What Is a Literature Review

A literature review summarizes and synthesizes the existing scholarly research on a particular topic. Literature reviews are a form of academic writing commonly used in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. However, unlike research papers, which establish new arguments and make original contributions, literature reviews organize and present existing research. As a student or academic, you might produce a literature review as a standalone paper or as a portion of a larger research project. What Literature Reviews Are Not   In order to understand literature reviews, its best to first understand what they are not. First, literature reviews are not bibliographies. A bibliography is a list of resources consulted when researching a particular topic. Literature reviews do more than list the sources you’ve consulted: they summarize and critically evaluate those sources. Second, literature reviews are not subjective. Unlike some of the other well-known reviews (e.g. theater or book reviews), literature reviews steer clear of opinion statements. Instead, they summarize and critically assess a body of scholarly literature from a relatively objective perspective. Writing a literature review is a rigorous process, requiring a thorough evaluation of the quality and findings of each source discussed. Why Write a Literature Review?   Writing a literature review is a time-consuming process that requires extensive research and critical analysis. So, why should you spend so much time reviewing and writing about research that’s already been published?   Justifying your own research. If you’re writing a literature review as part of a larger research project, the literature review allows you to demonstrate what makes your own research valuable. By summarizing the existing research on your research question, a literature review reveals points of consensus and points of disagreement, as well as the gaps and open questions that remain. Presumably, your original research has emerged from one of those open questions, so the literature review serves as a jumping-off point for the rest of your paper.Demonstrating your expertise.   Before you can write a literature review, you must immerse yourself in a significant body of research. By the time you’ve written the review, you’ve read widely on your topic and are able to synthesize and logically present the information. This final product  establishes you as a trustworthy authority on your topic.Joining the conversation. All academic writing is part of one  never-endi ng conversation: an  ongoing dialogue among scholars and researchers across continents, centuries, and subject areas. By producing a literature review, you’re engaging with all of the prior scholars who examined your topic  and continuing a  cycle that  moves the field forward. ​Tips for Writing a Literature Review While specific style guidelines vary among disciplines, all literature reviews are well-researched and organized. Use the following strategies as a guide as you embark on the writing process.  Ã‚   Choose a topic with a limited scope. The world of scholarly research is vast, and if you choose too broad a topic, the research process will seem never-ending. Choose a topic with a narrow focus, and be open to adjusting it as the research process unfolds. If you find yourself sorting through thousands of results every time you conduct a database search, you may need to further refine your topic.Take organized notes. Organizational systems such as the literature grid are essential for keeping track of your readings. Use the grid strategy, or a similar system, to record key information and main findings/arguments for each source. Once you begin the writing process, you’ll be able to refer back to your literature grid each time you want to add information about a particular source.Pay attention to patterns and trends. As you read, be on the lookout for any patterns or trends that emerge among your sources. You might discover that there are two clear existing schools of thought r elated to your research question. Or, you might discover that the prevailing ideas about your research question have shifted dramatically several times over the last hundred years. The structure of your literature review will be based on the patterns you discover. If no obvious trends stand out, choose the organizational structure that best suits your topic, such as theme, issue, or research methodology. ​ Writing a literature review takes time, patience, and a whole lot of intellectual energy. As you pore over countless academic articles, consider all the researchers who preceded you and those who will follow. Your literature review is much more than a routine assignment: its a contribution to the future of your field.

