Analysis of E-commerce in Kuwait

Analysis of E-commerce in Kuwait Chapter one: Introduction 1.1 Introduction This chapter provides general background information regarding online purchasing behavior with an insight into the advantages and disadvantages of e-commerce in general and then specifically in Kuwait. The history of online shopping and internet retailers is presented to better understand e-purchasing behavior alongside a description of general theories of consumer online purchaser behavior and online shopping in Kuwait. The problem definition, research questions and methodology and limitations of the study are then presented, concluding with an outline of the thesis structure. With advances in technology, specifically in the field of electronics and telecommunications, direct business and commerce with new retail approaches have emerged in recent decades to transform the business world. Due to the increase in the number of internet users and developing network technology, new forms of trade have grown from these advances particularly in Electronic Commerce (EC) a term introduced by Kalakota and Whinston in 1997. Electronic commerce has become one of the primary characteristics of the internet era and a significant method of doing business. According to Jelassi and Enders (2005) EC includes e-trading of digital and physical goods all trading steps: online marketing, online ordering, e-payment and distribution. Kalakota and Whinston (1997) pointed out that EC has two forms: business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B). According to Molla and Licker (2001) B2C retailers offer their products and services to their customers. In the last decade, Kha lifa and Liu (2003) stated that ‘we have witnessed a substantial growth of internet based on services, both from traditional companies and pure internet business that are developing online services. Despite apparent growth there are no reliable statistics concerning E-commerce in Kuwait. However there are indications that the volume of e-commerce in Kuwait is growing slowly as discussed by Al-Sabah (2009) Kuwait Financial Forum, the Central Bank Governor stating We expect growth but so far we have not found a proper to be estimated for 2010, it depends on so many variables. In research shown in Economist Information in 2006 involving over 100 countries regarding availability of e-commerce, Kuwait came 50th. As the business world recognised the advantages of such socioeconomic changes, Kuwait began to take note of the advantages of electronic trading and commerce including the set up and development of measurements of electronic trading facilities and venues across the country (Al-Shati, 2009). As e-commerce is newly introduced in Kuwait, in order for Kuwaiti firms to reach world standards there needs to be research in different contexts of e-commerce such as online retailing to utilize opportunities and avoid risk. As observed by Lin (2003) the key to success in e-commerce depends on knowing customers and studying a customers viewpoint. The internet has singlehandedly created a concept shift away from more traditional methods of shopping. Studies by Joines et al. (2003) indicate the number of internet users is constantly increasing which signifies online purchasing is also increasing. Oppenheim and Ward (2006) agreed with Joines et al. (2003) explaining rapid increase was due to the growth of use of broadband technology combined with a change in consumer behaviour. Hollensen (2004) added that the internet has developed into a new distribution channel and evolution of this channel and e-commerce. Constantinides (2004) pointed out that in the influence of the consumer the first step was to identify certain impact aspects when purchasing online regarded as dimensions. Numerous and varied studies have been conducted worldwide to identify the advantages and disadvantages of e-shopping. Bridges and Florsheim (2008) argue that online shopping has advantages for both consumers and retailers. From a consumers point of view they found e-shopping allows a lower price, different alternatives of products/services, and customized products. Additionally they established retailers benefited from online shopping as it allowed them to reach a maximum number of customers, reduce communication costs and rapid transportation. However, e-shopping has also been criticized as online shopping may be considered non-trust worthy due to concerns of security of privacy (personal and financial information), lack of examination of the products, lack of human interaction and a concern the quality of the products will not reach customer expectation. From a retailer perspective the disadvantages of online shopping are providing high quality and creating special services can be very costly for the firm and may not be a good incentive to make consumers purchase (Kim and Forsythe (2009) and Lee et al. (2006). Whether it is a traditional market or online market, Hollensen (2004) pointed out that the retailer should understand the online consumer purchasing behaviour and how individuals make decision and buying choices. Therefore, Kotler and Armstrong (2007) stated that the marketers have developed different theories that can explain why consumers interpret information provided by e-retailer in a certain way, and thereby understand certain behaviours. Several authors have set out different definitions of consumer behaviour. According to Dr. Perner â€Å"consumer behaviour is study of individuals, groups, or organizations and the processes they use select, secure, use, and dispose of products, services, experiences, or ideas to satisfy needs and the impacts that these processes have on the consumer and society†. Hollensen (2004) and Constantinides (2004) agreed that consumer online purchasing behaviour is a process of various factors and influences experienced by a consumer before fin ally purchasing products online. Online consumer behaviour researchers have therefore examined the adoption of technology for e-purchasing in different aspects. There appears to be no constant model of online purchasing adoption and behaviour as it depends on the nature of adoption as influenced by characteristics or social issues; Theory of Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) Roger (1983). In order to investigate consumer online purchasing behaviour, Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) are considered dominant theories to measure online purchase intention and attitude behaviour, with Decomposed Theory of Planned Behaviour (DTPB) (Taylor and Todd 1995) the extended TPB. On the other hand, one essential model for development technology usage perspective is the Theory of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) Davis et al. (1989), which developed into the Online Shopping Acceptance Model (OSAM) (Zhou et al. (2007). E-commerce researchers have measured different approaches for understanding online consumer behavior. Chen and Corkindale (2008) and Hernandez et al. (2009[a]) measured factors that influence consumers online purchasing behavior from the perspective of innovation adoption and accepting technology. Moreover, other authors examined trait attributes, situational factors, web site quality, and individual factors and influences on attitude and intention of consumer purchasing online (Monsuwe et al. (2004); Liao and Shi (2009); and Vazquez and Xu (2009)). Chen and Crokindale (2008) agreed attitude and intention have a strong relationship with acceptance of technology and the decision of purchasing online. In addition, innovation characteristics were considered significant factors that influence of technology adoption and purchasing behavior (Rogers, 1983). Therefore in order to understand online purchasing behavior it is important to measure different factors that may influence e-shoppers and determine online shopping based on insight from technology adoption innovation diffusion literature. This study will therefore present the Liu Model (2004) using it to identify factors that influence Kuwaiti consumer purchasing online. It will also measure the relationship between characteristics of internet retailers/consumers and characteristics of innovation, allowing the research to examine the impacts of these characteristics on consumer decision making and then purchasing behavior. 1.2 Online purchasing 1.2.1 History of Online Shopping In the 1990s online shopping emerged as a technological breakthrough and novelty in the business arena. Strengthening year on year in 1994 the first of its kind, an online bank was opened and Pizza Hut offered pizza ordering on their web page. Netscape then presented Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to secure transactions, an essential feature of e-shopping. In 1995 Bezos launched Amazon.com, one of the most successful online businesses worldwide, followed by ‘e-bay an online auction site. By 1997 an estimated 41 million people were shopping online. With advances in technology in 1998, electronic postage stamps were introduced, whereby individuals could download and print stamps after paying a fee. In 1999, with the first online shop in the UK, The Virtual Mall was also launched, considered the first UK graphical internet shopping mall. The online shopping market developed rapidly from this point as the consumer gained in confidence and knowledge. In 1991, Kuwait University connected all university campuses together with the internet using International Business Machine (IBM) then known as BITNET with the help of Ministry of Communication (MOC) university campuses together. This network was limited to e-mail and other minor services. The National Science Foundation (NSF) agreed to expand the internet services to Kuwait in 1992 (Hussain, 2003). 1.2.2 Kuwaiti Consumer Attitudes Towards Online Shopping Online shopping is a relatively recent phenomenon that has gradually expanded worldwide reaching Kuwait. Compared to traditional stores, e-shopping is far from the target customer in efficacy and provides significant advantages in time saving and low costs. Although developing online shopping in Kuwait advances slowly, it is establishing a solid base as it incorporates a certain lifestyle, is a convenient option and its adventurous nature is attractive to Kuwaiti youths. With these factors increasingly dominant in daily routine, purchasing online has become a natural option in countries such as the USA and economic areas of the EU and the GCC ( Maarafy et al. 2007). Common products selling in Kuwait online are from the USA, the UAE and Asia. According to Forrester research (2008), Global e-commerce spending in 2000 was 132 $ billion, and expected to spend more than 1 trillion by 2012. In GCC capitals, the usage of online shopping behavior is different in the USA compared with and European and Asia Pacific cities. In Kuwait the online shopping concept is relatively in its early stages, however the adoption of online purchasing is expected to grow continually in coming years. With a high level of penetration in neighboring countries online such as Saudi Arabia and UAE, Kuwait will not be far from this diffusion of web shopping. Among the GCC, Kuwait lies 3rd with 10.7% in terms of e-commerce penetration, against 25.1% UAE and 14.3% in Saudi Arabia (Field, (2008)). According to recent worldwide research, as shown in Table 1.1, Kuwaits internet user growth has jumped from 5.8% of the population in 2000 to over 34% in 2008 and five times more users in the same time period and with further growth expected. Table1.1: Growth Internet Users in Kuwait Year Users population % population 2000 150,000 2,424,422 5.8% 2003 567,000 2,530,012 22.4.