved through the efforts of motivated individuals.

    Required:

    Explain what is meant by the following terms:

    (a) Hygiene factors. (8 marks)


    正确答案:
    5 Overview
    Understanding what motivates people is necessary at all levels of management. It is important that professional accountants
    understand the relevance of individual motivation. Unless individuals are well managed and motivated they are unlikely to cooperate
    to achieve the organisation’s objectives.
    Part (a):
    (a) Hygiene (or maintenance) factors lead to job dissatisfaction because of the need to avoid unpleasantness. They are so called
    because they can in turn be avoided by the use of ‘hygienic’ methods, that is, they can be prevented. Attention to these
    hygiene factors prevents dissatisfaction but does not on its own provide motivation.
    Hygiene factors (or ‘dissatisfiers’) are concerned with those factors associated with, but not directly a part of, the job itself.
    Herzberg suggested that these are mainly salary and the perceived differences with others’ salaries, job security, working
    conditions, the level and quality of supervision, organisational policy and administration and the nature of interpersonal
    relationships. Resolution of hygiene factors, however, is short term, longer term resolution requires motivator factors.

  • 第2题:

    (b) Explain in the context of Flavours Fine Foods, what is meant by:

    (i) responsibility; (4 marks)


    正确答案:
    (b) (i) RESPONSIBILITY is the liability of a person to be called to account for their actions and results, and is therefore an obligation to take some action to discharge that responsibility. Unlike authority, responsibility cannot be delegated. There is however some discussion on the extent to which this statement is true: the idea that responsibility cannot be delegated is too simplistic. Any task contains an element of responsibility. It is the idea of accountability and the direction of responsibility that is the relevant concept and is the problem at Flavours Fine Foods; ultimate responsibility resides with the owners. It is self evident that it is impossible to exercise authority without responsibility because this could lead to problems of control and therefore undesirable outcomes for the organisation. However, the superior (the owner) is always ultimately responsible for the actions of his or her subordinates. The key element here is the recognition of discretion by virtue of the person’s position. This underlines the doctrine of absolute responsibility; the superior is always ultimately accountable.

  • 第3题:

    2 The activities of an organisation have to be managed and co-ordinated to ensure that its objectives are met. The organisation’s structure is designed to support this.

    Required:

    (a) What is meant by the term ‘organisational structure,’ often shown as an organisation chart? (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    2 All organisations of whatever size have to work in a co-ordinated way to ensure that the objectives laid down are achieved.However, for effective co-ordination to take place, the structure must be correct and understood. Very often, managers know the structure but cannot explain its significance or appropriateness.
    (a) The structure of an organisation is often depicted as a chart. The structure explains the communication pattern, the linking mechanism between departments, tasks and individuals, the co-ordinating mechanism that ensures the entire organization is working toward the same objective, and who is in control of the organisation’s activities and at what level in the organisation.

  • 第4题:

    (b) Explain the advantages and the disadvantages of:

    (i) the face to face interview between two people; (6 marks)


    正确答案:
    (b) (i) The face to face interview is the most common form. of interview. In this situation the candidate is interviewed by a single representative of the employing organisation.
    The advantages of such interviews are that they establish an understanding between the participants, are cost effective for the organisation (only one member of the organisation’s staff is involved) and, because of the more personal nature, ensure that candidates feel comfortable.
    The disadvantages are that the selection interview relies on the views and impression of a single interviewer that can be both subjective and biased. In addition, the interviewer may be selective in questioning and it is easier for the candidate to hide weaknesses or lack of ability.

  • 第5题:

    5 Your manager has heard of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory and how it has some relevance to motivational techniques.

