RUMOUR RUMOUR...(edited)

UPDATED INFO: In July 2010, I have moved to Kasturi School of Accountancy in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Thank you for your support and working so hard together in order to achieve your graduation goal. 
-I want this blog to be educational & constructive. I thank certain individuals' feedback on the this article's earlier 'uncut' version, thus the edited version here. The blog is a better contribution if contents are constructive and encouraging, if not motivating to ACCA candidates to never give up their goal to graduate! Never! Once again, thank you for mustering courage to inform me. Hey, I am perfectly imperfect - a human too. Cheers.

Excerpts from the Chat Corner:

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Guest: is it possible to take certain pprs [papers] at diff[erent] colleges? if yes, then if i were 2[to] complete acca at 2 diff places whr would i graduate from? Details 19:32 30/1/09
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Guest: nth[nothing] to do with college lah.. Details 23:26 30/1/09
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Kelvin: Lol, you don't graduate from 2 places or even any of those places. When you finish your ACCA exams, you simply graduate from ACCA.. the tuition provid Details 03:26 31/1/09

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Kelvin: the tuition providers would just throw a graduation ceremony to celebrate your day's end in ACCA classes. Thus, nobody really cares about whether you Details 03:27 31/1/09

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Kelvin: are ACCA grad from Sunway/INTi/TAR/etc.. Good luck then Details 03:28 31/1/09

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TRUSTING TENDENCYThe above chat certainly reveals a thing or two about current ACCA & CAT undergraduates. Pardon my straight from the gut comment, in a word, "Naive!" But I don't blame you because its natural tendency for youths to have a trusting attitude. (That is not to say adults, above 25 years are without weaknesses. We have too! Umm... too many, in fact. Sighhh...)

Mr. Kelvin is absolutely right to mention that all ACCA candidates receive a certificate of professional qualification from ACCA, United Kingdom. Tuition providers merely provide, well, tuition.
I personally, assisted an ACCA Affliate to secure a job in Digi's parent company, Telenor Ltd as a trainee manager. She was seconded to Oslo, Norway on a 2 year contract. Does it make me having the right to ensure future candidates placement in Telenor Group? Europe? Humbly and truthfully : No! It is that affliate that matters who got the job. (see website on Telenor below)

HOW TO SECURE A JOB?
So the million dollar question, "How do I secure a job in the Big 5?"
1. QUALIFICATIONS - ACCA plus Oxford Brookes with 1st class or second upper will be added advantage.
2. APTITUDES - fluency in communication, knowledge of IT
3. ATTITUDES - willingness to learn, team player, cooperative.
4. GENERAL INTELLIGENCE – inter-personal skills, alertness, initiated
5. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES – are you willing to travel outstation? Overseas? Will you accept secondment assignment to client’s place of say 3 months stay?

All of the above is encapsulated in your cover letter and CV, in which I as in the past assisted many students in structuring their CV and am glad to continue to assist. Certainly for the Big 5 to source recruits from another tuition provider is most welcome.

CONCLUSIONWe live in a world where it is not the employer or tuition provider that gives you employment security. It is YOU, your employability skills as your security. Invest in your own future, don’t let threats and even blackmail derail you from your goals- which are BEAUTIFUL, MEANINGFUL & WONDERFUL!

'

PS: Worthwhile for your attention is to consider alternative career paths such as consultancy services, managerial positions in MNC that gravitates toward overseas placements (USA, UK, Scandinavian, closer to home will be Singapore, Australia). The rationale is when you return, you have an 'expatriate status' that places your pay well above the average Joe in our Boleh Land.

'

The above is not for the 'faint hearted' in which the usual recommendation is "external" audit as career path. I reiterate, "external" and not "internal audit positions" also known as the Accountants' graveyard. Of course, this is generalised perception for there are fantastic Internal Audit Positions in prestigious organisations such as ICAC (Hong Kong), FBI (USA), Morgan Stanley (USA) Forensic Audit Division.

'

Cheers.

