Saturday, August 31, 2019

Advertising & Alcohol Products Essay

People’s life are built and protected by both us and society. We make our life happiness by enjoy as much as possible qualified products and society which is represented by government ensured the life quality by regulation requesting the obligation from all people towards product’s usage. Nevertheless, in some cases, government has to control and put the enforcement on consumer even if people like to use that product. Alcohol can be seen as a very popular example. People feel excited when use it, but, what will happen if the alcohol consumption increases year by year. As cited by Hall in his research this year, there was 25% increase in liver deaths which is caused by alcohol in last ten years. Not only alcohol beverages but alcohol advertising is interesting as well in attracting people. Therefore, alcohol advertising is now controlled strictly to prevent its bad impact. Government is allowed and able to do this for a better life to UK people. See more: Is the Importance of being earnest a satirical play essay Binge-drinking can be listed as a trouble for middle-aged, middle-class and out-of-control youth in UK. It is worth noting that UK people are one of groups consuming alcohol most in Europe (British Medical Association, 2009). Since, UK government has to consider and find solution for this problem. It can be known that the effect of alcohol is similar to drug as well as tobacco although it depends on the quantities of usage. However, according to BMA board of science, it can be denied that not only drinker but also their relatives are affected by harmful consequences from alcohol such as contributory factor and violence at home. At first, advertising is same as other marketing tools with the aim to persuade people use product as much as possible. In the situation of alcohol, Advertisement increases consumer’s conceptions about alcohol which can promote them buy more. The journal of British Medical Association in 2009 cited the research conducted by Anderson and other researcher s that â€Å"alcohol marketing and promotion relate to the likelihood that adolescents will begin to use alcohol and drink more if they are already using alcohol†. Jernigan (2010) suggested that a mix of unmeasured activities relating to cultural, religious and regulatory context is used by alcohol companies. Advertising approach consumer, especially the Youth in many ways: marketing on Television, newspaper, sponsorship for sports, music, and cinema. The image of alcohol impresses people day by day encouraging them use it naturally. As a result, these activities impacts making decision of the youth in alcohol purchasing because culture, religion and regulation contribute strongly to the growth process of young people. Moreover, The high rate of alcohol beverages advertising’s appearance in public encourage people use it regularly for entertainment and daily usage which will result in bad effect on people life and society. This present can make people see wine, beer as a daily product. The greater availability of alcohol advertising is the reason why people under 23 years old continue to raise their drinking behavior (Jernigan, 2010). The high alcohol consumption of much means their health will have problem as well as the ability of causing violence or crime can be increased in society. Therefore, alcohol advertising should be limited like tobacco so that people will realize that the former also has bad effects as the latter. Although alcohol is still a product and beverage companies have right to advertise, this is sensitive one so that government should control for a safety of people life. The limitation of alcohol advertising will help government protect people’s health and social security. There will be no more crime which is relevant to alcohol. The health of people will be ensured. Let’s take Denmark as an example, this country only accepted broadcast advertising on low alcohol-content products and the rates of alcohol intoxication was reported highest rates at that time among European countries (International Center for Alcohol Policies) Wilby (2008) proposed that people are heavily impacted by advertising due to they are freely to accept information provided by other agents. Therefore, governments should be allowed to control advertising and able to manage the advertising of alcohol beverages companies by using advertising regulation, sign agreement with alcohol beverage companies and advertising agency or control newspaper and broadcasting agencies. He also suggested that governments can put enforcement on the advertising of cars, alcohol, junk food and other potentially dangerous products as the same way they used to work towards tobacco advertising. For example, as established in Advertising Standard Authority, in UK, â€Å"alcohol marketing is required that ads not link alcohol with sex, social success, youth culture or juvenile behavior.† (Hall, 2012) Enjoy the life as well as using entertaining product freely is demand of all most every people. On the other hand, alcohol beverage companies are also absolutely right when they want to provide as much as possible good alcoholic beverages for their consumer. Nevertheless, it is necessary to have a third party which is governments of countries in general and U. K government to put alcohol advertising under the control. They can set regulation and request that alcohol companies follow it strictly.

