Masters of the universe Essay Example for Free

Masters of the universe Essay 1.Statement of the problem The issue in the formation of Jupiter is how each company will treat their investment in the company. This paper will perform a consolidation analysis that follows the guidelines of the VIE model laid out in ASC 810-10. I will determine whether Jupiter is a Variable Interest Entity and who is the primary beneficiary. 2.Relevant Facts †¢Saturn and Venus, two unrelated parties, formed Jupiter, a joint venture †¢Saturn owns 51% and Venus owns 49%, contributing $561 and $539 (of manufacturing facilities) million respectively †¢The purpose of Jupiter is to own and operate organic clothing design and manufacturing facilities to sell organic clothing to unrelated retailers †¢Both companies received equity and debt securities for Jupiter †¢Board is split between Saturn and Venus (4 and 4) †¢Both companies can nominate individuals for CEO †¢Actions that can be passed with simple majority vote: appointment and removal of CEO, decisions for capital call contributions, admission of new joint venture members, and mergers and acquisitions †¢Saturn controls design, manufacturing, pricing and sales of the clothing †¢Venus controls all decisions regarding distributing clothing in fulfillment of sales negotiated by Saturn †¢Profits and losses are split by ownership percentage †¢Saturn and Venus are not related parties 3.Suggested Solution For the consolidation analysis of Jupiter, we will need to consider statements issued in regards to consolidations, Variable Interest Entities, and Joint Arrangements. The codification provides us first with guidance in Section 810-10 for identifying Variable Interest Entities. The formation is a VIE because it has 1 of the characters described in section 810-10-15-14.  The first of these is if the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the legal entity to finance its activities without additional subordinate financial support. Part 1 of the section describes this as entities significantly sharing in profits and losses such as in the creation of Jupiter. The agreement would not apply to the second subsection because they have voting rights, absorb losses and benefit from gains. Lastly the agreement would not apply to section 3 because both Saturn and Venus have voting rights proportionate to their obligations. Thus the formation created Jupiter, a Variable Inte rest Entity, and established Saturn and Venus as Variable Interest holders since they share in the obligation and benefits of the returns. In determining the primary beneficiary we turn to FIN 167, which was released in the Accounting Standards Update 2009-17 to update the previous guidance provided in FIN 46(R). The previous guidance was updated to include the concept of power when determining the primary beneficiary. Initially, the absorption of losses and benefit in gains was sufficient. Using this updated guidance we determine whether Saturn or Venus is a primary beneficiary. Statement 167 provides two characteristics they must possess. The first of these is the power to direct activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entities economic performance. In the case of shared power, there would be no primary beneficiary. The two parties do share power to direct activities; however, since Saturn has the ability to appoint of remove the CEO, make calls for capital contributions, admission of new joint members, and mergers and acquisitions with a majority vote I would argue that they have t he ability to direct activities that most significantly affect the financial performance of Jupiter. Because of this power, Saturn would be determined to have power. The second characteristic of a primary beneficiary is the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially be significant or to the right to receive benefits that could be significant. Given the 51% interest in the profits and losses of Jupiter, and the initial investment of over $500 million Saturn has potential significant gains or losses. Both Saturn and Venus have an obligation to absorb gains and losses; however, only Saturn has the power to control the activities that significantly impact the entity’s financial performance and as a result is the primary beneficiary. Saturn needs to  consolidate Jupiter into its financial statements. 4.Other Possibilities Following the guidance from Statement 167 can also lead to a different answer regarding the determination of a primary beneficiary. The paragraph regarding shared power allows no recognition of a primary beneficiary if the power to direct activities actually is shared. One could argue that this is the case in the formation of Jupiter since Venus controls all the decisions regarding distributing clothing in fulfillment of sales. This is a significant amount of power that could significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. This power would still be in effect regardless of the majority vote decisions. In the instance of shared power, no primary beneficiary has to be determined and Saturn would not consolidate Jupiter. Instead, according to section 810-10-50 Jupiter would be disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. Since few people look through disclosures and even fewer understand them, this method would allow the company to shield this entity from investors. 5.Discussion Although either method mentioned above could be supported, I believe it makes more sense for Saturn to consolidate. Its powers as a majority-voting shareholder to decide on the appointment of CEOs make capital contribution calls, admit new members, and conduct merger and acquisition activities are extremely important. Although Venus has the power over distribution decisions, they are still affected by the decisions over which it has no control. Looking at this transaction in terms of substance, it appears that Saturn has included these terms to guarantee their control over the Variable Interest Entity. In conclusion, I believe that Saturn should consolidate Jupiter into its financial information into their overall financial statements.

