Help with discussions (8) due in 4 days
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Discussions8.docxDiscussion 1
Fixed versus Flexible/Variable Expenses
Evaluate how fixed and variable costs can differ based upon the industry. Which would you prefer to have more of in terms of expenses (fixed or flexible)? Provide rationale for your choice. Your initial post should be at least 300 words.
· Support your initial and subsequent posts by citing at least two academic resources, preferably from the Ashford University Library.
· Points you receive on discussions will reflect the quality of your initial post and responses.
Discussion 2
Justifying Fixed and Flexible Expenses
Discuss how you would justify a budget’s fixed and flexible expenses to a board of directors or grant funding agency. What negotiation or conflict resolution strategy would you recommend if the board or agency does not accept the initial justification? Your initial post should be at least 300 words.
· Support your initial and subsequent posts by citing at least two academic resources, preferably from the Ashford University Library.
· Points you receive on discussions will reflect the quality of your initial post and responses.
Discussion 3
Payment Differences
Discuss rationale as to why there are vast differences in payment for the same services (by CPT-treatment code) by various payer sources (e.g., private pay, grant, Medicare/Medicaid, traditional insurance like Blue Cross/Blue Shield, or managed care). How does this practice impact the profession and budgeting? Provide rationale for your choice. Your initial post should be at least 300 words.
· Support your initial and subsequent posts by citing at least two academic resources, preferably from the Ashford University Library.
· Points you receive on discussions will reflect the quality of your initial post and responses.
Discussion 4
Justifying Budget Loss
Not every operating budget must show a profit. For example, there are many examples of successful mental health and other health related programs that are referred to as “lost leader” programs because they show a loss. This is common with grant funded programs, or benevolent foundation funding. Discuss how you would continue to justify a budget loss to a board of directors or grant funding agency. What negotiation or conflict resolution strategy would you recommend if the board or agency does not accept the initial justification? Your initial post should be at least 300 words.
· Support your initial and subsequent posts by citing at least two academic resources, preferably from the Ashford University Library.
· Points you receive on discussions will reflect the quality of your initial post and responses.
Discussion 5
Zero-Based Budgeting
Zero-based budgeting is very common in non-profit agencies. Discuss the pros and cons of this type of budgeting related to mental health service provision based on answering the five ZBB questions on page 92 of your text.
· Support your initial and subsequent posts by citing at least two academic resources, preferably from the Ashford University Library.
· Points you receive on discussions will reflect the quality of your initial post and responses.
Discussion 6
Capital-Equipment Budgeting
Capital-equipment budgeting is typically related to the expansion of current services. This type of budget must be justified and requires a viability or return on investment analysis. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of financing options (e.g., mortgages and loans; lines of credit, leases; bond financing) for a specified capital improvement or equipment project.
· Support your initial and subsequent posts by citing at least two academic resources, preferably from the Ashford University Library.
· Points you receive on discussions will reflect the quality of your initial post and responses.
Discussion 7
Forecasting
Forecasting is a very difficult part of budgeting. Discuss what sources of data (e.g., cost of living, inflation, housing market changes, unemployment rates, federal loan interest rates, gross domestic product changes, etc.) would you use to help forecast budget changes for year 2+? Provide rationale for your choice(s). Your initial post should be at least 300 words.
· Support your initial and subsequent posts by citing at least two academic resources, preferably from the Ashford University Library.
· Points you receive on discussions will reflect the quality of your initial post and responses.
Discussion 8
Monitoring Budget Goals
Sometimes things happen that we cannot predict or have control over that negatively impacts our budget. Consequently, monitoring budget goals on a quarterly basis is most common. If a quarterly budget goal is off (less than 20%) of its’ intended target, modifications and corrective action is generally needed. Discuss what modifications and corrective action you would make if your budget was 20% less than projected for quarter 2 of a fiscal year. Make sure to provide rationale. Your initial post should be at least 300 words.
· Support your initial and subsequent posts by citing at least two academic resources, preferably from the Ashford University Library.
· Points you receive on discussions will reflect the quality of your initial post and responses.
Required Textbook
Dropkin, M., Halpin, J., & LaTouche, B. (2007). The budget-building book for nonprofits (2nd ed.). Jossey-Bass.
Required Resources
In order to view the closed captioning of any video in this course, simply click on the cc link on the bottom right of the video (in red), click on transcribe video and then OK and the closed captioning will appear throughout your video.
