Accounting and Finance Degree Reflection

Accounting and Finance Degree Reflection Accounting has always been an interest of mine. Since I was a child, I have always been good in calculation, which makes it clearer that accountancy would be a good choice. After years of studying it, I realised accounting is not only about numbers but theory that require various skills in order to perform a good accounting. The increase number of students in the accounting field has made employment extremely competitive. Major findings suggest that, employers require a broad range of generic and professional skills in graduates to add value to business. In the past, generic skills was broad in that it was usually associated with those skills developed outside the technical curriculum. More recently the scope of the term generic skills has extended to emphasize relevance to graduate outcomes in terms of the world of work and, more specifically, employability (Barrie, 2004). The mixture of skills is necessary by the employers as it helps them solve the diversity of business challenges . Generic and professional skills that employers require The embedding of generic and professional skills in higher education curriculum has been of interest for many years. Skills are important for life-long learning and employability. B. Jackling and P. De Lange (2009) suggested that the skills most desired by employers include communication skills, analytical skills and team skills. Communication skill is particularly essential to accounting profession for which interaction between the providers and the recipients of information. For accounting it is important to starts with gathering and processing of information and end with communication of processed information. Previous research shows that accounting graduates experience communication problem in early employment (McLaren, 1990: Pattern and Williams, 1990). Despite that accounting curriculum has positively contributed to the development of written communication skills (Zaid, O. and Abraham, A. 1994) Analytical skills is relating to using analysis or logical reasoning to solve a problem. It is the ability to visualize and solve complicated problems while making accurate and informed decision. Employers are looking for people that are able to think critically and its consequence. For example, one could be good at spread sheets, can manipulate data effectively but they arent good at figuring out whether the information is reasonable or realistic (Ballantine, J. A. Larres, D. M. 2004). There are an increasing number of companies that want employees to work in a collaborative environment in order to respond quickly in an environment with intense complexity. Avery (2001) proposes teamwork as and individual skills, meaning each individual in a team must take responsibility for the process necessary to accomplish a similar goal. Teamwork is used a lot in the field of accounting such as complete tasks, evaluate clients and report and analyse financial statements. Learning outcomes that are relevant to achieving these skills The degree that Im currently pursuing is Accounting and Finance. The module chosen from this course is Financial Accounting and Reporting (U50035), delivered in semester two of the 2011-2012 academic year, and Financial Accounting Theory (U50081), delivered in semester one of the 2012-2013 academic year. As a credit entry student, I took a module in year one similar to Introduction to Accounting delivered in semester one 2010-2011 academic year. The learning outcomes from the modules in the area of financial accounting were designed to provide students with opportunities to build their employability profile alongside developing their knowledge. The modules were designed to encourage students to build their skill base as part of their way to higher level of intellectual development. In my second year I did Financial Accounting and Reporting module. Throughout this module, I manage to develop some skills and achieve some learning outcomes. For instance outline the regulatory framework for financial reporting which applies to UK and international companies and also using financial and other reports to appraise the performance, financial situation and cash position of companies. We were given two coursework assignments: one individual and one group. The individual coursework is regarding IAS 19, Employee Benefits that has been amended. At a glance, the coursework is intimidating because there are substantial amount of research and reading. They reduced my motivation. However, as I started to read, common key term such as International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), defined benefits, termination benefits, service cost, net interest, re-measurements tend to appear in most of the articles. The skimming phase confirmed