Melissa Bushman
Melissa Bushman is a freelance writer living in Clark, Wyoming with her husband, two dogs, and three cats. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS in accounting.
Read More »
...
- Page Views
- 2,302,737
- Content
- 77
- Fans
- 51
- Contributor since
- 12/21/2006
Education/Experience
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Displaying Results 1 - 77 (of 77) for All Content
-
Marketing to WomenI recently wrote several articles on business strategy, and I would love it if some of you could read the one titled Business Strategy: Marketing to Women. "Research has shown that women now make the majority of purchases in industries that are not traditionally considered "female friendly". A succe
-
Ace that Job Interview with These TipsYou've submitted your cover letter and resume. Now you've been called back for an interview. How do you ace that interview and obtain the job of your dreams? These tips will help you excel in that interview.
-
Accounting and Auditing: An Overview of Attestation ServicesThis article provides an overview of attestation services. It will include a description of attestation services, discussion of SSAE, examples of attestation services, and a description of what companies can do to prepare for attestation services.
-
Economic Transactions: Financial Institutions as IntermediariesThis article discusses the role of financial institutions as intermediaries in economic transactions. Included are examples illustrating how financial institutions provide financial intermediation.
-
Examining the Pennsylvania Accounting Code of EthicsThis article discusses the Pennsylvania Accounting Code of Ethics. Included is an overview of the code, as well a discussion of penalties associated with certain code violations.
-
Problems Associated with Illegal Tax SheltersThis article discusses tax shelters that had been established and sold by the accounting firm KPMG. The discussion includes the legal issues involved and shares a managerial perspective.
-
Alternative Vacation Accommodations in Cody, WyomingCody, Wyoming is a popular vacation destination located in northwest Wyoming. Alternative vacation accommodations in Cody are abundant. This article provides an overview of the many unique places you can stay while visiting this friendly and entertaining town. -
Vacation Accommodations in Cody, Wyoming - Hotels & MotelsCody, WY is a popular vacation destination located one hour from the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park. This article provides an overview of the many hotels and motels located in this friendly and entertaining town. -
Enjoy a Summer Vacation in Cody, WyomingCody, WY is a popular vacation destination located in northwest Wyoming. A mere one hour drive from the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Cody offers a variety of entertainment. Visitors will find a wide range of activities that are sure to please varied tastes. -
Business Strategy: Creating a Memorable Business ImageBusiness image is the perception that people have when they see your company name, hear your company name, or think about your company. A successful business strategy includes plans for creating a positive and memorable business image. -
Business Strategy: Marketing to WomenResearch has shown that women now make the majority of purchases in industries that are not traditionally considered "female friendly". A successful business strategy will recognize this growing market segment and create a marketing plan that focus on the female consumer. -
Business Strategy: Creating a Competitive StrategyCreating a first-rate competitive strategy is an important part of a successful business strategy. Businesses must develop a plan that addresses ways to compete in their respective markets. This article discusses several methods used to create a competitive strategy. -
An Overview of Cost AccountingCost accounting focuses on preparing, analyzing, and reporting information related to the cost of obtaining and using company resources. This article provides an overview of cost accounting and the tasks performed by cost accountants. -
Business Strategy: Identifying the CompetitionForming a successful business strategy involves creating an effective competitive strategy. The first step in creating a competitive strategy is to identify the competition. This article will discuss three methods of identifying the competition. -
Financial Statement Analysis Methods: Horizontal vs. Vertical AnalysisUnderstanding financial statements is of great importance to investors, creditors, managers, and other users. Several methods of performing financial statement analysis exist. This article discusses two of these methods: horizontal analysis and vertical analysis. -
The Differences Between Financial Accounting and Management AccountingFinancial accounting and management accounting both prepare and analyze financial data. However, there are differences between these two fields. This article discusses the differing characteristics of financial accounting and management accounting. -
Journals Used in AccountingThere are four different journals used in accounting. These four journals are the sales journal, cash receipts journal, cash disbursements journal, and the general journal. This article explains the purpose of these four journals and how they are used. -
What Types of Budgets Do Businesses Use?Companies need to create several different budgets in order to properly plan future business activities. This article discusses some of the more common types of budgets used by businesses. -
The Death of ChivalryThis article discusses chivalry as presented in the tales of Camelot. Included is discussion on whether explicit codes of behavior are honored today, whether people still believe in such conventions, and how the legend of Camelot may or may not manifest in our society today. -
How to Combat Severe Dry Facial SkinSevere dry skin on the face is a common problem. Facial skin needs special treatment to increase moisture levels. This article will discuss steps that can help combat severe dry skin on the face. -
An Overview of Forensic AccountingThe popularity of forensic accounting and the demand for forensic accountants has increased considerably in the past few years. This is due, in part, to the increase in cases of financial fraud. This article will provide an overview of forensic accounting. -
The May Day Fairie Festival at Spoutwood FarmIn many cultures May 1st signifies a time to celebrate spring. This celebration is often referred to as May Day. The May Day Fairie Festival at Spoutwood Farm in Glen Rock, PA is an annual celebration that will be held on May 4th, 5th, and 6th this year.