Friday, August 30, 2019

Asc 330-10

October 13, 2011 330 Inventory 10 Overall 330-10-00 Status Note: General Note The Status Section identifies changes to this Subtopic resulting from Accounting Standards Updates. The Section provides references to the affected Codification content and links to the related Accounting Standards Updates. Nonsubstantive changes for items such as editorial, link and similar corrections are included separately in Maintenance Updates. General 330-10-00-1 330- 10-00No updates have been made to this subtopic. 330-10-05 Overview and BackgroundNote: General Note The Overview and Background Section provides overview and background material for the guidance contained in the Subtopic. It does not provide the historical background or due process. It may contain certain material that users generally consider useful to understand the typical situations addressed by the standards. The Section does not summarize the accounting and reporting requirements. General 330-10-05330-10-05-1 The Inventory Topic addresses the accounting principles and reporting practices applicable to inventory. 30-10-05330-10-05-2 An inventory has financial significance because revenues may be obtained from its sale, or from the sale of the goods or services in the production of which it is used. Normally such revenues arise in a continuous repetitive process or cycle of operations in which goods are acquired, created, and sold, and further goods are acquired for additional sales. 330-10-05330-10-05-3 Thus, the inventory at any given date is the balance of costs applicable to goods on hand remaining after the matching of absorbed costs with concurrent revenues.This balance is appropriately carried to future periods provided it does not exceed an amount properly chargeable against the revenues expected to be obtained from ultimate disposition of the goods carried forward. In practice, this balance is determined by the process of pricing the articles included in the inventory. 330-10-10 Objectives Note: Gene ral Note The Objectives Section provides the high-level objectives that the Subtopic is intended to accomplish or attain. The Section does not summarize or discuss the main principles of accounting and reporting requirements.General 330-10-10330-10-10-1 A major objective of accounting for inventories is the proper determination of income through the process of matching appropriate costs against revenues. 330-10-15 Scope and Scope Exceptions Note: General Note The Scope and Scope Exceptions Section outlines the items (for example, the entities, transactions, instruments, or events) to which the guidance in the Subtopic does or does not apply. In some cases, the Section may contain definitional or other text to frame the scope. General > Overall GuidanceThe Scope Section of the Overall Subtopic establishes the pervasive scope for the Inventory Topic. 330-10-15330-10-15-1 > Entities The guidance in the Inventory Topic applies to all entities, with the following qualifications. Th e guidance in this Topic is not necessarily applicable to the following entities: 330-10-15330-10-15-2 330-10-15330-10-15-3 a. Not-for-profit entities (NFPs) b. Regulated utilities. 330-10-20 Glossary Note: General Note The Master Glossary contains all terms identified as glossary terms throughout the Codification.Clicking on any term in the Master Glossary will display where the term is used. The Master Glossary may contain identical terms with different definitions, some of which may not be appropriate for a particular Subtopic. For any particular Subtopic, users should only use the glossary terms included in the particular Subtopic Glossary Section (Section 20). Direct Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle Those recognized changes in assets or liabilities necessary to effect a change in accounting principle. An example of a irect effect is an adjustment to an inventory balance to effect a change in inventory valuation method. Related changes, such as an effect on deferred i ncome tax assets or liabilities or an impairment adjustment resulting from applying the lower-of-cost-or-market test to the adjusted inventory balance, also are examples of direct effects of a change in accounting principle. Inventory The aggregate of those items of tangible personal property that have any of the following characteristics: a. Held for sale in the ordinary course of business b.In process of production for such sale c. To be currently consumed in the production of goods or services to be available for sale. The term inventory embraces goods awaiting sale (the merchandise of a trading concern and the finished goods of a manufacturer), goods in the course of production (work in process), and goods to be consumed directly or indirectly in production (raw materials and supplies). This definition of inventories excludes long-term assets subject to depreciation accounting, or goods which, when put into use, will be so classified.The fact that a depreciable asset is retired from regular use and held for sale does not indicate that the item should be classified as part of the inventory. Raw materials and supplies purchased for production may be used or consumed for the construction of long-term assets or other purposes not related to production, but the fact that inventory items representing a small portion of the total may not be absorbed ultimately in the production process does not require separate classification.By trade practice, operating materials and supplies of certain types of entities such as oil producers are usually treated as inventory. Market As used in the phrase lower of cost or market, the term market means current replacement cost (by purchase or by reproduction, as the case may be) provided that it meets both of the following conditions: a. Market shall not exceed the net realizable value b. Market shall not be less than net realizable value reduced by an allowance for an approximately normal profit margin.Net Realizable Value Estima ted selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion and disposal. 330-10-30 Initial Measurement Note: General Note The Initial Measurement Section provides guidance on the criteria and amounts used to measure a particular item at the date of initial recognition. General > Cost Basis 330-10-30330-10-30-1 The primary basis of accounting for inventories is cost, which has been defined generally as the price paid or consideration given to acquire an asset.As applied to inventories, cost means in principle the sum of the applicable expenditures and charges directly or indirectly incurred in bringing an article to its existing condition and location. It is understood to mean acquisition and production cost, and its determination involves many considerations. 330-10-30330-10-30-2 Although principles for the determination of inventory costs may be easily stated, their application, particularly to such inventory items as work in process and finished goods, is difficult because of the variety of considerations in the allocation of costs and charges. 30-10-30330-10-30-3 For example, variable production overheads are allocated to each unit of production on the basis of the actual use of the production facilities. However, the allocation of fixed production overheads to the costs of conversion is based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. Normal capacity refers to a range of production levels. Normal capacity is the production expected to be achieved over a number of periods or seasons under normal circumstances, taking into account the loss of capacity resulting from planned maintenance.Some variation in production levels from period to period is expected and establishes the range of normal capacity. 330-10-30330-10-30-4 The range of normal capacity will vary based on business- and industry-specific factors. Judgment is required to determine when a production level is abnormally low (that is, outside the range of expected variation in production). 330-10-30330-10-30-5 Examples of factors that might be anticipated to cause an abnormally low production level include significantly reduced demand, labor and materials shortages, and unplanned facility or equipment downtime. 30-10-30330-10-30-6 The actual level of production may be used if it approximates normal capacity. In periods of abnormally high production, the amount of fixed overhead allocated to each unit of production shall be decreased so that inventories are not measured above cost. The amount of fixed overhead allocated to each unit of production shall not be increased as a consequence of abnormally low production or idle plant. 330-10-30330-10-30-7 Unallocated overheads shall be recognized as an expense in the period in which they are incurred.Other items such as abnormal freight, handling costs, and amounts of wasted materials (spoilage) require treatment as current period charges rather than as a portion of the inventory c ost. 330-10-30330-10-30-8 Also, under most circumstances, general and administrative expenses shall be included as period charges, except for the portion of such expenses that may be clearly related to production and thus constitute a part of inventory costs (product charges). Selling expenses constitute no part of inventory costs. The exclusion of all overheads from inventory costs does not constitute an accepted accounting procedure.The exercise of judgment in an individual situation involves a consideration of the adequacy of the procedures of the cost accounting system in use, the soundness of the principles thereof, and their consistent application. General and administrative expenses ordinarily shall be charged to expense as incurred but may be accounted for as contract costs under the completed-contract method of accounting or, in some circumstances, as indirect contract costs by government contractors. > Determination of Inventory Costs 30-10-30330-10-30-9 Cost for invent ory purposes may be determined under any one of several assumptions as to the flow of cost factors, such as first-in first-out (FIFO), average, and last-in first-out (LIFO). The major objective in selecting a method should be to choose the one which, under the circumstances, most clearly reflects periodic income. 330-10-30330-10-30-10 The cost to be matched against revenue from a sale may not be the identified cost of the specific item which is sold, especially in cases in which similar goods are purchased at different times and at different prices.While in some lines of business specific lots are clearly identified from the time of purchase through the time of sale and are costed on this basis, ordinarily the identity of goods is lost between the time of acquisition and the time of sale. 330-10-30330-10-30-11 Accordingly, if the materials purchased in various lots are identical and interchangeable, the use of identified cost of the various lots may not produce the most useful finan cial statements.This fact has resulted in the general acceptance of several assumptions with respect to the flow of cost factors such as FIFO, average, and LIFO to provide practical bases for the measurement of periodic income. 330-10-30330-10-30-12 Standard costs are acceptable if adjusted at reasonable intervals to reflect current conditions so that at the balance-sheet date standard costs reasonably approximate costs computed under one of the recognized bases.In such cases descriptive language shall be used which will express this relationship, as, for instance, â€Å"approximate costs determined on the first-in first-out basis,† or, if it is desired to mention standard costs, â€Å"at standard costs, approximating average costs. † 330-10-30330-10-30-13 In some situations a reversed mark-up procedure of inventory pricing, such as the retail inventory method, may be both practical and appropriate.The business operations in some cases may be such as to make it desirab le to apply one of the acceptable methods of determining cost to one portion of the inventory or components thereof and another of the acceptable methods to other portions of the inventory. 330-10-30330-10-30-14 Although selection of the method should be made on the basis of the individual circumstances, financial statements will be more useful if uniform methods of inventory pricing are adopted by all companies within a given industry. >Consistency Required 330-10-30330-10-30-15 While the basis of stating inventories does not affect the overall gain or loss on the ultimate disposition of inventory items, any inconsistency in the selection or employment of a basis may improperly affect the periodic amounts of income or loss. Because of the common use and importance of periodic statements, a procedure adopted for the treatment of inventory items shall be consistently applied in order that the results reported may be fairly allocated between years. >Purchases and Sales of Invent ory with the Same Counterparty 330-10-30330-10-30-16 For a discussion of the initial measurement of inventory purchased from an entity to which it also sells inventory in the same line of business, see paragraphs 845-10-55-10 through 55-26. > Costs Resulting from Share-Based Payment Transactions See paragraph 718-10-25-2 for a discussion of share-based payment capitalized as a part of inventory. 330-10-30330-10-30-17 > Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed 30-10-30330-10-30-18 See Sections 985-20-25 and 985-20-35 and paragraphs 985-20-55-2 through 55-3 for a discussion of accounting for the costs of producing and acquiring computer software, including software that is marketed as part of a product or process. > Costs of Certain Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts 330-10-30330-10-30-19 See Section 605-35-25 for a discussion of accounting for contract and precontract costs of certain construction-type and production-type contracts. 3 30-10-35 Subsequent MeasurementNote: General Note The Subsequent Measurement Section provides guidance on an entity’s subsequent measurement and subsequent recognition of an item. Situations that may result in subsequent changes to carrying amount include impairment, fair value adjustments, depreciation and amortization, and so forth. General > Adjustments to Lower of Cost or Market 330-10-35330-10-35-1 A departure from the cost basis of pricing the inventory is required when the utility of the goods is no longer as great as their cost.Where there is evidence that the utility of goods, in their disposal in the ordinary course of business, will be less than cost, whether due to physical deterioration, obsolescence, changes in price levels, or other causes, the difference shall be recognized as a loss of the current period. This is generally accomplished by stating such goods at a lower level commonly designated as market market. 330-10-35330-10-35-2 The cost basis of record ing inventory ordinarily achieves the objective of a proper matching of costs and revenues.However, under certain circumstances cost may not be the amount properly chargeable against the revenues of future periods. A departure from cost is required in these circumstances because cost is satisfactory only if the utility of the goods has not diminished since their acquisition; a loss of utility shall be reflected as a charge against the revenues of the period in which it occurs. Thus, in accounting for inventories, a loss shall be recognized whenever the utility of goods is impaired by damage, deterioration, obsolescence, changes in price levels, or other causes.The measurement of such losses shall be accomplished by applying the rule of pricing inventories at the lower of cost or market. This provides a practical means of measuring utility and thereby determining the amount of the loss to be recognized and accounted for in the current period. 330-10-35330-10-35-3 The rule of lower of cost or market is intended to provide a means of measuring the residual usefulness of an inventory expenditure.The term market is therefore to be interpreted as indicating utility on the inventory date and may be thought of in terms of the equivalent expenditure which would have to be made in the ordinary course at that date to procure corresponding utility. 330-10-35330-10-35-4 As a general guide, utility is indicated primarily by the current cost of replacement of the goods as they would be obtained by purchase or reproduction. In applying the rule, however, judgment must always be exercised and no loss shall be recognized unless the evidence indicates clearly that a loss has been sustained.There are therefore exceptions to such a standard. Replacement or reproduction prices would not be appropriate as a measure of utility when the estimated sales value, reduced by the costs of completion and disposal, is lower, in which case the realizable value so determined more appropriately measures utility. 330-10-35330-10-35-5 Furthermore, when the evidence indicates that cost will be recovered with an approximately normal profit upon sale in the ordinary course of business, no loss shall be recognized even though replacement or reproduction costs are lower.This might be true, for example, in the case of production under firm sales contracts at fixed prices, or when a reasonable volume of future orders is assured at stable selling prices. 330-10-35-6 If inventory has been the hedged item in a fair value hedge, the inventory’s cost basis used in the lower 330- 10-35of cost or market accounting shall reflect the effect of the adjustments of its carrying amount made pursuant to paragraph 815-25-35-1(b). 