that my initial problems came from jargons and new terms about the IAS 19. It taught me to use critical and analytical skill in order to find key words and phrases, which help me to read long articles. The second assignment of this module is to do a group presentation on the financial performance, financial situation and cash position of Good Energy Group plc. Further, I have improved my presentation and writing skill because this coursework is presented in a professional report with graphs and financial data. We have limited time to carry out research and we were worn off by the intensive lectures. This is where I found out how time management and teamwork skills play as important elements for success. We distributed the workload among ourselves and set a time frame for completion. Group members were to adhere to the time frame stipulated. This is how we manage to complete a simple presentation, with many hidden hard work behind our success. Currently Im doing Financial Accounting Theory module. There are several learning outcomes from this module one of it is to understand the function and operation of Accounting in a range of contexts, informed by current thinking and research in the discipline. We were given homework almost every time after a seminar. In week 4 we were asked to read a few articles regarding revisiting the conceptual framework. This article refers that the framework needs updating and refining, the inconsistencies need to be eliminated because framework being less helpful in providing guidance for standard setting decisions. During the seminar in week 5, we then discussed our findings in a small group of three. Through this Ive learned a lot more than self-reading, the interaction has definitely improved my communication skills. One strategy describes by Cunningham (1998) to develop creative and critical thinking skills in students are by analysing real life case studies. During the seminars, students were asked to analyse articles provided by the lecturer. Learning outcome such as able to demonstrate the use of current accepted technical language of accounting and accounting practices internationally is achieved. A constructive feedback is given on the spot after a question is raised. This will assists students to develop a questioning attitude as well as able to update their knowledge. Introduction to Accounting is a first year compulsory module, which introduces student to certain principles and techniques of accounting. The module will be concerned with the processes used to record, summarize and present accounting data. The objective of this part of the module is to enable students to prepare company financial statements. Learning outcome after having completed this module is the ability to prepare a set of financial statements for a company from a trial balance and incorporating a variety of simple adjustments. For example when learning how to produce a financial statement, it requires technical and theoretical knowledge once I discovered how to present the information, thats when I develop non-verbal communication skills (Ballantine, J. A. Larres, D. M. 2004). When I started my first semester, I find myself struggling for time. My lifestyle has become chaotic, as I have to juggle between school, work and family. I felt tired everyday and have no motivation to complete my tasks. This is mainly due to my poor time management. As part of the module, an educational talk from one of the accounting firm, Ernst and Young has made me realize that many things could be achieved with proper time management. A person that works at least 12 hours a day still find himself some time spend with family and for his favourite sports. Conclusion This reflective statement is a learning tool, which will help students better understand, learn and reflect on issues covered in the entire course and in other relevant areas. I believe that a strong academic background is a fundamental issue for student but might not be enough in indicating whether or not a student will be successful in a particular work environment. Throughout this course I personally think that the modules I have taken have been benefiting me in terms of the aspects in which I have learned. It is designed to encourage communication skill, teamwork, critical thinking and analytical skill. This is what employers seek for in a potential candidate. Researching on coursework have opened my eyes and made me aware of any jargons that come across during reading. In the final (third) year, I feel as if I have a great deal of knowledge of the information that I looked at for these modules. The use of case studies, group-based learning, and task designed to address communica tion and presentation skills are suitable for developing appropriate competencies in accounting graduates for future employment.

