(b) Discuss the view that fair value is a more relevant measure to use in corporate reporting than historical cost.

(12 marks)

(b) When a director retires, amounts become payable to the director as a form. of retirement benefit as an annuity.

These amounts are not based on salaries paid to the director under an employment contract. Sirus has

contractual or constructive obligations to make payments to former directors as at 30 April 2008 as follows:

(i) certain former directors are paid a fixed annual amount for a fixed term beginning on the first anniversary of

the director’s retirement. If the director dies, an amount representing the present value of the future payment

is paid to the director’s estate.

(ii) in the case of other former directors, they are paid a fixed annual amount which ceases on death.

The rights to the annuities are determined by the length of service of the former directors and are set out in the

former directors’ service contracts. (6 marks)

Required:

Draft a report to the directors of Sirus which discusses the principles and nature of the accounting treatment of

the above elements under International Financial Reporting Standards in the financial statements for the year

ended 30 April 2008.

(b) Describe to the Beth Group the possible advantages of producing a separate environmental report.

(8 marks)

(c) On 1 May 2007 Sirus acquired another company, Marne plc. The directors of Marne, who were the only

shareholders, were offered an increased profit share in the enlarged business for a period of two years after the

date of acquisition as an incentive to accept the purchase offer. After this period, normal remuneration levels will

be resumed. Sirus estimated that this would cost them $5 million at 30 April 2008, and a further $6 million at

30 April 2009. These amounts will be paid in cash shortly after the respective year ends. (5 marks)

Required:

Draft a report to the directors of Sirus which discusses the principles and nature of the accounting treatment of

the above elements under International Financial Reporting Standards in the financial statements for the year

ended 30 April 2008.

(d) Sirus raised a loan with a bank of $2 million on 1 May 2007. The market interest rate of 8% per annum is to

be paid annually in arrears and the principal is to be repaid in 10 years time. The terms of the loan allow Sirus

to redeem the loan after seven years by paying the full amount of the interest to be charged over the ten year

period, plus a penalty of $200,000 and the principal of $2 million. The effective interest rate of the repayment

option is 9·1%. The directors of Sirus are currently restructuring the funding of the company and are in initial

discussions with the bank about the possibility of repaying the loan within the next financial year. Sirus is

uncertain about the accounting treatment for the current loan agreement and whether the loan can be shown as

a current liability because of the discussions with the bank. (6 marks)

Appropriateness of the format and presentation of the report and quality of discussion (2 marks)

Required:

Draft a report to the directors of Sirus which discusses the principles and nature of the accounting treatment of

the above elements under International Financial Reporting Standards in the financial statements for the year

ended 30 April 2008.

(c) Discuss the ethical and social responsibilities of the Beth Group and whether a change in the ethical and

social attitudes of the management could improve business performance. (7 marks)

Note: requirement (c) includes 2 professional marks for development of the discussion of the ethical and social

responsibilities of the Beth Group.

(b) (i) Discusses the principles involved in accounting for claims made under the above warranty provision.

(6 marks)

(ii) Shows the accounting treatment for the above warranty provision under IAS37 ‘Provisions, Contingent

Liabilities and Contingent Assets’ for the year ended 31 October 2007. (3 marks)

Appropriateness of the format and presentation of the report and communication of advice. (2 marks)

4 The transition to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) involves major change for companies as IFRSs

introduce significant changes in accounting practices that were often not required by national generally accepted

accounting practice. It is important that the interpretation and application of IFRSs is consistent from country to

country. IFRSs are partly based on rules, and partly on principles and management’s judgement. Judgement is more

likely to be better used when it is based on experience of IFRSs within a sound financial reporting infrastructure. It is

hoped that national differences in accounting will be eliminated and financial statements will be consistent and

comparable worldwide.

Required:

(a) Discuss how the changes in accounting practices on transition to IFRSs and choice in the application of

individual IFRSs could lead to inconsistency between the financial statements of companies. (17 marks)

2 Helen Bradshaw, a recent graduate with a degree in catering management, has spotted a market opportunity during

her first job with a large supermarket chain. She knows there is a growing market for distinctive, quality cakes in the

bakery sections of the supermarket chains, as well as in supplying independent individual premium cake shops, and

also for catering wholesalers supplying restaurants and hotels.

Helen is very determined to set up her own business under the brand name of ‘Helen’s cakes’, and has bought some

equipment – industrial food mixers, ovens, cake moulds – and also rented a small industrial unit to make the cakes.

Helen has created three sets of recipes – one for the premium cake shop market, one for the supermarkets and one

for the catering wholesalers but is uncertain which market to enter first. Each channel of distribution offers a different

set of challenges. The premium cake shop market consists of a large number of independent cake shops spread

through the region, each looking for daily deliveries, a wide product range and low volumes. The supermarkets are

demanding good quality, competitive prices and early development of a product range under their own brand name.

The catering wholesalers require large volumes, medium quality and low prices.

Helen has learnt that you are a consultant specialising in start-up enterprises and is looking to you for advice.

Required:

(a) Acting as a consultant, prepare a short report for Helen advising her on the advantages and disadvantages

each channel offers and the implications for a successful start-up. (12 marks)

(b) How might the marketing mix vary between the three channels Helen is considering using? (8 marks)