'

INTERESTING SITE:

Telenor, 2008, About company, http://www.telenor.com/en/about-us/telenor-at-a-glance/ , Visited on : 31 January

NEW YEAR 2009: ACHIEVABLE WISHES

UPDATED INFO: In July 2010, I have moved to Kasturi School of Accountancy in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Thank you for your support and working so hard together in order to achieve your graduation goal. Contact our Education Consultants at 03-5630 0722

- New Year's welcome to all ACCA and CAT candidates of INTI College (Subang) - Laureate (USA) International Group of Universities

INTI SUBANG CAMPUS LOCATION MAP

Source : http://www.intisj.edu.my/Contact_Us/Contact_Us.html

Bus Service: Sunway Pyramid to INTI Subang Jaya:

Metro Bus 10 & 13, Yellow Minibus 99 & 66

'

Contact Persons:

ACCA / CAT Department: Mr Randy: 012 287 8465; Mr Marcus Ong: 012-935 4128

Pic 01: The Pillar to Your Success in Life

Now, let us break the rules and not have the same New Year’s resolution over and over. The key to any strategy, plans, objectives is “implementation”. So I am embarking on a different route of New Year’s plans and wishes that are actually achievable. Of course that is besides the expectations that I expect all INTI College’s CAT and ACCA students to work so hard, so industriously that you earn the respect of bees and put the Japnaese salary-man to shame. We are unwise to dream up goals that remain well, just dreams. Why not go for the low hanging fruits first, but equally rewarding?

'

A famous proverb, “A thousand steps begin with the first step.”

So here are the following goals you can, yes everyone of you can achieve! And you know what, if you have strong family ties, its a great asset and support to your mental strength and emotional stability that results in a huge support to your achievieng success in ACCA and CAT studies in INTI College (Subang).

'

1. Appreciate Family Members

Learning to appreciate family is a core trait to longevity in a relationship. When you start appreciating your family members in what each other did around the house and for each other, that was the beginning of change. If you start by focusing on the not so good traits that a family member had...and guess what... those are the things you would see every day. One way to appreciate family members is to create a notebook if you have to, and write down what you appreciate about your parents, siblings and the working profeesionals pursuing ACCA, show your appreciation for your mate, child, boss or other person that you are currently having issues with. This allows your focus to move from the negative to the positive. Guess what..we humans love when someone pays attention to us. So if you only pay attention to the negative, you will have that person responding negatively to you, because they are at least getting your attention.

'So by paying attention to positive things, and ONLY complimenting positive aspects, the person will exhibit more positive aspects. Happy families focus on each others strengths. Try to complement your family members several times a day. Try it for 7 days and watch what happens.

Pic 02: When was the last time you commended your folks?

Pic 03: Actions speak louder than words

Happy families make silent note of and share positive thoughts with each other. Make a positive comment about how your brother or sister is paying attention to them as individuals. Say something nice about something he or she did or said. Don’t be sarcastic but genuine. Mean what you say like,

“Mom, that is very nice dinner. Thank you for preparing it so well.”

“Dad, I have always appreciated working so tirelessly for the family.”

“Brother, that was a nice thing you did that day. Keep it up!”

“Sister, you are always special to me. No matter what you decide, you know I’ll always support you.”

There are so many qualities you can focus like, what are some of your families unique talent, achievements, special qualities, or characteristics that make the other person unique.

The most important part about growing the spirit of appreciation within your family is if you can you find ways to be positive even when another family member makes a mistake. Strive to develop closeness and show love at home despite set backs.

Pic 04: He worked tirelessly for you, what will you do?

2. Speak Each Others Language

We appreciate family members when we learn to speak each other's "language" Sometimes we make comments that we think are loving towards another family member, but if we are not communicating on their frequency than he or she may not see it that way at all. Think about it this way:

Pic 05 : Are you like this in my class??

One day a sister came home from college. She was exhausted and a touch testy. She was greeted enthusiastically by her younger brother who is 8 years her junior over a new computer game. The sister just walk passed him thinking of her tiredness leaving a somewhat hurt boy who merely wants to share his joy with big sister. Good thing, the sister realised that she taking her borther for granted, turned around and smiled, “What is it Joe?” The brother showed the game that he thinks “she” would like and she ended up enjoying a little recreation playing the computer games. That is not diffucult is it? A bit more time for your family members.

'

3. Ideas to strengthen your family:

It is fun to celebrate "Caring Days." Find out what other family members want that is meaningful to them. Make plans to send those messages often through your actions. Take time out, especially in the school breaks, for "caring days" This is a day that you do what the other person wants to do...Such as does your sibling like to go to the river together, do that and your days will be mutually wonderful. Have a jar full of slips of paper with caring thoughts on them. "give a hug to someone today" "clean up with out being asked to" You get the picture. Put this into action on a daily basis and see your family love and appreciation deepen.

