Quality of the Sustainability Report of British Land

Quality of the Sustainability Report of British Land The British Land Company is a brand of property development and investment company, which is one of largest companies in the  United Kingdom. It focuses on managing, financing and developing prime commercial property. British Land was formed in 1856. Over the years, company has purchased land and then resold it to customers who wanted to buy it. Nowadays, British Land owns a lean team of 242 people which is based in the UK and Western Europe. The company manages more or less  £14 billion portfolio of office and retail properties. Moreover, company is listed on the  London Stock Exchange  and is a constituent of the  FTSE 100 Index  and has been a founding member of the  European Public Real Estate Association. Their objective is to deliver long-term and sustainable total returns to our shareholders As a company, British Land committed to achieve corporate social responsibility objectives by working hard to ensure that structure, customer propositions and investment programmes are sustainable in society, economic and environment. These activities from April 2013 to March 2014 were described in Corporate Responsibility Full Data Report 2014. As such, the quality of sustainability report will be analysed in the following. The quality of corporate responsibility report 2014 of British Land can be evaluated based on principles of guidelines published by Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).The GRI lists six principles to assess sustainability report which is of sufficient quality. They are balance, comparability, accuracy, timeliness, clarity and reliability.Six principles will be defined first and then look at information from British Land’s report and then evaluate quality of these principles in practice. Balance To produce a high quality sustainability report, not only it represents the true performance of an organisation, but also endless positive public relations. Balanced report means reflect positive and negative aspects of the organization’s performance to enable a reasoned assessment of overall performance. X A good way to demonstrate balanced reporting is to clearly state how the organization performed regarding measurable achievements set in the previous year.Stakeholders can review those successful targets or if more work.In the corporate responsibility report 2014, British Land reported progress against its three years strategy across all sustainability areas of the business. As we can see, company reported that they had successfully reduced 36% less carbon emissions than the 2009 baseline in the report. Additionally, British Land has saved  £6.9 million energy cost for occupiers since 2009 and achieved 93% of waste diverted from landfill at our properties and 83% on development. X Overall, they got improvement against 2009 and achieved lots of targets in different areas including economic, environment and social. Although British Land has met the greater of their targets in different areas, stakeholders can find out that British Land’s report put negative things about their performance. Take greenhouse gas emissions as an example, the production process discharged6,953 tonnes CO2e during 2014 which was 300 tonnes higher than the previous year. It was balanced that the report discloses both favorable and unfavorable information and results on a year-to-year basis. This style of report increased transparency and accountability towards stakeholders or other parties. Comparability Issues and information should be selected, compiled, and reported consistently. X This principle means that reported information should be presented in a consistent manner that enables stakeholders to analyse the performance of the organisation over time or against other organisations. First of all, the sustainability report and the information contained within can be compared on a year-to-year basis. It showed that the data of British Land from 2011 to 2014. Stakeholders can compare the performance with different years so as to make decisions. Moreover, British Land increased comparability by means of using the same benchmarks to analyse performance year on year. Take tons of waste as an example, company used these total numbers as well as ratios (waste per unit of production) for analytical comparison. Also, company used kWh as metrics to compare its carbon emissions relate to energy consumption with different years or other organisations. Additionally, company provided and explained different factors in the report such as differences in organizational size, geographic influences, and other limitations that may affect the relative performance of an organization. These will help stakeholders understand the factors that may contribute to differences in performance between organizations. Furthermore, the report used generally accepted protocols for compiling, measuring, and presenting information. The report has utilized where the GRI Technical Protocol is explicit on the metric to be used for an Indicator such as carbon footprint, days per employee, staff covered and waste, etc. If any metrics were not mentioned by the GRI, British Land used metrics that are generally adopted by other organisations in their industry. Business in the Community has coordinated the corporate responsibility (CR) index as the UK’s leading benchmarking tool for responsible business. X Accuracy The information contained must be highly accurateso as to produce a high quality sustainability report. Therefore, stakeholders can measure the performance of an organisation with confidence. Data accuracy requires building stringent and robust data collection processes, such as internal quality assurance procedures. The best way to ensure data quality is to have quality assurance built into the data collection process. In the sustainability report 2014 of British Land, there was enough information about process to assure the data collection. The company had Independent assurance which evaluated the design of the key structures, systems, processes and controls for managing recording and reporting the selected information. X For example, five data sites which was selected on the basis of their inherent risk and materiality to the group were visited to understand the key processes and controls for reporting site performance data to the group corporate responsibility team. An alternative way is to commission an external third party to verify or assure data accuracy. The third party is experienced in sustainability reporting and data. In the report, it showed that selected key performance data was assured by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) which is one of big accounting firms over the world. For example, the accounting firm assured that data of carbon strategy was accurate, reliable and objective with no significant omissions that could affect stakeholders to make decision on British Land’s performance. X Finally, British Land has invited wider stakeholders to review their data collection processes and to provide feedback if any data inaccuracies have occurred. In 2014, stakeholders participated in the review and consultation of the different legislative and consumer aspects. Timeliness If a sustainability report to be useful to stakeholders, it should clearly state the time period covered by the data and to be consistent. Based on a regular timetable, the release date of the sustainability report should be predicted whether it is annual or biannual. Therefore, stakeholders can assess progress and make informed decisions on the organization’s performance. British Land has been reporting year on year on its sustainability performance since 2002. The company has accumulated many sustainability reports, which can all be downloaded and are available in multiple languages. The sustainability reports are published in April of every year, which makes it predictable to stakeholders and allows them to integrate British Land into their decision making process in a timely manner. Clarity According to the GRI, a high quality sustainability report should be written in a manner that is easily understandable, accessible and usable to its range of stakeholders. British Land used lots of visual charts, pictures, tables, infographic, diagrams and other aids tomake its content accessible and information easilyunderstandable. The company increased the attractiveness by using of its report by providing several formats such as on the web, as a PDF report or ebook. However, British Land is a property developmentand investment companies. As such, there are a series of professional terms such that need to be illustrated in its sustainability report. British Land has not published a useful glossary of professional terms. They can create on its sustainabilitywebsites for some references so as to makes its sustainability report easily understandable to its stakeholders, Reliability To producea high quality sustainability report, the information and contents disclosed can be traced to its sources, checked and examined by stakeholders or other parties. Stakeholders should be able to find evidence to establish the veracity in the sustainability report. British Land elected PwC as an independent 3rd party assurer to assess their sustainability report. However, PwC made a conclusion that they planned and performed the engagement to obtain limited assurance about whether the selected information is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Also, PwC concluded British Land’s declared GRI application level of B+ was not fairly stated in accordance with the reporting criteria. To increase reliability, PwC did not get enough reference of all original sources of data and information used in the report. They just provided a guidance section giving information behind calculations used by the company. The reliability of this sustainability report was not sufficient. Although another big accounting firm KPMG produced anindependent assurance report, minor recommended updates were made to the British Land’s procedures in relation to the risk of bribery and corruption in December 2013. British Land did not get audit opinion that increased stakeholder confidence that the data and assertions in thesustainabilityreport can be relied on to make informed decisions. Conclusion To conclude, the quality the of sustainability report 2014 of British Land is up to standard. Especially for comparability and clarity, the report showed that information and comparisons are both meaningful overtime and it clearly explained the reasons and implications of collected information through visual charts, pictures, tables. However, there’s stillroom for improvement in the report. The Directors of the British Land engaged PwC provided limited assurance on the information described in full data report for the year ended 31 March 2014. To increase reliability and accuracy of the report, company can invite NGOs to review their data collection processes and to provide comments where they think data inaccuracies have occurred. Having more assurances increase stakeholder confidence that the data and assertions in sustainabilityreport can be relied on to make decisions. Furthermore, company can provide other popular formats such as software application in order to increase the attractiveness and use of its report. The sustainability reports as mobile apps can be published that are readable on smartphone and tablets. Stakeholders or businesses can increasingly incorporate tablets into day to day activities such as meetings and sustainability reporting apps must beubiquitous. The advantages of these apps over traditional formats are its highly interactive nature, the ability to easily review the report through buttons, and its visual beauty.