The Explication Of Lawrence Ferlinghettis English Language Essay

The Explication Of Lawrence Ferlinghettis English Language Essay A simple glance at this poem is enough to notice Ferlinghettis unique choice in structure. Taking a deeper look, there are several elements which help showcase the message using the principles of form. The staggered format and artful spacing seems to support the subject matter of harmony by adding a pleasant flow to the poem. A sense of stability is created by the meticulous arrangement; the words on the left-side are well-adjusted with those found on the right. The contrast found between heaven and hell, adds to the concept of balance in the world which brings us back to the thematic statement, there is a pain to match every pleasure. To every light exists a dark. Henceforth, an important element of design, shading. There is an aspect of darkness that underlies the poem with the subtle references to death and starvation. The good is shadowed by the bad. From this, colours such light and dark blues come to mind. The harsher tones such as red are present but not as vibrant; a touch(5) of hell, some people(13) dying . On the subject of death, symbolism of winter and darkness is present, alongside the tragedy that comes with fall. There is also constant reference to life, born, which sprouts greens which are associated with spring and yellows to correlate with the summers. Another element of design is emphasis. The world is a beautiful place to be born into if you dont mindà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ (1-2, 11-12, 19-20) is repeatedly stressed and Name Brand (28) is the only phrase in the poem that is capitalized. These moments of intensity carries us into the next principle which is rhythm. An interesting aspect of the poem is the somewhat zigzag organization of words, where each line alternates sides; this faces an interesting shift from lines 45 to 50 (48) and goosing statues and even thinking and kissing people and The lines descend from right to left, similar to how a flight composed of three stairs would. Seemingly, a measly observation, this occurrence actually adds to the pace of the poem especially when read aloud. The rhythm increases, which culminates a dulcet crescendo from which a momentous feeling of happiness strikes and all of a sudden a line break evokes the reader to step back. The poem ends on an aesthetic note of emphasis as mortician it is abruptly placed in the center. Going further in-depth, there are several components which help showcase the message using principles of style. An eloquent reading by Lawrence Ferlinghetti is not necessary to pick up on the relaxed arrangement of the poem. The reader is introduced to a mellow irregular rhyming scheme. now and then(6) and even in heaven(8) is an example of consonance is complimented through assonance found in the same stanza fine(7) and time(10). The third stanza builds on this concept and does an excellent job of conveying the message through figurative language. into(20) and two(24) keeps the assonance alive, later carried by the rhyming in places(23) and faces(26). Leading us into a cacophony with its men of distinction and men of extinction(29-30) and the rhyming found in segregations(34), investigations(35) as well as constipations(36). Finally tied together with the alliteration used in fool flesh(37). Everything is arranged in a particular cadence that flows in accordance with one another. No netheless, this does not diminish the negativity he depicts in this stanza about the world. The line immediately after reads Yes the world is the best place of all(39) and using juxtaposition the pessimistic theme found in the previous stanza is counteracted. Additionally, to balance the negative the reader is engaged using the five sense looking at everything and smelling flowers [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] and kissing people(46-50). Referencing these powerful emotions experienced through the world helps conceal the bad mentioned earlier. Something as ordinary as wearing pants (50) is made to sound optimistic. Humorous, because looking back at lines 46 to 50, Ferlinghetti writes and even thinking(49) as if it is something people rarely do. This brings us to the cynical undertone and the idea of irony, undoubtedly brought forth in this poem. When he writes that our fool flesh is heir to the alliteration is talking about the vulnerable selves we are bound to become. The irony satire symbolizes winter and is matched perfectly with the darkness evidently found in the text. It is also associated with wisdom as the reader is able to gain a new perspective through the poem. Ferlinghetti repeatedly calls the world a beautiful place but at the same time points out all the things that are wrong with it. Heaven, the finest place of all is not so perfect because even in heaven they dont sing all the time(7-10). A touch of negativity is associated with every positive and vice versa. mortician is proceeded by the word smiling. A paradox, but the choice in placing such a euphonic word next to something as harsh as death further corroborates the concept of good and bad coinciding with one another. Finally, the content of the poem is where concrete meanings and references are found and are used to help support the overall message. Ferlinghetti makes it so that the readers who have difficulty transporting themselves to a higher state of understanding, are able to see the world through a detachment lens. Visually he jumps from the pleasant to the troubling. His intention is for people to gain a heightened perspective. Oh the world is a beautiful place to be born into if you dont much mind a few dead minds in the higher places (29-23) specific connections to politics are evident in these lines. He seems to be referring to the idea that those in higher positions, or those who run society are not necessarily the most qualified to do so. The repetition of if you dont mind plays on the idea of the human condition of what people are willing to deal with. If an individual is okay with some people dying or people starving some of the time then they are okay with living in a world that is unfairly balanced. Furthermore, we are brought to the denotative meanings of improprieties. It refers to the incorrectness or quality or condition of being improper. Our society is specifically referred to as Name Brand(28). This connotes the fact that people conform to the status quo and become prey to; they become targets to these men of power. This is where feminism in the poem can be seen. The people in the authoritative positions are males, from which the idea of an unfavourable balance is derived. Ferlinghetti jumps from these states of darkness to lightness. There is a symbolic reference to summer. in the middle of the summer ( 56) to be precise. It is speaking of the peak of the best time of the year. A time of romance which mythological criticism describes as a happy society that resists change. Summer followed by tragedy, which is related back to fall. Recollecting what was first stated in the previous stanza Yes the world is the best place of all(38) twenty lines later t he idea is affirmed but contrarily states, Yes but then right in the middle of it comes the smiling mortician (59-62). The last lines of the poem tell us that once again the world may be a beautiful place but there will always be darkness that underlies it.