% 2005 600,000 2,630,775 22.8% 2008 900,000 2,596,799 34.7% 2009 (estimated) Above 900,000 2,692,526 33.4% Source: world wide statistics.com According to Al-Bahar (2009), Kuwait Consumer Adaptors online shopping distinguishes between local and international websites when purchasing online for many reasons. Kuwaiti consumer purchasing online and local websites are still in their infancy and under development. Thus, consumers are oriented to external websites they have established reputations, are trustworthy and provide an assurance of quality of their products. Express delivery firms such as Aramex and DHL compete to provide their services for delivery products in efficacy and effectiveness to encourage customers to e-purchase (Al-Abdullah, 2009). However, according to Al-Awan, (2008) e-shopping in the Kuwait market is still in its development stage through lack of organization. In order to enlighten and educate consumers, huge effort needs to be made with responsibility on the retailer to reach their maximum number of potential customers in order to realize value. Recently online businesses have started to establish themselves as limited e-firms providing products and services for Kuwaiti customers. 1.3 Problem definition E-commerce penetration: With the adoption of Kuwaiti consumer online purchasing low, the penetration of e-commerce in Kuwait remains relatively slow with a lack of studies relating to Kuwaiti e-shopping adoption. Consumer e-purchasing awareness: Due to a lack of consumer awareness of online shopping it has not been used widely in Kuwait. E-retailer strategies: As online selling is different to offline selling, it is necessary to fully understand consumer behavior in order to set up business strategies for the long term. In addition the rapid development of technology related to the internet enhances the shopping experience and encourages potential customers to purchase online. It is therefore critical for e-retailers to identify what factors influence the consumer when e-shopping. 1.4 Research objectives The overall objective of this research is to gain a deeper understanding of online purchasing behavior in Kuwait and factors affecting their buying decision process. This study is therefore focusing on the following objectives: To investigate the key factors affecting online purchasing behavior of Kuwaiti consumers. To explore the impact of the decision making process on Kuwaiti consumers purchasing behavior. To determine the relationship between factors influencing purchasing behavior and the decision making process. 1.5 Research Questions To fulfill the purpose of this research and reach the stated objectives related to consumer purchase online behavior the following research questions need to be addressed: What are the main factors influencing Kuwaiti customers online purchasing? How do these factors affect online purchasing behavior? What is the impact of the decision making process on consumer online purchasing behavior? What is the relationship between factors influencing behavior and the decision making process for e-shopping? 1.6 Research methodology This studys approach is deductive, because it measures factors that affect online shopping to explain Kuwaiti consumer online behavior taken from previous studies in different countries. It is mainly explanatory, developing a deeper understanding of the online purchasing behavior of Kuwaiti consumers while investigating varied opinions related to local e-commerce, alongside which factors affect their purchasing behavior. To a certain extent it is exploratory because of a lack of previous research in the online purchase behavior in Kuwait and Gulf region. The study is also mildly descriptive due to previous research of online market phenomena conducted in different countries and extended to Kuwait. Moreover, this research is quantitative in nature using primary data for the survey questionnaire as the main tool of data collection in order to discuss online Kuwaiti consumer purchase behavior. The questionnaire was randomly distributed either in person or through email. The total sample size 500 was distributed in Kuwaiti firms, ministries, universities and public places with 360 respondents. The data collected from the questionnaire is then used to identify relationships and connections between these variables to achieve the studys objectives. 1.7 Limitations In the course of this research a number of limitations were identified as follows: As the research examines consumer online shopping behavior without specifying the type of product exchanged whether tangible or intangible, it is limited in its scope. This study is limited to selection factors covering aspects of Kuwaiti consumer online purchase behavior disregarding other variables of satisfaction, trust, social aspects and situational factors. As with all research using survey data the sample may not be fully representative of the actual behavior in the population, as it is impossible to directly compare our data with data collected on the State of Kuwait level on online purchasing behavior due to time factors. Investigation focuses on online consumer behavior mainly from the customers perspective rather than the retailers perspective. This study evaluates only the online adoption purchasing behavior without evaluation of service quality offered by distinct websites. With a lack of previous research in this topic in Kuwait and the Gulf region, there is little, if any, comparative literature review or use as a framework. 1.8 Thesis structure In the first chapter; an overview of the research area is given, introducing e-commerce in general, then in Kuwait. This is followed by a presentation of the country relevance, the problem definition, the research objectives and questions, the research methodology and the limitations of the study. Chapter Two provides a comprehensive review of relevant literature concerning the research to draw an understanding of dominant theories that explain online consumer behavior, followed by factors that influence consumer online purchase with an integrated consumer making decision process. Chapter Three covers the research design and methodology exploring the methodology of the strategy of collecting data and analysis of the survey questionnaire to achieve the objectives. In Chapter Four, data analysis presents the empirical data collected with analysis and a survey discussion of the results. Finally in Chapter Five conclusions drawn from the overall study are summarized with recommendations made for future research in the subject area. Chapter Two: Literature Review 2.1 Introduction In this chapter an overview and examination of theories of adoption and online technology acceptance behavior from a global perspective is presented, with a comprehensive review of relevant studies conducted on consumer behavior purchasing online with the decision making process. Interactivity is considered a primary principle for the World Wide Web (WWW) with Lee et al. (2006) arguing that â€Å"interactivity is the extent to which users can participate in modifying the form and content of a mediated environment in real time†. The WWW allows unprecedented access to information and markets which has impacted societies globally with people able to search for information and/or purchase product/service online. Factors influencing consumer online purchasing behavior have been explored between 2004/09. Ha and Stoel (2004), Lee et al. (2006) and Hernandez et al. (2009) [b] analyzed the online behavior from the perspective of innovation adoption and accepting technology by identifying the consumer acceptance of innovativeness and frequency of shopping online. Lin and Wang (2008) focused on the decision making process arguing that consumers depend on their experience with repeat shopping. Broekhuizen and Huizingh (2009) agreed adding experience will lead to a strong relationship between different variables (such as saving time/effort, enjoyment and price attractiveness) and intention to purchase. The research of Monsuwe et al. (2004) and Liao and Shi (2009) explored situational factors, trait attributes, individual factors and website quality and impact on attitude and intention of consumer purchasing online. This review will therefore cover wide-ranging theories considering the features and benefits of numerous models proposed by such authors studying online consumer behavior. 2.2 Technology readiness and Self-Services Technologies While customer innovation adoption behavior and diffusion of innovations have been investigated for decades, recent interest has turned toward Self-Service Technologies (SSTs). SSTs involves new service access provided via new channels to meet customer demand in an effective and efficient way. Many technological innovations face resistance from customers, due to a lack of experience and uncertainty. Therefore research involves varied measurements such as: innovation characteristics, service quality, individual differences, ease of use and usefulness. Liljander et al. (2006) agreed personal traits suggest influence on customer adoption of SSTs. A study by Parasurman (2000), presented the attitudinal measurement â€Å"Technology Readiness (TR), peoples propensity to embrace and use new technologies for accomplishing goals in home life and at work† stating TR is considered a factor influencing SSTs. The same author explained an individuals positive or negative feeling toward tech nology is dominant identifying TR consists of multi-measurements of: Insecurity, Discomfort, Innovativeness and Optimism. The latter, Optimism refers to the positive view of technology and beliefs of control that enable users to increase convenience, efficiency and flexibility, while, Innovativeness is peoples tendency to open up to technology. Discomfort is an individuals perceived lack of control of technology and has a strong negative influence on SSTs. Insecurity refers to lack of trust in technology and its ability to work effectively. Notably, optimism and innovativeness are considered highly TR individual contributors, with discomfort and flexibility considered to have high level inhibitor attributes decreasing TR. Liljander et al. (2006) proved in their research a positive effect of TR on customers attitude towards using SSTs and their website evaluation, finding technology linked with convenience, freedom and control as vital when building positive attitudes towards using S STs. 2.3 Original theories of consumer online behavior Having reviewed numerous forms of literature no singular constant model has been identified for innovation diffusion and adoption. Innovation technology depends on the nature of adoption influenced by social theory or characteristics of innovation such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) devised by Davis et al. (1989).Therefore diffusion theory and other factors have been widely used to guide consumer behavior research. Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) are dominant theories examining consumers online purchase intention and behavior. TAM is considered an initial model for technology usage development, as it is customized to understand the adoption of computer-based technology in the workplace and is used in many studies. Conversely other researchers criticized TAM, because it explores simply the technology side. TRA has evolved from TAM, determining individual attitude toward and behavioral intention to use this new technology. TPB is considered another update from TRA. Theory of Planned Behavior identifies the behavioral intention of purchase online influence with its attitude to technology. Rogers (1983) created a Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DOI) that illustrates adoption of innovation dominant over time in social systems. This theory depends on critical elements, the time of adoption and characteristics of innovation. 