Personal reflection on CFA level 2 financial reporting and analysis Essay

Personal reflection on CFA level 2 financial reporting and analysis - Essay Example Another important lesson learnt is on how to improve the manner in which organizations are able to improve the quality of their financial reporting. This information was very useful to me. This is because it would help me in the identification of proper accounting procedures that can help in the prevention of fraud. Companies such as Enron were able to fall, mostly because they were not using proper accounting procedures that could reflect the true value of their transactions or assets. Other lessons that were of critical importance was on the analysis of multi-national operations, and on inter-corporate investments. Of particular concern to me, was on the analysis of multi-national operations. We are in the age of globalization, and hence there is a need of understanding the manner in which international trade is carried out (Lee & Lee, 2005). As an analyst for an international investment company, the knowledge derived from this class was very important to me, and this is because it gave me an understanding on how multi-national companies behave, and why there is a need of developing an international accounting system that can be used throughout the world. IFRS is an example of such an accounting system, and this was well covered in the class (Albrecht, Stice & Stice, 2011). It is important to explain that the most challenging concepts, while studying in this class, touched on inter-corporate investments. This was a very difficult concept to me, and this is because I failed to understand how a company could invest in the equity or debts of other companies. However, I managed to bridge this gap, by carrying out further research on this aspect of inter-corporate investment. The materials used were from financial journals, books, and various financial websites. In the end, I acquired knowledge on inter-corporate investments, and I knew the reasons companies

Case Study of Pepsico-2009 Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Of Pepsico-2009 - Case Study Example The two key threats facing Pepsico may be seen as the considerable level of competition from key players in the market such as Coca-Cola and Kraft who both have large resources and capabilities to compete. In addition, the continuing economic downturn may be seen as a key threat to the company. Pepsico’s key weakness may be seen as one related to the company’s cost management system. While the company is financially strong, it has struggled to maintain costs proportionate to sales growth. Market Focus – In the first instance Pepsico should continue and accelerate a policy of expanding its core product range into new markets were there is considerable potential for sales growth. Such markets include China, the Middle East and Africa. Product Portfolio Analysis – It has become clear that there has been a large change in demand on the behalf of consumers in the US and Europe with declining sales in traditional carbonated drinks and rise in demand for healthier options. As such, in these geographic areas Pepsico should focus energies into developing and marketing a range of alternatives to the tradito9nal carbonated drink and develop a clear healthy brand. Cost Reductions – While the company is considerably profitable and has a strong balance sheet, costs have been rising disproportionately to sales growth. As such, Pepsico should embark on planed cost efficiency drive to help being expenses back into line with sales growth and maintain profit margins. The rational for undertaking the recommended action plan is based upon the consideration of a number of key factors. Changes to the product mix in the US and Europe are designed to take account of changes in consumer demands for healthier products. On the other hand, key opportunities exist for large scale expansion in markets such as China where there is

My Light and Shadows Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

My Light and Shadows - Essay Example have blamed the existence of unethical practices in the global market place to the fact that there are no universal standards for doing business because standards and ethics vary from place to place (Balkundi and Harrison, 2006). This paper therefore discusses the place of biblical principles for businesses and tries to find the place of these biblical principles in becoming universal standards for doing business. Comparing the guidelines offered by Caux Round Table and White’s Biblical principles, there are some similarities and differences that can be realized, especially using the logic variables presented in the two contexts such as purpose, questions posed, inferences, and conclusions made by the two writers. For example, it can be realized that in both contexts, there is a realization of a higher force and a smaller force. In the instance of the Caux Round Table, the employee is the smaller force who is bounded by the interests of the employer, stakeholders, the market, and the business environment. For the employee to gain favor in the sight of the higher force, there are key principles that must be followed in relation to these higher forces (CRT, 2010). In terms of White’s Biblical principles, similar scenarios are created between worshippers and deities. Regardless of this similarity, there are key differences that are noticed. In terms of implications that the two wri ters create, we read about Caux, focusing on the need for the business oriented person to follow specific ethics for the purpose of achieving business growth and a conclusion that brings about self gratification. In contrast to what is implied by White’s Biblical principles, the follower of rules and ethics is expected to do so not specifically for any personal gratification purposes but as a way of pleasing the maker and achieving a reward that is not of the present world but the world that is yet to come. Relating White’s five principles to that of Caux Round Table, there are