The Question of Undue Hardship

Posted by & filed under Accounting Information Systems, Accounting Principles, Advanced Accounting, Auditing, Cost Accounting, Financial Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, Managerial Accounting.

The bankruptcy case of Janet Roth stirred a debate over the rigidity of the “undue hardship” standard in discharging student loans. This year, President Obama instructed several governmental agencies to review, by Oct. 1, whether the treatment of student loans in bankruptcy should be altered. Questions: 1. How did Ms. Roth prepare for her case?… Read more »

Innovation, Price Fixing, or Rotten Apples?

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Recently, a federal appeals court upheld a ruling whereby Apple was determined to be the leader of an industrywide conspiracy among book publishers. Their goal was to raise prices of digital books. Questions: 1. When was the original case brought? 2. What were the damaging words in the case and who are these attributed to?… Read more »

So the 20% charge is not a tip?

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The restaurant, Per Se, must distribute $500,000 in compensation to current and former employees as ordered by the settlement struck with the New York Attorney General. The Manhattan eatery is notable for its $300-plus prix-fixe menus. Questions: 1. How did the restaurant violate New York labor law and how did they remedy this situation for… Read more »

Another Bubble?

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Airbnb’s latest financing round is being led by private equity firm General Atlantic, and includes Hillhouse Capital Group, a Chinese fund manager, and Tiger Global Management, which just led a big $80 million financing for Postmates. The deal is expected to be officially announced today, Monday, June 29. Questions: 1. What is a “private IPO”?… Read more »

A Bizarre Story: Watch what you say!

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A man having a colonoscopy sued two doctors and their practices for defamation and medical malpractice last week, after he found that his cell phone had recorded a most horrific “trash talking” event during his procedure, as well as evidence of a falsified diagnosis. In the trial, the jury ordered the anesthesiologist and her practice… Read more »

More Woes in Greece

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Greece will close its banks on Monday to try to avert financial collapse. The anticipated closure is expected to last about a week. This temporary decision was made along with keeping the stock market closed on Monday after the European Central Bank said it would not expand an emergency loan program to prop up Greek… Read more »

Shaking up Pricing

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Because the costs of health-care are rising, along with higher insurance deductibles and co-pays, the way medical services are being delivered is changing. unlike hospital ERs and urgent care centers, retailers, such as grocery and drugstore chains, who operate in-store clinics are displaying pricing information upfront for consumers paying cash. Questions: 1. What are the… Read more »

Unlimited Data Slowdown at AT&T

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The FCC accused AT&T of improperly slowing down Internet speeds for customers who had signed up for “unlimited” data plans and imposed a $100 million fine on June 17. Questions: 1. How long has this practice been impacting customers? 2. Has the company violated FCC rules for similar issues prior to this current one? 3…. Read more »

Uber: Employees or Contractors?

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The California Labor Commission has found that a driver for Uber in San Francisco is an employee of the company. Questions: 1. Why is this such a nightmare for Uber? 2. Discuss how this will change the company’s accounting system and business model if this ruling is upheld and the costs involved. 3. The article… Read more »

New Study on Hospital Costs

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Twenty of the 50 U.S. hospitals that charge the most for their services are located in Florida — and all but one of them are for-profit, according to a study released Monday. Questions: 1. Which facility is at the top of the list for charging the most and how many times more do uninsured patients… Read more »