Robert Nisbets Understanding of the Ideas of Emile Durkheim

Robert Nisbet placed Emile Durkheim firmly within his own conservative tradition, dating back to anti-Enlightenment thinkers on the Right like Edmund Burke and Joseph de Maistre. They had defended tradition Christian morality and an orderly, hierarchical society with a monarchy and established church, and were skeptical of liberal claims about progress and rationality. Nisbet thought that modern capitalist society had created the seeds of its own destruction by undermining traditional culture and morality, which opened the door to genocidal and totalitarian ideologies like communism and fascism in the 20th Century. This was partially the result of the weakening of intermediary institutions like the church, guild and civil society that had stood between the isolated individual and the power of the state. He found that the general direction of urban, industrial society in the West had been statist and authoritarian, including both the warfare state and the welfare state. At the same ti me, capitalism had also encouraged moral permissiveness and self-indulgence, since traditional Christian morality had stood in the way of mass consumption. Yet the individual under capitalism might have been materially more affluent, but also morally and spiritually empty, highly isolated and alienated and lacking any real ties to society and community. Both the Left and the Right shared many of these critiques of capitalism and its culture, and both claimed Durkheim as one of their own. In

Alternative to GDP Free Essays

Topic: â€Å"There is rising criticism of the widespread use of GDP as an indicator of the health of an economy. In fact, some experts are of the opinion that GDP growth is making the society poorer. Critically analyse this opinion in view of the concept of sustainability and also discuss some alternate measures being suggested and their implications to the businesses? † GDP as an economic measure of the economic progress of a country Gross domestic product (GDP) is considered one of the most important factors that determine the economic activity and hence the progress of the development of a country. We will write a custom essay sample on Alternative to GDP or any similar topic only for you Order Now It is the monetary value of all the final goods and services produced by a country in a specified time. Therefore, it is considered that if the country’s economic production increases, other factors remaining positive, then it positively benefits all the citizens of the country. It is hence used as an indicator for the country’s standard of living[1]. Therefore, greater the GDP, better the health of an economy and hence better the lives of the citizens. Reasons for criticism on the use of GDP as an indicator of economic progress As GDP measures the monetary value of the final goods and services produced, it means that the money spent on the country’s well-being for example, millions spent on manufacturing fancy electronic gadgets, constructing a prison, cutting forests to use wood for production of further goods – are all considered at par while measuring the GDP. There is no emphasis on the quality of the output, the progress of the country in terms of the social state of affairs, human happiness, etc. As these are essential ingredients in determining the health of an economy, the concept of using GDP as a measuring scale of the economic progress of a country if criticised. Disadvantages of GDP GDP is criticised on many aspects – it obscures growing inequality, aids depletion of resources and one of the most prominent criticisms is that it measures expenditure on education at par with expenditure on cigarettes i. e. it does not differentiate whether the spending that aids the GDP percentage is going towards a positive or negative cause. GDP does not measures the economic services that nature provides – for example, prevention of floods and landslides by existence of dense forests – it does not account for health, clean environment, etc. i. e. GDP falls short in taking into account equally important things that exist to make a country liveable by fostering social cohesion, along with just the monetary value of goods and services * GDP takes into account the gove rnment spending, but from where the funding is sourced and where it is utilized is not taken into account. Hence, government borrowing is considered good for a country as far as GDP calculation is concerned * Money transactions that take place unofficially and go unrecorded are not accounted for in the calculation of GDP. Hence it does not help in avoiding taxes or prevention of illegal transactions and spending of such huge amount goes unnoticed * Harmful side effects like, pollution is not accounted for in the GDP. No deductions are made from GDP for their harmful effects but addition to GDP is made by market transactions that aid in removing these harmful effects. Hence the calculation of GDP is not balanced * The GDP takes into account the goods and services produced but not exchanged for money. For example, volunteer work or growing own food and consuming it is not included in the GDP whereas expenditure on buying food from the market is taken into account [2]. Adverse effects of using GDP as a sole measure for economic success As GDP takes into account only some value created in the country and does not take into account several key transactions, GDP often increases at the expense of real growth and progress. The result is that GDP fails miserably as an indicator of economic success on the sustainability scale. The environmental and social aspects are not covered by the GDP. Alternative measures their business implications There are several