Billy Budd Essay example -- essays papers

Billy Budd Herman Melville’s Billy Budd, Sailor is evidently an extremely divisive text when one considers the amount of dissension and disagreement it has generated critically. The criticism has essentially focused around what could be called the dichotomy of acceptance vs. resistance. On the one hand we can read the story as accepting the slaughter of Billy Budd as the necessary ends of justice. We can read Vere’s condemnation as a necessary military action performed in the name of preserving the political order on board the Bellipotent. On the other hand, we can read the story ironically as a Melvillian doctrine of resistance. Supporters on this pole of the debate argue that Billy Budd’s execution is the greatest example of injustice. They argue that the execution is a testament of denunciation, deploring the shallow political order of a paranoid military regime. I do not wish to argue either side of this debate. I have pointed it out to illustrate that Billy Bud d, Sailor is a text about principles of right conduct, or at least this view is held by critics. Is Vere’s conduct right or wrong? This is the basic question at stake. In this sense it is a text about moral values and ethical conduct. However, considering that Billy Budd, Sailor is an ethical text, what I find most curious about it is the mysterious absence of the emotion guilt. Here we have a story about two murders. Billy obviously kills Claggart and Vere (Although it is indirect, ultimately the decision is his) kills Budd. Neither of these murderers shows the emotion of guilt in the form of remorse. For a narrative which tries so hard to situate the reader in an ethical and moral position of choosing interpretations, isn’t it somewhat ironic that the cha... ...g or resisting an ethical dilemma is perhaps a moot point. The ethical thrust of the story could possibly be to indict mans insatiable need to punish and requite injuries through erroneous means. As Nietzche seems to think, "we may unhesitatingly assert that it was precisely through punishment that the development of the feeling of guilt was most powerfully hindered." If we conceive of the text of Billy Budd, Sailor as situating the reader for an alignment with this viewpoint, then perhaps the reader "gags" at the death of Billy Budd not for the seemingly unfair and unjust killing of a sympathetic character, but instead for its illustration of a social system inherently disjointed at its foundation; one which doesn’t make sense considering human nature, but one which is so inextricably linked to society that it is doubtful that it could ever, or will ever, be changed. Billy Budd Essay example -- essays papers Billy Budd Herman Melville’s Billy Budd, Sailor is evidently an extremely divisive text when one considers the amount of dissension and disagreement it has generated critically. The criticism has essentially focused around what could be called the dichotomy of acceptance vs. resistance. On the one hand we can read the story as accepting the slaughter of Billy Budd as the necessary ends of justice. We can read Vere’s condemnation as a necessary military action performed in the name of preserving the political order on board the Bellipotent. On the other hand, we can read the story ironically as a Melvillian doctrine of resistance. Supporters on this pole of the debate argue that Billy Budd’s execution is the greatest example of injustice. They argue that the execution is a testament of denunciation, deploring the shallow political order of a paranoid military regime. I do not wish to argue either side of this debate. I have pointed it out to illustrate that Billy Bud d, Sailor is a text about principles of right conduct, or at least this view is held by critics. Is Vere’s conduct right or wrong? This is the basic question at stake. In this sense it is a text about moral values and ethical conduct. However, considering that Billy Budd, Sailor is an ethical text, what I find most curious about it is the mysterious absence of the emotion guilt. Here we have a story about two murders. Billy obviously kills Claggart and Vere (Although it is indirect, ultimately the decision is his) kills Budd. Neither of these murderers shows the emotion of guilt in the form of remorse. For a narrative which tries so hard to situate the reader in an ethical and moral position of choosing interpretations, isn’t it somewhat ironic that the cha... ...g or resisting an ethical dilemma is perhaps a moot point. The ethical thrust of the story could possibly be to indict mans insatiable need to punish and requite injuries through erroneous means. As Nietzche seems to think, "we may unhesitatingly assert that it was precisely through punishment that the development of the feeling of guilt was most powerfully hindered." If we conceive of the text of Billy Budd, Sailor as situating the reader for an alignment with this viewpoint, then perhaps the reader "gags" at the death of Billy Budd not for the seemingly unfair and unjust killing of a sympathetic character, but instead for its illustration of a social system inherently disjointed at its foundation; one which doesn’t make sense considering human nature, but one which is so inextricably linked to society that it is doubtful that it could ever, or will ever, be changed.