'

4. Love Notes

My personal favorite it leaving post-it Love Notes. All you do is Write a short love note and stick it where the intended person will be sure to see it. Have notes, still stuck up on places for family members to look at. You can place regular notes under a pillow or in a backpack, briefcase, or purse. Write something like "I'm proud of you for working so hard on your family.”

With modern day media, use SMS to surprise your mom or dad with a note of appreciation. Come on, you guys in INTI College, I see you hanging around in Starbucks, McD, internet cafes and Asia Food Bazaar enjoying above average food, I am sure you can afford a 2 sen SMS cost of message to show appreciation. I mean, how hard can it get?

'

5. The Power of Touch

Pic 06: Your closest neighbour, siblings.

You carry a powerful amazing and healing thing within you. The Power of Touch. Touch can be a powerful way of showing affection, love, and appreciation. Small children as well as your adult loved ones often like to snuggle with their family members. It is a deep an abiding trust to allow such vulnerability. Do not breech that trust, at any cost. Really even just a hug, a kiss, a touch on the hand or the shoulder can say a lot to any person regardless of age. Any of these ideas will get you started.

I will be excited to hear about how you implement these into your Happy Family days in the NEW YEAR of 2009.

Now here is a conventional New Year’s Greeting:

“2009 is at your doorstep. Remember, life is short, break the rules, forgive and forget quickly, love truly, laugh uncontrallably and never regret anything that made you smile. Take care of all you love: young and old, small and big, near and far.”

'

Now I think the above wish has 'deeper' meaning. What is your decision? To take from Nike's motto, "Just Do It!"

P1, P2, P3 CLASSES & TIME TABLE

UPDATED INFO: In July 2010, I have moved to Kasturi School of Accountancy in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Thank you for your support and working so hard together in order to achieve your graduation goal.

- relevant to Professional Students (ACCA) at Essential level

INFORMATION IS POWER. The following are classes that will be held in INTI Subang Jaya branch. The commencement date is 5th January, 2009.


Pic 01: Classroom and time table


Pic 02: Education begins at infancy. You are reaching the finish line - ACCA graduation

P1 (Porfessional Accountant) FULL TIME classes:
* Tuesday 2.00pm to 5.00pm (every week)
* Monday 2.00pm to 5.00pm (once every 2 weeks)

P1 (Professional Accountant) PART TIME classes:* Monday 6.30pm to 9.30pm (every week)
* Wednesday 6.30pm to 9.30pm ( once every 2 weeks)

P2 (Corporate Reporting) FULL TIME and PART TIME
* Thursday 6.30p.m to 9.30 pm (every week)
* Saturdays 9.45a.m to 12.45pm and 2.00p.m. to 5.00 p.m. (once every 2 weeks)

P3 (Business Analysis) FULL TIME classes:
* Friday 2.00pm to 5.00pm (every week)
* Monday 2.00pm to 5.00pm ( once every 2 weeks)

P3 (Business Analysis) PART TIME classes:* Friday 6.30p.m to 9.30 pm (every week)
* Monday 6.30p.m to 9.30 pm ( once every 2 weeks)

GOOD ENROLMENT RESPONSE-OXFORD-BROOKES UNIVERSITY COLLABORATION ACCA BSc. Degree

UPDATED INFO: In July 2010, I have moved to Kasturi School of Accountancy in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Thank you for your support and working so hard together in order to achieve your graduation goal. 



Pic 01: Hungry Lion looking for lunch

Story of relativity

If you are with your friend strolling in a African savannah, and suddenly you are confronted with a hungry lion, what would you do? Well, don't run as fast as you can. But run a little faster than your friend.

Pic 02: Run a little faster.

Application: when you are applying for a job, no doubt you are competing with hundreds of ACCA graduates, how can you improve your chances? Well, be a little better, relatively speaking, by showing to prospective employers you have an ACCA qualification and a BSc. degree in Applied Accounting.

Pic 03: Move ahead armed with DOUBLE qualification!

Certainly its heartening to see encouraging response to the Oxford-Brookes University-ACCA mentoring enrolment. There are ACCA candidates who wasted no time but started the research project with me right away. I must say that I am nearing my full capacity to take in new students. So do hurry!

