(c) Explain the reasons for the concerns of the government of Happyland with companies such as TMC and

advise the directors of a strategy that might be considered in order to avoid being subject to any forthcoming

legislation concerning the environment. (5 marks)

5 (a) IFAC’s ‘Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants’ is divided into three parts:

Part A – Applicable to All Professional Accountants

Part B – Applicable to Professional Accountants in Public Practice

Part C – Applicable to Employed Professional Accountants

Required:

Distinguish between ‘Professional Accountants’, ‘Professional Accountants in Public Practice’ and ‘Employed

Professional Accountants’. (3 marks)

(iii) Can internal audit services be undertaken for an audit client? (4 marks)

Required:

For each of the three questions, explain the threats to objectivity that may arise and the safeguards that

should be available to manage them to an acceptable level.

NOTE: The mark allocation is shown against each of the three questions above.

(c) Discuss the ways in which budgets and the budgeting process can be used to motivate managers to

endeavour to meet the objectives of the company. Your answer should refer to:

(i) setting targets for financial performance;

(ii) participation in the budget-setting process. (12 marks)

(ii) Analyse the effect of delaying the sale of the business of the Stiletto Partnership to Razor Ltd until

30 April 2007 on Clint’s income tax and national insurance position.

You are not required to prepare detailed calculations of his income tax or national insurance liabilities.

(4 marks)

4 Susan Grant is in something of a dilemma. She has been invited to join the board of the troubled Marlow Fashion

Group as a non-executive director, but is uncertain as to the level and nature of her contribution to the strategic

thinking of the Group.

The Marlow Fashion Group had been set up by a husband and wife team in the 1970s in an economically depressed

part of the UK. They produced a comprehensive range of women’s clothing built round the theme of traditional English

style. and elegance. The Group had the necessary skills to design, manufacture and retail its product range. The

Marlow brand was quickly established and the company built up a loyal network of suppliers, workers in the company

factory and franchised retailers spread around the world. Marlow Fashion Group’s products were able to command

premium prices in the world of fashion. Rodney and Betty Marlow ensured that their commitment to traditional values

created a strong family atmosphere in its network of partners and were reluctant to change this.

Unfortunately, changes in the market for women’s wear presented a major threat to Marlow Fashion. Firstly, women

had become a much more active part of the workforce and demanded smarter, more functional outfits to wear at work.

Marlow Fashion’s emphasis on soft, feminine styles became increasingly dated. Secondly, the tight control exercised

by Betty and Rodney Marlow and their commitment to control of design, manufacturing and retailing left them

vulnerable to competitors who focused on just one of these core activities. Thirdly, there was a reluctance by the

Marlows and their management team to acknowledge that a significant fall in sales and profits were as a result of a

fundamental shift in demand for women’s clothing. Finally, the share price of the company fell dramatically. Betty and

Rodney Marlow retained a significant minority ownership stake, but the company had had a new Chief Executive

Officer every year since 2000.

Required:

(a) Write a short report to Susan Grant identifying and explaining the strategic strengths and weaknesses in the

Marlow Fashion Group. (12 marks)

(c) Acting as an external consultant to Semer, discuss the validity of the proposed strategy to increase gearing, and explain whether or not the estimates produced in (b) above are likely to be accurate. (10 marks)

Churchill Ice Cream has to date made two unsuccessful attempts to become an international company.

(d) What reasons would you suggest to explain this failure of Churchill Ice Cream to become an international

company? (5 marks)

(b) Describe the principal audit procedures to be carried out in respect of the following:

(i) The measurement of the share-based payment expense; (6 marks)

(b) Illustrate how you might use analytical procedures to provide audit evidence and reduce the level of detailed

substantive procedures. (7 marks)