2.3.1 Technology acceptance model By using Theory of Reasoned Action as a theoretical base Davis et al. (1989) created a Technology Acceptance Model. TAM is identified a viable paradigm for examining consumer adoption for the new technology and information technology. The genuine TAM determined the actual use of technology, attitude toward using this technology connected with beliefs to define behavioral intention to use new technology as explained by Liu (2004) and illustrated in 2.1. TAM focused on beliefs about the usefulness and ease of use to be a main role in technology adoption behavior. Perceived Usefulness (PU) refers to the degree of potential individual perception that use of new technology will enhance improving performance Davis et al. (1989). Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) is identified as an individual perception of using technology not requiring extra effort. Perceived Enjoyment was added later by Davis et al. (1992) and considered â€Å"essential motivation in adoption of new technology, the extent to which the activity of using computer is perceived to be enjoyable in its own right, apart from any performance consequences that may be anticipated†. In TAM, behavioral intention to new technology usage was determined by a persons attitude toward using this technology. In addition TAM evolved with an updated version proposed in 2000 by Venkatesh and Davis called TAM2. This new model was influenced by subjective norms, image and output quality. Having examined PU, PEOU and enjoyment in different shopping experiences, Lee et al. (2006) and Bridges and Florsheim (2008) found that seeking hedonic benefit depends on perceived enjoyment through online experience. Hedonic elements may encourage internet use, but not necessarily online buying. Furthermore, an individual consumer may be oriented to seek experiential value through enjoyable browsing or shopping online or for their own fun experience. Seeking utilitarian benefits also relies on perceived ease of use and satisfactory outcomes, in addition to influencing the purchase directly. Utilitarian orientation defined by Bellenger and Korgaonker (1980), Babin et al. (1994) and To et al. (2007) observes orientation or motivation seeking instrumental value to minimize time and effort shopping and cost saving or seeking convenience. Acquired benefit depends on whether the mission of shopping is completed or not. The e-retailers focus providing utilitarian benefits more than hedonic benefits will increase or be completed efficiently during the process of online buying and future intention. 2.3.2 online shopping acceptance model Zhou et al. (2007) proposed an extension model of TAM called â€Å"Online Shopping Acceptance Model† (OSAM). This model considers a general view of online purchasing acceptance from the consumers perspective. These authors also pointed out that in spite of TAM Davis et al. (1989) being broadly used to examine online purchasing environment, it does not analyze specific online shopping characteristics. Therefore OSAM integrated consumer factors in traditional markets and theories may be added to TAM factors to re-examine the issue in the context of online shopping as showed in 2.2. Moreover, OSAM have been developed to predict and explore consumer acceptance e-purchasing by incorporating the beliefs, intention, and attitude behavior relationship into the perspective of perceived usefulness which was replaced by perceived outcomes to cover potential benefits and e-shopping risks. Shopping orientation and motivation have been added from traditional market factors considered antece dents of online purchasing intention and online experience as factors that construct during navigation of e-shopping sites. Also, satisfaction as mediators between behavior and intention has been added. OSAM considers a strong predictor of continue intention to purchasing more than perceived usefulness. Furthermore, this model includes consumer demographics and normative beliefs with their influence on e-purchasing intention. Exploring the development of TAM by introducing OSAM will enhance our understanding of different factors that affect consumer behavior intention. 2.3.3 Theory of reasoned action Fishbein and Ajzen (1975) formulated a â€Å"Theory of Reasoned Action† (TRA), which illustrates behaviors expressed by individual intention to perform a behavior from psychological social factors and aims to examine measurements of that behavior. Based on Marshall et al. (2009) and Lee and Park (2009), they pointed out correlations between beliefs, subjective norms and attitude affects on formation of behavioral individual intention. This intention is influenced by subjective norms referring to the individuals perception with outside influences to perform (or not) a specific behavior to purchase as illustrated in 2.3. While attitude refers to an individual attitude behavior, negative or positive, toward adoption of innovation and brand overall which creates their beliefs about the consequences of adopting and the brands attributes (Jobber, 2004). Beliefs are defined by the persons subjective probability that performing a particular behavior will produce specific results. Four types of belief attitude towards to e-shopping were identified by Vijayasarathy (2002); shopping experience, product perception, customer services and customer risk. This model therefore suggests that external stimuli influence attitudes by modifying the structure of the persons beliefs (Ajzan and Fishbein, 1980 and Ajzen, 1991). Further, TRA provides a strong theoretical basis for studying motivation related decision-making. Using this theory is expected to enhance our understanding toward attitudes and behavioral intention of online shoppers. 2.3.4 Theory of planned behavior The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) can be appraised as an extension of TRA according to Ajzen (1985) used to predict buying behavior based on Bagozzi and Kimmel (1995) and De Cannià ¨re et al. (2009). A central element of this theory is the individual intention to perform a given behavior as shown in 2.4. Ajzen (1991) identified intention as ‘how individuals are willing to try and how much effort they are planning to exert, in order to perform the behavior. The same author and Chen and Corkindale (2008) state this theory includes an additional element which is an individual perceived behavioral control (PBC). Compeau and Higgins (1995) cited by Dennis et al. (2009) defined it as a judgment of ones ability to use a computer. PBC is compatible with Banduras (1977, 1982) concept of â€Å"perceived self-efficacy which is concerned with judgments of how well an individual can execute courses of action required to deal with prospective situations†. In PBC attitude and subje ctive norms factors can predict intention and behavior. According to TPB, PBC together with intention can be used directly to predict behavioral achievement. This model proposes the intention impact and mediates among these factors: 1) intentions are the immediate antecedent of behavior, 2) fully mediate on impact of attitude towards behavior and 3) intentions partially mediate the impact of perceived behavioral control (Ajzen, 1985, 1991; Fishbein and Ajzen, 1975) as illustrated in 2.4. Furthermore, Ajzen stated that the relative importance of predictors in the TPB would be different among behaviors and situations. On the other hand, TPB components can be used according to De Cannià ¨re et al. (2009) to form the experience after purchasing. 2.3.5 Decomposed Theory of planned behavior In 1995, Taylor and Todd demonstrated that better comprehension of the relationship between beliefs and antecedent of intention need to be combined as attitudinal beliefs as DTPB as shown in 2.5. They argued that DTPB is a strong model, more advanced and purer than the TRA and the TPB model. It was identified that, due to diffusion innovation theory, attitudinal beliefs contained three characteristics of an innovation that affect the adopt Analysis of E-commerce in Kuwait Analysis of E-commerce in Kuwait Chapter one: Introduction 1.1 Introduction This chapter provides general background information regarding online purchasing behavior with an insight into the advantages and disadvantages of e-commerce in general and then specifically in Kuwait. The history of online shopping and internet retailers is presented to better understand e-purchasing behavior alongside a description of general theories of consumer online purchaser behavior and online shopping in Kuwait. The problem definition, research questions and methodology and limitations of the study are then presented, concluding with an outline of the thesis structure. With advances in technology, specifically in the field of electronics and telecommunications, direct business and commerce with new retail approaches have emerged in recent decades to transform the business world. Due to the increase in the number of internet users and developing network technology, new forms of trade have grown from these advances particularly in Electronic Commerce (EC) a term introduced by Kalakota and Whinston in 1997. Electronic commerce has become one of the primary characteristics of the internet era and a significant method of doing business. According to Jelassi and Enders (2005) EC includes e-trading of digital and physical goods all trading steps: online marketing, online ordering, e-payment and distribution. Kalakota and Whinston (1997) pointed out that EC has two forms: business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B). According to Molla and Licker (2001) B2C retailers offer their products and services to their customers. In the last decade, Kha lifa and Liu (2003) stated that ‘we have witnessed a substantial growth of internet based on services, both from traditional companies and pure internet business that are developing online services. Despite apparent growth there are no reliable statistics concerning E-commerce in Kuwait. However there are indications that the volume of e-commerce in Kuwait is growing slowly as discussed by Al-Sabah (2009) Kuwait Financial Forum, the Central Bank Governor stating We expect growth but so far we have not found a proper to be estimated for 2010, it depends on so many variables. In research shown in Economist Information in 2006 involving over 100 countries regarding availability of e-commerce, Kuwait came 50th. As the business world recognised the advantages of such socioeconomic changes, Kuwait began to take note of the advantages of electronic trading and commerce including the set up and development of measurements of electronic trading facilities and venues across the country (Al-Shati, 2009). As e-commerce is newly introduced in Kuwait, in order for Kuwaiti firms to reach world standards there needs to be research in different contexts of e-commerce such as online retailing to utilize opportunities and avoid risk. As observed by Lin (2003) the key to success in e-commerce depends on knowing customers and studying a customers viewpoint. The internet has singlehandedly created a concept shift away from more traditional methods of shopping. Studies by Joines et al. (2003) indicate the number of internet users is constantly increasing which signifies online purchasing is also increasing. Oppenheim and Ward (2006) agreed with Joines et al. (2003) explaining rapid increase was due to the growth of use of broadband technology combined with a change in consumer behaviour. Hollensen (2004) added that the internet has developed into a new distribution channel and evolution of this channel and e-commerce. Constantinides (2004) pointed out that in the influence of the consumer the first step was to identify certain impact aspects when purchasing online regarded as dimensions. Numerous and varied studies have been conducted worldwide to identify the advantages