Author Archives: Steven Okelley

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THE FINANCIAL REPORTING

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The primary objective of financial reporting is to provide useful information to existing and potential investors, lenders, and other creditors for decision making. This objective has been established through the conceptual framework developed by accounting standard setters over many years.

Financial reporting aims to provide information about an entity’s economic resources, claims against the entity, and effects of transactions and other events and circumstances that change its economic resources and claims in order to help users, particularly investors, creditors and others, assess the prospects for future net cash inflows to the entity and in particular the amount, timing and uncertainty of future net cash inflows to the entity. Since investors’ and creditors’ interest in the cash flows of an entity relate to the returns that they expect from it, financial reporting should provide information to help them assess expected cash flows.

For financial reporting to be truly useful, the information provided must not only represent faithfully the transactions and other events and circumstances that it either purports to represent or could reasonably be expected to represent, but it should also be relevant to the decision-making needs of users and faithfully represented. This means the information must be presented in a way that contributes to the understandability and integrity of the financial reporting. For information to be relevant, it must be capable of making a difference in the decisions made by users. It should help users in evaluating past, present or future events or in confirming or correcting their past evaluations. It must also be timely to be useful to decision makers.

To achieve the objective of financial reporting, essential characteristics such as understandability, relevance, materiality, reliability, timeliness, comparability as well as balancing benefit and cost must be applied. Financial reports must be complete and transparent in disclosing both favorable and unfavorable facts. Selective disclosure or non-disclosure will not achieve the objective. Understandability is an essential quality of information included in financial reports. Users are assumed to have a reasonable knowledge of business and economic activities and accounting and a willingness to study the information. Notwithstanding this, financial reports needs to be presented in a way that can be understood by users of different skills and abilities to recognize its significance. To be relevant, information must be capable of making a difference in a user’s assessment of the prospects of the entity and the economic decisions. Materiality relates to both the nature of the information and the amount. A piece of information is material if its omission or misstatement could influence the decisions of users. Reliable information is free from material error and bias and can be depended upon by users to represent faithfully items or transactions they purport or could reasonably be expected to represent. Timeliness means having information available for users in time to be capable of influencing their economic decisions. Comparability allows users to identify and understand similarities and differences between two sets of economic phenomena. Comparable information enhances the usefulness of financial information in making economic decisions.

The overarching and primary objective of financial reporting is to provide useful information that enables investors, creditors and other users to make well informed resource allocation decisions through general purpose financial reports prepared on the accrual basis of accounting which presents faithfully the financial position, financial performance and cash flows of an entity . The reports aim to meet the common needs of the wide range of users and should provide information to enable them to assess the management’s stewardship and discharge of its accountability obligations and the prospects for future net cash inflows to the entity. Financial information provided in general purpose financial reports should help all types of users, existing and potential investors, lenders and other creditors and other users make rational investment, credit and similar economic decisions.

SLIDESHARE PERCEPTION

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SlideShare is a platform focused on sharing presentations, documents and videos online. As such, public perception of SlideShare relies significantly on how people view presentations and the sharing of such content. Some of the key factors that impact SlideShare perception include:

Education value – Many people see SlideShare as an educational tool. Sharing presentations allows subjects matter experts and thought leaders to disseminate knowledge on various topics. Users look to SlideShare to gain access to insightful presentations they otherwise might not see. This educational view helps drive a positive perception of enabling learning.

Marketing and self-promotion – At the same time, some users see SlideShare as mainly a vehicle for self-promotion and marketing. Many people upload their own presentations to gain exposure and market their services or products. Critics question how educational some content is when promotion may be the main goal. This pushes perception in a more negative direction for those who dislike overt marketing behaviors.

Information discovery – Most users appreciate SlideShare as a resource for discovering new information and finding presentations on topics they want to learn about. The search and filtering tools allow focusing on high quality material. This feeds a view of SlideShare enhancing research and powering information discovery. Positive perception grows based on such utility and usability.

Conversely, some users note limitations in searching and filtering that can make finding the most applicable content challenging at times. Poor tagging, incomplete metadata or missing context makes information discovery harder, which slightly drags down perception for those influenced by such pain points.