330-10-35330-10-35-7 Because of the many variations of circumstances encountered in inventory pricing, the definition of market is intended as a guide rather than a literal rule.It shall be applied realistically in light of the objectives expressed in this Subtopi c and with due regard to the form, content, and composition of the inventory. For example, the retail inventory method, if adequate markdowns are currently taken, accomplishes the objectives described herein. It is also recognized that, if a business is expected to lose money for a sustained period, the inventory shall not be written down to offset a loss inherent in the subsequent operations. 30-10-35330-10-35-8 Depending on the character and composition of the inventory, the rule of lower of cost or market may properly be applied either directly to each item or to the total of the inventory (or, in some cases, to the total of the components of each major category). The method shall be that which most clearly reflects periodic income. 330-10-35330-10-35-9 The purpose of reducing inventory to market is to reflect fairly the income of the period. The most common practice is to apply the lower of cost or market rule separately to each item of the inventory.However, if there is only on e end-product category the cost utility of the total stock—the inventory in its entirety—may have the greatest significance for accounting purposes. Accordingly, the reduction of individual items to market may not always lead to the most useful result if the utility of the total inventory to the business is not below its cost. This might be the case if selling prices are not affected by temporary or small fluctuations in current costs of purchase or manufacture. 30-10-35330-10-35-10 Similarly, where more than one major product or operational category exists, the application of the lower of cost or market rule to the total of the items included in such major categories may result in the most useful determination of income. When no loss of income is expected to take place as a result of a reduction of cost prices of certain goods because others forming components of the same general categories of finished products have a market equally in excess of cost, such components need not be adjusted to market to the extent that they are in balanced quantities.Thus, in such cases, the rule of lower of cost or market, may be applied directly to the totals of the entire inventory, rather than to the individual inventory items, if they enter into the same category of finished product and if they are in balanced quantities, provided the procedure is applied consistently from year to year. 330-10-35330-10-35-11 To the extent, however, that the stocks of particular materials or components are excessive in relation to others, the more widely recognized procedure of applying the lower of cost or market to the individual items constituting the excess shall be followed.This would also apply in cases in which the items enter into the production of unrelated products or products having a material variation in the rate of turnover. Unless an effective method of classifying categories is practicable, the rule shall be applied to each item in the inventory. 330-10-35330-10 -35-12 See paragraphs 330-10-30-9 through 30-14 for guidance on inventory pricing methods. > Loss Due to Sales Incentive 330-10-35330-10-35-13 The offer of a sales incentive that will result in a loss on the sale of a product may indicate an impairment of existing inventory under this Subtopic. gt; New Cost Basis 330-10-35-14 In the case of goods which have been written down below cost at the close of a fiscal year, such 330- 10-35reduced amount is to be considered the cost for subsequent accounting purposes. Paragraph 270-10-45-6 provides guidance for preparing interim financial statements. > Stating Inventories Above Cost 330-10-35330-10-35-15 Only in exceptional cases may inventories properly be stated above cost.For example, precious metals having a fixed monetary value with no substantial cost of marketing may be stated at such monetary value; any other exceptions must be justifiable by inability to determine appropriate approximate costs, immediate marketability at quote d market price, and the characteristic of unit interchangeability. 330-10-35330-10-35-16 It is generally recognized that income accrues only at the time of sale, and that gains may not be anticipated by reflecting assets at their current sales prices.However, exceptions for reflecting assets at selling prices are permissible for both of the following: a. Inventories of gold and silver, when there is an effective government-controlled market at a fixed monetary value b. Inventories representing agricultural, mineral, and other products, with all of the following criteria: 1. Units of which are interchangeable 2. Units of which have an immediate marketability at quoted prices 3. Units for which appropriate costs may be difficult to obtain.Where such inventories are stated at sales prices, they shall be reduced by expenditures to be incurred in disposal. > Purchase Commitments 330-10-35330-10-35-17 A net loss on firm purchase commitments for goods for inventory, measured in the same way as are inventory losses, shall be recognized in the accounts. The recognition in a current period of losses arising from the decline in the utility of cost expenditures is equally applicable to similar losses which are expected to arise from firm, uncancelable, and unhedged commitments for the future purchase of inventory items. 30-10-35330-10-35-18 The utility of such commitments is not impaired, and hence there is no loss, when the amounts to be realized from the disposition of the future inventory items are adequately protected by firm sales contracts or when there are other circumstances that reasonably assure continuing sales without price decline. > Accounting Changes 330-10-35330-10-35-19 Paragraph 250-10-55-1 explains that a change in composition of the elements of cost included in inventory is an accounting change and provides related guidance. 30-10-35330-10-35-20 The definition of direct effects of a change in accounting principle includes a change in inventory va luation methods as an accounting change. > Vendor Accounting for Consideration Given to a Customer or Reseller See Subtopic 605-50 for a discussion of consideration given by a vendor to a customer. 330-10-35330-10-35-21 > Customer or Reseller Accounting for Consideration Received from a Vendor 330-10-35330-10-35-22 See Section 605-50 for a discussion of accounting by a customer (including a reseller) for consideration received from a vendor. >Interim Financial Reporting See paragraph 270-10-45-6 for a discussion of practices used in determining costs of inventory on an 330-10-35330-10-35-23 interim basis. 330-10-45 Other Presentation Matters Note: General Note The Other Presentation Matters Section provides guidance on other presentation matters not addressed in the Recognition, Initial Measurement, Subsequent Measurement, and Derecognition Sections. Other presentation matters may include items such as current or long-term balance sheet classification, cash flow presentatio n, earnings per share matters, and so forth.The FASB Codification also contains Presentation Topics, which provide guidance for general presentation and display items. See those Topics for general guidance. General > Change in Composition is Accounting Change 330-10-45330-10-45-1 See paragraph 330-10-35-19 for guidance on dealing with the effects of an accounting change resulting from a change in elements of cost included in inventory inventory. > Costs of Certain Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts 330-10-45330-10-45-2 See paragraphs 605-35-45-3 through 45-5 for guidance on presenting contract costs of certain construction-type and production-type contracts. 30-10-50 Disclosure Note: General Note The Disclosure Section provides guidance regarding the disclosure in the notes to financial statements. In some cases, disclosure may relate to disclosure on the face of the financial statements. General > Basis for Stating Inventories 330-10-50330-10-50-1 The basis of stating inventories shall be consistently applied and shall be disclosed in the financial statements; whenever a significant change is made therein, there shall be disclosure of the nature of the change and, if material, the effect on income. A change of such basis ay have an important effect upon the interpretation of the financial statements both before and after that change, and hence, in the event of a change, a full disclosure of its nature and of its effect, if material, upon income shall be made. > Losses from Application of Lower of Cost or Market 330-10-50330-10-50-2 When substantial and unusual losses result from the application of the rule of lower of cost or market it will frequently be desirable to disclose the amount of the loss in the income statement as a charge separately identified from the consumed inventory costs described as cost of goods sold. gt; Goods Stated Above Cost Where goods are stated above cost this fact shall be fully disclosed. 330-10-50330-10-5 0-3 > Stating Inventories at Sales Prices 330-10-50330-10-50-4 Where such inventories are stated at sales prices, the use of such basis shall be fully disclosed in the financial statements. > Losses on Firm Purchase Commitments 330-10-50330-10-50-5 The amounts of net losses on firm purchase commitments accrued under paragraph 330-10-35-17 shall be disclosed separately in the income statement. >Disclosure of Significant Estimates 330-10-50330-10-50-6 See Example 1 (paragraph 330-10-55-8) for an illustration of the disclosure of significant estimates applicable to inventories as required by Section 275-10-50. 330-10-55 Implementation Guidance and Illustrations Note: General Note The Implementation Guidance and Illustrations Section contains implementation guidance and illustrations that are an integral part of the Subtopic. The implementation guidance and illustrations do not address all possible variations.Users must consider carefully the actual facts and circumstances in r elation to the requirements of the Subtopic. General 330-10-55330-10-55-1 This Section, which is an integral part of the requirements of this Topic, provides general guidance to be used in accounting for inventory Certain assumptions have been made to simplify the computations and focus on the inventory. issue at hand in each illustration. > >> Implementation Guidance Market Decline in Interim Period 30-10-55330-10-55-2 If near-term price recovery is uncertain, a decline in the market price of inventory below cost during an interim period shall be accounted for as follows. Paragraph 270-10-45-6 requires that the inventory be written down to the lower of cost or market unless either of the following conditions is met: a. Substantial evidence exists that market prices will recover before the inventory is sold. b. In the case of last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory, substantial evidence exists that inventory amounts will be restored by year-end. A write-down is generally requir ed nless the decline is due to seasonal price fluctuations. >> Costs Capitalized to Inventory for Tax Purposes 330-10-55330-10-55-3 The following provides guidance as to whether the types of costs that are required to be allocated to inventories for tax purposes under the Uniform Capitalization Rules for Inventory under the Tax Reform Act of 1986 would be capitalizable under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and, if so, whether the costing method required for tax purposes is a preferable method for purposes of justifying a change in accounting principle. 30-10-55330-10-55-4 The fact that a cost is capitalizable for tax purposes does not, in itself, indicate that it is preferable, or even appropriate, to capitalize that cost for financial reporting purposes. Certain of the additional costs that are required to be capitalized for tax purposes may also be capitalizable for financial reporting purposes, depending on factors such as the nature of the entity's operatio n and industry practice. That determination, however, can only be made after an analysis of the individual facts and circumstances. gt;;gt; ;gt;;gt;;gt; Capitalizing Pension and Other Postretirement Cost Into Inventory Interest Cost Component 330-10-55330-10-55-5 A fundamental aspect of Sections 715-30-35 and 715-60-35 is to combine or aggregate the various pension and other postretirement cost components, including service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, and amortization of all of the following items recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income: a. Net transition asset or obligation b. Prior service cost or credit c.Net gain or loss. 330-10-55330-10-55-6 In the aggregate, net periodic pension and other postretirement cost is viewed as an element of employee compensation. Therefore, when it is appropriate to capitalize employee compensation in connection with the construction or production of an asset, the net periodic pension and other postretirement co st applicable to the pertinent employees for the period (including interest cost), not individual components of that amount, is the relevant amount. ;gt;;gt;;gt; Net Periodic Pension Income 30-10-55330-10-55-7 If an entity's cost allocation process capitalizes net periodic pension cost as part of the cost of inventory or other assets, net periodic pension income also shall be capitalized, thereby reducing the total employee compensation and other costs being capitalized. > >> Illustrations Example 1: Disclosure of Significant Estimates 330-10-55330-10-55-8 This Example illustrates the guidance in paragraph 330-10-50-6 regarding the disclosure of significant estimates related to inventory. Entity A manufactures high technology stereo equipment.In June 19X7, one of Entity A's competitors introduced a new model stereo system with the same features as Entity A's Model A. The competitor's version sells for significantly less than Entity A's suggested retail price for Model A. Th e introduction of this product resulted in a sharp decrease in the sales volume of Model A. As of December 31, 19X7, Entity A has accumulated significant inventory quantities beyond its normal short-term needs of its Model A system. Inventory for Model A ($6 million) represents approximately 20 percent of Entity A's inventory at that date.The remaining 80 percent of Entity A's inventory consists of products experiencing only normal competitive pressures. Entity A has established provisions for obsolescence for this latter group of products in the normal course of business. 330-10-55330-10-55-9 Management has developed a program to provide substantial dealer incentives on purchases of the Model A, which it expects will result in the sale of this inventory in the near term. Because of the existing high profit margin on its stereo systems, Entity A would continue to earn a marginal profit on sales of the Model A under the new program.It is also reasonably possible, however, that the pr ogram will not be wholly successful, and, accordingly, a material loss could ultimately result on the disposal of the inventory. 330-10-55330-10-55-10 The entity would disclose the following. As of December 31, 19X7, some portion of $6 million of inventory of one of the entity's products is in excess of Entity A's current requirements based on the recent level of sales. Management has developed a program to reduce this inventory to desired levels over the near term and believes no loss will be incurred on its disposition.No estimate can be made of a range of amounts of loss that are reasonably possible should the program not be successful. 330-10-55330-10-55-11 This situation meets the criteria for disclosure under paragraph 275-10-50-8 because circumstances that existed at the date of the financial statements, including the decreasing sales volume and excessive quantities of inventory of Model A, make it at least reasonably possible that management's plan to liquidate its excess in ventory without a loss will be less than fully successful and that such an outcome would have a near-term material effect on the entity's financial statements. 30-10-55330-10-55-12 In this Example, Entity A discloses the existence of potentially excess quantities of inventory at the date of the financial statements and indicates that the uncertainty is expected to be resolved in the near term. The disclosure is intended to provide users with insight into management's assessment of recoverability of the cost of inventories existing at the date of the financial statements.Although disclosure of the $6 million carrying amount of the inventory of Model A is not required because, based on the facts presented, $6 million does not constitute a reasonable estimate of loss on the disposal of the inventory or the maximum amount in an estimated range of loss, disclosure of this amount is not misleading and may provide useful information. 330-10-55330-10-55-13 Discussion of Entity A's provision for obsolescence for the remaining 80 percent of its inventory is not required because it is not considered reasonably possible that additional aterial losses on this inventory will occur. 330-10-75 XBRL Elements Note: General Note This section contains a list of XBRL elements that reference paragraphs in this Subtopic. For additional details regarding changes to the development version of the US GAAP Financial Reporting Taxonomy, refer to the FASB taxonomy review and comment system on the FASB web site (www. fasb. org). Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Domain]Element Name: ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember This XBRL element references the following paragraph(s)/term(s) in this Subtopic: Direct Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle This XBRL element references the following paragraph(s)/term(s) in other Subtopic(s): Accounting Change Change in Accounting Principle Indirect Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle 250 Accounting Changes and Error Corrections > 10 Overall > 50 Disclosure > General, 50-1(b)(1)-(2) 250 Accounting Changes and Error Corrections > 10 Overall > 50 Disclosure > General, 50-2Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member] Element Name: NewAccountingPronouncementMember This XBRL element references the following paragraph(s)/term(s) in this Subtopic: Direct Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle This XBRL element references the following paragraph(s)/term(s) in other Subtopic(s): Accounting Change Change in Accounting Principle Indirect Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle Inventory AdjustmentsElement Name: InventoryAdjustments This XBRL element references the following paragraph(s)/term(s) in this Subtopic: 330 Inventory > 10 Overall > 50 Disclosure > General, 50-1 This XBRL element references the following paragraph(s)/term(s) in other Subtopic(s): 210 Balance Sheet > 10 Overall > S99 SEC Materials > General, S99-1(SX 210. 5-02. 6(b)) Inventory Finished Goods , Policy [Policy Text Block] Element Name: InventoryFinishedGoodsPolicy This XBRL element references the ollowing paragraph(s)/term(s) in this Subtopic: Inventory 250 Accounting Changes and Error Corrections > 10 Overall > 50 Disclosure > General, 50-2 250 Accounting Changes and Error Corrections > 10 Overall > 50 Disclosure > General, 50-3 270 Interim Reporting > 10 Overall > 45 Other Presentation > General, 45-12 270 Interim Reporting > 10 Overall > 45 Other Presentation > General, 45-13 270 Interim Reporting > 10 Overall > S99 SEC Materials > General, S99-1(SX 210. 0-01. (b)(6)) Selling, General and Administrative Expense Element Name: SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpense This XBRL element references the following paragraph(s)/term(s) in this Subtopic: 330 Inventory > 10 Overall > 30 Initial Measurement > General, 30-8 This XBRL element references the following paragraph(s)/term(s) in other Subtopic(s): 225 Income Statement > 10 Overall > S99 SEC Materials > General, S99-2(SX 210. 5-03. 4) 2011-01Type of Change [Domain] (Deprecated 2011-01-31)Element Name: TypeOfChangeDomain This XBRL element references the following paragraph(s)/term(s) in this Subtopic: Direct Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle This XBRL element references the following paragraph(s)/term(s) in other Subtopic(s): Accounting Change Change in Accounting Principle Indirect Effects of a Change in Accounting Principle Retrospective Application 250 Accounting Changes and Error Corrections > 10 Overall > 50 Disclosure > General, 50-1(a) 250 Accounting Changes and Error Corrections > 10 Overall > 50 Disclosure > General, 50-2 250 Accounting Changes and Error Corrections > 10 Overall > 50 Disclosure > General, 50-3 250 Accounting Changes and Error Corrections > 10 Overall > S99 SEC Materials > General, S99-5(SAB TOPIC 11. M) 330-10-S00 Status Note: General Note The Status Section identifies changes to this Subtopic resulting from Accounting Standards Updates.The Section provides references to the affected Codification content and links to the related Accounting Standards Updates. Nonsubstantive changes for items such as editorial, link and similar corrections are included separately in Maintenance Updates. General 330-10-S00330-10-S00-1 Paragraph 330-10-S35-2 The following table identifies the changes made to this Subtopic. Action Amended Accounting Standards Update Accounting Standards Update No. 2009-07 Date 09/15/2009 330-10-S35 Subsequent Measurement Note: General Note The Subsequent Measurement Section provides guidance on an entity’s subsequent measurement and subsequent recognition of an item.Situations that may result in subsequent changes to carrying amount include impairment, fair value adjustments, depreciation and amortization, and so forth. General > Restoration of Previously Written-Down Inventory Value 330-10-S35330-10-S35-1 See paragraph 330- 10-S99-2, SAB Topic 5. BB, for SEC Staff views on restoration of inventory value following a previous write-down to lower of cost or market. > Classification of Inventory Markdowns and Other Costs Associated with a Restructuring 330-10-S35330-10-S35-2 See paragraph 420-10-S99-3, SEC Observer Comment: Classification of Inventory Markdowns and Other Costs Associated with Restructuring, for SEC Staff views on income statement classification of inventory markdowns associated with a restructuring. 330-10-S45 Other Presentation MattersNote: General Note The Other Presentation Matters Section provides guidance on other presentation matters not addressed in the Recognition, Initial Measurement, Subsequent Measurement, and Derecognition Sections. Other presentation matters may include items such as current or long-term balance sheet classification, cash flow presentation, earnings per share matters, and so forth. The FASB Codification also contains Presentation Topics, which provide guida nce for general presentation and display items. See those Topics for general guidance. General > Separate Presentation of Classes of Inventory 330-10-S45-1 See paragraph 210-10-S99-1, Regulation S-X Rule 5-02. 6, for requirements for inventory presentation 330- 10-S45on the balance sheet. 30-10-S50 Disclosure Note: General Note The Disclosure Section provides guidance regarding the disclosure in the notes to financial statements. In some cases, disclosure may relate to disclosure on the face of the financial statements. General > Inventory Disclosure Requirements See paragraph 210-10-S99-1, Regulation S-X Rules 5-02. 6(b) through (d), for inventory disclosure 330-10-S50330-10-S50-1 requirements. > LIFO Liquidations 330-10-S50330-10-S50-2 See paragraph 330-10-S99-3, SAB Topic 11. F, for SEC Staff views on disclosure of income realized as a result of a last-in, first-out (LIFO) liquidation. 330-10-S55 Implementation Guidance and IllustrationsNote: General Note The Implementat ion Guidance and Illustrations Section contains implementation guidance and illustrations that are an integral part of the Subtopic. The implementation guidance and illustrations do not address all possible variations. Users must consider carefully the actual facts and circumstances in relation to the requirements of the Subtopic. General > LIFO Inventory Practices 330-10-S55330-10-S55-1 See paragraph 330-10-S99-1, SAB Topic 5. L, for SEC Staff views on appropriate last-in, first-out (LIFO) accounting practices. 330-10-S75 XBRL Elements Note: General Note This section contains a list of XBRL elements that reference paragraphs in this Subtopic.For additional details regarding changes to the development version of the US GAAP Financial Reporting Taxonomy, refer to the FASB taxonomy review and comment system on the FASB web site (www. fasb. org). Effect of LIFO Inventory Liquidation on Income Element Name: EffectOfLIFOInventoryLiquidationOnIncome This XBRL element references the fol lowing paragraph(s)/term(s) in this Subtopic: 330 Inventory > 10 Overall > S50 Disclosure > General, S50-2 330 Inventory > 10 Overall > S99 SEC Materials > General, S99-3 330 Inventory > 10 Overall > S99 SEC Materials > General, S99-3(SAB TOPIC 11. F) Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of ReservesElement Name: InventoryRawMaterialsNetOfReserves This XBRL element references the following paragraph(s)/term(s) in this Subtopic: 330 Inventory > 10 Overall > S99 SEC Materials > General, S99-2(SAB TOPIC 5. BB) This XBRL element references the following paragraph(s)/term(s) in other Subtopic(s): 210 Balance Sheet > 10 Overall > S99 SEC Materials > General, S99-1(SX 210. 5-02. 6(a)(4)) Inventory, Supplies, Net of Reserves Element Name: InventorySuppliesNetOfReserves This XBRL element references the following paragraph(s)/term(s) in this Subtopic: 330 Inventory > 10 Overall > S99 SEC Materials > General, S99-2(SAB TOPIC 5. BB) This XBRL elemen t references the following paragraph(s)/term(s) in other Subtopic(s): 210 Balance Sheet > 10 Overall > S99 SEC Materials > General, S99-1(SX 210. 5-02. 6(a)(5))Inventory, Work in Process and Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Element Name: InventoryWorkInProcessAndRawMaterialsNetOfReserves This XBRL element references the following paragraph(s)/term(s) in this Subtopic: 330 Inventory > 10 Overall > S99 SEC Materials > General, S99-2(SAB TOPIC 5. BB) This XBRL element references the following paragraph(s)/term(s) in other Subtopic(s): 210 Balance Sheet > 10 Overall > S99 SEC Materials > General, S99-1(SX 210. 5-02. 6(a)(3),(4)) Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Element Name: InventoryWorkInProcessNetOfReserves This XBRL element references the following paragraph(s)/term(s) in this Subtopic: 330 Inventory > 10 Overall > S99 SEC Materials > General, S99-2(SAB TOPIC 5.BB) This XBRL element references the following paragraph(s)/term(s) in other S ubtopic(s): 210 Balance Sheet > 10 Overall > S99 SEC Materials > General, S99-1(SX 210. 5-02. 6(a)(3)) Other Inventory, Net of Reserves Element Name: OtherInventoryNetOfReserves This XBRL element references the following paragraph(s)/term(s) in this Subtopic: 330 Inventory > 10 Overall > S99 SEC Materials > General, S99-2(SAB TOPIC 5. BB) This XBRL element references the following paragraph(s)/term(s) in other Subtopic(s): 210 Balance Sheet > 10 Overall > S99 SEC Materials > General, S99-1(SX 210. 5-02. 6) 330-10-S99 SEC Materials Note: General Note As more fully described in the Notice to Constituents, the Codification includes selected SEC and SEC Staff content for reference by ublic companies. The Codification does not replace or affect how the SEC or SEC Staff issues or updates SEC content. SEC Staff content does not constitute Commission-approved rules or interpretations of the SEC. General > >> >>> SEC Staff Guidance Staff Accountin g Bulletins SAB Topic 5. L, LIFO Inventory Practices The following is the text of SAB Topic 5. L, LIFO Inventory Practices. 330-10-S99330-10-S99-1 Facts: On November 30, 1984, AcSEC and its Task Force on LIFO Inventory Problems (task force) issued a paper, â€Å"Identification and Discussion of Certain Financial Accounting and Reporting Issues Concerning LIFO Inventories. This paper identifies and discusses certain financial accounting and reporting issues related to the last-in, first-out (LIFO) inventory method for which authoritative accounting literature presently provides no definitive guidance. For some issues, the task force's advisory conclusions recommend changes in current practice to narrow the diversity which the task force believes exists. For other issues, the task force's advisory conclusions recommend that current practice should be continued for financial reporting purposes and that additional accounting guidance is unnecessary. Except as otherwise noted in the pap er, AcSEC generally supports the task force's advisory conclusions.As stated in the issues paper, â€Å"Issues papers of the AICPA's accounting standards division are developed primarily to identify financial accounting and reporting issues the division believes need to be addressed or clarified by the Financial Accounting Standards Board. † On February 6, 1985, the FASB decided not to add to its agenda a narrow project on the subject of LIFO inventory practices. Question 1: What is the SEC staff's position on the issues paper? Interpretive Response: In the absence of existing authoritative literature on LIFO accounting, the staff believes that registrants and their independent accountants should look to the paper for guidance in determining what constitutes acceptable LIFO accounting practice. FN11 In this connection, the staff considers the paper to be an accumulation of existing cceptable LIFO accounting practices which does not establish any new standards and does not div erge from GAAP. FN11 In ASR 293 (July 2, 1981) see Financial Reporting Codification 205, the Commission expressed its concerns about the inappropriate use of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) LIFO practices for financial statement preparation. Because the IRS amended its regulations concerning the LIFO conformity rule on January 13, 1981, allowing companies to apply LIFO differently for financial reporting purposes than for tax purposes, the Commission strongly encouraged registrants and their independent accountants to examine their financial reporting LIFO practices.In that release, the Commission acknowledged the â€Å"task force which has been established by AcSEC to accumulate information about [LIFO] application problems† and noted that â€Å"This type of effort, in addition to self-examination [of LIFO practices] by individual registrants, is appropriate†¦ † The staff also believes that the advisory conclusions recommended in the issues paper are generally con sistent with conclusions previously expressed by the Commission, such as: 1. Pooling-paragraph 4-6 of the paper discusses LIFO inventory pooling and concludes â€Å"establishing separate pools with the principal objective of facilitating inventory liquidations is unacceptable. In Accounting and Auditing Enforcement Release 35, August 13, 1984, the Commission stated that it believes that the Company improperly realigned its LIFO pools in such a way as to maximize the likelihood and magnitude of LIFO liquidations and thus, overstated net income. 2. New Items-paragraph 4-27 of the paper discusses determination of the cost of new items and concludes â€Å"if the double extension or an index technique is used, the objective of LIFO is achieved by reconstructing the base year cost of new items added to existing pools. † In ASR 293, the Commission stated that when the effects of inflation on the cost of new products are measured by making a comparison with current cost as the base- year cost, rather than a reconstructed base-year cost, income is improperly increased.Question 2: If a registrant utilizes a LIFO practice other than one recommended by an advisory conclusion in the issues paper, must the registrant change its practice to one specified in the paper? Interpretive Response: Now that the issues paper is available, the staff believes that a registrant and its independent accountants should re-examine previously adopted LIFO practices and compare them to the recommendations in the paper. In the event that the registrant and its independent accountants conclude that the registrant's LIFO practices are preferable in the circumstances, they should be prepared to justify their position in the event that a question is raised by the staff.Question 3: If a registrant elects to change its LIFO practices to be consistent with the guidance in the issues paper and discloses such changes in accordance with APB Opinion 20 [Subtopic 250-10] will the registrant be requ ested by the staff to explain its past practices and its justification for those practices? Interpretive Response: The staff does not expect to routinely raise questions about changes in LIFO practices which are made to make a company's accounting consistent with the recommendations in the issues paper. >>> SAB Topic 5. BB, Inventory Valuation Allowance The following is the text of SAB Topic 5. BB, Inventory Valuation Allowance. 330-10-S99330-10-S99-2 Facts: ARB 43, Chapter 4, Statement 5 [paragraph 330-10-35-1], specifies that: â€Å"[a] departure from the cost basis of pricing the inventory is required when the utility of the goods is no longer as great as its cost.Where there is evidence that the utility of goods, in their disposal in the ordinary course of business, will be less than cost, whether due to physical obsolescence, changes in price levels, or other causes, the difference should be recognized as a loss of the current period. This is generally accomplished by stating such goods at a lower level commonly designated as market. † Footnote 2 to that same chapter indicates that â€Å"[i]n the case of goods which have been written down below cost at the close of a fiscal period, such reduced amount is to be considered the cost for subsequent accounting purposes. † Lastly, Opinion 20 provides â€Å"inventory obsolescence† as one of the items subject to estimation and changes in estimates under the guidance in paragraphs 10-11 and 31-33 of that Opinion. Question: Does the write-down of inventory to the lower of ost or market, as required by ARB 43 [Section 330-10-35], create a new cost basis for the inventory or may a subsequent change in facts and circumstances allow for restoration of inventory value, not to exceed original historical cost? Interpretive Response: Based on ARB 43, footnote 2, the staff believes that a write-down of inventory to the lower of cost or market at the close of a fiscal period creates a new cost b asis that subsequently cannot be marked up based on changes in underlying facts and circumstances. FN68 FN68 See also disclosure requirement for inventory balances in Rule 5-02(6) of Regulation S-X. >>> SAB Topic 11. F, LIFO LiquidationsThe following is the text of SAB Topic 11. F, LIFO Liquidations. 330-10-S99330-10-S99-3 Facts: Registrant on LIFO basis of accounting liquidates a substantial portion of its LIFO inventory and as a result includes a material amount of income in its income statement which would not have been recorded had the inventory liquidation not taken place. Question: Is disclosure required of the amount of income realized as a result of the inventory liquidation? Interpretive Response: Yes. Such disclosure would be required in order to make the financial statements not misleading. Disclosure may be made either in a footnote or parenthetically on the face of the income statement.