Pic 04: Graduation! Armed with a University Degree? [please see below]


Pic 05: Qualified professionals who are also degree holders. Are you one?

OXFORD-BROOKES UNIVERSITY COLLABORATION ACCA BSc. Degree in Applied Accounting

The primary advantage of obtaining an additional degree qualification is that it places you ahead of other ACCA graduates with your, well, additional qualification. Bear in mind that the Oxford Brookes-ACCA Degree is recognised in the private sector and interestingly in Australia, Singapore, America(s) and of course United Kingdom.
Gives you an extra edge when applying for jobs and promotion prospects are enhanced.

We have a team of competent and experienced mentors that will provide insightful guide to developing a well researched project. The fees are competitively priced at RM3,500 per candidate (excluding Submission Fees to Oxford Brookes University fees of £75 per research project).

Pic 06: Powerful tool

A BPP manual recognized and endorsed by ACCA as an approved textbook is provided. I am committed to enhancing your qualification and your success.

Venue:

BPP BOOKS DISTRIBUTION CENTRE

No. 82-2 & 84-2 (second floor)
Jalan SS15/4D
47500 Subang Jaya

Marcus Ong's profile : Experience: assisted in excess of 200 candidates with the above mentioned research project over 7 years, ie since the collaboration of OBU with ACCA). Have strong reseach skills deriving from Post-graduate degree a MSc in International Business (Nottingham, U.K.). Personally did a 20,000 word limit dissertation on "Is Air Asia strategy sustainable?"

If you have any enquiries, please contact Kasturi of PJ Campus at 03-5630 0722 between 9a.m. to 6 p.m.

P3: ACCOUNTING AND ORGANISATIONAL CULTURES – (Graham Morgan, 2008)

- Relevant to all P3 (ACCA) candidates

ACCOUNTING AND ORGANISATIONAL CULTURES – (Graham Morgan, 2008)

Pic 01: Graham, why are you messing me up?

Pic 02: I have already studied well enough.


First and foremost, I personally feel that Graham Morgan has unnecessarily ruffled and mess up students brains, causing low confidence, by incorporating a mix-mashed article and still not tell you clearly what is his emphasis in relations to P3 exam applications. So to neutralize this unsettling feeling among my students, a systematic approach is outline with no new stuff inserted. You don’t need this in view of perilously close exam date.

The entire article is summarized to “parenting styles” in which Headquarters should be INVOLVED or DEVOLVED. In exams, I have consistently emphasise the usefulness of “Organisation Configurations”. So here is the answer structural plan:

TYPE A CASE STUDY :
Mass manufacturing of homogenous products (bottled water, generic drug making, assembling electronics products like handphones, DVDs, food packaging) Headquarters believe that success depends on achieving efficiency by having a well- managed/administered organisation in which good management information systems support cost planning and control systems. In this kind of culture, an accounting view of activities is dominant, with a centralised accounting system based on the annual budgeting process. The managerial structure in these organisations is hierarchical, with an emphasis on departmental performance where vertical patterns of communication dominate. There is an annual cycle of budget preparation, negotiation, and implementation, with review against monthly management accounts. The fundamental objective of the organisation is to deliver the budgeted outcome. Departments are viewed as responsibility centres – principally cost centres with control focused on budget headings such as salaries and other expenses.

Question Type A : Evaluate the Headquarter’s approach on managing its SBUs. Your answer should include as to how the Headquarters communicate, coordinate and controls its SBUs’ performance. Marks will be awarded for demonstration to link your arguments in the context of case study. [ 20 marks]

ANSWER PLAN FOR TYPE A

Fixed Performance Contract (Financial Control Culture)

I) PARENTING STYLE: Financial Controls
Targets : imposed strict financial returns expectations such as (sales/profit) target is fixed at ($x million).

Rewards: Your rewards for reaching this target are (y%) of profits. No bonus.

You trust us to assess your rewards by a peer review panel based on is payable unless 80% of targets are met with a cap at 120%. your performance ‘with hindsight’ at the end of each year.
II) PROCESS CONTROLSPRIMARY TOOL: DIRECT CONTROLS (administrative controls)
Plans: Your agreed-upon action plans are attached to this contract.