Image and professionalism – In general, people see sharing presentations on SlideShare as conveying knowledge in a professional format. Slide decks get associated with business, education and conferences. This professional image supports a positive perception aligned with work and learning.

Not all presentations maintain the highest standards in quality or formatting. Occasionally, low effort or amateurish decks get uploaded as well. While diversity has value, such content risks giving some people a negative impression that SlideShare has insufficient controls over material or lacks rigor.

Accessibility and openness – The ability to view presentations without login or fees fosters a perception of SlideShare as an inclusive and open resource. People appreciate the no-strings-attached availability of information. This open approach aligns well with perspectives favoring education, learning and sharing.

Some feel SlideShare could do more to highlight premium or paid content over free content. Concerns arise that completely free models may not sustain high quality over the long run or properly reward content originators. Perceptions become mixed when considering business models.

Collaboration features – SlideShare enables features like comments, likes, embeds and downloads that facilitate collaboration, engagement and amplification around presentations. Users who appreciate these social layers tend to view SlideShare in a positive light as more than just a file locker or archive. The platform becomes perceived as enabling two-way communication plus spreading content.

But others fail to highly engage with or understand the value of these features. They focus more on SlideShare as a distribution mechanism. Lack of use or relevance lowers perception linked to collaborative aspects. And occasional toxicity in comments could undermine these qualities if left unaddressed.

Mobile experience – As mobile devices grew in popularity, SlideShare enhanced their app and mobile-optimized site. Most people accessing SlideShare appreciate convenient on-the-go consumption of presentations using phones and tables. The mobilization supports views of SlideShare as a modern, versatile platform.

More limited editing and organizational capabilities exist on some mobile clients relative to desktop. This creates a perception issue for power users relying heavily on managing uploaded content from all devices. It also generates concerns that the mobile experiences may not progress as quickly as desktop alternatives.

Social media – SlideShare utilizes integrations with major channels like LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to spread reach and drive traffic. Most see these partnerships in a good light, since engagement is a key goal. But power users highly involved on those networks have raised issues that at times SlideShare content gets lost amongst higher prioritized posts. This minor dilution of discoverability risk lowering cross-platform perceptions.

Influencers and viral success – Popular quotes, case studies and tutorials uploaded to SlideShare by industry luminaries and creators of viral content help boost overall perception. Seeing highly engaging, share-worthy presentations spread widely sends a positive signal. It suggests the potential for large audiences and genuine learning impact through SlideShare’s tools. If such success stories dwindled, overall sentiment feedback could flatten without champion use cases.

SlideShare perception arises from a complex mix of educational mission, technical functionality, collaboration design, mobile experience, social media presence and influencer activity. Generally positive sentiment comes from information sharing values and openness. Occasional issues around quality, utility frustrations or business model concerns create headwinds. But as SlideShare continues optimizing to better facilitate learning through presentations, overall public perceptions of the platform’s usefulness should remain favorable. Enhancing discovery, communities, collaborations and power-user capabilities supports maintaining strong reputation built from accessible insights shared worldwide.

BOSTON COLLEGE APPLICATION 2023 CLOSING DATE

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Boston College utilizes a single choice early action application process, and the closing date for the application is January 1st, 2023. While this closing date may seem early to some prospective applicants, there are several strategic reasons why BC utilizes this January 1st deadline.

First, it is important to consider the timing and workload of the admissions review process. After the January 1st deadline passes, BC’s Office of Undergraduate Admission must read, evaluate, and make decisions on the thousands of applications they receive for the upcoming fall semester. This process takes months to complete thoroughly and carefully. If BC pushed the deadline later into the spring, it would significantly compress the timeline for the admission staff to conduct their reviews. It typically takes 6-8 weeks alone just to read each application cover-to-cover once. Pushing the deadline back by even just a month would seriously jeopardize their ability to finish reviewing in time to meet student deadline for replies in late March and April.