alternative indicators of the progress of a country. These measure economic activity, environmental or social activities, well-being or changes in environmental, social or human capital. * Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI): It provides a complete picture of economical and social progress. There are several indicators used to calculate GPI that are broadly classified under three categories – economic, environmental and social. The economic category indicators are similar to gross product measurement. The environment factors measure cost of pollution, cost of change to natural resources, cost of climate change, etc. The social indicator includes the value of education, lost leisure time, cost of crime, etc. This indicator has been adopted by the state of Maryland and is altered to include the impact of income inequality on the economy of the state. This indicator indicated the need to focus on reducing the level of income inequality in order to improve Maryland’s overall economic and social growth. Hence, this indicator has been successfully implemented that includes all the factors of well-being in a society. This leads to modified business practices in order to reduce inequality and improve economic, environmental and social spheres of the state * Human Development Index (HDI): It is used by the UNDP to show how the improvement in economic growth and human development is improving conditions of the human in the various countries. The HDI is defined as process of widening choices available to humans in order to live an educated, long and healthy life and to have access to resources to have a healthy and decent standard of living. It makes use of political freedom, human rights and self-respect to measure the index but as they are difficult to measure, the index uses longevity, knowledgeable and decent standards of livings as indicators in lieu of prosperous and long lives. * Gross National Happiness (GNH): It is frequently used as an alternative measure of progress. It was originally suggested by Bhutan to be used instead of using GDP as an appropriate measure of progress. It measures quality of life or social progress in consistency with Bhutan’s culture and spiritual values rather than focusing more on economic activity. It measures seven types of wellness – economic, environmental, physical, mental, workplace, social and political. Several conferences have also been held on use of GNH and it was primarily used to base the progress of the country on reflections of the country’s Buddhist origins[3](Coztanza, Hart, Posner Talberth, 2009). Conclusion There are several alternative measures that are suggested to be used to measure the progress and the social well-being of a country. GDP is flawed such that it aids detrimental activities and does not take into account the positive activities of a country. Hence, an alternative that measures not only the market value of final goods and service but which also takes into account the social, economic and environmental factors while calculating the progress of a country is imperative to lead to sustainable development. The current use of GDP leads to more consumption of harmful cigarettes with no emphasis on the environmental degradation from the industrial and business rocesses. Hence, although the economy is progressing in certain spheres of economic activity, it is indeed lagging on sustainable development which requires pollution control, reduced resource usage, better social and income equality. Therefore, alternate measures that take into account all the factors that impact a nation should be developed and the alternative measure that is a composite of all the factors should be used to ensure sustainable develop ment of the economy that reflects progress in daily lives of its citizens. References: 1. http://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/gdp.asp 2. http://zorach.wordpress.com/2010/08/27/why-gdp-gross-domestic-product-is-a-poor-measure-of-wealth-and-prosperity/ 3. (Coztanza, Hart, Posner Talberth, 2009) – http://www.bu.edu/pardee/files/documents/PP-004-GDP.pdf How to cite Alternative to GDP, Papers

Auditing for Good Analytical Research

Question: Discuss about the Auditing for Good Analytical Research. Answer: Introduction The accounting methodology is as old as most of our basic mathematics that we practice in our daily life. Its importance has played a key role in the financial industry ever since the era of banking industry had commenced. From the past till today accounting is often reflected as auditing for a huge amount of ransom, assets and any other entity which add value to an individual or organization. With the heavy involvement of the financial industry, thus, it is essential for accounting to integrated policies, standards, protocols and other ethics to have better control of practices with high integrity which classifies into a single term, internal control. Referring to the above quote, the author`s view of internal accounting control may seem to provide more favourable arguments rather than against. But no ideology can be perfect. Firstly, this essay will contribute a fair illustration of the relationship between strong accounting system and legal practices. Then, the importance of the e xistence of internal controls. Lastly, it will instigate the beneficial and loosing arguments of internal accounting controls referring to the best practice preferred by the organization. Internal control Internal control can be described as a process through which the organizations are able to coordinate the activities and put a bar on the fraudulent activities by the management, as well as the employees (KSU, 2016). For an effective planning, as well as control it is essential to