Transformations: The Changes Muslim Women Experience when they are Strong, Smart and Brave :: Arab Muslim Women Essays

Transformations: The Changes Muslim Women Experience when they are Strong, Smart and Brave Works Cited Missing Many stereotypes present in modern day society portray Arab women, or more precisely, Muslim women, as having little to no independence or power. These stereotypes assert that Muslim women are oppressed both physically and psychologically, and that as a result of such outrageous treatment these women are psychologically weak. As with all stereotypes, this is a misconception. Blanket statements announcing one group of people as exhibiting the same characteristics are patently incorrect. The stereotype that Muslim women are all psychologically dependent can never be judged true, because there are always, always, exceptions to such statements. Thanks to the literary talents of three Muslim women authors who demonstrate they are the exception to such a rule, the lives of three powerful and mentally tenacious Muslim women are described in detail and reveal how strong Muslim women, or any woman for that matter can truly be. In Fadia Faqir’s Pillars of Salt the main character experiences a transformation from a dutiful daughter to a strong, liberated woman after the death of her husband. During Leila Al-Atrash’s A Woman of Five Seasons another female protagonist experiences mental rebellion as she copes with conflicting emotions about the man she loves and the man she is supposed to love. Last, in Liyana Badr’s novella A Land of Rock and Thyme. The woman in this story displays tremendous valor and courage when faced with unfathomable tragedies that change her life forever. The common correlation throughout these novels is the amazing strength, intellect, and courage each character displays and how each woman grows stronger as a result of the tragic events that alter their lives. Fadia Faqir’s Pillars of Salt follows Maha and the events in her life that gradually convince her society that she is insane. In truth Maha matures through these events and as an unfortunate result her independence, strength and emotions are translated by society as signs of mental instability. Ironically, Maha is perhaps most mentally stable at the close of the story while institutionalized. Throughout her life Maha demonstrated growing strength in many ways. From an early age she was the sole caretaker of her father’s farm. She would sew and cook and tend the garden and do all of the chores that were meant to be done by her brother, Daffash. Her tenacious resolve to make her father happy and to let him live a pleasant life was frequently thwarted by Daffash’s wayward excursions into the city.

The Concept of Corruption in the Western Societies Essay -- gift giving

Introduction This paper will go over public corruption and how it is viewed and the obstacles that develop from it. It will show that in western parts of the world corruption is not accepted but in other parts of the country it is. This paper well go over what I agree with and do not agree with about corruption. It will also show how some gift giving traditions by some officials to be used to take advantage of their countries people. Corruption means different things to different people it could be somebody paying someone to move their police application ahead of people before them. It could mean that a contractor giving a code inspector tickets to a play that had been sold out for weeks. It could be someone giving money to the person in charge of government contracts. Corruption can be many things not just government officials getting money to benefit them self’s. The Webster’s Dictionary defined it as the inducement of wrong by an improper or unlawful means, as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. (Mariam- Webster online Dictionary (2009). When most people think of corruption they think of bribery, Nepotism, fraud, embezzlement. Bribery most of the time is the police officer taking money for a ticket or to look the other way during a crime. Nepotism is normally a public official allowing his relative or neighbor to do something that he would cite someone else for. Fraud is like someone g etting money from the government for food while working and lying about it. Embezzlement is when someone takes money or any property from a government or business. There can be different types of corruption between political and administrative corruption. The administrative type of corruption has to do with polices such as someone gett... ...corrupt because of the big benefit to change their lives by money or gifts and the thought that they will not be caught. They also believe if they are caught they will not get a very hard penalty for the crime. There are counties that believe in gift giving and receiving monies as a sign of showing respect and honor to them. In our county we see it as gift giving is a miss use of an officials trust that the people empowered them with. It also shows their doing this for their own personal benefit. The public will not accept this from any official in any office with in the city, state or the federal government. It could take years for these government to build trust back with the people they serve. Works Cited Delattre, E. (2011). Character and Cops: Ethics in Policing [VitalSouce bookshelf version]. Retrieved from http://online.vitalsource.com/books/9780844772264