Resources : The agreed resources to support the capital and operating budgets

Coordination: Your activities will be coordinated with other budget holders

Controls: Your performance will be monitored monthly. Any variations will be reviewed, and executives reserve the right to take further action.
Apply ‘gaps-analysis’ to determine bonus performance based on employment contract.

III) STRUCTURES
SBU heads adopts a standalone centralized management at SBU level.
Facilitates close compliance with Headquarters expectations.

IV) CONFIGURATIONS
Mintzberg stereotypes is Divisionalisation with key component being “Middle Line” who will standardize output expectations. Tendency to have short termism view to hit a short term financial target instead of long term sustainability through customer loyalty.

CONCLUSION
Weaknesses:
- short term planning horizon
- unsuitable to growth industry as likely customers trend change over time
- unsuitable for changing dynamics of PESTEL
- Inefficient structure with little support from Headquarters
Pic 03: No sweat! You can do it!
TYPE B CASE STUDY :PESTEL has changed without warning and unexpectedly. Example recently ‘discovered’ that customers willing to pay bottled water with designer shape and colours. Or in drugs making industry, customers demand greater information content on drugs side effects and demand to know what alternatives health care methods like physiotherapy, holistics medicines. All of this means customers are dictating to company management. Thus mere budgetary control is ‘less relevant’ as it merely puts a tight leash on costing without considering value added activities that should be imposed.

Headquarter wants to enhance organisation’s core competences by developing collective expertise which is directed to the provision of ‘solutions’ for customers. Considerations for a looser management structure, the emphasis being on the creation of customer-orientated teams that are accountable for customer profitability, which is the key measure of performance. The management of intangible assets, knowledge systems, and brands are key to long-term success. Performance is evaluated and rewarded by comparing teams against benchmarks, peers, and prior years, and rewards are based on the performance of teams rather than individuals. The intention is to foster a philosophy of enterprise and learning.

QUESTION TYPE B: Assume the company proceeded to adopt a differentiation strategy from cost leadership strategy by investing heavily on marketing research and human talents retention and innovative culture, write a report detailing the proposal incorporating case study fats. (20 marks)


ANSWER PLAN FOR TYPE B
Relative Improvement Contract (Excellence/Service Culture)

I) PARENTING STYLES: Strategic Planning – close cooperation between Headquarters and SBUs
Targets SBU to maximise your profit potential to continuously improve against the agreed-upon benchmarked KPIs and to remain in the top (quartile) of your peer group.

Rewards: HQ to assess your rewards by a peer review panel your performance ‘with hindsight’ at the end of each year.
.
II) PROCESS CONTROLS
PRIMARY TOOL: SOCIAL CONTROLS (culture controls)
Plans - SBU to take whatever action is required to meet your medium‑term goals within agreed upon governance principles and strategic boundaries.

Resources - HQ to provide the resources you need when you need them are set out in the attached budget statements. SBU to keep within agreed KPI boundaries.

Coordination - HQ and SBU to coordinate activities with other SBU according to according to the agreed plan or as redirected by your superior. periodic agreements and customer requirements.

Controls - SBU to provide forecasts based on the most likely outcome.
Apply Balance Scorecard and link to individual SBU manager’s performance evaluation.
HQ to monitor performance and interfere only when indicators/ Forecasts in the form of revised budgets will be required on a trends move out of bounds.
III) STRUCTURESSBU heads adopts a matrix or Project teams structure at SBU level. HQ has close involvement in ‘mentoring’ each project teams as to supportive roles of resources allocation
Facilitates close cooperation with Headquarters leveraging on group’s core competencies.
Application to case study: Have a team comprising of HQ’s appointed R&D personnel and marketing Director to jointly develop new products according to identified recent customers trends. If necessary, HQ will consider injecting resource allocation (as opposed to budgetary controls) so as to “strategically fit” on customers needs.
IV) CONFIGURATIONSMintzberg stereotypes is Adhocracy with key components being “Operating Core” and “Support Staff” who will have “mutual adjustments” according to customers and PESTEL trends.

CONCLUSION
Advantage
Tendency to have long term “evolutionary” changes according to external pressures. Customers dictate to management’s decision, hence avoiding the paradox of

“it is the customers, not managers, who supply all important intelligence about market changes. Thus, paradoxically the more budget minders try to enforce control through numbers and budgets, the more they make real control, in the sense of rapid adoption to a changing market, impossible.” (Caulkin and Alec Reed)

P1 DEC 2008 Pitfalls Warning and Exam Tips

DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY: while it is good to focus on Hot Topics but to rely on them exclusively is both detrimental to your mental + emotional health & performance in exam.