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Week 4 Assignment Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Week 4 Assignment Paper - Essay Example Of the points raised in the readings, I agree that inclusion issues dealing with disability differ from country to country, expressed in Chapter 10. However, these differences are caused by more than just prejudice, being strongly influenced also by economics and legislation. On the other hand, I disagree with the point made by Steve Bucherati in Chapter 9, that community involvement is evident when a firm manufactures a good that is patronized by all segments of the market. For me, this simply means the firm has adopted the mass production strategy. These insights into community involvement, social responsibility, and diversity and inclusion, will help me, as a sales representative and agent of St Jude Medical, to create stronger and more meaningful bonds between my company and the public it relates to. In Chapter 10, I agree that inclusion issues dealing with disability differ from country to country; however, these differences are caused by more than just prejudice. There are economic considerations, such as in those countries where the population is large, labor is cheap, and the great number of able-bodied, qualified and skilled workers is more than enough labor supply for the existing industries. With the high rate of unemployment and largely manual production processes, it is not so much that the disabled are discriminated against, but that it is likewise an injustice to turn down more capable, equally jobless, workers who would be more useful to the business. There are also legal considerations; some governments provide wage subsidies for businesses which employ the disabled (Europa, 2008; EBU, 2012), but in other countries there are no such provisions. Ultimately, therefore, the decision to hire disabled applicants does not proceed solely from some sense of altruism, but to avail of government incentives for businesses which do so – thereby reducing costs and enhancing profits. Multinationals might therefore practice diversity where it