The January 1st date also allows ample time for admitted students to make their enrollment decisions by the national candidate reply date of May 1st. Given BC practices single-choice early action, admitted students are not obligated to commit, but do need time to evaluate financial aid packages, visit campuses, and select one college. Moving the deadline later would squeeze this decision window and potentially disadvantage BC if students rushed choices or felt pressured to commit without fully exploring options. The timing as is leaves roughly four months for students to thoughtfully consider offers.

In addition, utilizing an early deadline positions BC advantageously during the recruitment season when competing with peer institutions for top students. Many high-achieving prospective applicants opt to apply early action or early decision to flagship state schools and other highly selective private colleges. These programs often have even earlier deadlines in October or November. By keeping its date in January, BC gives students looking to maximize their options a bit more flexibility to apply elsewhere first, but still benefits from being one of the first major decisions rendered each year. An overwhelming percentage of those admitted through early rounds end up enrolling. From both recruitment and yield standpoints, January 1st is an optimal timeframe.

Some may argue a later deadline could attract more applicants by casting a wider net. BC has found this to be an unnecessary risk given their target pool and strong brand reputation nationally. The university typically receives over 20,000 applications each year for around 3,000 spots in the class. They are not wanting for volume and yield rates remain very healthy. Pushing the date further into the unknown of spring admissions could disrupt existing dynamics without conferring real benefits in terms of applicant quality or numbers. Their applicant pool has proven itself both large and talented already under current policies.

There are also logistical benefits to maintaining consistency with past years. Prospective applicants, families, and counselors have now come to expect the January 1st date after it has been in place for multiple cycles. Making an abrupt change could generate confusion. Students may scramble to meet new deadlines or regret not applying sooner had they known. Counselors also appreciate the predictability to advise their caseloads appropriately. The Office of Admission staff likewise appreciates having a set calendar and avoiding disruptions to their operating rhythms. Traditions in this way support a smooth recruitment experience on both sides.

While early January seems rushed to some, utilizing this single choice early action deadline has clearly proven successful for Boston College. The timeline supports a careful, multi-month review by admissions while still allowing accepted students breathing room for decision making. It also positions BC desirably in the early pool against competing schools. Given excellent yields and no real lack of applicants under the established system, there appears minimal incentive to modify what continues working well to bring in each outstanding freshman class. January 1st continues serving both BC and prospective students optimally for another cycle.

THE KEY ELEMENTS OF WRITING ARE WORDS

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While brevity can be useful in certain contexts, deep exploration of concepts often requires substantive examination and detail. The “key elements of writing” is a fundamental topic that would benefit from thorough treatment.

At its most basic, writing involves using words, sentences, and paragraphs to communicate ideas. Diving deeper, there are several core facets of effective writing worth unpacking. From an ontological perspective, words are the basic building blocks – combinations of letters that convey meaning. Words have dictionary definitions but can also carry nuance, metaphor, and ambiguity depending on context. As such, word choice is paramount, with the writer selecting terms purposefully based on intended understanding and tone.

Moving beyond individual words, arrangement is key. Strings of words form sentences that convey complete thoughts. Sentence structure adheres to prescribed grammar rules but also follows principles of flow, rhythm, and emphasis. Varied sentence length, placement of subject/verb/object, and use of punctuation shape reader perception and maintain interest. Linked sentences then aggregate into paragraphs – groupings around a common theme or topic. Paragraph structure provides organizational signposts and progression of support.

Beyond mechanics of words and composition, effective writing considers intended audience. Crafting a message tailored to a specific reader’s background, knowledge base, expectations, and interests enhances comprehension and persuasiveness. Style and voice should suit the audience in a way that engages rather than annoys or confuses. Tone and level of formality likewise depend on context. Some venues call for academic detachment while others favor familiar, conversational delivery.

Effective communication also depends on clear expression of central ideas. Non-fiction writing especially requires distilling complex topics into a logical framework or narrative arc. Thesis statements, topic sentences, transitions, and conclusions help bind discrete elements into a cohesive whole with flow and meaning. Stories, arguments, analyses, and reports all benefit from internal consistency and coherence. Relatedly, supporting evidence and examples strengthen messages and convince readers. Citations provide authoritative backing for assertions while vivid examples bring dry subjects to life.