    Required:

    (a) Explain Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. (10 marks)


    正确答案:

    5 The way in which managers’ duties are undertaken can significantly influence the satisfaction that employees derive from their work. Abraham Maslow suggested that individuals have a hierarchy of personal needs which are identifiable, universally applicable and can be satisfied in the workplace. Understanding this concept provides guidance to management as to the appropriateness of
    motivational techniques.
    (a) Maslow’s theory of motivation is a content theory. Its basic idea is that each individual has a set of needs which have to be
    satisfied in a set order of priority.
    Maslow suggested that individuals have five needs:
    Self-actualisation
    (or self fulfilment)
    Esteem needs
    (or ego)
    Social needs
    Safety needs
    Physiological needs
    These needs are arranged in a hierarchy of importance and movement is upwards, from physiological needs to selfactualisation.Any individual will always want more; each need must be satisfied before the next is sought. However – andcritically so far as motivation in the workplace is concerned – a satisfied need is no longer a motivator.
    The theory is usually presented in the shape of a triangle, with physiological needs at its base and self-actualisation at itsapex. The triangle shape has a clear significance. As an individual moves up toward the apex, the needs thin out, that isphysiological needs are far greater than self-actualisation needs. For many individuals, reaching social needs is often thehighest need to be satisfied. The theory is sometimes presented as a staircase; again with self-actualisation at the top. Thissecond diagrammatic form. reflects the application of the theory to more modern situations, where it can reasonably beassumed that those within the organisation have already achieved physiological and safety needs. For such individuals, socialand esteem needs may well be greater.
    Physiological needs are the basic survival needs which, although part of the theory, probably have less relevance today. Theseneeds are usually seen as food, shelter (which is sometimes noted as a safety need), warmth and clothing.
    Safety needs are the desire for security, order, certainty and predictability in life and freedom from threat. The above two so-called ‘lower order needs’ dominate until satisfied.
    Social needs are the gregarious needs of mankind, the need for friendship, relationships and affection. This is often seen as the desire to be part of a family.
    Esteem needs are the desire for recognition and respect, often associated with status, especially in the modern world.
    Self-actualisation (self fulfilment) is the ultimate goal. Once this state is achieved the individual has fulfilled personal potential.
    However, later work by Maslow has suggested that there are two additional needs; freedom of enquiry (free speech and justice) and knowledge (the need to explore and learn). These additional needs are a further development of social needs and recognise the changing nature of modern life.

  • 第6题:

    (d) Explain to the management of Bailey’s why consideration should be given to resolving the problems through:

    (i) job rotation; (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    (d) (i) Job rotation is the planned rotation of staff between jobs and tasks to reduce monotony and boredom and provide fresh opportunities and challenges. This could be a useful way of encouraging employees at Bailey’s alongside enrichment and enlargement. Rotation would encourage better understanding between employees at Bailey’s. It takes two forms,the transfer to another job after some time in an existing job and the introduction of another individual to the job being vacated, or as a form. of training where individuals are moved through different jobs to learn new skills.

  • 第7题:

    (ii) Theory Y. (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    (ii) Theory Y is at the opposite end of the continuum and reflects a contemporary approach to motivation, reflecting growth in professional and service employment. It is based on the idea that the goals of the individual and the organsiation can– indeed should – be integrated and that personal fulfilment can be achieved through the workplace. It assumes that for most people, work is as natural as rest or play and employees will exercise self-discipline and self-direction in helping to achieve the organisation’s objectives. Physical and mental effort at work is perfectly natural and is actively sought as a source of personal satisfaction.
    In addition, the average employee seeks and accepts responsibilty and creativity. Innovative thinking is widely distributed amongst the whole population and should therefore be encouraged in the work situation.
    The intellectual ability of the average person is only partly used and should be encouraged and thus individuals are motivated by seeking self-achievement. Since control and punishment are not required, management therefore has to encourage and develop the individual. However, the operation of a Theory Y approach can be difficult and frustrating,time consuming and sometimes regarded with suspicion.