and disadvantages of e-shopping. Bridges and Florsheim (2008) argue that online shopping has advantages for both consumers and retailers. From a consumers point of view they found e-shopping allows a lower price, different alternatives of products/services, and customized products. Additionally they established retailers benefited from online shopping as it allowed them to reach a maximum number of customers, reduce communication costs and rapid transportation. However, e-shopping has also been criticized as online shopping may be considered non-trust worthy due to concerns of security of privacy (personal and financial information), lack of examination of the products, lack of human interaction and a concern the quality of the products will not reach customer expectation. From a retailer perspective the disadvantages of online shopping are providing high quality and creating special services can be very costly for the firm and may not be a good incentive to make consumers purchase (Kim and Forsythe (2009) and Lee et al. (2006). Whether it is a traditional market or online market, Hollensen (2004) pointed out that the retailer should understand the online consumer purchasing behaviour and how individuals make decision and buying choices. Therefore, Kotler and Armstrong (2007) stated that the marketers have developed different theories that can explain why consumers interpret information provided by e-retailer in a certain way, and thereby understand certain behaviours. Several authors have set out different definitions of consumer behaviour. According to Dr. Perner â€Å"consumer behaviour is study of individuals, groups, or organizations and the processes they use select, secure, use, and dispose of products, services, experiences, or ideas to satisfy needs and the impacts that these processes have on the consumer and society†. Hollensen (2004) and Constantinides (2004) agreed that consumer online purchasing behaviour is a process of various factors and influences experienced by a consumer before fin ally purchasing products online. Online consumer behaviour researchers have therefore examined the adoption of technology for e-purchasing in different aspects. There appears to be no constant model of online purchasing adoption and behaviour as it depends on the nature of adoption as influenced by characteristics or social issues; Theory of Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) Roger (1983). In order to investigate consumer online purchasing behaviour, Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) are considered dominant theories to measure online purchase intention and attitude behaviour, with Decomposed Theory of Planned Behaviour (DTPB) (Taylor and Todd 1995) the extended TPB. On the other hand, one essential model for development technology usage perspective is the Theory of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) Davis et al. (1989), which developed into the Online Shopping Acceptance Model (OSAM) (Zhou et al. (2007). E-commerce researchers have measured different approaches for understanding online consumer behavior. Chen and Corkindale (2008) and Hernandez et al. (2009[a]) measured factors that influence consumers online purchasing behavior from the perspective of innovation adoption and accepting technology. Moreover, other authors examined trait attributes, situational factors, web site quality, and individual factors and influences on attitude and intention of consumer purchasing online (Monsuwe et al. (2004); Liao and Shi (2009); and Vazquez and Xu (2009)). Chen and Crokindale (2008) agreed attitude and intention have a strong relationship with acceptance of technology and the decision of purchasing online. In addition, innovation characteristics were considered significant factors that influence of technology adoption and purchasing behavior (Rogers, 1983). Therefore in order to understand online purchasing behavior it is important to measure different factors that may influence e-shoppers and determine online shopping based on insight from technology adoption innovation diffusion literature. This study will therefore present the Liu Model (2004) using it to identify factors that influence Kuwaiti consumer purchasing online. It will also measure the relationship between characteristics of internet retailers/consumers and characteristics of innovation, allowing the research to examine the impacts of these characteristics on consumer decision making and then purchasing behavior. 1.2 Online purchasing 1.2.1 History of Online Shopping In the 1990s online shopping emerged as a technological breakthrough and novelty in the business arena. Strengthening year on year in 1994 the first of its kind, an online bank was opened and Pizza Hut offered pizza ordering on their web page. Netscape then presented Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to secure transactions, an essential feature of e-shopping. In 1995 Bezos launched Amazon.com, one of the most successful online businesses worldwide, followed by ‘e-bay an online auction site. By 1997 an estimated 41 million people were shopping online. With advances in technology in 1998, electronic postage stamps were introduced, whereby individuals could download and print stamps after paying a fee. In 1999, with the first online shop in the UK, The Virtual Mall was also launched, considered the first UK graphical internet shopping mall. The online shopping market developed rapidly from this point as the consumer gained in confidence and knowledge. In 1991, Kuwait University connected all university campuses together with the internet using International Business Machine (IBM) then known as BITNET with the help of Ministry of Communication (MOC) university campuses together. This network was limited to e-mail and other minor services. The National Science Foundation (NSF) agreed to expand the internet services to Kuwait in 1992 (Hussain, 2003). 1.2.2 Kuwaiti Consumer Attitudes Towards Online Shopping Online shopping is a relatively recent phenomenon that has gradually expanded worldwide reaching Kuwait. Compared to traditional stores, e-shopping is far from the target customer in efficacy and provides significant advantages in time saving and low costs. Although developing online shopping in Kuwait advances slowly, it is establishing a solid base as it incorporates a certain lifestyle, is a convenient option and its adventurous nature is attractive to Kuwaiti youths. With these factors increasingly dominant in daily routine, purchasing online has become a natural option in countries such as the USA and economic areas of the EU and the GCC ( Maarafy et al. 2007). Common products selling in Kuwait online are from the USA, the UAE and Asia. According to Forrester research (2008), Global e-commerce spending in 2000 was 132 $ billion, and expected to spend more than 1 trillion by 2012. In GCC capitals, the usage of online shopping behavior is different in the USA compared with and European and Asia Pacific cities. In Kuwait the online shopping concept is relatively in its early stages, however the adoption of online purchasing is expected to grow continually in coming years. With a high level of penetration in neighboring countries online such as Saudi Arabia and UAE, Kuwait will not be far from this diffusion of web shopping. Among the GCC, Kuwait lies 3rd with 10.7% in terms of e-commerce penetration, against 25.1% UAE and 14.3% in Saudi Arabia (Field, (2008)). According to recent worldwide research, as shown in Table 1.1, Kuwaits internet user growth has jumped from 5.8% of the population in 2000 to over 34% in 2008 and five times more users in the same time period and with further growth expected. Table1.1: Growth Internet Users in Kuwait Year Users population % population 2000 150,000 2,424,422 5.8% 2003 567,000 2,530,012 22.4.% 2005 600,000 2,630,775 22.8% 2008 900,000 2,596,799 34.7% 2009 (estimated) Above 900,000 2,692,526 33.4% Source: world wide statistics.com According to Al-Bahar (2009), Kuwait Consumer Adaptors online shopping distinguishes between local and international websites when purchasing online for many reasons. Kuwaiti consumer purchasing online and local websites are still in their infancy and under development. Thus, consumers are oriented to external websites they have established reputations, are trustworthy and provide an assurance of quality of their products. Express delivery firms such as Aramex and DHL compete to provide their services for delivery products in efficacy and effectiveness to encourage customers to e-purchase (Al-Abdullah, 2009). However, according to Al-Awan, (2008) e-shopping in the Kuwait market is still in its development stage through lack of organization. In order to enlighten and educate consumers, huge effort needs to be made with responsibility on the retailer to reach their maximum number of potential customers in order to realize value. Recently online businesses have started to establish themselves as limited e-firms providing products and services for Kuwaiti customers. 1.3 Problem definition E-commerce penetration: With the adoption of Kuwaiti consumer online purchasing low, the penetration of e-commerce in Kuwait remains relatively slow with a lack of studies relating to Kuwaiti e-shopping adoption. Consumer e-purchasing awareness: Due to a lack of consumer awareness of online shopping it has not been used widely in Kuwait. E-retailer strategies: As online selling is different to offline selling, it is necessary to fully understand consumer behavior in order to set up business strategies for the long term. In addition the rapid development of technology related to the internet enhances the shopping experience and encourages potential customers to purchase online. It is therefore critical for e-retailers to identify what factors influence the consumer when e-shopping. 1.4 Research objectives The overall objective of this research is to gain a deeper understanding of online purchasing behavior in Kuwait and factors affecting their buying decision process. This study is therefore focusing on the following objectives: To investigate the key factors affecting online purchasing behavior of Kuwaiti consumers. To explore the impact of the decision making process on Kuwaiti consumers purchasing behavior. To determine the relationship between factors influencing purchasing behavior and the decision making process. 1.5 Research Questions To fulfill the purpose of this research and reach the stated objectives related to consumer purchase online behavior the following research questions need to be addressed: What are the main factors influencing Kuwaiti customers online purchasing? How do these factors affect online purchasing behavior? What is the impact of the decision making process on consumer online purchasing behavior? What is the relationship between factors influencing behavior and the decision making process for e-shopping? 1.6 Research methodology This studys approach is deductive, because it measures factors that affect online shopping to explain Kuwaiti consumer online behavior taken from previous studies in different countries. It is mainly explanatory, developing a deeper understanding of the online purchasing behavior of Kuwaiti consumers while investigating varied opinions related to local e-commerce, alongside which factors affect their purchasing behavior. To a certain extent it is exploratory because of a lack of previous research in the online purchase behavior in Kuwait and Gulf region. The study is also mildly descriptive due to previous research of online market phenomena conducted in different countries and extended to Kuwait. Moreover, this research is quantitative in nature using primary data for the survey questionnaire as the main tool of data collection in order to discuss online Kuwaiti consumer purchase behavior. The questionnaire was randomly distributed either in person or through email. The total sample size 500 was distributed in Kuwaiti firms, ministries, universities and public places with 360 respondents. The data collected from the questionnaire is then used to identify relationships and connections between these variables to achieve the studys objectives. 