-
How to Combat Severe Dry Skin: FeetSevere dry skin on the feet is a common problem. It is particularly troublesome because it tends to flake and crack, which can become painful. This article will discuss steps that can help combat extremely dry feet.
-
How to Combat Severe Dry Skin: HandsMany people suffer from dry skin year round. Hands are particularly susceptible to dry skin problems. This article will discuss steps that can help combat severe dry skin on the hands.
-
A Unique Idea in Eco-Friendly LipstickEco-friendly makeup is not a new concept. However, the company Cargo has developed a new and unique idea in eco-friendly lipstick. Look beautiful and grow wildflowers.
-
Why is Forecasting Important to an Organization?Forecasting is the process by which companies ponder and prepare for the future. It is used to answer important questions regarding the future of the business. This article will discuss the reasons financial forecasting is important to an organization.
-
A Comparison of Four English Literary WorksThe following discussion will evaluate a representative literary work from four different centuries of English Literature. The comparisons will include discussion on point of view, symbolism, theme, and style.
-
Industries that Have an Effect on Power Tool SalesSeveral industries are directly related to power tool sales. This article will discuss some of the indirectly related industries that could also have an impact on power tool sales.
-
The Key Elements of a Market AnalysisA market analysis is performed in order to determine who the customers are and what they want from your company. This article will discuss the key elements of a successful market analysis.
-
The Major Elements of the Strategic Management ProcessThe purpose of this article is to discuss the major elements of the strategic management process. Included will be discussion of each major step in the process, along with insights, issues that need to be addressed, and questions that need to be asked.
-
The Standard Unqualified Audit ReportThe standard unqualified audit report is the most common type of audit report. This article will discuss the seven required report sections, the circumstances that prevent issuance of an unqualified report, and the three other types of audit report that may be issued.
-
The Five Components of Internal ControlThe purpose of this article is to discuss the origin, history, and purpose of the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), as well as the five components of internal control as defined by COSO.
-
Designing an Effective Internal Control SystemThe purpose of this article is to discuss the three main objectives that an organization should follow in order to design an effective internal control system.
-
Accounting, Auditing, and Assurance ServicesThe purpose of this article is to provide definitions of accounting, auditing, and assurance services. In addition, the relationship between accounting, auditing, and assurance services will be explained and examples will be provided.
-
Slowing Down - A Lesson Learned from My ChildrenOn a beautiful spring day many years ago, a humiliating event occurred that was completely my fault. This event taught me several valuable lessons. Here is the story.
-
A Discussion of Heroism in Literature and FilmThe purpose of this article is to discuss heroism. Included will be both a personal definition and the Aristotelian definition of heroism. Examples of heroism in literature and film will also be discussed.
-
How to Balance Your CheckbookBalancing my checkbook may be the absolute last thing on the list of things I enjoy. However, reconciling your records with the bank statement is the only way to catch mistakes. Here are instructions on how to balance your checkbook.