Wednesday, August 28, 2019

Case study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 40

Case Study Example It provides job rotation which overcomes the boredom of overspecialized work. It increases the responsibility, recognition and opportunity of the employees for achievement of their goals or objectives. The employers are able to retain the productive employees by offering flexible working conditions. The employers are able to attract the skilled and talented workers by providing flexible working hours and alternative working arrangement. The employees generally prefer to work with those organizations that provide perks and benefits to the organization. Google is considered as the best company to work for. It facilitates the employees to set their own daily work schedules. It promotes job sharing where more than one employee performs the job. Therefore the flexibility acts as an important element in motivating and retaining talented work force in the organization. Therefore it is beneficial for both the employers and the employees working in the organization (Lincoln and Kalleberg 40-45). Apart from the benefits of the alternative work arrangement, there are various negative consequences, the negative outcomes for the employers are training the employees, monitoring their work progress on a frequent or timely basis, performance evaluation etc. The training time is increased; it lowers the personnel utilization levels, the chance of error will be more. The financial cost also increases due to the changes in the job environment. The alternative work arrangement will encourage the baby boomers to stay in the organization which will restrict the entrance of new talented individual in the company. The flexibility and the benefit provided by the organization will prevent the baby boomers from leaving the organization. Therefore the productivity and the performance of the organization may be negatively affected. The negative outcome

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Individual Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 4

Individual Report - Essay Example The fundamental principle towards achieving a successful integrated marketing strategy for a product entails both the combination of the traditional and the non-traditional marketing promotional methods, to enhance the synergies of different promotional tactics, such that together, they can produce brand equity for the product. The creation of a synergy for different promotional tactics ensures that the weakness associated with one promotional tactic is offset by the strengths of the other promotional methods, thus building a marketing strategy for a brand that is consistent, clear and easily understandable, and which increases the impact of the marketing campaign (Zvobgo & Melewar, 2011:12). Thus, this discussion seeks to establish Strategic marketing communications approach that can be applied towards ensuring the success of Sony and its SP3 product, with a view to applying a combination of different promotional strategies, to tell the overall product story of (PlayStation 3) to the market. To achieve this, the discussion will seek to establish the weakness associated with each of the available promotional tactics for the products and determine how each of the weaknesses is offset by the application of an integrated system of various marketing promotional tactics. The suitable marketing approach that has been devised for Sony is the APPD approach. The APPD marketing approach focuses on the application of four key marketing strategies; Advertising, Personal selling, Public Relations and Direct marketing as the basis of a product promotion. Under this strategic marketing approach, both the traditional and the non-traditional marketing tactics are applied, to enhance a synergy that increases the impact of the advertising and promotional campaign. Advertising is one of the marketing tactics that will be combined with the other three components of the devised APPD marketing approach for SP3 product,

Monday, August 26, 2019

Law in a changing society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Law in a changing society - Essay Example This can be put forward as an ideal solution to solve legal issues. Parties involved in the process, therefore, take it upon themselves to conduct a thorough and conclusive investigation on which they will base their argument during the trial process. Whereas, this has always been an ideal solution there are factors that should be considered. The assumption made by the legal system that all parties involved in a case have equal resources to carry out investigation may not always be correct (Parkinson 2009, p.46). The system is, therefore, likely to lock out necessary evidence on account of insufficient resources to provide this evidence. The system further fails to recognize parties that may be disadvantaged by factors such as disability and race. The law governing residential tenancies in Australia does not include boarders and lodgers. This means that when faced with a legal challenge, they can only seek justice in the Supreme Court. At the Supreme Court, they will have to argue their case through the traditional adversarial process. The cost of filing a case currently is $894. This considered, the process becomes too expensive for a person who wanted to seek justice. Over the last 30 years, the Australian legal system has sought to adopt some of the aspects of the inquisitorial system. In the section of anti-discrimination law, the Australian law now provides that there should be an investigation by an independent body. This can be done before the disputing parties get brought together to solve their disputes (Parkinson 2009, p.48). The law can be seen to have adopted some of the aspects of the inquisitorial law in the western countries. At the state and territory level, the law provides that the decision making body for allegations of discrimination should be a tribunal. The tribunal looks for evidence that is relevant to the case. The tribunal manages to go beyond the evidence

Sunday, August 25, 2019

A description of the UK economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

A description of the UK economy - Essay Example The UK economy is currently doing well and might be begrudged by many emerging economies. It has high employment levels, minimal inflation rates and a good annual growth of 0.2%. however, if the government continues increasing its expenditure, the UK might soon find itself in another self-imposed crisis. The UK government should realize that the real risk from increased government expenditure is the burden of interest that has to be paid on the money borrowed to finance government activities. Though the government has the role of stimulating economic growth, it must use methods and/or policies that will not conflict with some of its goals and/or objectives. Apparently, tax reduction might work in further improving the performance of the UK economy but such reductions must not be at the expense of government revenues. Vast as it is, the UK government requires lumpsome amounts of money to provide for its population and finance its numerous activities hence taxes must still be considere d as an important source of the government’s existence.