1.7 Limitations In the course of this research a number of limitations were identified as follows: As the research examines consumer online shopping behavior without specifying the type of product exchanged whether tangible or intangible, it is limited in its scope. This study is limited to selection factors covering aspects of Kuwaiti consumer online purchase behavior disregarding other variables of satisfaction, trust, social aspects and situational factors. As with all research using survey data the sample may not be fully representative of the actual behavior in the population, as it is impossible to directly compare our data with data collected on the State of Kuwait level on online purchasing behavior due to time factors. Investigation focuses on online consumer behavior mainly from the customers perspective rather than the retailers perspective. This study evaluates only the online adoption purchasing behavior without evaluation of service quality offered by distinct websites. With a lack of previous research in this topic in Kuwait and the Gulf region, there is little, if any, comparative literature review or use as a framework. 1.8 Thesis structure In the first chapter; an overview of the research area is given, introducing e-commerce in general, then in Kuwait. This is followed by a presentation of the country relevance, the problem definition, the research objectives and questions, the research methodology and the limitations of the study. Chapter Two provides a comprehensive review of relevant literature concerning the research to draw an understanding of dominant theories that explain online consumer behavior, followed by factors that influence consumer online purchase with an integrated consumer making decision process. Chapter Three covers the research design and methodology exploring the methodology of the strategy of collecting data and analysis of the survey questionnaire to achieve the objectives. In Chapter Four, data analysis presents the empirical data collected with analysis and a survey discussion of the results. Finally in Chapter Five conclusions drawn from the overall study are summarized with recommendations made for future research in the subject area. Chapter Two: Literature Review 2.1 Introduction In this chapter an overview and examination of theories of adoption and online technology acceptance behavior from a global perspective is presented, with a comprehensive review of relevant studies conducted on consumer behavior purchasing online with the decision making process. Interactivity is considered a primary principle for the World Wide Web (WWW) with Lee et al. (2006) arguing that â€Å"interactivity is the extent to which users can participate in modifying the form and content of a mediated environment in real time†. The WWW allows unprecedented access to information and markets which has impacted societies globally with people able to search for information and/or purchase product/service online. Factors influencing consumer online purchasing behavior have been explored between 2004/09. Ha and Stoel (2004), Lee et al. (2006) and Hernandez et al. (2009) [b] analyzed the online behavior from the perspective of innovation adoption and accepting technology by identifying the consumer acceptance of innovativeness and frequency of shopping online. Lin and Wang (2008) focused on the decision making process arguing that consumers depend on their experience with repeat shopping. Broekhuizen and Huizingh (2009) agreed adding experience will lead to a strong relationship between different variables (such as saving time/effort, enjoyment and price attractiveness) and intention to purchase. The research of Monsuwe et al. (2004) and Liao and Shi (2009) explored situational factors, trait attributes, individual factors and website quality and impact on attitude and intention of consumer purchasing online. This review will therefore cover wide-ranging theories considering the features and benefits of numerous models proposed by such authors studying online consumer behavior. 2.2 Technology readiness and Self-Services Technologies While customer innovation adoption behavior and diffusion of innovations have been investigated for decades, recent interest has turned toward Self-Service Technologies (SSTs). SSTs involves new service access provided via new channels to meet customer demand in an effective and efficient way. Many technological innovations face resistance from customers, due to a lack of experience and uncertainty. Therefore research involves varied measurements such as: innovation characteristics, service quality, individual differences, ease of use and usefulness. Liljander et al. (2006) agreed personal traits suggest influence on customer adoption of SSTs. A study by Parasurman (2000), presented the attitudinal measurement â€Å"Technology Readiness (TR), peoples propensity to embrace and use new technologies for accomplishing goals in home life and at work† stating TR is considered a factor influencing SSTs. The same author explained an individuals positive or negative feeling toward tech nology is dominant identifying TR consists of multi-measurements of: Insecurity, Discomfort, Innovativeness and Optimism. The latter, Optimism refers to the positive view of technology and beliefs of control that enable users to increase convenience, efficiency and flexibility, while, Innovativeness is peoples tendency to open up to technology. Discomfort is an individuals perceived lack of control of technology and has a strong negative influence on SSTs. Insecurity refers to lack of trust in technology and its ability to work effectively. Notably, optimism and innovativeness are considered highly TR individual contributors, with discomfort and flexibility considered to have high level inhibitor attributes decreasing TR. Liljander et al. (2006) proved in their research a positive effect of TR on customers attitude towards using SSTs and their website evaluation, finding technology linked with convenience, freedom and control as vital when building positive attitudes towards using S STs. 2.3 Original theories of consumer online behavior Having reviewed numerous forms of literature no singular constant model has been identified for innovation diffusion and adoption. Innovation technology depends on the nature of adoption influenced by social theory or characteristics of innovation such as the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) devised by Davis et al. (1989).Therefore diffusion theory and other factors have been widely used to guide consumer behavior research. Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) are dominant theories examining consumers online purchase intention and behavior. TAM is considered an initial model for technology usage development, as it is customized to understand the adoption of computer-based technology in the workplace and is used in many studies. Conversely other researchers criticized TAM, because it explores simply the technology side. TRA has evolved from TAM, determining individual attitude toward and behavioral intention to use this new technology. TPB is considered another update from TRA. Theory of Planned Behavior identifies the behavioral intention of purchase online influence with its attitude to technology. Rogers (1983) created a Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DOI) that illustrates adoption of innovation dominant over time in social systems. This theory depends on critical elements, the time of adoption and characteristics of innovation. 2.3.1 Technology acceptance model By using Theory of Reasoned Action as a theoretical base Davis et al. (1989) created a Technology Acceptance Model. TAM is identified a viable paradigm for examining consumer adoption for the new technology and information technology. The genuine TAM determined the actual use of technology, attitude toward using this technology connected with beliefs to define behavioral intention to use new technology as explained by Liu (2004) and illustrated in 2.1. TAM focused on beliefs about the usefulness and ease of use to be a main role in technology adoption behavior. Perceived Usefulness (PU) refers to the degree of potential individual perception that use of new technology will enhance improving performance Davis et al. (1989). Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU) is identified as an individual perception of using technology not requiring extra effort. Perceived Enjoyment was added later by Davis et al. (1992) and considered â€Å"essential motivation in adoption of new technology, the extent to which the activity of using computer is perceived to be enjoyable in its own right, apart from any performance consequences that may be anticipated†. In TAM, behavioral intention to new technology usage was determined by a persons attitude toward using this technology. In addition TAM evolved with an updated version proposed in 2000 by Venkatesh and Davis called TAM2. This new model was influenced by subjective norms, image and output quality. Having examined PU, PEOU and enjoyment in different shopping experiences, Lee et al. (2006) and Bridges and Florsheim (2008) found that seeking hedonic benefit depends on perceived enjoyment through online experience. Hedonic elements may encourage internet use, but not necessarily online buying. Furthermore, an individual consumer may be oriented to seek experiential value through enjoyable browsing or shopping online or for their own fun experience. Seeking utilitarian benefits also relies on perceived ease of use and satisfactory outcomes, in addition to influencing the purchase directly. Utilitarian orientation defined by Bellenger and Korgaonker (1980), Babin et al. (1994) and To et al. (2007) observes orientation or motivation seeking instrumental value to minimize time and effort shopping and cost saving or seeking convenience. Acquired benefit depends on whether the mission of shopping is completed or not. The e-retailers focus providing utilitarian benefits more than hedonic benefits will increase or be completed efficiently during the process of online buying and future intention. 2.3.2 online shopping acceptance model Zhou et al. (2007) proposed an extension model of TAM called â€Å"Online Shopping Acceptance Model† (OSAM). This model considers a general view of online purchasing acceptance from the consumers perspective. These authors also pointed out that in spite of TAM Davis et al. (1989) being broadly used to examine online purchasing environment, it does not analyze specific online shopping characteristics. Therefore OSAM integrated consumer factors in traditional markets and theories may be added to TAM factors to re-examine the issue in the context of online shopping as showed in 2.2. Moreover, OSAM have been developed to predict and explore consumer acceptance e-purchasing by incorporating the beliefs, intention, and attitude behavior relationship into the perspective of perceived usefulness which was replaced by perceived outcomes to cover potential benefits and e-shopping risks. Shopping orientation and motivation have been added from traditional market factors considered antece dents of online purchasing intention and online experience as factors that construct during navigation of e-shopping sites. Also, satisfaction as mediators between behavior and intention has been added. OSAM considers a strong predictor of continue intention to purchasing more than perceived usefulness. Furthermore, this model includes consumer demographics and normative beliefs with their influence on e-purchasing intention. Exploring the development of TAM by introducing OSAM will enhance our understanding of different factors that affect consumer behavior intention. 