-
The Health Risks and Benefits of Using Marijuana: Does One Outweigh the Other?The use of marijuana is often a hotly debated topic. There is no question that there are both risks and benefits associated with marijuana use. Does one outweigh the other?
-
How to Make Cheese Lasagna so Satisfying that Meat-Lovers Won't Miss the MeatLasagna is a delicious, easy to make meal that pleases just about everyone. This article provides a recipe and instructions on how to make a scrumptious cheese lasagna dish so satisfying that meat-lovers won't even miss the meat.
-
Career Opportunities for Tax AccountantsAccountants specializing in the area of tax law play a vital role in any business operation, and career opportunities in tax accounting are numerous. This article presents some examples of positions that could be filled by tax accountants.
-
How to Reduce the Effects of Pet Allergies in Your HomeApproximately 15% of the population is allergic to pets. This means that even if you are not allergic to pets, a family member or friend may very well be. Using the steps in this article will help to greatly reduce the effects of pet allergies in your home.
-
The Role and Functions of Law in Business and SocietyLaw plays a significant role in the successful operation of business and society. Laws regulate social behavior, which leads to a society that runs efficiently.
-
Sexual Discrimination or Not? an Examination of Crone vs United Parcel Service, IncThis article will discuss the outcome of appellate case Crone v. United Parcel Service, whether the holdings could lead to unlawful excuses for discrimination, and provide recommendations for incorporating principles of this case at other companies.
-
Tax CreditsThere are a variety of tax credits available to taxpayers for the purpose of reducing income tax liability. A few of the more common tax credits will be discussed.
-
Statistics: Hypothesis Testing and CorrelationThere are several different statistical methods that can be used to aid in business decision making. This article will concentrate on hypothesis testing and correlation.
-
Statistics: Data CollectionData collection can be categorized under one of two descriptions: observational studies and designed experiments. This article will examine the differences between the two, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of both.
-
The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)The purpose of this article is to discuss the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and its five life cycle phases.
-
The Responsibilities of a Project ManagerFollowing is a discussion of the main responsibilities of a project manager. These three main responsibilities are planning, organizing, and controlling. Performing these responsibilities requires many skills. Some of these necessary skills will be outlined.
-
Project Management ToolsThe purpose of this article is to discuss a variety of project management tools that are available to project managers. Included will be descriptions, along with a brief explanation of the relationship of these tools to applications that automate these processes.
-
Determining Task Budgets for a ProjectFollowing is an overview of the two common methods of determining budgets for the individual tasks within a project. Included will be the advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as a discussion of the role of the project manager in determining budgets for these tasks.
-
Basic Taxation for the Independent ContractorThis article will provide an overview of basic taxation for an independent contractor. In addition, a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of working as an independent contractor versus working as an employee will be provided.
-
Choosing the Type of Partnership Formation - GPs, LPs & LLPsThis article will discuss the formation of a partnership. Included are descriptions of the different partnership types, including the partnership features, roles of partners, and partnership taxation. In addition, the partnership agreement will be discussed.
-
An Overview of Management AccountingManagement accounting uses both financial and non-financial information in order to help managers and executives make business decisions. This article will provide an overview of the role of management accounting.
-
Careers in Management AccountingA common misconception is that all types of accounting involve bookkeeping alone. Management accounting is much more than that. Management accountants are an integral part of any business operation, and the career opportunities in management accounting are widespread.
-
Business Combination TheoriesThe three business combination theories are proprietary theory, parent company theory, and entity theory. This article will include a description of each theory.
-
Basic Tax Rules: Partnerships, C Corp, and S CorpThe purpose of this article is to review the basic tax laws governing various forms of business. The forms of business that will be discussed are general partnerships, C corporations, and S corporations.
-
Federal Income Tax Deductions: Itemized vs. the Standard DeductionThe purpose of this article is to discuss tax deductions. The discussion will describe common itemized deductions, provide a comparison of itemized deductions and the standard deduction, and explain when it is best to take the standard deduction.
-
U.S. Oil Industry Opportunities in IraqThis article will discuss whether the present situation in Iraq presents new opportunities for U.S. oil companies to expand their business into Iraq, as well as the ethical and legal risks of attempting to do so.