Saturday, August 24, 2019

Using social media in business opportunity and risk (Facebook) Personal Statement

Using social media in business opportunity and risk (Facebook) - Personal Statement Example Forums for interactions that the media, such as Facebook, offer allow organizations to understand their customers need and to tailor their products for meeting these needs. It also helps in identification of markets that aid sales and market control. Availability of a pool of customers or potential customers, cost efficiency and cost effectiveness are some of the opportunities that Facebook offer to corporate organizations. Cost effectiveness of Facebook, for instance, while it ensures effective access to target audience, in strategies such as marketing and customer relationship management, facilitate the profit motive. Facebook also allows a business an opportunity to collaborate with other businesses for common interests and this is possible through interactions in professional groups (Belleghem 191). Reliance on social media such as Facebook however reduces interactions with customers for in-depth communications and this may be a barrier to understanding and meeting customers’ needs. There is also risk of insecurity over data because of sharing of information on Facebook. In addition, technicalities with the media, such as when it shut down, may impose temporary limits to information access (Payne & Frow 388; Belleghem

Friday, August 23, 2019

American Society is a Society of Denial Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

American Society is a Society of Denial - Essay Example The troops too have been conditioned on the power of silence, and so they have no one to share their stories to. Apparently, the civilians have learnt to shut out the war veterans, literary, as they attempt to share their experiences and tribulations at war. Who then, can dispute that the United States is indeed a society in denial In his 1994 publication titled, "Achilles in Vietnam: combat trauma and the undoing of character", Jonathan Shay (1994) describes, through the testimonies of veterans in Vietnam, how the war commanders would habitually attempt to eradicate normal compassion feelings and perception that were elicited by troops from the United States who were in this war. During times of war, military necessity, along with political propaganda acts as a yardstick of not just what the troops are able to perceive, but also the manners in which they are able to do so. According to Shay (1994), military superiors that were charged with the responsibility of handling both trauma and crime had a habit of telling their troops that these two occurrence never happened in the first place, and that the troops did not also experience them (Shay 1994). With such a mindset therefore, little wonder then, that when they were being interviewed by news reporters, the troops would not hesitate to point out that that trauma never occurred, and if it did, they somewhat expected it. Shay recounts how he recorded the testimony of one former troop in Vietnam, and how he recounted the ordeals back then with a taste of anger and bitterness. Apparently, his superiors were trying to alter the veteran's perception as regards the collective murder that he had not only contributed to, but also saw the dead bodies when daylight came. The comforting words of his superior were that he need not worry about the ordeal, and that his superiors would handle it. The superiors would then go ahead and commend the officers for what they called 'a job well done'. Ultimately, the trend found its way into the United States after the war was over (Bacevich 2005). Those soldiers that make it back home often get medals of Honor, albeit with a condition; that they ma intain silence as regards the pathos, realities, as well as the bizarre ills of war. To the war veterans, obstinate ignorance of the members of the public becomes a basis for pain. Through his short story titled Soldier's Home, Ernest Hemingway sheds light on how reluctant the civilians were to attend to the intuitive requirements of the troops who were returning back to the United States upon the end of the First World War. This book by Hemingway was published in 1925, and it therefore coincides with the end of the war. The story talks about Kerbs, a young soldier from Oklahoma. Upon return, he is not keen to disclose war issues. With time however, the urge to address war matter builds up. He thus desires to share these issues with his family, friends, as well as neighbors. However, Hemingway observes that "Nobody wanted to hear about it" (Rockwell 2008). Apparently, the young man's town had no wish to learn about war atrocities. Krebs finally discovered that if the town people were to listen to his stories, then he hand no choice but to lie about the war. Apparently the capability of this young man to absorb into the way of life of the civilians hinged upon how keen he has to put

Africans and Americans The Differences between Cultures Assignment

Africans and Americans The Differences between Cultures - Assignment Example Yet another notable musical aspect that has influenced the American musical forms include jazz and blues music forms- that were African instigated- that have made an entry into American music. Secondly, the language system of the African Americans has played a vast role in shaping the culture of the Americans today. Boyd argues that the Africans had to devise a new form of language that would lead to their bonding whilst in the Diaspora4. These languages involved the merging of the African, American and Caribbean vernaculars5. Today, the American language has seen the entry of these languages into the English structure. Though the same has been termed as slang, evidently, the African American language has claimed a huge percentage of the American language. Thirdly, African American art has influenced the American culture. In his work, Mbele argues that African American art has been accepted in the American culture6. Good examples include drawings, designs, architecture and carpets7. Present day American art display a huge percentage of African American artistic qualities8. This is an interpretation of the fact that Americans have slowly embraced and appreciated the African American works of art. The African American cultural expressions impact and leave an impression on American culture as a whole in many ways. In terms of politics, language and music amongst others, African American culture has continued to have a place in the American society. In the case of politics, for example, the United States now has an African American president. This is a clear suggestion of how far the African American culture has taken part a huge percentage of the American culture. The typical American culture cannot alienate itself from the Africanisation. Arguing that America has lost its ties with Africa is therefore fallacious.   With time, the cultural elements of African American culture are slowly being transmitted into the American culture.  

Thursday, August 22, 2019

Frito Lay Essay Example for Free

Frito Lay Essay For many years computer scientists have developed systems which have complete intelligence. However, not all of these programs are actually intelligent although virtually all of them have inputs which correspond to senses, choices of actions according to response rules, as well as the capability of acting either as graphics or as text outputs. Majority of the artificial intelligent systems have the potential of memorizing experiences as well as the ability to learn. This paper therefore examines decision support systems and the artificial support systems in the way they were made use of in Frito Lay. The paper compares and contrasts the various types of decision support systems and artificial intelligence systems in relation to the ones which were implemented by Frito Lay. Tale of Contents Introduction 4 Decision Support Systems (DSS) 4 Types of Decision Support Systems 6 Artificial Intelligence Systems 8 Types of Artificial Intelligence 9 Conclusion 10 Reference 11 Introduction Many organizations such as Frito Lay would want to have unlimited access to more information which would help them in determining the way they operate and manage their organizations. They would like access to real time and updated information which they can use to run their organizations more effectively. This information helps them compare organizational inputs, processes as well as outcomes during a particular period of time. Still, organizations like Frito Lay need longitudinal information which permits them to anticipate their future organizational needs. The implication here is that organizations need to undertake data-driven decision making; a feat which can be achieved by the use of decision support systems (National Forum on Education Statistics, 2006, p. 9). Decision Support Systems (DSS) Organizations have realized that the only guaranteed way to get the right data within the reach of those charged with decision making is to invest in a decision support system as a solution to their needs pertaining to information management. To venture into decision support systems is likely to be more beneficial compared to the cost of such an investment (National Forum on Education Statistics, 2006, p. 9). The implication here is that purchasing a decision support system would imply heavy financial and operational commitments since it would involve hardware and software costs (Gregor Benbasat, 1999, pp. 497-530). Decision support systems are very complicated with regards to the way they manage data as well as their technology architecture. This complexity is sometimes aggravated by conflicting information from the field of technology. Still some ambiguity may result from description as well as the inability to clearly differentiate concepts which are related in a particular way like data mart and data warehouses. At times, this confusion could arise from the vendors who may not be willing to differentiate the products they are dealing in with other prevailing systems in the market. This implies that possibly there are various types of decision support systems (National Forum on Education Statistics, 2006, p. 9). One of the systems which were embraced by Michael Jordan, the new CEO who took over Frito-Lay on the brink of collapse was the state whereby control of decision making on issues like promotions and product mix were concentrated at the headquarters. This implies that the systems Frito-Lay instituted were those of tightly controlling strategy execution. The system included among others the position of accounts manager while the sales force was segmented. Still the company had a system where handheld computers (HHC) were used as an information system tool in supporting managerial decision making. In other words Frito Lay implemented a system of micromarketing (Harvard Business School, 2001). The other system which was implemented by Frito Lay involved the subdivision of domestic operations into several geographic areas known as the Frito-Lay Market Areas (FLMAs). In this system, the company developed profit and loss accounts which provided approximated costs, revenues and contribution margins before taxes for all the areas (Harvard Business School, 2001). In this regard and in the data generated by these analyses, the company embarked on a process of organization wide quality improvement in which case emphasis was laid on identifying the 10 non-performing FMLAs to be improved. The final system embraced by Frito Lay was the system building information infrastructure. In this case, the company implemented a chain of IT projects under the name Pipeline Project in support of operation process redesign within across the functional units. In line with this system, the company equally implemented a system aimed at redesigning managerial processes; the structures and decisions which directed the way the company operated (Harvard Business School, 2001). A decision support system is not merely a system capable of manipulating data and supporting decision making. For instance, an enhanced user interface which allows querying and analysis of a unit database cannot be considered a decision support system (Gregor Benbasat, 1999, pp. 497-530). Still, a spreadsheet application having advanced ‘if/then’ characteristics does also not qualify to be called a decision support system. At the same time, a database management system (DBMS) which allows a user to select and analyze information within one database for the purposes of reporting and analysis equally does not qualify to be called a decision support system for the simple reason that it does not integrate many databases (National Forum on Education Statistics, 2006, p. 9). Types of Decision Support Systems Data warehouse and data mart are the two terms which have always been confused with decision support systems. However, these terms are different although they could be similar in terms of terminology and concept. A data warehouse is a central repository where all information or a proportion of the information collected by an enterprise is collected (National Forum on Education Statistics, 2006, p. 12). What is emphasized by data warehousing is the storage of data from various sources though it does not in general concern itself with the intended user the way a decision support would. This implies that data warehousing plays the role of querying and reporting large combinations of data as opposed to querying and analyzing data. (Gregor Benbasat, 1999, pp. 497-530). In addition, the core purpose of data warehouse is to permit access to historical or transactional data in their fundamental format such as tables as opposed to distilling data into some format which allows for in-depth analysis. A data mart is more or less similar to a data warehouse in the sense that it acts as a repository for data, although such data could be limited in scope depending on the subject, function or even user group (National Forum on Education Statistics, 2006, p. 12). One component of a decision support system is data quality. In fact data can is said to be the foundation of any decision support system meaning that high quality data is useful for decision-making as seen in the case of Frito Lay. Besides the data should be valid reliable and timely (Gregor Benbasat, 1999, pp. 497-530). It is important to note that as is applicable to any data-based system, the quality of information generated by the decision support system is influenced by the quality of data which originally went into the system. Thus, probably the single most important way of ensuring that high quality managerial data is collected and maintained is to consistently apply standard terms and business guidelines all over the organization (National Forum on Education Statistics, 2006, p. 16). The other type pf decision support system is the hardware, software and the data management procedures. As seen in Frito Lay, a decision support system is not a unitary piece of technology like a database or even a network (National Forum on Education Statistics, 2006, p. 17). Instead, it is a system that incorporates and integrates disparate data sources with the intention of permitting decision-makers to have access to and store data in a way useful to them. Therefore, the technology associated with a DSS would be influenced by the preexisting technology and data architecture of the organization. Artificial Intelligence Systems As earlier stated, artificial intelligence systems in most cases have the capacity of storing experiences along with the ability of learning. Occasionally, the brain fails to do the action instantly though it makes use of the imagination it has. The brain identifies a response criterion and establishes what situation arises from the action (Gregor Benbasat, 1999, pp. 497-530). It then identifies again an action pertaining to this new situation and established the most likely outcome (Robot, 2007). Therefore it can choose not only a response criterion but also a complete plan of action. This calls for the programmer to design various functions of the intelligent system as program functions which are also known as sub programs. A robot as an example of an intelligent system operates in an interesting way. The robot senses transmit information to the brain where the brain verifies if it has concept for the information it has received (Gregor Benbasat, 1999, pp. 497-530). Otherwise, it creates a composite concept having the different sense information as partitions. What follows is the brain building up the prevailing situation from these concepts. A different domain of the brain checks in the memory to find out any response criterion for this condition before selecting the appropriate response rule and sending the action to the limbs for action (Robot, 2007). During the beginning of the ‘life’ of the robot, its memory is void of concepts and responses. However, each time the robot experiences something; it stores a new response criterion having the present situation (Gregor Benbasat, 1999, pp. 497-530). This implies that when the brain is not active, that is when it is ‘asleep’ it evaluates those response criteria while making generalizations implying that it is now equipped with response criteria which can be applied to a variety of situations. Questions have been asked pertaining to the possibility of using artificial neural nets to achieve the functioning of the brain (Robot, 2007). However, for a computer, concepts and response criterion achieves more efficiency than neural nets. Just writing a computer program which is an intelligent system and running within a computer with an output on a screen is not sufficient. It is important to build complete systems capable of acting in the natural environment of the human being. Apparently, to be of use such a program would need to have an intelligence similar in a way to that of man. This would signify the need for limbs and senses in order to enable it have same experiences and develop concepts for action similar in a way to that of man (Robot, 2007). Types of Artificial Intelligence Artificial or machine intelligence is the kind of ‘knowledge’ exhibited by any gadget manufactured by man. In most cases, it is hypothetically used to imply computers meant for general purposes though it could equally refer to scientific investigation. It could also refer to the intelligence of an artificial device (Gregor Benbasat, 1999, pp. 497-530). What need to be noted however are the various types of artificial intelligence that are available. Strong artificial intelligence is concerned with creating some kind of intelligence capable of reasoning. Reasoning in this case being the ability to evaluate and derive a conclusion a certain premise (EconomicExpert, 2009). The other is the weak artificial intelligence which is concerned with creating computer based intelligence capable of reasoning and solving problems on a limited basis. Such a device would at times operate as if it was intelligence but it wouldn’t have true intelligence (EconomicExpert, 2009). Testing such a device would require a turing test; an idea of testing the capability of a machine to undertake a conversation like man. Artificial intelligence has several fields; one of which is natural languages. Natural languages are used to draw a distinction between the languages spoken by man and the languages used in computer programming (Gregor Benbasat, 1999, pp. 497-530). Conclusion From this analysis it is evident that decision support systems are increasingly becoming important in modern day organizations such as Frito Lay. Depending on the configurations they have, decision support systems are powerful tools which organizations can embrace to address variety of questions about organizational performance, management, operations and policy-making (National Forum on Education Statistics, 2006, p. 14). For instance Frito Lay should embrace an appropriate IT infrastructure changes as a shift from the traditional management reporting procedures the company has long been undertaking. This implies that the company implemented an IT strategy aimed at delivering more focused and timely information which was informed by an improved understanding of the business processes. Reference EconomicExpert. (2009). Artificial Intelligence Retrieved January 13 2009 from http://www. economicexpert. com/a/Artificial:intelligence. htm Gregor, S. , and Benbasat, I. (1999). Explanations from intelligent systems: Theoretical foundations and implications for practice, Mis Quarterly 23 (4) pp. 497-530. Harvard Business School. (2001). Frito-Lay, Inc. : a Strategic Transition, 1987-1992 (Abridged). The McGraw-Hill Companies National Forum on Education Statistics. (2006). Forum Guide to Decision. Support Systems: A Resource for Educators. U. S. Department of Education, Washington DC: National Center for Education Statistics, pp. 1-34. Retrieved January 13, 2009 from http://nces. ed. gov/pubs2006/2006807. pdf. Robot, A. H. (2007). Artificial Intelligence Systems. New Horizons Press. Retrieved January 13, 2009 from http://www. intelligent-systems. com. ar/intsyst/artis. htm