Paper P1 ‘The Professional Accountant’ DECEMBER 2008 Exam Tips and Pitfalls Warning. Avoid David Campbell's traps.

- RELEVANT TO ALL P1 candidates
A. QUESTION VERBS USED
It is very important to correctly interpret the verb in the question and use that as the basis for their answers.
Question Type A: 0.5 mark per point
‘explain’ or ‘describe’ and the answer just contained (say) a list of points, few marks were awarded.

Question Type B: 1.0-1.5 marks per point
a higher level skill such as ‘evaluate’, ‘assess’,’ construct’ or ‘criticise’, answers that did not address the content at the level required were poorly rewarded.
Candidates must not ‘explain’ when they are meant to ‘construct’ or ‘criticise’, and they must not ‘identify’ when they are meant to ‘describe’.
ü Question . and identify from the case...
ü Question .using information from the case...
ü Question .and describe three threats to auditor independence in the case(Other types of wording are used to mean the same thing).

When Question insert “evaluate”, please remember that it is asking for BOTH advantages and disadvantages. Example: Evaluate the usefulness of forming committee comprising of iNEDs as majority.

B. IMPORTANCE OF QUESITON INTERPRETATIONS
It is very important that the verb used in the question is used as the basis for the answer.
some candidates failing to interpret the evidence in the case scenario correctly.

A description of roles is DIFFERENT from explaining the impact or tensions of say what a NED might bring to the Board. Avoid mere rote text book leaning but apply in the case study context.

C. DON’T SQUANDER OFF YOUR 4 PROFESSIONAL MARKS
• ensure the answer reads like a letter or a memo
• ensure if its a formal letter to shareholders - have an explanatory introduction and a conclusion with a logical flow of content in the ‘middle’.
• ensure its addressed to the right audience (Dear Ms Wang)
• ensure no abstract bullet points and short, unconnected paragraphs with no sense of ‘flow’ between them.

Marks allocation,
1 mark for the basic form of a letter meaning it was correctly headed, finished, addressed and physically laid out.
1 mark for composition,
1 mark for flow of arguments like segregate FOR PROPOSAL and AGAINST PROPOSAL headings
1 mark for persuasiveness of the narrative itself.

In other words: The letter was from a company chairman to the company’s shareholders and those gaining all four professional marks were those that read most like a letter of its type would read in ‘real life’.

P1 papers will ask candidates to ‘draft’ or ‘write’ content in the form of various types of written communication. You are advised to pay attention to the professional marks as the four marks available could make the difference between a pass and a fail. Four marks are worth approximately seven minutes in time (4% of 180 minutes), which should give candidates some idea of how much investment to make in the professional marks.

D. BOOBY TRAPS – AVOID AT ALL COSTS!
Pic 01: Should've listened to my lecturer. Now I am trapped.
COMMON PITFALL 01:
“explain the imporatance of corporate governance adopting the Anglo-Saxon model.”

Please note it DIDN’T ask you what is the corporate governance components? But instead the “IMPORTANCE” of corporate governance!



Pic 02: Don't follow the crowd falling for the same mistake
COMMON PITFALL 02:
Explain the meaning of Stephanie’s comment: ‘I would like to get risk awareness embedded in the culture at the factory.’

How do you interpret the question?
a) You make recommendations of how to manage its risk with phrases such as ‘factory should…’ or ‘perhaps SCC might consider…’.
b) You explain ‘risk awareness’ what it meant.
c) You explain the policies and process on trying to embed risk to culture
d) You explain what embedding risk in culture meant (and nothing else).

Correct answer is (d). the above illustrates that you may know what is risk awareness, but you may errorneously prefer to write explain and even suggests ways to embed risk awareness to culture. [For further illustation, please see P1 December 2007 Question 2(b) answers]



Pic 03: I gotcha...
COMMON PITFALL 03:
A question may require you explain the roles of a chairman in corporate governance. Please pay special attention to the cognitive level of the verb in the question. The question specifically asked candidates to ‘explain’ the roles that it offers some evidence of understanding of the role over and above a mere identification.. Accordingly, answers that merely ‘identified’ the roles did not receive good marks. Short bullet lists of ‘identified’ roles will fail. An ‘explanation’ differs from an ‘identification’.