Outsourcing Essay

†¢ Question 1: Is the accounting policy proposed by OSI to defer costs associated with the origination of the agreement an appropriate policy? What advice would you give OSI regarding its policy election? Accounting policy proposed by OSI to defer costs is an appropriate policy. Cost should be deferred if they create or add value to an asset. In FASB Concept Statement No. 6, Par 25 states asset as â€Å"probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by a particular entity as a result of past transactions or events.† In the case of Outsourcing, management believes all up-front cost incurred are a necessary investment and will generate substantial profits through call revenue, therefore we could say the costs associated with the contract are part of revenue generating arrangement. This arrangement could be consider as an asset because revenue (Set-up and Call revenue) provides a future economic benefit, and this arrangement is controlled by Outsourcing Services, Inc. †¢ Question 2: If the accounting policy to defer costs is appropriate, what costs, if any, would be eligible? Any cost directly relate to the revenue arrangement are considered eligible for deferral. SAB Topic 13Af provide descriptions of cost that are eligible for deferral. Eligible cost are in the case of Outsourcing are: a) $1,500,000 Direct costs to a third party to configure OSI – The direct cost is incremental direct cost incurred with third parties. (FAS-91 or ASC 605-20-25-4) b) $250,000 Sales Commission – allow deferring the cost under FTB 90-1 because it is associated with the contract. c) $50,000 corporate cost – corporate personnel dedicated to contract negotiation is direct loan origination costs, these cost are eligible for deferral under FASB Statement No. 91 or ASC 310-20-25-2. †¢ Question 3: If there are costs for which deferral is appropriate, what is the appropriate period over which to defer these costs Utilizing matching principle: recognize deferred cost at the same time as related revenue is recognized. In the case of Outsourcing, they will recognize revenue over the estimated customer life, therefore the costs listed in question 2 are deferred and expensed over the period of 4.3 years. Both SAB Topic 13Af, question 4 and SC 605-20-25-4 state â€Å"acquisition of that contract (incremental direct acquisition costs) shall be deferred and charged to expense in proportion to the revenue recognized†.