Cloud computing Essay

1. How does Salesforce.com use cloud computing? Salesforce.com provides customer relationship management and other software applications using the software-as-a-service business model over the Internet. Cloud computing, also known as on-demand computing, eliminates the need for a business to make large up-front hardware and software investments and reduces the time to implement new programs. Subscribers to Salesforce.com don’t have to purchase or maintain any hardware (albeit personal computing devices) nor do they have to install any special operating systems, database servers, or application servers. Other than the monthly user subscription fee, businesses reduce their licensing and maintenance fees. Users access the Salesforce.com cloud through a standard Web browser or a mobile handheld device. Businesses using the Salesforce.com’s cloud have an easier time scaling their system as they increase or decrease their workforce – they adjust the number of subscriptions to the cloud. Salesforce.com offers some customization of its software so a business can adjust the software to unique business processes. It offers three types of clouds: Sales cloud, service cloud, and the custom cloud. The sales and service clouds help businesses improve sales and customer service. The custom cloud provides a venue for customers to develop their own applications for use within the broader Salesforce network. 2. What are some of the challenges facing Salesforce as it continues its growth? How well will it be able to meet those challenges? Salesforce.com faces the challenge of increased competition from traditional software methods and new services from current companies that try to replicate Salesforce.com’s business model. It also faces the challenge of expanding its services into other areas that allow business users to complete more necessary tasks. It is uncertain whether Salesforce.com will be able to meet the challenges. By implementing new, beneficial services that other CRM products do not offer, Salesforce.com can overcome the competition from leading service providers. Because Salesforce.com is partnered with Google, the implementation of new services, such as Gmail, Google Docs, Google Talk, and Google Calendar will be easy and cost-effective. 3. What kinds of businesses could benefit from switching to Salesforce and why? Agricultural, construction, manufacturing, retail, information, and real estate businesses could all benefit from switching to Salesforce. Each of these business types requires a method for keeping records of sales and handling sales information. All of the sales information could be stored in one place, Salesforce.com, and be managed by any authorized business employee. 4. What factors would you take into account in deciding whether to use Salesforce.com for your business? I would mainly consider the fact that â€Å"renting† the use of software, rather than purchasing a tangible copy, would save my business a significant amount of funds. The installation of software and the installation/configuration of hardware would be unnecessary, which would also decrease the amount of time to implement the software into the business. With Salesforce.com, the implementation time can be as little as a few days, unlike purchasing a copy of the product, which can take months. I would also consider the possibility of service outages and whether they would drastically affect the performance of my business. 5. Could a company run its entire business using Salesforce.com and App Exchange? Explain your answer. A company could run its entire business using the combination of Salesforce.com and App Exchange. Salesforce.com supports applications or add-ons that are capable of the following functions: Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing, Finance and Administration, Human Resources. The latter functions are the necessities to run a business. App Exchange also allows functions like IT Management and Partner Relationship Management. These functions add to the list of services that are necessary or beneficial to running a business