  • 第8题:

    (b) Explain the meaning of Stephanie’s comment: ‘I would like to get risk awareness embedded in the culture

    at the Southland factory.’ (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    Embedded risk
    Risk awareness is the knowledge of the nature, hazards and probabilities of risk in given situations. Whilst management will
    typically be more aware than others in the organisation of many risks, it is important to embed awareness at all levels so as
    to reduce the costs of risk to an organisation and its members (which might be measured in financial or non-financial terms).
    In practical terms, embedding means introducing a taken-for-grantedness of risk awareness into the culture of an organisation
    and its internal systems. Culture, defined in Handy’s terms as ‘the way we do things round here’ underpins all risk
    management activity as it defines attitudes, actions and beliefs.
    The embedding of risk awareness into culture and systems involves introducing risk controls into the process of work and the
    environment in which it takes place. Risk awareness and risk mitigation become as much a part of a process as the process
    itself so that people assume such measures to be non-negotiable components of their work experience. In such organisational
    cultures, risk management is unquestioned, taken for granted, built into the corporate mission and culture and may be used
    as part of the reward system.
    Tutorial note: other meaningful definitions of culture in an organisational context are equally acceptable.

  • 第9题:

    (c) Define ‘market risk’ for Mr Allejandra and explain why Gluck and Goodman’s market risk exposure is

    increased by failing to have an effective audit committee. (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    (c) Market risk
    Definition of market risk
    Market risks are those arising from any of the markets that a company operates in. Most common examples are those risks
    from resource markets (inputs), product markets (outputs) or capital markets (finance).
    [Tutorial note: markers should exercise latitude in allowing definitions of market risk. IFRS 7, for example, offers a technical
    definition: ‘Market risk is the risk that the fair value or cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate due to changes in
    market prices. Market risk reflects interest rate risk, currency risk, and other price risks’.]
    Why non-compliance increases market risk
    The lack of a fully compliant committee structure (such as having a non-compliant audit committee) erodes investor
    confidence in the general governance of a company. This will, over time, affect share price and hence company value. Low
    company value will threaten existing management (possibly with good cause in the case of Gluck and Goodman) and make
    the company a possible takeover target. It will also adversely affect price-earnings and hence market confidence in Gluck and
    Goodman’s shares. This will make it more difficult to raise funds from the stock market.

  • 第10题:

    (c) (i) Explain the inheritance tax (IHT) implications and benefits of Alvaro Pelorus varying the terms of his

    father’s will such that part of Ray Pelorus’s estate is left to Vito and Sophie. State the date by which a

    deed of variation would need to be made in order for it to be valid; (3 marks)


    正确答案:
    (c) (i) Variation of Ray’s will
    The variation by Alvaro of Ray’s will, such that assets are left to Vito and Sophie, will not be regarded as a gift by Alvaro.
    Instead, provided the deed states that it is intended to be effective for IHT purposes, it will be as if Ray had left the assets
    to the children in his will.
    This strategy, known as skipping a generation, will have no effect on the IHT due on Ray’s death but will reduce the
    assets owned by Alvaro and thus his potential UK IHT liability. A deed of variation is more tax efficient than Alvaro
    making gifts to the children as such gifts would be PETs and IHT may be due if Alvaro were to die within seven years.
    The deed of variation must be entered into by 31 January 2009, i.e. within two years of the date of Ray’s death.

  • 第11题:

    In relation to the courts’ powers to interpret legislation, explain and differentiate between:

    (a) the literal approach, including the golden rule; and (5 marks)

    (b) the purposive approach, including the mischief rule. (5 marks)


    正确答案:

    Tutorial note:
    In order to apply any piece of legislation, judges have to determine its meaning. In other words they are required to interpret the
    statute before them in order to give it meaning. The diffi culty, however, is that the words in statutes do not speak for themselves and
    interpretation is an active process, and at least potentially a subjective one depending on the situation of the person who is doing
    the interpreting.
    Judges have considerable power in deciding the actual meaning of statutes, especially when they are able to deploy a number of
    competing, not to say contradictory, mechanisms for deciding the meaning of the statute before them. There are, essentially, two
    contrasting views as to how judges should go about determining the meaning of a statute – the restrictive, literal approach and the
    more permissive, purposive approach.
    (a) The literal approach
    The literal approach is dominant in the English legal system, although it is not without critics, and devices do exist for
    circumventing it when it is seen as too restrictive. This view of judicial interpretation holds that the judge should look primarily
    to the words of the legislation in order to construe its meaning and, except in the very limited circumstances considered below,
    should not look outside of, or behind, the legislation in an attempt to fi nd its meaning.
    Within the context of the literal approach there are two distinct rules:
    (i) The literal rule
    Under this rule, the judge is required to consider what the legislation actually says rather than considering what it might
    mean. In order to achieve this end, the judge should give words in legislation their literal meaning, that is, their plain,
    ordinary, everyday meaning, even if the effect of this is to produce what might be considered an otherwise unjust or
    undesirable outcome (Fisher v Bell (1961)) in which the court chose to follow the contract law literal interpretation of
    the meaning of offer in the Act in question and declined to consider the usual non-legal literal interpretation of the word
    (offer).

    (ii) The golden rule
    This rule is applied in circumstances where the application of the literal rule is likely to result in what appears to the court
    to be an obviously absurd result. It should be emphasised, however, that the court is not at liberty to ignore, or replace,
    legislative provisions simply on the basis that it considers them absurd; it must fi nd genuine diffi culties before it declines
    to use the literal rule in favour of the golden one. As examples, there may be two apparently contradictory meanings to a
    particular word used in the statute, or the provision may simply be ambiguous in its effect. In such situations, the golden
    rule operates to ensure that preference is given to the meaning that does not result in the provision being an absurdity.
    Thus in Adler v George (1964) the defendant was found guilty, under the Offi cial Secrets Act 1920, with obstruction
    ‘in the vicinity’ of a prohibited area, although she had actually carried out the obstruction ‘inside’ the area.
    (b) The purposive approach
    The purposive approach rejects the limitation of the judges’ search for meaning to a literal construction of the words of
    legislation itself. It suggests that the interpretative role of the judge should include, where necessary, the power to look beyond
    the words of statute in pursuit of the reason for its enactment, and that meaning should be construed in the light of that purpose
    and so as to give it effect. This purposive approach is typical of civil law systems. In these jurisdictions, legislation tends to set
    out general principles and leaves the fi ne details to be fi lled in later by the judges who are expected to make decisions in the
    furtherance of those general principles.
    European Community (EC) legislation tends to be drafted in the continental manner. Its detailed effect, therefore, can only be
    determined on the basis of a purposive approach to its interpretation. This requirement, however, runs counter to the literal
    approach that is the dominant approach in the English system. The need to interpret such legislation, however, has forced
    a change in that approach in relation to Community legislation and even with respect to domestic legislation designed to
    implement Community legislation. Thus, in Pickstone v Freemans plc (1988), the House of Lords held that it was permissible,
    and indeed necessary, for the court to read words into inadequate domestic legislation in order to give effect to Community
    law in relation to provisions relating to equal pay for work of equal value. (For a similar approach, see also the House of Lords’
    decision in Litster v Forth Dry Dock (1989) and the decision in Three Rivers DC v Bank of England (No 2) (1996).) However,
    it has to recognise that the purposive rule is not particularly modern and has its precursor in a long established rule of statutory
    interpretation, namely the mischief rule.

    The mischief rule
    This rule permits the court to go behind the actual wording of a statute in order to consider the problem that the statute is
    supposed to remedy.
    In its traditional expression it is limited by being restricted to using previous common law rules in order to decide the operation
    of contemporary legislation. Thus in Heydon’s case (1584) it was stated that in making use of the mischief rule the court
    should consider what the mischief in the law was which the common law did not adequately deal with and which statute law
    had intervened to remedy. Use of the mischief rule may be seen in Corkery v Carpenter (1950), in which a man was found
    guilty of being drunk in charge of a carriage although he was in fact only in charge of a bicycle.