have a well-defined internal control mechanism that will trace the deficiencies and bring transparency in the working. The element of internal control is assessed during the planning stage of the audit of a financial statement (Gilbert et. al, 2005). The outcome of the impact is directly in tune to the auditors stage of testing in detail. To lessen detailed testing, the organization needs to have a strong system of an internal control. Internal controls are part and parcel of organization policies that pertains to finance and business. It comprises of all the actions undertaken by the management for the safeguard of the resources in terms of waste, fraud, and efficiency (KSU, 2016). Secondly, it helps in bringing accuracy, as well as reliability in accounting and operation of data. Thirdly, it enables a strong compliance with the regulations set by the organization (Hoffelder, 2012). Lastly, it helps in assessment of the performance of all the units of the organization. Internal control is simply a good practice that steers the business in an ethical manner. Components of an internal control system The internal control system is put into practice by the management or the ones who are entrusted with the duty of ensuring strong governance. It ensures that the compliance is done in terms of rules and regulations (Schaeffer, 2006). Moreover, it leads to efficiency in terms of operational efficiency. This can be possible when the internal control system is put into implementation through elements or subsystems and are termed as the components of an internal control system. It has five major components: Control environment This simply means a well-equipped environment of the entity where the operations of the business happen. A controlled environment enables strong control and keeps the wrong practices at bay. For example, if the organization is authentic and strict towards the false practices then the employees will fear in any kind of falsehood. This will ensure commitment and keep the fraud away (Manoharan, 2011). Moreover, an auditor needs to have a proper understanding of the environment and determine whether it is implemented by the management and the behavior. Process of Risk assessment One of the major roles of internal control is to trace and rectify the misstatements. Further, it needs to be noted that management will not wait for the happening of the misstatement rather it will find a measure to detect and correct it (Ingram, 2016). The entity develops the process of risk assessment that helps in identification of the material misstatement (ACCA, 2016). The auditor obtains a clear notion of how the process of risk evaluation process is working and whether it is shedding light on the risks that are expected, the influence of such a risk, an event of happening of such a risk and decision that pertains to such a risk (Harrington, 2003). Communication and information Information has assumed a vital place in the space of business environment. When an audit engagement happens, an auditor adds to his understanding of the information, as well as a system of communication that is one of the elements of the accounting system (Ingram, 2016). But, it is not always alike as the accounting system. It I described as the system through which the management develops a link with the internal and external environment. Control mechanisms Controls are mechanisms that are implemented by the management to ensure that the financial information is reliable. An apt example is that of the debtors that cannot be written off without the consent of the finance director or any other relevant person. In a similar scenario, credit sales cannot be done until a recommendation is taken from the credit control department (Schaeffer, 2006). Such activities do not constitute authorization. A need to enter the password in certain modules of an information system is a classic example of the information system. Monitoring The last element of an internal control system is the process of monitoring. It can be treated as a service that is inbuilt to the system of internal control and evaluates the skills of an internal control system. The process of monitoring is done by evaluating the internal control operation that pertains to the current period and assessments that are separate in nature that includes routine and non-routine checks (Christensen, 2011). Such an evaluation requires external information like the feedback of the customer. Hence, the ones who are entrusted with the responsibility of governance take an appropriate step so that any risk or material misstatement is warded off with ease and flexibility. Advantages and disadvantages of Internal control Internal control system will lessen the amount of audit work and this will have a positive impact because the auditors will be able to use system based audit that will enhance the level of audit work. Moreover, the presence of a strong internal control mechanism reduces the chances of frauds, as well as errors and will bring new supervision (ACCA, 2016). This will accelerate custody and the third party liability will be minimized bringing a great deal of speed and accuracy. Secondly, internal control lessens the audit evidence that needs to be produced as it enhances the audit evidence to be present within the business. This helps to frame a view that leads to speed and evidence (ACCA, 2016). Moreover, the presence of this control system solidifies the audit evidence that needs to be gathered. It reduces the work overload and reduces the time that is needed to prepare a report (Kruger, 2015). Last but not the least it provides a strong internal function that enables the auditor to focus more on the problem and facilitate the work. Further, it