2.3.3 Theory of reasoned action Fishbein and Ajzen (1975) formulated a â€Å"Theory of Reasoned Action† (TRA), which illustrates behaviors expressed by individual intention to perform a behavior from psychological social factors and aims to examine measurements of that behavior. Based on Marshall et al. (2009) and Lee and Park (2009), they pointed out correlations between beliefs, subjective norms and attitude affects on formation of behavioral individual intention. This intention is influenced by subjective norms referring to the individuals perception with outside influences to perform (or not) a specific behavior to purchase as illustrated in 2.3. While attitude refers to an individual attitude behavior, negative or positive, toward adoption of innovation and brand overall which creates their beliefs about the consequences of adopting and the brands attributes (Jobber, 2004). Beliefs are defined by the persons subjective probability that performing a particular behavior will produce specific results. Four types of belief attitude towards to e-shopping were identified by Vijayasarathy (2002); shopping experience, product perception, customer services and customer risk. This model therefore suggests that external stimuli influence attitudes by modifying the structure of the persons beliefs (Ajzan and Fishbein, 1980 and Ajzen, 1991). Further, TRA provides a strong theoretical basis for studying motivation related decision-making. Using this theory is expected to enhance our understanding toward attitudes and behavioral intention of online shoppers. 2.3.4 Theory of planned behavior The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) can be appraised as an extension of TRA according to Ajzen (1985) used to predict buying behavior based on Bagozzi and Kimmel (1995) and De Cannià ¨re et al. (2009). A central element of this theory is the individual intention to perform a given behavior as shown in 2.4. Ajzen (1991) identified intention as ‘how individuals are willing to try and how much effort they are planning to exert, in order to perform the behavior. The same author and Chen and Corkindale (2008) state this theory includes an additional element which is an individual perceived behavioral control (PBC). Compeau and Higgins (1995) cited by Dennis et al. (2009) defined it as a judgment of ones ability to use a computer. PBC is compatible with Banduras (1977, 1982) concept of â€Å"perceived self-efficacy which is concerned with judgments of how well an individual can execute courses of action required to deal with prospective situations†. In PBC attitude and subje ctive norms factors can predict intention and behavior. According to TPB, PBC together with intention can be used directly to predict behavioral achievement. This model proposes the intention impact and mediates among these factors: 1) intentions are the immediate antecedent of behavior, 2) fully mediate on impact of attitude towards behavior and 3) intentions partially mediate the impact of perceived behavioral control (Ajzen, 1985, 1991; Fishbein and Ajzen, 1975) as illustrated in 2.4. Furthermore, Ajzen stated that the relative importance of predictors in the TPB would be different among behaviors and situations. On the other hand, TPB components can be used according to De Cannià ¨re et al. (2009) to form the experience after purchasing. 2.3.5 Decomposed Theory of planned behavior In 1995, Taylor and Todd demonstrated that better comprehension of the relationship between beliefs and antecedent of intention need to be combined as attitudinal beliefs as DTPB as shown in 2.5. They argued that DTPB is a strong model, more advanced and purer than the TRA and the TPB model. It was identified that, due to diffusion innovation theory, attitudinal beliefs contained three characteristics of an innovation that affect the adopt

Limit of Power: the End of American Exceptionalism

The Limit of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism In The Limit of Power by Andrew J. Bacevich, he argues about the major flaws Of United States with a general theme of â€Å"freedom† and how the U. S has an imperial ambition that uses military to try and guarantee ongoing consumption by the public for the economic power of the elite. Also he says that the fundamental flaw of American Foreign policy lies in the Imperial Presidency and the permanent Nation Security that controlled the formulation and executive of American Foreign Policy throughout the Cold War.This partnership grew and it is now entrenched in our bureaucracy since that time. From this Bacevich identifies three crises that the United States is facing: crisis of profligacy, political crisis, and Military crisis; but the current crisis presents an opportunity to fundamentally address our course or face certain and dramatic decline. First the author introduced the title â€Å"The Limit of Power† as Unite d States search for freedom that has raised responsibility and surged the country with mass amount of increasing debt; without a solution to pay it off.Then he ties that in with the crisis of profligacy, where he discusses the ascendancy of the United States after World War II economic world order and the fundamental economic strength derived from the victory in the context of European and Japanese destruction. Earlier the United States achieved a stand of live that became the envy of the world, then that began to shift in the late Vietnam War period. This happened because post World War II the United States had been the number one producer of petroleum and later the companies determined the price of oil.Then there developed a decline that was irreversible and the price setting of crude oil became the responsibility of a new producing group, Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) (p. 29). He moves on to talk about the economic decline and President Carters choice of en ergy dependency challenging Reagan’s optimism for the economy. This resulted in Reagan’s victory and a period of spending that was not supported by fundamental economic strength. Instead the trends then have only continued and debt has supplemented earning power in American life.Then the bills for the â€Å"profligacy’ eventually came due and the American way of life has outstripped the means available to satisfy it. In account to the political crisis, Bacevich argues that in the post-World War II, Congress renounced its role in the checks and balance system, allowing for the creation of the Imperial Presidency. The National Security rendered this situation intolerable by displacing the voters as the final conciliators of the American policy. Many Presidents come and go, but the National Security stays in place, much to the detriment of any President coming to Washington thinking they will actually change anything.Bacevich substantiates this with many examples of Presidents that become suspects of advisors. He also interposes the political crisis with a discussion about NSC-68; it provided the United States with an early sense of how the postwar habits of deferring to the Wise Men has wrought. The foreign policy exemplified by the two World War II era leaders, Henry Stimson and James Forrestal, showed their different styles; both were Wall Street republicans and served under Franklin D.Roosevelt, but yet they both had different traditions. When Stimson served, he exemplified the conservative reaction to circumstances and that meant that he was cool and measured. On the other hand James Forrestal was more of a pessimist and tended to emphasize potential threats as always imminent. Unfortunately it got to him so much that he broke down and committed suicide. Bacevich explained that while Stimson remained respected, the majority of advisors emulated Forrestal (p. 107).For the military crisis Bacevich builds on the previous crisis of profliga cy and political crisis and moves into the area of his greatest strength of military policy. He puts together the various forms of conventional wisdom as they emerged at various times. Also he think that’s the endless War on Terror represents a clear over-extension of American capability and if continued will accelerate decline. Financially, the sputtering War on Terror and the unrealistic expectations of the American electorate will combine to continue unrealistic policies that solve nothing.Bacevich then lays out that the axiom that all â€Å"Small Wars† are wars of empire, and that is not what we should be engaged in prosecuting. Bacevichs argument blamed the military and the Bush administration for the crises that is occurring in the United Sates as merely irrational. The crisis cannot be solved by sending men and women of this country to a war that is constantly degrading them. The author also mentions the Department of Defense for not doing their job and what the y actually do has nothing to do with their job description; instead it specializes in power protection (p. ). Bacevich sees no relevance for the Department of Defense with the exception of the war in Afghanistan and Iraq since September 11. He criticizes the government for reflecting its decision on the September 11 events. When the underlying problem is America’s failure to recognize that all our problems cannot be solved by replaces things like our head executive (president). The only way the U. S can move forward is realize that it is a hardworking, striving, independent country that long accomplished many things by working together to make American a place that it once was.Bacevich continues on his criticism of the Department of Defense for being more accurately described as the Department of Power Projection and it needs to get back to doing defense. Furthermore, he ends the military crisis chapter by stating that the essential problem is not the size of our Army, but wh at we are asking it to do. Military capability does not make up for age old fixed costs of conflicts. Moreover, any foreign policy needs to be grounded in sound fiscal policy otherwise it is unsustainable in the long run.For the most part I agree with Andrew Bacevichs viewpoints about the three of crisis that the United States is facing. He make a great point about how America and its citizens are a completely culture and have an entirely different mindset than just many decades ago. I completely applaud Bacevich for not holding back in diagnosing the problems that have long plagues the nation bust but are only now manifesting them to the public. This book is a must read because it is incumbent upon American people to arm themselves with what is happening to this country and what they can do as citizen.The focus is to first recognizing our limits then we can change the course of the United State. To an absolute great way to sum everything up Andrew Bacevich said â€Å"To hard-core nationalists and neoconservatives, the acceptance of limits suggests retrenchment or irreversible decline. In fact, the reverse is true. Acknowledging the limits of American power is a precondition for stanching the losses of recent decades and for preserving the hard-won gains of earlier generations going back to the founding of the Republic†

Lcci Passport to Sucess Level 1 Book-Keeping Answer