Muhammad Ali - The Greatest :: Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr

In the summer of 1960, a young man stood on a podium wearing a gold medal around his neck, while the â€Å"Star Spangled Banner† played. A champion stood, not knowing the nation’s view on athletes forever. It was the first glimpse for the man who would come to be known as the greatest.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. was born in Louisville, Kentucky on January 17, 1942. Young Clay found boxing in 1954 after his bike was stolen at the Louisville Home Show. He reported the theft to local police officer, Joe Martin, and told him he would beat up whoever stole the bike. Martin laughed at the idea of such a small boy beating someone up, so he decided to train Clay. Martin, who also taught boxing to local youth at the Columbia Gym, taught the 89-pound Clay how to box during his teenage years. From that day on, Clay would show up every day at the gym like clockwork working on his skills.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  By 1958, Clay had dropped out of high school with several amateur boxing titles, and by 1960, he was preparing to compete in the Olympics. In the gold-medal match for the light-heavyweight division, Clay faced Polish southpaw Zbigniew Pietrzykowski, and won the gold in three rounds. After the Olympics, Clay received a contract from the Louisville Sponsoring Group for $333 a month, plus a $10,000 signing bonus.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  With no more money problems to worry about, Clay had more time to consider what was going on in the world around him. He paid heavy attention to the Civil Rights Movement and he wanted to be part of it. But it was very difficult for a young black man to be heard in the early 1960’s. The only group giving a voice to the â€Å"common man† was the Nation of Islam. In 1962, Clay drove to Detroit to hear the Nation of Islam’s leader, the honorable Elijah Muhammad, speak. He also met someone who would greatly influence his life, a man named Malcolm X.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Clay studied X’s teachings of Islam, but more so, Clay agreed with X’s view on how blacks were treated in the United States. Both Clay and X believed in complete in total segregation between blacks and whites living in America. â€Å"I’m no troublemaker. I don’t believe in forced integration. I know where I belong. I’m not going to force myself into anybody’s house.† Clay also advocated X’s criticism on the non-violent movement in the southern states.

Alien Rhyming Poem Essay

I’ll even do the rhyming thing, I guess. Firstly, I should tell you of our species But keep in mind, we’re very different beings Our social status is decided by blood. Some were brightly colored, others were like mud. Not of whom we are from descended from, We had no family, no dad, or mum. We are assigned a caretaker from birth, Not of Troll descent, for what it’s worth. They’re assigned an animal, called a lusus, I, was a special case. One that caused a fuss. I had candy red blood. I was a mutant. And most trolls, considered me a pollutant. I was left for dead as a baby grub, It was quite an intentional snub. I would have died that first night, cold and lonesome, If it weren’t for one troll, who was wholesome. No troll had ever cared for a young one, Let alone raise it, was their son. She was an adult, in green attire, And the look on her face, made her seem quite dire. Despite her outwardly appearance She taught me the meaning of adherence. Our species is naturally hostile, And knowing this, made me feel quite vile. I despised all of my species needless strife, The type that nearly ended my life. The hierarchical system is cruel, Leaving it to chance if you serve or rule. The lowest color on the hemospectrum, Were the bronze-bloods, all of which were thought as scum They were lucky to live through their childhood, And they were blessed if they were understood. The second of blood colors was yellow, These poor souls were forced to live in the ghetto. And if they could not afford to live there, They were sold to slavery, and none would care. Up next was olive, jade, and then teal, And none of these were really a big deal. After that, cerulean and dark blue, These were the hardest to attend to. These classes were always struggling for power, It made their general tone, quite sour. The highest of the normal bloods was purple, And out of all of them, they were most verbal. Always making demands, but never amends, However, the aggrievance extends. They considered themselves royalty, Flaunting around all flamboyantly. Near the top, were the violet blooded, And they lived in places that were flooded. They had a mutation which gave them gills, And plenty of impractical frills. And at the top were those with blood like gold, And every single one of them was cold. They like the purple-bloods had gills and frills, But they would kill others just for thrills They ruled over our race with an iron fist, But only one at any time could exist. This made a cruel sort of monarchy One which plunged plunged the lowbloods into poverty. And if you spoke out against the crimes†¦ Well it was like stepping into a field of landmines. And if one was seen with my blood hue, They’d be allowed to kill me. Through, and through. Despite all this, she raised me as a child, And when I learned of this†¦ I think I smiled But that was the only blessing I was brought, For the rest of my life, I wish I forgot. I traveled the lands, preaching my ideal, I had set out on my quest with a great zeal. I sought to change the views of society, And change all of their impropriety. I taught the values of peace and love, Something that most were afraid to talk of. Not all were too fond of my teachings, They thought of it as annoying screeching. But eventually, I gathered a cult. One much to her majesty’s insult. She sent her best men to find and catch me, I on the other hand, did my best to flee. Eventually they caught me, my disciple too, But in some stroke of luck, the let her through. She went on, spreading word of my Lessons, I hope she went on, to teach her own sessions†¦ I, however was not treated so well, They locked me up in their deepest cell. They tortured me for what seemed like forever, They had no mercy for me whatsoever. I screamed with anger that pierced the skies All of my love, had said their goodbyes. The only thing left, was anger and hatred, And in time, all my teachings faded. I could not make a stand for peace and love, For those, my species are unworthy of. And now you know all of my suffering, And why my irons, are still burning. †