Which of the following answer is an “explain” type question?

TYPE X ANSWER: Chairman’s role is to set an effective board unit.

TYPE Y ANSWER: Chariman’s role is to set an effective board unit where he sets the agenda and ensure a regular Board meeting. This enables a communication to Baord if they are meeting the shareholders’ objectives.

ANSWER : TYPE Y



Pic 04: Hi, I work for David Campbell. Catching victims alive is my job.
COMMON PITFALL 04:

Question ask to ‘explain the importance of identifying stakeholders…’.

What should you NOT DO?
a) Identify the stakeholders (so lists of stakeholders did not attract marks)
b) Describe the Mendelow framework
c) Describe each stakeholder’s position on the Mendelow matrix
d) Explain each stakeholder’s interests and powers on company
e) state main purposes of identifying all stakeholders

ANSWERS: DON’T TRY a,b,c and d.

The correct approach to question requires candidates to ‘take a step back’ and place themselves in the position of the board, considering all the benefits of knowing who the stakeholders and their different claims were.

Example :
IMPORTANCE :
Surveying stakeholders powers assist Board of Directors as to who are most likely will disrupt or object to company’s proposal to build a hospital next to the grave yard. [Notice you don’t need to prioritise which stakeholders are more powerful than another]



Pic 05: Who will save me now? Why did I fall asleep in class? Why did I miss classes?
COMMON PITFALL 05:
Time pressure of spending lenghty time on lower level questions like “List” , “briefly explain”
Insufficient time spent to develop coherent argument and logical order to earn 4 professional marks.

EXAM TIPS P1:
Now, for the part that you are looking for - Exam Tips. Please note the verbs used in the question. Go through in your mind as to what and how you would intepret the question and relate to the common pitfalls mentioned above.

• Evaluate the weaknesses of current corporate governance system and recommend improvements
• Explain the importance of risk management clearly distinguisihing your answer between Strategic Risk and Operational Risk
• Evaluate the usefulness of committees comprising of iNEDs
• Advise and explain work ethics. (Note: you are required to explain AAA model and Tuckman’s 5 question model)
• Distinguish pragmatic and dogmatic approach that management could possibly take in the matter of labour redundancies
• Recommend ways to align directors’ interests with shareholders’interests. (Note: Apply fixed salaries, variable salaries like bonus, commissiions, share options, pension benefits so as to make the director think more for the benefit of shareholders)
• List out the recommendation of Turnbull’s Report on effective internal controls
• Advise management to risk management efforts in case study
• Marks & Spencer, a retail giant in UK, has its CEO who is also the chairman has refused to appoint any iNEDs. He said, “All I have to do is explain to shareholders my actions.” Critically explain the “principle-based” approach. Does “comply and explain” approach means that Marks & Spencer have freedom to not comply corporate governance best practice?
• SOX appraoch and impact on commercial flexibility balanced with corporate governance requirements

Other topics you shouldn’t neglect:

• Agency Theory, Transaction Theory, Bounded Rationality
• Cinderella Effect
• Corporate Social Responsibility

PS: My focus is “specific” to a sub-question instead of genrealisation. This way you will be better prepared and focus on how to do a particular question-problem.

CONCLUSION
You can spend time to systematically go through the topics and related questions. Just do what you can. If you feel a temporary ‘black-out’, well, go to the next question-topic. I strongly feel you shouldn’t be rote learning now but primarily focus on exam techniques paying attention to pitfalls avoidance.

DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY: while it is good to focus on Hot Topics but to rely on them exclusively is both detrimental to your mental + emotional health & performance in exam.

The Power of Focus - Habits Determine Your Future (Part 2)

- relevant to all who want progress in life. I recommend and encourage you to spread this information to your juniors and friends.

Pic 01 : Highest paid athlete in USA. Was he simply taking a random swing with the golf stick that puts him top of the game?

Pic 02 & Pic 03: Can you do the stunts above on first try? Take a week? a month? Hmmm... I think it takes a lifetime of good discipline and successful habits.

CHANGING HABITS TAKE TIME
You will turn your negatives into positives by changing your habits now. Change takes an instant to occur and time to mature. Your change goes into effect the moment you choose to change. That very instant! But it will take some time to see your changes mature to where you can enjoy the fruit of your improvements. Your change will take time because developing success habits takes time.