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Optical Sensors for Biological and Chemical Measurement

Optical Sensors for Biological and Chemical Measurement This Literature review is divided into three main parts. They are, Surface Plasmon Resonance, BIACORE 3000 and Winspall. In these three mechanism, Surface Plasmon Resonance stood a basic platform for optical bio- sensing whereas BIACORE 3000 is an extended version. On the other hand, Winspall is a special software used to simulate the reflectivity curves. The first part of the literature review is Surface Plasmon Resonance which explains the basic concept, sensors used in SPR and application in major areas. And also the future trend of Surface Plasmon Resonance sensors has been explained. Similarly the next section has a detailed structure of BIACORE 3000 describing its sensitivity and throughput along with new instrument software. As mention above that Winspall is a special software, it has been clearly discussed in third part. In this discussion, how the reflectivity curve is simulated with the help of Winspall software is explained with taking as an example of Reflection at air- g lass interface. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) Introduction: For the past two decades there is a massive increase in the field of research and development of optical sensors for the measurement of chemical and biological quantities. Measuring CO2 and O2 Concentration were developed by optical chemical sensors which is the first optical device based on the measurement changes in absorption spectrum (Lubbers, et al. 1975). The chemical sensors and biosensors use various optical methods such as Ellipsometry, Interferometry, Spectroscopy and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). In these sensors a required amount is determined by measuring the refractive index, absorbance and fluorescence properties of analyte molecules (Wolfbeis et al., 1991). In late seventies, the potential of Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) for characterization of thin films (Pockrand et al., 1978) and monitoring processes at metal interfaces (Gordon II et al., 1980) had been recognized. In 1982, Nylander and Liedberg demonstrated the typical use of SPR for gas detection and bio-se nsing (Nylander et al., 1982). For the measurement of physical, chemical and biological quantities new SPR sensing configuration as well as application of SPR- sensing devices were developed since from the scientific community SPR had received continuously growing attention. In optical bio- sensing more than 75% of the research are based on the SPR, and SPR sensors are used commercially by several leading organizations in the field of direct real- time observation of the bio- molecular interactions. What is meant by SPR: SPR has many practical applications in sensitive detectors and it is having the ability to detect sub-monomolecular coverage. This phenomenon was first observed by Wood in 1902 (Wood, 1902), according to him, SPR is a pattern of anomalous dark and light bands in the reflected light when the light is polarised on a mirror with a diffraction grating on its surface. And the phenomenon of physical interpretation was initiated by Lord Rayleigh (Rayleigh, 1907) and additionally it was enhanced (Fano et al., 1941) but since 1968 there is no detail and complete explanation of the phenomenon. In the same year Otto (Otto, et al. 1969) and Kretschmann and Raether (Kretschmann, et al., 1968) reported in detail about the excitation of surface Plasmons. Optical chemical sensors and biosensors in SPR: Usually, an Optical sensor is a transducing medium which correlates the optical and bio- chemical domains and the system which supports the optoelectronic components of an electronic system and allowing data processing. The transducing medium converts the quantity of interest change into refractive index change which may be estimated by optically interrogating the SPR. The SPR sensor of an optical system contain two parts, one is the source of optical radiation and another one is the optical structure in which surface Plasma Waves (SPW) is excited and interrogated. In this SPR interrogation process, the electronic system process and generates the electronic signal and the properties of sensors subsystem only determines the major properties of an SPR sensor. The properties of an optical system and the transducing medium is dependent to the sensor sensitivity, stability and resolution whereas the selectivity and response time of the sensor are mostly estimates by the properties of tran sducing medium. Technologies and materials used in SPR-sensing devices: There are various technologies employed in the fabrication of SPR sensors since SPR chemical sensing and bio- sensing has multidisciplinary nature. But in particular there are two technologies which are considered as most important on the fabrication of SPR sensors. They are the fabrication of the optical part of the sensing element and preparation of Opto- chemical transducing medium. Application of SPR sensors in major areas: Measurement of physical quantities in SPR Based upon the sensitivity of SPR to the momentum of the incident light wave the displacement (Margheri et al., 1996) and angular position of SPR sensors is measured. For the development of SPR -sensing devices various optical transducing materials have been exploited including the refractive index changes of porous thin layers and polymers (Weiss et al., 1996) by humidity sensor and a temperature sensor based on the thermo- optic effect (Chadwick, 1993). SPR chemical sensing: Direct measurement of refractive index using an SPR sensor can be achieved by complexity variation in the concentration of analyte and due to the adsorption or chemical reaction of an analyte with a transducing medium the measurement of SPR variation are dependent to chemical SPR sensors which results in changes in its optical properties. Surface Plasmon Resonance Bio- sensing In 1983, the first application of SPR to bio- sensing was demonstrated (Liedberg, 1983), previously the demonstration was carried out and developed by some other groups (Flanagan et al., 1984). The real time bio- specific interaction analysis method was the first survey on Surface Plasmon Resonance which is appeared on 1994 (Lundstrà ¶m, 1994) frequently used and continuously improved for examination of kinetic and thermodynamics constants of bio- molecular interactions. The direct detection of binding reaction is used for the purpose of analyte quantification, however, the adsorption of small molecules produces the increase in refractive index which is not sufficient to detect directly. Commercialization of Surface Plasmon Resonance sensor technology: The first commercial SPR bio- sensor was launched on 1990 by Swedish BIAcore AB which leads to systematic development of SPR bio- sensor technology. Then the BIAcore sensor technology has been further developed in terms of speed, throughput and accuracy. At present BIAcore offers a number of models of SPR bio- sensors (BIACORE 3000, BIACORE 2000, BIACORE X, BIACORE 1000, BiacoreQuant) (Sinclair et al., 1990). By further growth of commercialisation of optical bio- sensor system results in the development of another SPR bio- sensor system (TI- SPR- 1Experimenters Kit, Spreeta Evaluation Kit) by Texas Instrument in USA [127]. There is another SPR bio- sensor system called Kinetic instrument 1 which has been developed by Bio TuL Bio Instruments GmbH (Germany). The recent SPR sensor which is commercially available is waveguide- based device using wavelength interrogation in a multimode optical fibre developed by EBI sensors (Washington, USA). Future trends in development of Surface Plasmon Resonance sensors Even though SPR is used in many fields, there is a necessity for detection and analysis of chemical and bio- chemical substances in many significant areas such as medical, environmental monitoring, bio- technology, drug and food monitoring. SPR sensor technology holds potential for applications in the mentioned areas. At present SPR bio- sensors devices compete with other types of bio- sensors (Owen, 1997) and the currently available bio- sensors covers only some degree of area of (bio) chemical monitoring market aiming primarily at research and analytical laboratories. So, a new SPR bio- sensor is need to compete the existing system to cover the specialised laboratories and testing sites on the basis of factor such as cheap, ease of use, robustness, sensitivity and stability. Conclusion For the past 10 years there is a great improvement in Surface Plasmon Resonance sensors technology with many numbers of applications. Even more the SPR sensors technology will get growth and extend in the usage by developing new type of bio- sensors which competes the existing system and also designing low- cost, allow sensitive and fast in speed. BIAcore 3000 Introduction For label free studies of bio- molecular binding, BIAcore 3000 is considered as highest performance research system which is existing currently. The substances such as lipid vesicles, viruses, bacteria and eukaryotic cells which are ranging from small molecules to crude extracts can be studied. Speed, strength and specificity of binding and determination of active concentration of components questions have been answered by BIAcore 3000 and it is an ideal tool for functional proteomics. For the future trends, there are lot to invent technically which has to meet the highest demands for efficiency, sensitivity and flexibility. The awareness and experience of BIAcore 3000 is an effective guide for the users without effort through preparation, evaluation and experimentation has been incorporated into Wizards. This BIAcore 3000 follows the C- language Conditional IF/THEN statements to response perfectly to changes in run conditions, since it provide a trend analysis and preliminary result s at the end of runs. For an individual sample characterisation BIAcore 3000 is used to design, where the highest resolution in kinetic analysis and automation of multi- sample analyses is crucial and it provides a superior performance for kinetic analysis. Highest signal to noise ratio and a high data acquisition achieves increased resolution. BIACORE 3000 represents the logical next step in the development of BIACORE systems for sophisticated binding studies, with better sensitivity, higher throughput, improved liquid flow properties and an easier software interface than previous system in the series (Francis, 1998). High sensitivity BIAcore has an working range as little as 10 RU, but it can be able to detect up to 70000 RU (one RU is equivalent to one picogram protein per square millimetre on the sensor surface) and also it has highest sensitivity to monitor the bio- molecular binding which ensures in the interpretation of related kinetic data and in the detection of binding events. The molecular weights of the binding partners and experimental conditions are dependent to the measurement of kinetic and affinity parameters. The controlled experimental conditions ensure precisely in the design of micro- fluidic pathway and in the detection system of BIAcore 3000. By comparing to other BIAcore systems, BIAcore 3000 has the ability to generate twice the signal from the same sample injection time. The micro- fluidic pathway of BIAcore 3000 has four flow cells overlaid in single sensor surface in which the each cell consists with a volume of 0.02  µl. During a single sample injection one cell has used to be as a true reference. The resolution and information from a single run will be maximised by automatic in- line reference subtraction and the signals will be resolved by reducing the background noise. Improved Throughput There is a significant difference in the design of IFC, between BIAcore 3000 and to its predecessors, where the height of the flow cells has been reduced to less than half. This may create some trivial sound, but the binding measurement in the screening application and kinetic analysis has important consequences. The mass transfer of analyte to the surface height is improved by the consequence of the lower flow cell, where as the height is inversely proportional to the mass transfer co- efficient for diffusion controlled transfer. If the height is increased by the factor 2, then the mass transfer co- efficient for diffusion will decreases by factor 1.6. Similarly, we can link this to the practical terms, that is, the faster kinetics can be measured without interference from mass transfer process. It also means that same response is achieved in the shorter time in a mass transfer limited situation in which the sample throughput is increased in screening situations. The improved sensit ivity enhances the gain which allows the system to work at lower relative response levels confidently. Streamlined wash routines between the introduction of new reagent rack and analysis cycles improves the automated analysis situation by throughput which allows 192 wells in two micro- plates to be used for samples. But some users of BIAcore 3000 says that clogging problems in the flow system is due to the reduced flow cell height when particular samples such as crude extracts or whole cell suspension are used. At the same time the users do not report problems when the clogging in micro- flow systems is quoted as an argument in favour of open curvette systems even when the analyses involving whole cells and there is no cause to think that the lower flow cell height in the BIAcore will built important clogging problems (Francis M, 1998). Software The BIAcore 3000 instruments have large improvements technically by introduction of new softwares which is designed to improve the analysis quality and to simplify the operation. Latest versions of the control software BIAcore 2000 have all these features. The BIAcore 2000 and BIAcore 3000 consists two- channel system BIAcore X with line reference subtraction method. Due to this, the users can progress and evaluate their data with confidently and also the data quality improves to large extent. The new IFC (Integrated fluidic cartridge) in the BIAcore 3000 is used to bypass the flow cells and to improve the cost- efficiency of chip operation. The features of BIAcore control software is due to the introduction of application wizards since the application wizard provides step by step information in a clear way to a particular kind of experiment for designing and interpreting the results with on-line help and feedback give the correct chance of achievement. The informations through on-li ne functions and the wizards were created based on the experience of binding studies over the years and it provides a new experience to the users and benefits to the companys expertise. Conclusion In summary, BIAcore 3000 is considered as most advanced system in the series of BIAcore and also it represents the present state of the art in technology for affinity- based bio- sensors. The system will extend the range of applications by the technology with higher sensitivity, improve in sampling handling and enhanced kinetic analysis facilities to cover many of the small molecules like cofactors, signalling substances present in the basic science research and drug candidates in the pharmaceutical industry. For dealing the large amount of high quality data, the refinement of hardware and computer software involved in the BIAcore system can provide and this is considered as a developed approach. Processing the data in the system becomes more and more of a bottle neck since the automated analysis becomes faster and more complicated. Winspall Introduction: To simulate the surface Plasmon resonance curves special software is designed based on the Fresnel formalism which is called as Winspall, developed by A. Scheller at the Max Planck Institute for polymer Research (Chifen, 2007). This software is very easy to use and gives accurate results when simulating the reflection curves (RES- TEC, 2010). Similarly, Winspall software is also used to determine the layer thickness in deposited LB (Langmuir- Blodgett) layers (KSV Inst, 2010). In many practical and commercial application electronic components such as sensors, detectors, displays and circuit boards provides the ability to assemble ordered molecular films with tailored functionality over macroscopic lateral dimensions. This technique is called as Langmuir- Blodgett (LB) deposition. In this deposition, technique the air- water interface contains micro particles and nano particles which are to be compressed and transferred to solid substrate. Here, the Winspall software is used to find t he deposition thickness between the particle layers and also the Fresnel coefficients of each film/ layer with recursion formalism will be calculated (Chifen, 2007). Simulation of Reflectivity curve using Winspall: As mentioned above, Winspall is used to simulate the reflection curves; this section gives a detail view how the reflected curve is simulated using Winspall software with an example. Let us consider an easy prism experiment, base of the prism reflects the laser beam and reflected light is the function of the angle of incidence. Now this reflected curve from the prism is going to be simulating using Winspall. So for this, we need the optical prism constant and air constant. The Winspall software consists of a special simulation parameter table (Fig 2) where the optical comments are to be filled; depending upon the optical parameters the simulation results will be made. For the above example we have to fill the optical components parameter such as prism and air. The first optical parameter is prism; we have to enter the thickness (no 1) 0 for in the table. And then the real and imaginary part of dielectric constant should be filled. The real part of dielectric constant is 2.29 in our example and the imaginary part is zero due to the absence of adsorption in the glass. The second optical component is air (no 2), no thickness and real part of dielectric constant is 1 and imaginary part is zero. Now the simulation parameters are filled in the table. The next step is to click the OK button to get simulation output. Once the OK button is clicked on the simulation parameter window, we will get a simulation curve as an output (Fig 3) for the filled values in the table in separate window. This is the typical curve describes the total internal reflection occurred in the prism and the reflected light separates high index from low index material. In general whenever a light passes through the interface, there will be no reflection at low angles, when the angle gets large the total internal reflection will occur. Below the window shows the simulation output for the values which were filled in the table. This graph explains that below 39 degree there is no reflection, when the angle increases the light get reflects until the total internal reflection is reached. Now to modify or to adjust the reflectivity curve, extra optical components value should be added in the table. In the above case, we are going to add another component between the glass and the air. It is 50 nm thick gold layer with the optical constants Eps-X real=-12.45 and Eps-X imag=1.3. Due to the minor differences in the evaporation process the above mentioned optical constant values for gold varies to some extent. Once these values are entered and we clicked OK button in the simulation parameter window, we will get a curve which is entirely different when compared to previous output (Fig 3). Because of reflective property of gold, first the total internal reflection becomes very thin from 0 to almost 1 and then around 43 degrees a surface Plasmon shows up a strong dip in reflectivity. Due to this strong dip, now the total intensity will jump in this Plasmon and there wont be any part of light reflection occurs. This simulation output curve describes the optical properties of a typical blank substrate used for surface Plasmon measurements. The below shown window consists of simulation output for newer optical component values Now to get real Plasmon and thin layers, a 3nm thick gold layer is added on the top with the dielectric constant of 2.11 (n=1.45) maybe some polymer or a protein. Once the new dielectric constant value in added, there will be a change in the simulation output curve (Fig 4) i.e. the Plasmon resonance shifted a little. We are now about half a degree higher. This shift can be easily measured and for the investigation of such thin layers Surface Plasmon Spectroscopy is well apt. Similarly to get thicker layer 30 nm thick gold layer used on the top which gives result as stronger shift of the Plasmon resonance. But when try to increase the strong shift of Plasmon resonance curve by using 300 nm thick layers a very sharp dip is found in the reflectivity curve at smaller angle. At this smaller a new waveguide mode occurred instead of Plasmon. By increasing the thickness i.e. by adding the thick gold layer with different nm thick on the top we will get more and more waveguides on the reflect ivity spectrum. The below window diagram shows the five waveguide modes in the range for 70 degree for 3 micro meter thick layer. At the same time waveguides can also be found in s-polarised light. This s-polarised light waveguides are also can be simulate by Winspall software. On the other hand, using the Winspall software the Surface Plasmon Resonance curve can be evaluated very easily. This is carried out by the same process, just filling the simulation parameter table. Conclusion: Winspall is special user- friendly software to represent the Surface Plasmon Resonance curves and also it very easy to carry the simulation and evaluation of reflectivity curves.