American Counseling Association, (n.d.). 2014 ACA Code of Ethics Resources. American Counseling Association. Retrieved from https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/ethics/code-of-ethics-resources (Links to an external site.) . This site is the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics Website related to Course Learning Outcome 4 “Apply ethics to the successful implementation of financial management and fundraising efforts of mental health care systems.”
American Psychological Association. (2017). Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct: Including 2010 and 2016 Amendments. American Psychological Association. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/ethics/code2002.html (Links to an external site.) . This site is the American Psychological Association (APA) Code of Ethics. Section 6 relates to record keeping and fees.
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. (n.d.) Behavioral Health Specific Billing Guidelines. Retrieved from http://www.bcbst.com/providers/behavioral_health/billing_guidelines.pdf. (Links to an external site.) This site will be used for part of budget (profit) related assignments.
BoardSource, [BoardSource]. (2012, April 3). Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards - 6 of 10 - Ensure Adequate Financial Resources [Video File]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/9w9myx-5xok (Links to an external site.)
BoardSource, [BoardSource]. (2012, April 5). Responsibilities of Nonprofit Boards - 7 of 10 - Protect Assets and Provide Financial Oversight [Video File]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/7NhRLNo6AEU (Links to an external site.)
BPMSG, [BPMSG]. (2010, February 23). 06 Operating Expenses Fixed and Variable (Business Performance Management) [Video File]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/Xc6F5rMCM40 (Links to an external site.)
Calley, N. (2009). Comprehensive program development in mental health counseling: Design, implementation, and evaluation. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 31(1), 9-21.
Chevarley, F., Owens, P.L., Zodet, M.W., Simpson, L., & et al. (2006). Health care for children and youth in the United States: Annual report on patterns of coverage, utilization, quality, and expenditures by a county level of urban influence. Ambulatory Pediatrics, 6(5), 241-64.
Final budget for fiscal year 2006 changes Medicaid and Medicare rules, cuts funds for mental health programs. (2006). Psychiatric Services, 57(3), 432-3.
financevideos, [financevideos]. (2008, October 2). What is the income statement? [Video File]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/tDc3KulcE9Q (Links to an external site.)
Hornor, J, [eHow]. (2009, May 26). Small Business Basics : How to Understand a Profit-Loss Statement [Video File]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/1gI25MuIXkw (Links to an external site.)
McCarthy, J., [goldstarjimmccarthy]. (2010, September 1). Difference Between Fixed and Variable Costs - Quick Draw with Jim McCarthy, Goldstar CEO [Video File]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/wBBfA9q8FSQ (Links to an external site.)
Murphy, D., [Abila]. (2017, January 4). 2017 Predictions: Biggest Trends Impacting Nonprofit Finance and Accounting [Video File]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/gN3mkq83TXg (Links to an external site.)
National Institute of Health (NIH). (2015). Grants and funding: NIH's centra resource for grants and funding information. National Institute of Health (NIH). Retrieved from http://grants.nih.gov/grants/oer.htm (Links to an external site.) . This site will assist with the Budget Creation assignments. Part of budget (profit) related assignments to Course Learning Outcome 3 “Demonstrate an understanding of fundraising and grant application processes.”
Office of Budget (OB), (2017). HHS FY 2017 Budget in Brief. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/about/budget/fy2017/budget-in-brief/index.html (Links to an external site.)
Office of Budget (OB), (2017). HHS FY 2018 Budget in Brief. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.hhs.gov/about/budget/fy2018/budget-in-brief/index.html (Links to an external site.)
Rae, W, [ehowfinance]. (2009, February 6). Making a Budget : How to Create a 0-Based Budget [Video File]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/4HNFnNrSNjA (Links to an external site.)
Roberts, P, [eHow]. (2008, November 1). Business Advice : How to Determine Profit [Video File]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/4Z4HK2uctQE (Links to an external site.)
Sperling (2015, February 20). President Obama’s 2016 budget: What does it mean for mental health? https://www.nami.org/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2015/President-Obama-s-2016-Budget-What-Does-It-Mean-f (Links to an external site.)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2015). The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration operating plan for FY2016. https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/fy2016-samhsa-operating-plan.pdf (Links to an external site.)
Tuck, A., (2011, February 9). Succeeding Through Tough Times. The Bridgespan Group. Retrieved from http://www.bridgespan.org/Publications-and-Tools/Strategy-Development/Managing-in-Tough-Times/Succeeding-Through-Tough-Times.aspx#.UTZphNZOTmd (Links to an external site.)
