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The Statistical Measurement of the "Velocity of Circulation of Goods"

Quarterly Journal of Economics 1932 47(1), 1
The notion of a “velocity of circulation of goods” and the desirability of measuring it statistically, 1.— The problem is identical with that of obtaining a statistical measure of the ratio of the physical volume of sales of goods to the physical volume of goods intended for sale, 6. — The “physical volume of sales of goods” and its possible substitutes, 6. — The “physical volume of goods intended for sale,” and its various components, 21.— The possibility of using figures for “stocks” of commodities on hand as indicators of movements in the “velocity of circulation of goods,” 29.— The great differences of opinion which exist with respect to the extent and the nature of the variations in the “velocity of circulation of goods” make the statistical measurement of this velocity imperative, 33.

The North Atlantic Port Differentials

Quarterly Journal of Economics 1932 46(4), 644
I. The historical background, 644. — The present adjustment, 646. — II. Summary of arguments for and against the existing system, 647. — III. The Fink Report, 651. — The Thurman Commission, 652. — Early cases before the Interstate Commerce Commission, 653. — Later cases, 655. — IV. Advantages of distance, 657. — Terminal costs, 658. — Ocean rates, 660. — V. Probable results of equalizing rail rates, 662. — Basis of New York's dominance, 664. — Boston's difficulties, 667. — Conclusion: the differentials a special case of equalization in rate-making, 669.

LEGAL AND ECONOMIC CONCEPTS OF THE BALANCE SHEET IN GERMANY.

The Accounting Review 1932 7(2), 103-106
Abstract This article describes legal and economic concepts of the balance sheet in Germany. he balance sheet is essentially a scheme for classifying property and capital, and is not vitally concerned that different amounts of property came in to the business at different dates. Therefore those who hold to these views are faced with no problems of valuation. Knowledge of current values for assets and capital is not absolutely essential to management. Although for certain purposes current values may be needed, it is more important to have a proper classification of the items of property and capital and to preserve the comparability of successive statements. A dynamic balance sheet must be supreme for the use of the manager because his decisions are dictated by his struggle for profit. The clear and concise ideas of writers who take the management point of view of accounting point out the proper course to follow. Legal requirements are obviouslyto be satisfactorily met, but the manager'svaluation problems can be best solved bythe application of economic principals.

THE RELATION OF COST ACCOUNTING TO THE BUDGETARY CONTROL PROBLEM.

The Accounting Review 1932 7(1), 34-37
Abstract Good accounting records which show exactly what has happened in a given business are of interest as historical documents, but for years it has been apparent that they alone are not sufficient for the management under the intensely competitive conditions which have to be faced. The situation in industry following the World War made it still more noticeable that well- prepared plans for the future, based on accounting records and all other pertinent material, were fully as necessary as a knowledge of what had passed. The budget, which had been used in public finance and by some few businesses, now attracted more attention from industry than ever before. Indeed it was even hailed as a thing entirely new which would prove to be a panacea for the ills of business. During the past decade its development has been fairly rapid and widespread. The industrial groups whose trade associations have been most active in promulgating the budget idea have made the most progress in budgetary control. Some concerns still have no formal budget, others attempt to budget only part of their activities, whereas still others endeavor to budget all operations in detail.

STABILIZED APPRECIATION.

The Accounting Review 1932 7(2), 115-121
Abstract If the capital invested in an asset is classified as physical capital, then unrealized "appreciation," which is commonly meant to express the monetary excess of net reproductive cost over net original cost, is all capital. If capital is classified as real capital, then appreciation is capital to the extent of the amount required to express in the current general price level the net original cost of the asset, and the remainder of the appreciation is income. And if capital 18 classified as nominal capital, then the appreciation is all income. Stabilized accounting prefers to restrict the meaning of appreciation to the excess of net reproductive cost over net real cost. If this view is accepted, the orthodox conceptions of appreciation must be rejected. Appreciation becomes converted from unrealized into realized when doubt with respect to its positive existence is dispersed. This happens most often as the result of sale or depreciation of the particular asset. Although the equalized original cost of an asset, and the accumulated depreciation thereon, ought to be shown in some way on the books and financial summaries, the cost of reproduction need not be shown. If, however, as should usually be desirable, it is shown, the excess of the depreciation on reproductive cost over that on real cost is most satisfactorily treated when charged against the unrealized appreciation. But if the depreciation charged to operations must be based upon cost of reproduction, the resulting realized appreciation is, in essence, a correction of current profit and loss although, where necessary, it may satisfactorily be entered in a realized-surplus reserve.

ACCOUNTING PROBLEMS OF THE DEPRESSION.

The Accounting Review 1932 7(4), 258-267
Abstract An extended period of reduced business activity, with its attendant financial difficulties naturally refocuses the attention of accountants on the underlying problems of valuation and income and surplus measurement. One of the questions receiving increased attention is the old problem of the distinction between operating costs and non-operating charges or losses. In times of depression such as the present, it is noticeable that many business managements, in their desperate anxiety to make a showing, are waking up to the fact that there is some basis for drawing a line between operating charges and non-operating losses. It is the business of the accountant to preserve every legitimate distinction, to bring out every angle of the situation that has a vital bearing from the point of view of any interest concerned, but it is also his business, as far as lieth in him, to see that no improper use be made of this approach to the treatment of business transactions and their results. Operating costs are charges which can be logically imputed to the regular activities of the enterprise during a particular period.