Football Academies Child protection Essay

Key factors of an enhanced Centre of Excellence and Football Academies  Child protection  All staff to be screened and registered  Each centre to designate a member of staff responsible form child  Protection and awareness training  Development of child protection policy  Limitation on numbers of Centres of excellence per club  Grievance procedure  Agreed football calendar including 36 in-service training for all staff  Staff to be required to maintain personal CPD portfolios  Guide lines to parents with regard to registration, educational needs etc  Player coach ratios  Mandatory coaching for goal keepers. PROVISIONS FOR MALE AND FEMALE COMPETITORS Football has always been the people’s game; because anyone can play it almost anywhere- you just need a ball and some friends. For anyone wanting to play football seriously there are opportunities to take part in football across the country. The levels of football opportunities available will vary from 5a-side leagues played indoor or outdoor after work right up to 11a-side competitive leagues played usually at weekends.  Football is now officially the biggest women’s and girls sport in England. Research has shown that girls who want to play sport want to play football but just because you didn’t play when you were young doesn’t mean you can’t play now. There are over 800 women’s teams playing 11a-side competitive football every week throughout the August-May season. One of the reasons people get involved is because the equipment is so cheap. All you need a pair of shin pads, a pair of boots and the club usually supply the kit. If you want to get involved in football call the local rate line which will tell you of the teams available in your area and how you can join them. Call 0845 310 8555. PROVISIONS FOR DISABLED PARTICIPANTS There are currently six England squads for disabled participants. These are:  Blind-these people are classified according to their level of sight. Game is played on a solid surface. The football contains ball bearings so the players can hear the ball  Partially sighted-Players who have little sight in their eyes. Games played indoors with a size 4 ball, which doesn’t bounce, as much as the normal ones Deaf and hearing impaired-Average hearing loss of 55 decibels in the better ear. Players must not wear hearing aids  Cerebral palsy-Players must be ambulant. 7a-side, 2 halves of 30 mins  Learning disabilities- players must have an intellectual disability (IQ below 75)  Amputee-outfield either above or below the knee single amputees and goalkeepers are single arm amputees  The teams all receive official England kit, a physio a fully trained technical adviser and money towards travel costs for attending European and World champion ships.  The aim of this is to see EVERYONE have the chance to play football even if they have a disability it doesn’t stop them taking part in a separate game. CONCLUSION Overall I believe that the F.A. is doing nearly everything in its power to develop the game of football throughout the country and give just about everyone that wants a chance to play the option to participate. They are doing this through their initiatives for disabled and normal players and have made rule adaptations to fit their level sport. Although they are doing a lot, I believe they could do more by developing more courses for people who want to get involved with the more teaching side of football and make the option open for anyone who wants to attend a course i.e. coaching or referees easy access to areas close to home where they can participate.