-
Tips for Improving Employee Morale and Reducing AbsenteeismThis article will present three causes of high employee absenteeism. Potential solutions to deal with this problem will be presented, and the discussion will include the possible advantages and disadvantages of implementing each option.
-
What's the Difference between S Corps, C Corps, LLCs & General Partnerships?This article will discuss tax implications and levels of liability related to four types of business entity. The discussion will include C corporations, S corporations, general partnerships, and limited liability companies (LLC).
-
Accounting 101This article will provide a general overview of accounting. Topics discussed will include basic financial statements, basic assumptions, generally accepted accounting principles, and modifying conventions.
-
Functional, Divisional and Matrix Organizational StructuresOrganizational structure formally determines the hierarchy within an organization. This article will discuss three types of organizational structure: functional structure, divisional structure, and matrix structure.
-
The Differences between Estates and TrustsThe purpose of this article is to define estates and Trusts, discuss how they are taxed, and explain the difference between the two. Estates and Trusts can be very complex, so this discussion will provide a general overview.
-
Employee Resistance to ChangeThis article will discuss several types of resistance to change and the ways that employees may exhibit them. Included will be a discussion of methods to decrease resistance due to uncertainty and insecurity.
-
A Brief Overview of the 401k Retirement PlanThis article provides a brief discussion of how 401K retirement plans work and the benefits of participating in a 401K plan.
-
Leadership Style TheoriesThis article will identify the three common leadership styles, discuss when these styles should be used, and discuss how these styles can affect employees. Two theories on determination of leadership style will also be discussed.
-
Motivated Employees Feel that They Play an Important Role Within the OrganizationMotivation can be directly linked to job performance. Employee motivation techniques that will be discussed include job design, job enrichment, goal setting, profit sharing, recognition, and appreciation.
-
How Consumers Influence the Behavior of U.S. Multinational CompaniesConsumers have an interest in the behavior of U.S. companies operating in Mexico and how these companies conduct their multinational operations. Consumers have the ability, through the use of purchase power and other means, to ensure that these companies behave ethically.
-
The William Wrigley Jr. Company: A Multinational Corporation that Respects the EnvironmentThe William Wrigley Jr. Company (Wrigley) operates chewing gum production facilities in 14 countries. Wrigley has developed a formal Environmental Policy that addresses potential pollution and environmental issues caused by its operations.
-
How NAFTA Has Affected MexicoThe North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has been surrounded by controversy ever since its inception in 1994. The effects of NAFTA on the economy and citizens of Mexico can be viewed as both good and bad, which is likely to prevent agreement on the effects of NAFTA.
-
Addressing Lagging Sales Team Performance: Tips for Increasing Motivation, Thus Improving PerformanceLagging performance amongst the sales team is a serious concern for many organizations. There are several rewards that can be offered to the sales team in order to increase motivation of the members.
-
Using Ratio Analysis to Assess Financial StabilityThere are many different methods that can be used alone or together to help investors assess the financial stability of an organization. One of the most common methods is financial ratio analysis.
-
Joint Product CostingJoint costs are the costs of a manufacturing process that produces two or more products simultaneously. Methods that can be used to allocate joint costs include the physical-measure method, the net realizable value (NRV) method, and the sales value at split-off method.
-
Cost Management SystemsIn order to examine formal integrated cost management systems it is necessary to define cost management systems, understand the scope of these systems, recognize the goals of these systems, and consider the items that affect the design of these systems.
-
Accounting Implications of Byproduct ProcessingA byproduct is a secondary product made during the manufacture of another product. Advantages and disadvantages of byproduct processing will be discussed, along with the accounting implications involved.
-
How Pension Plans WorkThe purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of how pension plans work and what types of pension plans are available. Included will be a discussion on the effect of pension plans on financial statements.
-
Cash Basis Versus Accrual Basis AccountingThe two main methods of recording accounting transactions are cash basis accounting and accrual basis accounting. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. However, only accrual basis accounting is approved by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).