  • 第12题:

    (b) (i) Explain the matters you should consider to determine whether capitalised development costs are

    appropriately recognised; and (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    (b) (i) Materiality
    The net book value of capitalised development costs represent 7% of total assets in 2007 (2006 – 7·7%), and is
    therefore material. The net book value has increased by 13%, a significant trend.
    The costs capitalised during the year amount to $750,000. If it was found that the development cost had been
    inappropriately capitalised, the cost should instead have been expensed. This would reduce profit before tax by
    $750,000, representing 42% of the year’s profit. This is highly material. It is therefore essential to gather sufficient
    evidence to support the assertion that development costs should be recognised as an asset.
    In 2007, $750,000 capitalised development costs have been incurred, when added to $160,000 research costs
    expensed, total research and development costs are $910,000 which represents 20·2% of total revenue, again
    indicating a high level of materiality for this class of transaction.
    Relevant accounting standard
    Development costs should only be capitalised as an intangible asset if the recognition criteria of IAS 38 Intangible Assets
    have been demonstrated in full:
    – Intention to complete the intangible asset and use or sell it
    – Technical feasibility and ability to use or sell
    – Ability to generate future economic benefit
    – Availability of technical, financial and other resources to complete
    – Ability to measure the expenditure attributable to the intangible asset.
    Research costs must be expensed, as should development costs which do not comply with the above criteria. The
    auditors must consider how Sci-Tech Co differentiates between research and development costs.
    There is risk that not all of the criteria have been demonstrated, especially due to the subjective nature of the
    development itself:
    – Pharmaceutical development is highly regulated. If the government does not license the product then the product
    cannot be sold, and economic benefits will therefore not be received.
    – Market research should justify the commercial viability of the product. The launch of a rival product to Flortex
    means that market share is likely to be much lower than anticipated, and the ability to sell Flortex is reduced. This
    could mean that Flortex will not generate an overall economic benefit if future sales will not recover the research
    and development costs already suffered, and yet to be suffered, prior to launch. The existence of the rival product
    could indicate that Flortex is no longer commercially viable, in which case the capitalised development costs
    relating to Flortex should be immediately expensed.
    – The funding on which development is dependent may be withdrawn, indicating that there are not adequate
    resources to complete the development of the products. Sci-Tech has failed to meet one of its required key
    performance indicators (KPI) in the year ended 30 November 2007, as products valued at 0·8% revenue have
    been donated to charity, whereas the required KPI is 1% revenue.
    Given that there is currently a breach of the target KPIs, this is likely to result in funding equivalent to 25% of
    research and development expenditure being withdrawn. If Sci-Tech Co is unable to source alternative means of
    finance, then it would seem that adequate resources may not be available to complete the development of new
    products.

  • 第13题:

    6 The accountant communicates information to others in reports and statements. Understanding the nature and

    importance of communication is therefore an important part of the accountant’s role.

    Required:

    (a) Explain the importance of good communication. (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    6 Overview:
    The need for clear and concise communication and the consequences of poor communication must be understood by a profession
    which exists to provide information to others. Poor communication leads to ineffective control, poor co-ordination and management
    failure.
    Part (a):
    Good communication ensures that individuals know what is expected of them. Co-ordination takes place within the organisation
    and there is control of the organisation’s plans, procedures and staff. Instructions of management need to be clearly understood in
    assisting group and team cohesiveness and reducing stress from misunderstood instructions. Bias, distortion and omission is
    removed with clear communication, as is secrecy, innuendo and rumour. Good communication ensures that the right information
    is received by the correct person and thus acted upon, reducing conflict within and between different parts of the organisation.