Level 1 Book-keeping Solutions Booklet For further information contact us: Tel. +44 (0) 8707 202909 Email. [email  protected] com www. lcci. org. uk London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) International Qualifications are provided by EDI, a leading international awarding body. Passport to Success Level 1 Book-keeping Solutions Booklet The initials LCCI and the words LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY are registered trademarks belonging to the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry and are used under licence.Every effort has been made to trace all copyright holders, but if any have been inadvertently overlooked the Publishers will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements at the first opportunity.  © EDI 2008 First published in 2008. All rights reserved. Apart from any use permitted under UK copyright law, no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or hel d within any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher or under licence from the Copyright Licensing Agency Limited.Further details of such licences (for reprographic reproduction) may be obtained from the Copyright Licensing Agency Limited, Saffron House, 6–10 Kirby Street, London EC1N 8TS. Cover photo: www. fotolia. com TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. 2. 3. 4. The Accounting Equation and the Balance Sheet Double entry system for assets, liabilities and capital Recording double entry for stock The double entry system for Expenses and Revenues and the Effect of Profit (or loss) and drawings upon capital 1 4 7 11 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.Balancing accounts and the Trial Balance Trading and Profit & Loss Accounts: An introduction The Balance Sheet Final Accounts with further considerations The Division of the Ledger and Books of Original Entry 16 25 28 31 38 39 41 44 48 53 56 59 62 68 71 75 77 81 82 10. Bank Facilities 11. Cash Books 12. The Sales and Purchases Day Books 13. The Returns Day Books 14. The Journal 15. The Petty Cash Imprest System 16. Adjusting for accruals and prepayments 17. Depreciation of Fixed Assets 18. Bad Debts 19. Bank Reconciliation Statements 20.Capital and Revenue Expenditure 21. Errors in the accounts and their corrections 22. Control Accounts 23. Final Accounts and year end adjustments Chapter 1 The Accounting Equation and the Balance Sheet Answers to ‘Think about it’ Questions Page 5 – Why are liabilities shown on the right hand side of the balance sheet and not on the left? Because based on the accounting equation it has to be on the same side as capital. Answers to Activities Activity 1. 1 (a) (b) (c) (d) L A A A (e) L (f) A (g) C Activity 1. 2 ASSETS ? 5 000 4 200 4 100 3 500 6 900 CAPITAL ? 000 2 500 2 800 2 400 4 100 LIABILITIES ? 2 000 1 700 1 300 1 100 2 800 (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Solutions to Target Practice Questions Question 1 (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) ‘†¦assets l ess liabilities equals capital’. assets liabilities debtor creditor Balance Sheet 1 Question 2 ASSETS ? 3 100 800 2 200 LIABILITIES ? Shop fittings Cash register Stock of goods Creditors Loan – T Armani Bank 1 000 1 800 870 6 970 2 800 Capital = Assets – Liabilities Capital = 6970 – 2800 = ? 4170 Question 3 M Williams Balance Sheet at 30 June 20X6 ?Cash at Bank Stock of goods Fixtures and Fitting Debtors Motor vehicles 2 614 5 860 1 900 3 750 4 200 18 324 Creditors Loan – D Wong Capital (missing item) ? 4 150 3 600 10 574 _____ 18 324 Question 4 Transactions (a) The owner borrows ? 5000 from L Pole and the money is put into the business’ bank account. A debtor pays the business ? 250 by cheque. The owner buys a motor vehicle on credit ? 6200. The owner withdraws ? 160 from the business’s bank account for his personal use. The business sells goods on credit for ? 840. The owner puts a further ? 000 in cash into the business. The money is put into the business’s bank account. The business pays a creditor ? 290 by cheque. Assets + Bank Effect upon Liabilities + Loan Capital (b) (c) (d) + Bank – Debtors + Motor Vehicle – Bank + Creditors – Capital (e) (f) – Stock + Debtors + Bank + Capital (g) – Bank – Creditors 2 Question 5 W Mandrake Balance Sheet at 30 June 20X5 ? 5 360 4 500 1 845 2 800 5 100 19 605 ? 2 900 3 000 13 705 _____ 19 605 Stock of goods Debtors Cash at Bank Fixtures and fittings Motor vehicles Creditors Loan – L Walter Capital (balancing figure)W Mandrake Balance Sheet at 31 July 20X5 ? Stock of goods Creditors (5360 + 700 – 600) 5 460 (2900 + 700 – 400) Debtors Loan – L Walter (4500 – 1100 + 600) 4 000 Capital Cash at Bank (balancing figure) (1845 – 400 + 1100) 2 545 Fixtures and Fittings 2 800 Motor Vehicles 5 100 19 905 ? 3 200 3 000 13 705 †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 19 905 Question 6 D Duncan Balance Sheet at 21 January 20X7 ? 20 000 2 100 500 100 700 123 300 ______ 123 300 ? 120 000 3 300 Motor Vehicles Stock of goods (1500 + 600) Debtor – A Gianna Cash at Bank (101 000 – 300) Capital Creditor – Stax Suppliers (3000 + 600 – 300)Question 7 The difference between a cash transaction and a credit transaction is based on when payment is made. With a cash transaction, payment is made immediately for goods and/or services purchased while in a credit transaction payment is made 3 Chapter 2 Double Entry System for Assets, Liabilities and Capital Answers to ‘Think about it’ Questions Page 16 – Why is it necessary to keep separate accounts for each debtor and creditor? So it can clearly be seen how much is owed to individual creditors and how much is owed by individual debtors. Answers to ActivitiesActivity 2. 1 (a) Bought office furniture for cash (b) Sold some office furniture on credit to C Bing (c) Bought motor vehicles on credit from Wong Ltd (d) A debtor, P Butler, pays the business by cheque (e) The owner puts a further amount into the business by cheque (f) Returned one of the motor vehicles to Wong Ltd (g) Paid a creditor, T Bird, by cash (h) Paid by cheque for the motor vehicle bought from Wong Ltd Debit Office Furniture C Bing Motor Vehicles Bank Bank Wong Ltd T Bird Wong Ltd Credit Cash Office Furniture Wong Ltd P Butler Capital Motor Vehicles Cash BankSolutions to Target Practice Questions Question 1 The left hand side of a ‘T’ account is the debit side and the right hand side is the credit side. To ‘debit’ an account the transaction is entered on the left hand side and to ‘credit’ an account, the transaction is entered on the right hand side. Question 2 There must be a debit entry and a corresponding credit entry of the same value (and vice versa) for every transaction that occurs. Question 3To know when to debit or credit an account, you will first need to determine the type of the account and decide how the transaction will affect the account ;( whether increase or decrease) and then apply the double entry rules as below: To increase an asset, DEBIT the account To decrease an asset, CREDIT the account To increase a liability or capital, CREDIT the account To decrease a liability or capital, DEBIT the account 4 Question 4 Bank ? 20X2 6 000 July 15 July 29 20X2 July 01 Capital Office Machinery Elstead Garage ? 420 2 900 Capital 20X2 July 01 Bank ? 6 000 20X2 July 06Motor Vehicle ? Elstead Garage 2 800 20X2 July 29 Bank Elstead Garage ? 20X2 2 800 July 06 Motor vehicle ? 2 800 20X2 July 15 Bank Office Machinery ? 420 20X2 July 23 Office Equipment ? Longmore & Sons 70 Longmore & Sons 20X2 July 23 Office equipment ? 370 Question 5 Cash ? 20X9 2 000 April 08 300 April 30 20X9 April 01 April 29 Capital Bank Bank Furniture World ? 1 000 800 5 Bank 20X9 April 01 April 03 April 08 Capital Loan – S Lee Cash ? 8 000 3 000 1 000 20X9 April 14 April 23 April 29 Delivery Van Loan – S Lee Cash ? 1 500 1 200 300 Capital 20X9 April 01 April 01Cash Bank ? 2 000 8 000 20X9 April 23 Loan – S. Lee ? 20X9 1 200 April 03 Bank ? 3 000 20X9 April 14 Bank Delivery Van ? 1 500 20X9 April 20 Furniture World Office Furniture ? 20X9 1 100 April 26 Furniture World ? 200 20X9 April 26 April 30 Office Furniture Cash Furniture World ? 20X9 200 April 20 800 Office Furniture ? 1 100 6 Chapter 3 Recording Double Entry for Stock Answers to Activities Activity 3. 1 Debit Office Furniture Cash Purchases A Litton D Penarth Motor Van Returns Inwards Purchases Credit Cash Sales A Litton Returns Outwards Sales Grange Garage D Penarth Bank a) Bought office furniture for use in the business by cash (b) Sold goods for cash (c) (d) (e) (f) Bought goods on credit from A Litton Returned to A Litton some of the goods bought Sold goods on credit to D Penarth Purchased motor van on credit from Grange Garage (g) D Penarth returned some goods to us (h) Bought goods paying immediately by cheque Solutions to Target Practice Questions Question 1 ‘Purchases’ means goods bought by the business with the intention of reselling them for profit as a part of its trading activities. ‘Sales’ means oods sold by the business that were originally bought for resale purposes. In other words, the sale of those goods in which the business trades or deals. Question 2 (a) This is not good practice. Parts returned to suppliers should be credited to a Returns Outwards Account and parts returned from customers should be debited to Returns Inwards Account. This is necessary to provide information on the totals of the returns and to assess whether these are increasing or decreasing over time. (b) Goods sold for cash is recorded by debiting the cash account and crediting the sales account.Goods sold on credit is first recorded by debiting the debtor account and crediting the sales account; when the debtor pays for the goods his account is credi ted and the bank/cash is debited. Question 3 (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) Sold goods on credit to F. Winter N. Armour returns goods to you You settle a creditor’s account by cheque F. Winter pays his account You pay Grange Garages by cheque the amount due on the delivery vehicle previously purchased You return goods to B. Smart Debit F Winter Returns Inwards Creditor Bank Grange Garages B Smart Credit Sales N Armour Bank F Winter Bank Returns Outwards Question 4 20X7 March 01 Capital March 30 B Wright Bank ? 20X7 10 000 March 03 Office Furniture 70 March 23 Scales Motors March 26 T Hunt ? 460 3 600 320 Capital 20X7 March 01 Bank ? 10 000 20X7 March 03 Bank Office Furniture ? 460 20X7 March 05 Purchases Purchases ? 375 T Hunt 20X7 20X7 ? March 08 Returns Outwards 55 March 05 March 26 Bank 320 Purchases ? 375 Returns Outwards 20X7 March 08 T Hunt ? 55 20X7 March 12 Sales B Wright 20X7 ? 156 March 19 March 30 Returns Inwards Bank ? 26 70 Sales 20X7 March 12 B Wright ? 56 8 20X7 March 15 Scales MotorsMotor Vehicle ? 3 600 20X7 March 23 Bank Scales Motors ? 20X7 3 600 March 15 Motor Vehicle ? 3 600 20X7 March 19 B Wright Returns Inwards ? 26 Question 5 20X7 October 01 Capital October 17 Cash Cash 20X7 ? 8 600 October 02 80 October 07 ? 8 000 179 Bank Purchases Capital 20X7 October 01 Cash ? 8 600 20X7 October 02 Cash October 23 Loan – R Nandha October 31 J Durrant Bank ? 20X7 8 000 October 21 October 29 1 200 303 Motor Vehicle M Price ? 1 990 100 20X7 October 03 October 07 M Price Cash Purchases ? 250 179 20X7 October 13 Returns Outwards October 29 Bank M Price ? 0X7 October 03 32 100 Purchases ? 250 9 Fixtures & Fittings 20X7 October 05 Display Ltd ? 2 750 20X7 October 07 Display Ltd ? 730 Display Ltd 20X7 ? 20X7 ? October 09 Fixtures & Fittings 30 October 05 Fixtures & Fittings 2 750 20X7 October 11 Sales J Durrant 20X7 ? 345 October 26 Returns Inwards October 31 J Durrant ? 42 303 Sales 20X7 October 11 J Durrant October 17 Cash ? 345 80 Returns Outwards 20X7 October 13 M Price ? 32 20X7 October 21 Bank Motor Vehicle ? 1 990 Loan – R Nandha 20X7 October 23 Bank ? 1 200 20X7 October 26 J Durrant Returns Inwards ? 42 10Chapter 4 The Double Entry System for Expenses and Revenues and the Effect of Profit (or Loss) and Drawings upon Capital Answers to ‘Think about it’ Questions Page 36 – What kinds of expense and revenue accounts would you expect to see in the books of a Bank? Revenue Accounts Loan interest receivable Commission receivable Service charges (eg. bank charges) Expense Accounts Interest payable Salaries and wages Insurance Stationery Utilities Answers to Activities Activity 4. 