Beyond surface concerns, deeper aspects of writing involve emotional resonance and aesthetics. Truly skilled writers tap into human passions, eliciting feelings like wonder, joy, fear, or outrage. Artful manipulation of imagery, metaphor, syntax, and other literary devices engages both intellect and heart. Pleasing rhythm, creative wordplay, and elegant phrasing in expert hands approach art form. The writing process itself as self-expression and medium for sharing human experience adds higher meaning beyond transactional communication. Intentional or not, all writing influences culture to some degree by challenging ideas, exploring the human condition, or simply bringing people together through shared stories.

Effective writing depends on mastery of both mechanics and artistry, carefully chosen words as well as compelling narrative or argument. Consideration of audience and clear focus support cogent expression of ideas. At its best, writing illuminates complex topics, forges emotional connection, and even uplifts humanity through positivity, truth, and social progress. While this overview merely introduces key aspects, the potential depth of discussion around “elements of writing” could fill many more thousands of words. With practice and experience, developing proficiency along these various dimensions enables writers to harness the full power of language.

REFERENCE STYLE FOR ENGINEERING RESEARCH EXPRESS

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The reference style used for reporting and citing sources in engineering research papers is typically the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) style as defined by the American National Standards Institute in the document ANSI/NISO Z39.29-2005 (R2010) – National Information Standards Organization) Standards for Papers Used in Research and Scholarship. This is the predominant referencing format used across most engineering fields in both the US and internationally.

Some key aspects of the ANSI reference style include:

  • References are listed numerically in the order they appear in the text. They are compiled at the end of the paper in a section titled “References”.
  • In the body of the text, the reference number is placed in superscript immediately following the cited information. For example: It has been shown that steel has a high strength-to-weight ratio.^1^
  • Reference entries have a hanging indent, with the first line of the entry flush with the left margin and subsequent lines indented. This makes entries easy to visually scan.
  • The main components of a reference always include the author(s) name(s), article/book title, journal/book title, volume number, page range or arthritis number, publisher, and year of publication. Omitting any of these core elements means the source cannot be properly attributed or found by the reader.
  • Author names are written in reverse order, with the surname followed by a comma then initials. For example: Smith, John A.
  • Journal articles must include the month or season of publication. Books and conference papers do not require this.
  • Webpages are referenced with the date accessed included, since webpages can change over time. Print journals/books do not require access dates.
  • DOIs (digital object identifiers) are included when referencing journal articles, to provide a persistent link to the source.
  • When referencing standards, reports or theses – the type is specified in square brackets after the title (e.g. [Standard]; [Report]; [Masters thesis]).
  • References are listed in alphabetical order based on the surnames of the first listed author. If multiple sources by the same author(s), they are ordered chronologically with the earliest year of publication first.
  • Authors’ names are listed using “et al.” when there are more than two authors. All authors are always listed in the reference list entry.

Some example references following the ANSI reference style include:

  1. Smith, John A., and Sara B. Johnson. “Effects of Alloying on the Tensile Properties of Aluminum.” Materials Science and Engineering A325, no. 1-2 (2002): 23-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-5093(01)01555-9.
  2. Doe, Jane, Michael Brown, Martin White, and David Black. Fatigue Testing of Steels Used in Structural Applications. ASTM STP 500. Philadelphia: ASTM, 2009.
  3. ASTM E8/E8M-16a, “Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials,” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2016, www.astm.org, accessed date.
  4. Garcia, Francisco. Experimental characterisation of materials behaviour: An introduction. Les Ulis: EDP Sciences, 2010. ProQuest Ebook Central.
  5. Turnbull, Alexander, and Irina Hussainova, eds. New Materials for Next-Generation Commercial Transports [Report]. Washington, D.C.: The National Academies Press, 1996. https://www.nap.edu/catalog/5313/new-materials-for-next-generation-commercial-transports.
  6. Jackson, Mark. “Finite Element Modelling of Steel Structures.” PhD diss., University of Strathclyde, 2007. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.

I hope this detailed response on the reference style used in engineering research papers following the ANSI standard is helpful. Please let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions. Proper referencing is an essential part of engineering research integrity and allowing other researchers to effectively engage with your work.