  • 第14题:

    (c) To correct the problems at Flavours Fine Foods, explain to Alan Jones:

    (i) the need for delegation; (3 marks)


    正确答案:
    (c) (i) Without delegation, formal organisations could not exist. Without allocation of authority, responsibility and delegation, a formal organisation cannot be effective. They are critical aspects. Managers must delegate because of the size and complexity of the organisation (certainly an issue for Flavours Fine Foods). Delegation can help overcome the physical and mental limitations of staff, managers and supervisors and it allows management to attend to other matters since routine tasks and decision making can be passed down. However, superiors must call subordinates to account and coordinate their activities.

  • 第15题:

    (b) Explain Mintzberg’s five organisational components. (10 marks)


    正确答案:
    (b) The strategic apex is the highest level of the organisation and is therefore the highest level of management. This part ensures that the organisation’s mission is followed and manages the relationship with the environment.
    The operating core is the part that represents the productive activity of the organisation, gathering inputs and, through conversion, turns them into outputs.
    The middle line represents that part of the organisation where the middle managers operate. The role of this part is to turn the instructions of the strategic apex into activities for the operating core.
    The technostructure includes the staff who provide a technical or supportive activity but which are not a part of the core activities. This part of the organisation includes the engineering, accounting and human resource departments.
    The support staff carry out the ancillary activities that are neither part of the core nor the technostructure. Support staff have no role in the direct activities of the organisation: these activities include catering and public relations.(Students may draw the appropriate diagram)

  • 第16题:

    4 All organisations require trained employees. However, training can take many forms, some of which are internal to the organisation.

    Required:

    Explain what is meant by the terms:

    (a) Computer based training. (3 marks)


    正确答案:
    4 All organisations need appropriately trained employees. Due to the nature of modern business, especially the professions, much of this training is internal and often on a one to one basis. Accountants as managers should therefore be able to understand the different approaches to training and which of them is the most appropriate and cost effective for the training requirements of the organisation.
    (a) Computer based training can be inexpensive and is based upon user friendly interactive computer programs designed to enable trainees to train on their own and at their own pace.

  • 第17题:

    (b) How can Maslow’s theory be applied to the motivation of staff? (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    (b) This theory is based on the idea that the goals of the individual and the organisation can be integrated and that personal satisfaction can be achieved through the workplace. It also assumes that individuals will achieve self-actualisation through their role in assisting the organisation to achieve its objectives. It follows therefore that work is the principal source of satisfaction.
    The theory’s practical application is that managers should recognise that subordinates’ needs are always evolving and increasing, so continued attention to increasing the employees’ personal development, opportunities for advancement and recognition of achievement are essential to keep them motivated.

  • 第18题:

    5 All managers need to understand the importance of motivation in the workplace.

    Required:

    (a) Explain the ‘content theory’ of motivation. (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    5 The way in which managers treat their employees can significantly influence the satisfaction that the employees derive from their work and thus the overall success of the organisation. Understanding the importance of motivation is therefore an important management skill.
    (a) Content theories address the question ‘What are the things that motivate people?’
    Content theories are also called need theories (because they concentrate on the needs fulfilled by work) and are based on the notion that all human beings have a set of needs or required outcomes, and according to this theory, these needs can be satisfied through work. The theory focuses on what arouses, maintains and regulates good, directed behaviour and what specific individual forces motivate people. However, content theories assume that everyone responds to motivating factors in the same way and that consequently there is one, best way to motivate everybody.

  • 第19题:

    Churchill Ice Cream has to date made two unsuccessful attempts to become an international company.