Pros and Cons of MBA Dual Degree Programs

A dual degree program, also known as a double degree program, is a type of academic program that allows you to earn two different degrees. MBA dual degree programs result in a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and another type of degree. For example, JD/MBA degree programs result in a Juris Doctor (JD) and an MBA degree, and MD/MBA programs result in Doctor of Medicine (MD) and an MBA degree. In this article, well take a look at a few more examples of MBA dual degree programs and then explore the pros and cons of earning an MBA dual degree. Examples of MBA Dual Degree Programs JD/MBA and MD/MBA degree programs are popular options for MBA candidates who want to earn two different degrees, but there are many other types of dual MBA degrees. Some other examples include: MBA and Master of Science in Urban PlanningMBA and Master of Science in Engineering (MSE)MBA and Master of International Affairs (MIA)MBA and Master of Science in JournalismMBA and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)MBA and Master of Public Health (MPH)MBA and Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)MBA and Master of Science in Social WorkMBA and Master of Arts in EducationMBA and Master of Science in Data Science Although the above degree programs are examples of programs that award two graduate-level degrees, there are some schools that allow you to earn an MBA in conjunction with an undergraduate degree. For example, Rutgers School of Business has a BS/MBA dual degree program that awards an MBA in conjunction with a Bachelor of Science in accounting, finance, marketing, or management. Pros of MBA Dual Degree Programs There are many pros of an MBA dual degree program. Some of the advantages include: Flexibility: If you have academic or career goals that involve multiple disciplines or require multiple areas of expertise, an MBA dual degree program can help you maximize your graduate education and gain the knowledge and skills you need to achieve your goals. For example if you want to practice law at someone elses firm, you probably don’t need an MBA dual degree, but if you want to open your own law firm, work with mergers and acquisitions, or specialize in contract negotiations, an MBA degree can give you an edge over other people in your field.Career Advancement: An MBA dual degree could fast-track your career and make you eligible for promotions that might take longer to get or not be available without an MBA. For example, an MD may be perfectly suited to work on the clinical side of a primary care practice but may not have the business skills needed to run a primary care office or work in a non-clinical administrative position. With hospital administrators earning more on average than the doctors who work for the hospital and the need for healthcare reform on the rise, an MBA could be a valuable asset for physicians.Savings: An MBA dual degree program could save you time (and maybe even money). When you earn dual degrees, you could spend less time in school than you would if you earned the degrees separately. For example, it will take you four years to complete a traditional bachelors degree program and another two years to earn a masters degree. A BS/MBA program, one the other hand, could be completed in just five years. Cons of MBA Dual Degree Programs Although there are many pros of MBA dual degrees, there are cons that you should consider before applying to a program. Some of the drawbacks include: Time commitment: Earning two different degrees means you will have to spend more time in school than you would if you were earning just one degree. For example, most full-time MBA programs take two years to complete. If you are earning a JD/MBA, you will need to spend at least three years in school (in an accelerated program) or four to five years in school in a traditional JD/MBA program. This could mean taking more time off work, more time away from family, or putting other life plans on hold.Financial commitment: A graduate-level education isn’t cheap. Top MBA programs are notoriously expensive, and earning an MBA dual degree is even more expensive. Tuition varies from school to school, but you could end up spending $50,000 to $100,000 per year on tuition and fees.Return on Investment: Although an MBA education can be helpful for professionals who are opening their own business or working in a management or leadership capacity, there isnt any job that officially requires an MBA dual degree. For example, you dont need an MBA to practice law, medicine, or dentistry, and an MBA is not a requirement in other professions like engineering, social work, etc. If an MBA isnt essential (or valuable) to your career path, it may not be worth the time or financial investment.