facilitates the companys assets. Disadvantages The presence of internal control might lead to error and fraud because at times the major reliance is on the strength of internal control and this exposes the auditor to the liabilities that is civil in nature. Secondly, the presence of internal control lessens the volume of scrutiny that needs to be done by the auditor leading to smaller samples hence, leaving another area prone to fraud and problems. Collusion, as well as manipulation might lead to mismanagement and hence, a biased report might occur. Further, the vigilance of an auditor is reduced owing to the internal control and hence, impacts the audit quality. It has the chances of being abused by the internal auditor through collision with the management. Gamers Den is situated in Cambridge (United States) and has a huge selection of games. It is strongly involved in providing an environment that is safe and friendly for the community at large. People can come and play their favourite games. The availability of a dedicated area makes it one of the best places to be in. Many events are even conducted that that attracts and accommodates various players. This keeps the store busy. Further, the presence of less number of employees makes it less complicated. The current internal control mechanism of the gamer den is straightforward. Two game designers are involved in the process that is designed, as well as promotion. On the other hand, two main assistants are present that is Phil and Amy and another employee is ELLA. The policies that the company follows are weak in terms of an internal control. During the hours of business, an amount of less than 50$ can be withdrawn from the cash register. Credit sales are available with a defined time period and according to the customer comfort that is weak in nature. Further, a single cash register is present that lacks all the entries and physical stock counting I unavailable. Moreover, a problem with the physical counting of the stock has appeared. Therefore, cash is collected and remains in the office till a person deposits it to a bank. Further staffs have an access to borrow iPad, laptops, etc. and there is no trace of the current items. Design of a proper internal control system A strong system that needs to be developed for Gamers Den will require a proper number of stuff. When the number of employees will be more, the work responsibility will be divided that will lessen the pressure (Lapsley, 2012). Further, the internal control must be structured in a manner that will lead to proper allocation of person who can shoulder the responsibility. In the present system, there is no availability of financial records and information lacks reliability. The accounting control will be a boon to the business. The system of accounting control will help the organization in many ways (Kaplan, 2011). The system of inventory will be maintained in a proper manner, before the issue of stock the authorization and approval will be needed. Further, budgetary control will aid the organization that will enhance the profit with the sales volume. The review of assets will be easier and hence, variances can be traced. Conclusion The above report provides a clear cut indication that internal control is vital in the smooth running of the organization. It leads to a strong control over the activities that is not witnessed in an organization that lacks internal control. Therefore, internal control brings a wide variety of advantages that helps in steering the business. This leads to a strong momentum and helps the organization as a whole. When internal control is into practice it leads to an enhanced level of accountability and responsibility. References ACCA 2016, Audit working papers, viewed 15 October 2016 https://www.accaglobal.com/in/en/student/exam-support-resources/fundamentals-exams-study-resources/f8/technical-articles/effective-audit-service.html ACCA 2016, The new Auditor report, viewed 15 October 2016 https://www.accaglobal.com/in/en/student/exam-support-resources/fundamentals-exams-study-resources/f8/technical-articles/auditor-report.html ACCA 2016, F8 Audit and Assurance aims and update, viewed 15 October 2016 https://www.accaglobal.com/ie/en/student/exam-support-resources/fundamentals-exams-study-resources/f8.html Christensen, J. 2011, Good analytical research, European Accounting Review, vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 41-51 Gilbert, W. Joseph J and Terry J. E 2005, The Use of Control Self-Assessment by Independent Auditors, The CPA Journal, vol.3, pp. 66-92 Harrington N 2003, Risk Management Insurance, McGraw- Hill Education (I) Ltd. Hoffelder, K 2012, New Audit Standard Encourages More Talking, Harvard Press. Ingram, D 2016, What Are the Seven Internal Control Procedures in Accounting?, viewed 15 October, 2016, https://smallbusiness.chron.com/seven-internal-control-procedures-accounting-76070.html Kaplan, R.S. 2011, Accounting scholarship that advances professional knowledge and practice, The Accounting Review, vol. 86, no. 2, pp. 367383. Kruger, P 2015, Corporate goodness and shareholder wealth, Journal of Financial economics, pp. 304-329 KSU 2016, Internal Audit, viewed 15 October 2016 https://www.k-state.edu/internalaudit/internal-controls/ Lapsley, I. 2012, Commentary: Financial Accountability Management, Qualitative Research in Accounting Management, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 291-292. Manoharan, T.N. 2011, Financial Statement Fraud and Corporate Governance, The George Washington University. Schaeffer,M 2006, Internal control breakdown study, viewed 15 October 2016 https://www.aicpastore.com/Content/media/PRODUCER_CONTENT/Newsletters/Articles_2009/CorpFin/IntControls_Breakdown.jsp