    (d) What reasons would you suggest to explain this failure of Churchill Ice Cream to become an international

    company? (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    (d) The two international strategies pursued to date are through organic growth (the stores in North America) and acquisition (the
    companies in Germany and Italy). Neither seems to have worked. Here there seem to be some contradictions while global
    tastes and lifestyles are argued to have developed – convergence of consumer tastes lies at the heart of this – but this does
    not seem to have benefited Churchill. One questions the learning that these two unfortunate experiences have created. Of the
    three core methods of achieving growth, namely organic, acquisition and joint venture, only joint venture remains to be tried.
    The reasons for the international failures are clearly complex but one could argue that the strategy has been curiously na?ve.
    Certainly, it has pursued a high-risk strategy. Exporting, perhaps through identifying a suitable partner, might create the
    learning to lead to a more significant market entry. There is a need to understand local tastes; indeed the whole of the
    marketing mix in the chosen market(s), and decide on appropriate strategy. A strategy based upon the acquisition of
    companies and their consequent development represents a large investment of capital and requires considerable managerial
    attention and expertise. Equally, the attempt to use the Churchill domestic format of opening its own stores creates both a
    major financial commitment and the need to manage a radically different operation. One must seriously question whether
    Churchill has these capabilities within a family-owned business. Clearly there are differences between the ice cream markets
    in various countries, though the emergence of global brands suggests some convergence of tastes. Such differences reflect
    differing cultures, tastes and competitive behaviour in each country. The lesson from Churchill’s international initiatives is that
    national differences need to be carefully understood. There is little evidence that Churchill has understood these differencesor indeed learnt from them.

  • 第20题:

    (c) Explain what ‘fiduciary responsibility’ means and construct the case for broadening the football club board’s

    fiduciary responsibility in this case. (7 marks)


    正确答案:
    (c) Fiduciary responsibility
    Definition of ‘fiduciary responsibility’
    A fiduciary responsibility is a duty of trust and care towards one or more constituencies. It describes direction of accountability
    in that one party has a fiduciary duty to another. In terms of the case, the question refers to whose interests the directors of
    the football club should act in. Traditionally, the fiduciary duty of directors in public companies is to act in the economic
    interests of shareholders who invest in the company but are unable to manage the company directly. The case raises a number
    of issues concerning broadening the fiduciary duties of the directors of the football club with regard to the building of the new
    stadium, to other stakeholder groups.
    The case for extending fiduciary responsibility
    Although the primary fiduciary duty of directors in large public companies will be to shareholders, directors in businesses such
    as the football club described in the case may have good reason to broaden their views on fiduciary responsibility. This would
    involve taking into account, and acting in the interests of, the local wildlife centre, the residents, the school, the local
    government authority and the fans. The stakeholders in the case are not in agreement on the outcome for the new stadium
    and the club will need to privilege some stakeholders over others, which is a common situation whenever a proposal involving
    multiple impacts is considered. The specific arguments for broadening the fiduciary duties in this case include the following:
    Such an acceptance of claims made on the football club would clearly demonstrate that the club values the community of
    which it considers itself a part.
    It would help to maintain and manage its local reputation, which is important in progressing the stadium project.
    To broaden the fiduciary responsibility in this case would be to an important part of the risk management strategy, especially
    with regard to risks that could arise from the actions of local stakeholders.
    It could be argued that there is a moral case for all organisations to include other stakeholders’ claims in their strategies as it
    enfranchises and captures the views of those affected by an organisation’s policies and actions.

  • 第21题:

    (b) (i) Explain how the use of Ansoff’s product-market matrix might assist the management of Vision plc to

    reduce the profit-gap that is forecast to exist at 30 November 2009. (3 marks)


    正确答案:

  • 第22题:

    4 (a) Explain the auditor’s responsibilities for other information in documents containing audited financial

    statements. (5 marks)


