Independent auditors, who have no affiliation with the company being audited, are preferred to ensure audit integrity. They must have an accounting certification and provide an unbiased opinion. Conflicts of interest are avoided, and professional organizations can provide referrals. An independent auditor is a person with an accounting credential who has no affiliation with the […]
Business process outsourcing (BPO) involves transferring a company’s functions to an external specialist, which can include back office tasks and customer service. BPO providers offer outsourcing services and may specialize in specific functions, with some based in low cost areas. The contract between a BPO vendor and client outlines the areas to be outsourced and […]
Circumposition is rare in English due to confusing prepositional object placement, but common in French and Mandarin. It combines a preposition and postposition to create a closed sentence, but is difficult to translate literally. Circumpositions in foreign languages often have different meanings from their literal translations. Circumposition occurs when a prepositional phrase contains two prepositions, […]
An antagonist is a character who opposes the protagonist in literature and movies. They are not always evil, but often portrayed negatively. Examples include King Creon in Antigone and Iago in Othello. Even virtuous characters can be antagonists if they block the protagonist’s progress, as seen in Amy Tan’s works. Joanna Kramer in Kramer vs. […]
The closing bell signals the end of a trading session on an exchange, and is used metaphorically to refer to the end of a working day. It ensures all traders stop trading at the same time, and is often accompanied by a warning bell. The New York Stock Exchange still uses a bell, and ringing […]
Jeeves is a character created by PG Wodehouse and featured in 35 short stories and 11 novels. He is a symbol of impeccable service and has inspired other types of personal servants. Jeeves is known for his portrayal by Stephen Fry in the TV series Jeeves and Wooster, and a musical called By Jeeves has […]
A Roth IRA rollover involves moving retirement funds between custodians. Investors should choose investments based on their age and risk tolerance. Rollovers can be initiated by taking possession of funds or directing custodians to transfer them. Investors can only complete one rollover per year. A Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a type of retirement […]
Dermatographic urticaria, or skin writing, is a skin disorder where the skin is sensitive to touch or pressure, causing a raised, itchy, red rash. It can be caused by an allergic skin condition, and treatment involves antihistamines. Diagnosis is done by stroking the skin with an object. Treatment is not always necessary, but antihistamines and […]
An exercise specialist assesses physical health problems and advises on exercise techniques to reduce symptoms. They develop exercise programs, educate clients on equipment use, and recommend stress reduction and healthy eating techniques. A bachelor’s degree in exercise science or health and wellness promotion is typically required. An exercise specialist is a person specially trained to […]
Social security is government-mandated insurance to provide financial assistance to those in need. In the US, it includes Social Security, Medicare, PBGC, and Railroad Retirement programs, with Social Security being the largest. State-sponsored insurance programs for the unemployed also exist. Social insurance is mandatory and based on legal rights and humanitarian considerations, unlike private insurance. […]
Petty cash is a small amount of money kept on hand for expenses like office supplies. It’s useful because any employee can use it, but it needs to be tracked carefully to prevent abuse. It should be kept in a safe place and replenished as needed. Most businesses require a small amount of cash on […]
“Beam me up, Scotty” is a popular phrase from the TV show Star Trek, used to initiate teleportation. The phrase has become an idiom for escaping unpleasant situations and has spread into popular culture, including bumper stickers. Although the exact phrase was not used in the show, it has taken on a life of its […]
A jerkwater town is a small, rural town with few amenities and decreasing population. The term may come from soda jerks in drugstores or from the lack of water towers on branch lines of railroads. It is still used to describe small towns with limited attractions. The term jerkwater town is often applied to a […]
The role of state finance departments varies by state, but generally includes tax collection, accounting services, and oversight of financial institutions. Some departments also provide accounting services and advise governors. The role of a finance department, as applied to state government, varies according to the state in question. Finance is a broad area that covers […]
An elevated heart rate can be caused by emotional states, recreational drugs like caffeine and nicotine, and exercise. Emotional states like excitement, nervousness, and anger can lead to an increased heart rate, while caffeine and nicotine stimulate the heart rate. Exercise is generally considered healthy for the heart. There are many reasons a person may […]
Becoming a virtual office assistant requires a high school diploma and office training. Community college, trade school, and online programs are available. Certification is optional but available. A virtual assistant performs administrative tasks and can specialize in a particular niche. Good communication, typing, and multitasking skills are important, as well as having the necessary equipment […]
A parent company controls a subsidiary through voting and board of directors. It can create a subsidiary through acquisition, buying outright, or creating a new company. Holding companies can be created to hold subsidiaries. Each subsidiary is autonomous and can be sold or closed without affecting others. Many industries are controlled by just a few […]
To succeed in business dealings with Chinese people, it is important to understand their customs and values. Good business etiquette in China involves offering gifts, accepting business cards, and avoiding physical contact. Dining out is also common, and it’s important to know how to use chopsticks and not bring a spouse unless invited. Understanding the […]
Rhetoric uses techniques such as symbolism, repetition, and figurative language to persuade audiences by appealing to logic or emotion. Sound patterns and rhetorical questions are also common. Rhetoric can divert attention from important issues and draw parallels with pop culture or historical events. Rhetorical techniques or rhetorical devices are generally used to make rhetoric more […]
A Hobson’s Choice is a situation where someone must choose between two unappealing options, often with the illusion of choice. It can be a choice between something unsatisfactory or nothing at all, or between two unpleasant things. The term comes from Thomas Hobson, who ran a stud farm in the 1600s. It is often used […]