Of course, with ongoing exams currently, you may say that its bit too late to change. While I agree with you but don't forget you need this quality to succeed in career, higher ACCA paper levels (Professional Stage) and life.

How much time does it actually take to change a habit? The most common response is 21 days. Studies have shown that if you practice a new habit for an average of 21 days or longer in some cases, it actually becomes easier to do the new habit then it is NOT to do the new habit. This is just a baseline. For any habit you want to change you must ask yourself how long you've owned that habit. Some habits will take longer to change depending on how long and how often they have been practiced. Give yourself reasonable time to adopt new belief systems and new success habits. If you have been dealing with low self esteem for 15 years, it may take you longer than 21 days to change that belief system (yes, belief systems are habits also). On the other hand you could break the bad habit of thinking poorly about yourself in an instant and create your brand new life overnight. There aren't any limits but you must be fair and objective about your rate of change.

NOT REGRESS

The important thing above all will be to remain committed to establishing new habits that build a better future and not falling back into old habits that will only produce the same unhappiness and failure that you may be trying to move away from. A powerful quote says: "If you keep on doing what you've always done, then you will keep on getting what you've always got." This is awesome! By systematically changing one behavior at time you can dramatically improve your overall lifestyle! Once your new habit becomes well developed, it becomes your new normal behavior.

HABITS FORMING STRATEGY

Identify Bad Habits and Replace Them , so if success is based on successful habits you be asking, "How do I identify bad habits?". Bad habits on those actions that cause you to be unproductive and hold you back from realizing your best life now. Examine yourself and ask others about bad habits you have. Only ask people you respect and admire and know you well. You need to hear from people that are for you and not against you.

Your habits and beliefs systems are a product of your environment. Birds of a feather, flock together as the saying goes. This is true! Ever heard of the saying, "Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are." You will pick up and practice those habits and beliefs that are common to your environment. But when you decide to change there is no stopping you. Reach out for and study the successful habits of those who've attained the success you desire. Practice what they do and elevate yourself. Read inspirations stories, visit this blog often to remind yourself what is your purpose in College, watch documentaries on success and the successful.

PRACTICE AND REPEAT

Develop the habit of changing your habits. Change will be you always. Adapt and implement habits that will continually reward with the life you desire. If a habit no longer yields success motivation and positive change, replace with a new habit. Just with thoughts, habits cannot be dropped. Habits are displaced through replacement.

Pic 04: Do you think his culinery skills were developed overnight?

Here is the three step successful habits formula :
1. Clearly identify your bad or unproductive habits.
You at your behavior for now and in the future to get a realistic and objective understanding of how a habit may be unproductive or bad for you. Some habits have a slow burn effect and the results aren't realized until years later. Smoking is a classic example. If you looking at a smoking habit one day at a time, it may not seem as damaging as it actually is. If you view this habit over a lifetime then you can begin to appreciate the the consequences for choosing to change this habit or not change this habit.
2. Define your new successful habit.
Identify your new habits and describe in vivid detail the "benetifs" of acquiring this new habit. You will boost your success motivation when you can clear envision the rewards for successful change. Remember that to obtain the success you desire you must be will to do things today that will create your desire changed for tomorrow. The clearer a vision you have of your rewards and benefits for change, the more likely you are to take action.

Pic 05: KPMG Tower in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Do you have successful habit to be there at the top (CAREER)?

3. Create a 3 Part Action Plan. Decide on 3 immediate actions that you will take to replace your old habit and establish your new successful habit. Start with one habit and take action. You must know exactly what actions you will take to create your new success. It could be reading a book, establishing an accountability partner, going to a support group, or joining a coaching club.

CONCLUSION
The bottom line is that nothing will change in your life until you do. To learn more about the how you obtain successful habits that will create a successful future for your life I recommend reading The Power of Focus by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Les Hewitt and Seven Highly Effective Habits by Steven Covey

Useful links:

The Power of Focus - Habits Determine Your Future (Part 1), http://marcusong88.blogspot.com/2008/11/power-of-focus-habits-determine-your_19.html
http://marcusong88.blogspot.com/2008/10/how-to-cope-with-stress.html
http://marcusong88.blogspot.com/2008/09/bill-gates-bad-role-model.html
http://marcusong88.blogspot.com/2008/08/life-as-student.html