    正确答案:
    4 HEGAS
    (a) Auditor’s responsibilities for ‘other information’
    ■ The auditor has a professional responsibility to read other information to identify material inconsistencies with the
    audited financial statements (ISA 720 ‘Other Information in Documents Containing Audited Financial Statements’).
    ■ A ‘material inconsistency’ arises when other information contradicts that which is contained in the audited financial
    statements. It may give rise to doubts about:
    – the auditor’s conclusions drawn from audit evidence; and
    – the basis for the auditor’s opinion on the financial statements.
    ■ In certain circumstances, the auditor may have a statutory obligation (under national legislation) to report on other
    information (e.g. Management Report).
    ■ Even where there is no such obligation (e.g. chairman’s statement), the auditor should consider it, as the credibility of
    the financial statements may be undermined by any inconsistency.
    ■ The auditor must arrange to have access to the other information on a timely basis prior to dating the auditor’s report.
    Material inconsistency
    ■ If a material inconsistency is identified, the auditor should determine whether it is the audited financial statements or
    the other information which needs amending.
    ■ If an amendment to the audited financial statements is required but not made, there will be disagreement, resulting in
    the expression of a qualified or adverse opinion. (Such a situation would be extremely rare.)
    ■ Where an amendment to other information is necessary, but refused, the auditor’s report may include an emphasis of
    matter paragraph (since the audit opinion cannot be other than unqualified with respect to this matter).
    Material misstatement of fact
    ■ A material misstatement of fact in other information exists when information which is not related to matters appearing
    in the audited financial statements is incorrectly stated or presented in a misleading manner.
    ■ If management do not act on advice to correct a material misstatement the auditors should document their concerns to
    those charged with corporate governance and obtain legal advice.
    Tutorial note: Marks would be awarded here for the implications for the auditor’s report. However, such marks, which are
    for the restatement of knowledge would NOT be awarded again if repeated in answers to (b).

  • 第23题:

    (b) As a newly-qualified Chartered Certified Accountant, you have been asked to write an ‘ethics column’ for a trainee

    accountant magazine. In particular, you have been asked to draft guidance on the following questions addressed

    to the magazine’s helpline:

    (i) What gifts or hospitality are acceptable and when do they become an inducement? (5 marks)

    Required:

    For each of the three questions, explain the threats to objectivity that may arise and the safeguards that

    should be available to manage them to an acceptable level.

    NOTE: The mark allocation is shown against each of the three questions above.


    正确答案:
    (b) Draft guidance
    (i) Gifts and hospitality
    Gifts and hospitality may be offered as an inducement i.e. to unduly influence actions or decisions, encourage illegal or
    dishonest behaviour or to obtain confidential information. An offer of gifts and/or hospitality from a client ordinarily gives
    rise to threats to compliance with the fundamental principles, for example:
    ■ self-interest threats to objectivity and/or confidentiality may be created if a gift from a client is accepted;
    ■ intimidation threats to objectivity and/or confidentiality may arise through the possibility of such offers being made
    public and damaging the reputation of the professional accountant (or close family member).
    The significance of such threats will depend on the nature, value and intent behind the offer. There may be no significant
    threat to compliance with the fundamental principles if a reasonable and informed third party would consider gifts and
    hospitality to be clearly insignificant. For example, if the offer of gifts or hospitality is made in the normal course of
    business without the specific intent to influence decision making or to obtain information.
    If evaluated threats are other than clearly insignificant, safeguards should be considered and applied as necessary to
    eliminate them or reduce them to an acceptable level.
    Offers of gifts and hospitality should not be accepted if the threats cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable
    level through the application of safeguards.
    As the real or apparent threats to compliance with the fundamental principles do not merely arise from acceptance of
    an inducement but, sometimes, merely from the fact of the offer having been made, additional safeguards should be
    adopted. For example:
    ■ immediately informing higher levels of management or those charged with governance that an inducement has
    been offered;
    ■ informing third parties (e.g. a professional body) of the offer (after seeking legal advice);
    ■ advising immediate or close family members of relevant threats and safeguards where they are potentially in
    positions that might result in offers of inducements (e.g. as a result of their employment situation); and
    ■ informing higher levels of management or those charged with governance where immediate or close family
    members are employed by competitors or potential suppliers of that organisation.