Legal Essay Topics Explained

Legal Essay Topics Explained What Is So Fascinating About Legal Essay Topics? Taking into account that lots of persuasive essays concern controversial topics, before writing, you might want to sit down and think of what your opinion on the topic actually is. Be certain the essay appears neat. A highly essay is still famous. While writing a law essay means understanding several of the skills you require for writing different forms of essay, law essays also have some distinctive features that you should master. Second, determine what sort of research paper or essay you're writing. Attempt not to add new information within this section, as it is simply for summarizing the essay not for introduction new information. In addition to summarize what you'll be discussing in the upcoming pages. How to begin a legal essay The very first page of a legal essay determines the mark which you will get. Inspiration to make your own advertising or media argumentative essay topics isn't tough to discover. When prior brainstorming is finished, you can begin drafting your essay. Below is a good example of good persuasive speech topics based on various categories. The multiple topics could be found, for instance, in the dissertation abstracts international database. You may continue to keep your argumentative essays for your upcoming job portfolio in case they're highly graded. An excellent conclusion should contain the paraphrased thesis of the entire essay. You might be quite surprised to discover that success of a personal essay may greatly rely on the subject you pick. Then the very best way is set a request I will need to acquire essay papers written. Along with that, a well-written academic assignment can function as a source of thoughts and insights for their own texts. If you are searching for assistance with your essay then we provide a comprehensive writing service given by fully qualified academics in your area of study. Most students do the exact mistake they don't find the difference between essay types and don't make an insightful paper. A whole lot of essay writing competitions, even those who have huge prize monies, receivevery hardly any entries. Legal Essay Topics at a Glance Writing an excellent persuasive essay is not a simple task, however, it's achievable. Words are among our major tools as lawyers. Don't keep they just to meet the word-count. A legal letter is a strong document. Writing about legal issues can resemble a challenging undertaking, but nevertheless, it may grow to be much easier with good preparation. Each matter should be taken in its logical purchase. A site that will help you to steer clear of errors and to attain excellence in legal writing. The Legal Essay Topics Chronicles The very best essay writing service you could ever find is right here and you can put your purchase today. If for any reason you're dissatisfied with the delivered paper, we guarantee a complete refund for the purchase. With respect to statute, much of the exact advice will apply. There are instances where technical terms will need to be used should they carry the precise significance of the advice being delivered. The perfect way to learn how to begin a personal essay is to get a very clear picture of the primary features it should contain and its key requirements. Before starting writing a legal opinion, you're going to know just what advice you're likely to give, why you're giving it and how you are likely to present it. One of the greatest methods to change anybody's mind is with an emotional investment. When you're picking your topic, bear in mind that it's much simpler to write about something which you presently have interest ineven in case you don't know a good deal about it.

Barriers to Effective Communication - 1654 Words

Barriers to Effective Communications Everyone has experienced, at one time or another the frustration of feeling misunderstood and being unable to make ourselves understood by another person. Anything which, blocks the meaning of a communication, is a barrier to communication. Effective communication is like a house built one block at a time. First to build a house trust must be built; trust is not a group process it is created in one to one connections with each individual. Second, be bold and open, better communications are clear, direct, respect, reflective and frequent. And finally, strive to continually overcome the barriers to effective communication, challenge others to grow and educate your self. There are many barriers to†¦show more content†¦A misunderstanding between people can quickly erase all trust. Without trust between people when communication is taking place an individuals defensives will be up. Being in this defensive state can lead to many conflicts between people. To be successful in th e work place a strong level of trust is required. Trust and effective communication among workers can determine the success of a corporation. There are steps individuals can take to reduce the chances that others will become defensive when they are engaged in conversation. Being encouraging when speaking with others is important. When talking with others make the point you are trying to convey with as much sincerity as possible. People dont care how much we know until they know how much we care. Thinking about what you say before speaking to others is an effective way to reduce the chances of causing another person to become defensive. Another positive communication technique is to convey your message to others in a cheerful tone. By using positive communication techniques individuals can reduce the instances that cause others to become defensive. These techniques will create a positive work environment and help a company to be successful. 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