1 Transactions Paid general expenses in cash ? 150 Received commission by cheque ? 230 Paid for office stationery by cash ? 5 Paid telephone by cheque ? 230 Received interest of ? 350 by cheque Accounts General Expense Cash Bank Commission Receivable Office Stationery Cash Telephone Bank Bank Interest Receivable Type of acco unt Expense Asset Asset Revenue Expense Asset Expense Asset Asset Revenue Transaction effect Increase Decrease Increase Increase Increase Decrease Increase Decrease Increase Increase Action in the account Debit Credit Debit Credit Debit Credit Debit Credit Debit Credit Solutions to Target Practice Questions Question 1 (a) Revenue (b) The entries are on the credit side of the account. 11Question 2 Expense accounts should be debited and revenue accounts should be credited. Question 3 20X3 April 01 April 24 April 30 Bank 20X3 ? 5 000 April 03 85 April 05 1 000 April 14 April 21 April 27 ? 370 260 130 20 385 Capital Sales Capital Office Equipment Rent Cash Stationery A Smart Capital 20X3 April 01 April 30 Bank Bank ? 5 000 1 000 20X3 April 03 Bank Office Equipment ? 370 20X3 April 05 Rent Rent ? 260 20X3 April 08 A Smart Purchases ? 420 20X3 April 11 April 27 Returns Outwards Bank A Smart ? 20X3 35 April 08 385 Purchases ? 420 Returns Outwards 20X3 April 11 A Smart ? 35 12 0X3 April 14 Bank ? 130 Cash 20X3 April 15 Wages ? 115 20X3 April 15 Cash Wages ? 115 20X3 April 18 Sales R Squires ? 175 Sales 20X3 April 18 April 24 R Squires Bank ? 175 85 20X3 April 21 Bank Stationery ? 20 Question 4 Bank 20X4 ? 7 000 May 02 100 May 08 May 19 May 24 May 26 May 31 Capital 20X4 May 01 20X4 May 01 May 28 Capital D Langford Rent Fixtures & Fittings Drawings Cash R Lester Office Equipment ? 280 170 160 240 470 215 Bank ? 7 000 20X4 May 02 Bank Rent ? 280 13 20X4 May 05 R Lester Purchases ? 520 20X4 May 12 May 26 Returns Outwards Bank R Lester 20X4 ? 45 May 05 475 Purchases 520 20X4 May 08 Bank Fixtures & Fittings ? 170 Returns Outwards 20X4 May 12 R Lester ? 45 Sales 20X4 May 15 D Langford ? 32 20X4 May 15 Sales D Langford 20X4 ? May 22 32 May 28 Returns Inwards Bank ? 24 100 20X4 May 19 Bank Drawings ? 160 20X4 May 22 D Langford Returns Inwards ? 30 20X4 May 24 Bank Cash ? 20X4 240 May 30 Wages ? 80 14 20X4 May 30 Cash Wages ? 80 20X4 May 31 Bank Office Equipment ? 215 Question 5 Drawings are defined as money, goods, or services withdrawn from the business by the owner(s) for their personal use. Drawings reduce the capital of the business. Question 6 a) Answer = ? 2500 Workings: 1 February 20X7 Assets Equipment Stock Bank Liabilities Creditors Loan Capital ? 8 000 6 000 2 000 ? 2 000 1 000 ?16 000 ?3 000 ?16 000 – ? 3000 = ? 13 000 28 February 20X7 Assets Equipment Stock Bank Liabilities Creditors Loan Capital ? 8 000 2 000 8 500 ? 2 000 1 000 ?18 500 ?3 000 ?18 500 – ? 3000 = ? 15 500 Therefore, Opening Capital + Profit = Closing Capital ? 13 000 + ? = ? 15 500 ? 15 500 – ? 13 000 = ? 2500 (b) Profits increase capital whereas losses reduce it. 15 Chapter 5 Balancing Accounts and the Trial Balance Answers to ‘Think about it’ QuestionsPage 49 – How the double entry principle relates to the balancing of accounts. For every ‘balance c/d’ there is a corresponding ‘balance b/d’ of the same amoun t on the opposite side of the account. Answers to Activities Activity 5. 1 (a) An account will have a debit balance if the total of the debit entries is greater than the total of the credit entries. This means that the balance brought down from the last month (balance b/d) is on the debit side of the account. (b) An account will have a credit balance if the total of the credit entries is greater than the total of the debit entries.This means that the balance brought down from the last month (balance b/d) is on the credit side of the account. (c) The ‘balance c/d’ is the amount transferred (carried down or carried forward) from one accounting period to the next; this is the balance at the last date of the accounting period (e. g. a month). The ‘balance b/d is the amount transferred (brought down or brought forward) from a previous accounting period to the current one; this is the balance at the first date of the accounting period. (d) The double lines are necessary to show that the account has been balanced and that the totals are final figures. e) Accounts are closed off when there is no balance on the account at the end of the accounting period. Activity 5. 2 20X9 July 01 July 04 July 09 July 13 July 15 July 19 July 22 July 24 July 29 Capital Equipment Wages Sales Computers Wages Sales Motor vehicles Wages Debit ? 55 000 Credit ? 5 000 900 Balance ? 55 000 50 000 49 100 58 650 50 650 49 750 53 630 47 630 46 530 9 550 8 000 900 3 880 6 000 1 100 16 Solutions to Target Practice Questions Question 1 E. Appleby 20X6 ? 650 October 07 Returns Inwards 276 October 18 Bank 190 October 31 Balance c/d 1 116 506 0X6 October 03 Sales October 12 Sales October 24 Sales November 01 Balance b/d ? 120 490 506 1 116 Answer – There is a debit balance of ? 506. Question 2 N Small ? 145 215 185 ___ 545 365 20X3 March 04 March 18 March 23 Sales Sales Sales 20X3 March 13 March 26 March 30 March 31 Returns Inwards Returns Inwards Bank Balance c/d ? 20 35 125 365 545 April 01 Balance b/d 20X3 March 21 March 31 Bank Bank A Smith 20X3 ? 70 March 10 290 360 Purchases ? 360 ___ 360 20X3 March 07 March 28 March 31 T Dove 20X3 ? Returns Outwards 35 March 02 Bank 235 March 15 Balance c/d 310 580 April 01 Purchases PurchasesBalance b/d ? 270 310 ___ 580 310 N Small is a debtor and T Dove is a creditor. A Smith is neither. 17 Question 3 T Dove 20X3 March 02 March 07 March 15 March 28 Purchases Returns Outwards Purchases Bank Debit ? 35 310 235 Credit ? 270 Balance ? 270 Cr 235 Cr 545 Cr 310 Cr N Small 20X3 March 04 March 13 March 18 March 23 March 26 March 30 Sales Returns Inwards Sales Sales Returns Inwards Bank Debit ? 145 215 185 35 125 Credit ? 20 Balance ? 145 Dr 125 Dr 340 Dr 525 Dr 490 Dr 365 Dr A Smith 20X3 March 10 March 21 March 31 Purchases Bank Bank Debit ? 70 290 Credit ? 360 Balance ? 360 Cr 290 Cr NILQuestion 4 (a) 20X5 January 01 January 23 January 26 January 31 Capital Cash S Lee Capital Bank ? 20X5 25 000 January 01 6 000 Janua ry 25 5 500 January 29 5 000 January 30 January 30 January 31 _____ January 31 41 500 23 000 ? Rent 2 000 Cash 500 Midland Motors 4 000 D. Terry 8 000 E. Appleby 2 000 Electricity 2 000 Balance c/d 23 000 41 500 February 01 Balance b/d 20X5 January 31 Balance b/d Capital ? 20X5 30 000 January 1 Bank .. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. January 31 Bank 30 000 February 01 Balance c/d ? 25 000 5 000 30 000 30 000 18 20X5 January 1 Bank February 01 Balance b/d Rent 20X5 ? 2 000 January 31 2 000 2 000Balance c/d ? 2 000 2 000 20X5 January 03 January 05 January 15 D Terry E Appleby D Terry February 01 Balance b/d Purchases ? 20X5 5 000 January 31 3 000 10 000 18 000 18 000 Balance c/d ? 18 000 †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 18 000 20X5 January 22 January 30 January 31 Returns Outwards Bank Balance c/d D Terry 20X5 ? January 03 Purchases 2 000 January 15 Purchases 8 000 5 000 15 000 February 01 Balance b/d ? 5 000 10 000 _____ 15 000 5 000 Motor Car 20X5 20X5 ? January 04 Midland Motors 4 000 January 31 February 01 Balance b/d 4 000 Balance c/d ? 4 000 20X5 January 29 Bank Midland Motors 20X5 ? 4 000 January 4 4 000 Motor Car 4 000 4 000 20X5 January 30 January 31 Bank Balance c/d E Appleby 20X5 ? Purchases 2 000 January 5 1 000 3 000 February 01 Balance b/d ? 3 000 †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 3 000 1 000 19 20X5 January 10 January 25 Sales Bank February 01 Balance b/d Cash 20X5 ? 6 000 January 23 500 January 28 †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. January 31 6 500 250 Bank Office expenses Balance c/d ? 6 000 250 250 6 500 20X5 January 31 Balance c/d Sales 20X5 ? 14 000 January 10 Cash †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ January 20 S Lee 14 000 February 01 Balance b/d ? 6 000 8 000 14 000 14 000 20X5 January 20 Sales February 01 Balance b/d S Lee 20X5 ? 8 000 January 24 January 25 †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. January 31 8 000 1 500Returns Inwards Bank Balance c/d ? 1 000 5 500 1 500 8 000 20X5 January 31 Balance c/d Returns Outwards 20X5 ? 2 000 January 22 D Terry 2 000 February 01 Balance b/d ? 2 000 2 000 2 000 20X5 January 24 S Lee February 01 B alance b/d Returns Inwards 20X5 ? 1 000 January 31 1 000 1 000 Balance c/d ? 1 000 1 000 20 Office Expenses 20X5 ? Cash 250 January 31 250 February 01 Balance b/d 250 20X5 January 28 Balance c/d ? 250 250 20X5 January 31 Bank February 01 Balance b/d Electricity 20X5 ? 2 000 January 31 2 000 2 000 Balance c/d ? 2 000 2 000 (b) Steve Trial Balance at 31January 20X5 DR CR ? Bank Capital Rent Purchases D Terry Motor Car E Appleby Cash Sales S Lee Returns Outwards Returns Inwards Office Expenses Electricity 23 000 30 000 2 000 18 000 5 000 4 000 1 000 250 14 000 1 500 2 000 1 000 250 2 000 52 000 _____ 52 000 Question 5 Bank 20X8 ? 5 000 May 16 700 May 27 May 30 †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. May 31 5 700 1 300 20X8 May 01 May 18 Balance b/d Bank Dodd Delivery Van Cash Balance c/d ? 2 900 1 200 300 1 300 5 700 June 01 Balance b/d 21 20X8 May 31 Balance c/d Capital 20X8 ? 20 000 May 01 20 000 June 01 Balance b/d Balance b/d ? 20 000 20 000 20 000 20X8 May 01 May 04 May 30 June 01 Balance b/d Sales Bank Balance b/d Cash 20X8 ? 000 May 07 2 000 May 23 300 May 31 3 300 900 Purchases Office Expenses Balance c/d ? 1 500 900 900 3 300 20X8 May 16 May 31 Bank Balance c/d Dodd 20X8 ? 2 900 May 01 2 100 May 02 5 000 June 01 Balance b/d Purchases Balance b/d ? 2 000 3 000 5 000 2 100 20X8 May 01 May 10 June 01 Balance b/d Sales Balance c/d Fish ? 20X8 6 000 May 18 5 000 May 31 11 000 10 300 ? Bank Balance b/d 700 10 300 11 000 20X8 May 01 June 01 Balance b/d Balance b/d Furniture ? 20X8 10 000 May 31 10 000 10 000 Balance c/d ? 10 000 10 000 20X8 May 02 May 07 June 01 Dodd Cash Balance b/d Purchases 20X8 ? 3 000 May 31 1 500 4 500 4 500 Balance c/d 4 500 †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 4 500 22 20X8 May 31 Balance c/d Sales 20X8 ? 7 000 May 04 ____ May 10 7 000 June 01 Cash Fish Balance b/d ? 2 000 5 000 7 000 7 000 20X8 May 23 June 01 Cash Balance b/d Office Expenses 20X8 ? 900 May 31 900 900 Balance c/d ? 900 900 20X8 May 27 June 01 Bank Balance b/d Delivery Van 20X8 ? 1 200 May 31 1 200 1 200 Balance c/ ? 1 200 1 200 (b) Tom Trial Balance at 31 May 20X8 DR CR ? ? Bank Capital Cash Dodd Fish Furniture Purchases Sales Office Expenses Delivery Van 1 300 20 000 900 2 100 10 300 10 000 4 500 7 000 900 1 200 29 100 †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 29 100 23 Question 6 (a) T. Lennon Trial Balance at 31 December 20X9 DR CR ? Motor Vehicle Purchases Sales Stock of Goods Cash at Bank Fixtures and Fittings Wages Debtors Creditors Rent Drawings General Expenses Loan from D. Waller Capital 4 500 2 960 4 230 1 800 6 740 7 900 2 310 1 960 2 600 1 250 180 930 2 000 21 700 30 530 30 530 (b) A trial balance checks the arithmetical accuracy of the double entry. (c) Errors not revealed by the trial balance: 1. A transaction that has been completely omitted 2. A transaction that was entered correctly but using the wrong amount Errors revealed by the trial balance 1. Entering only one side of a transaction 2. Addition errors Question 7 a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) Credit Debit Debit Credit Credit Debit 24 Chapter 6 Trading and Profit & Loss Accounts: An Introduction Answers to Activities Activity 6. 1 Year Sales ? Cost of goods sold ? 23 230 23 900 21 500 Gross Profit/Loss ? 5 890 2 889 7 000 Operating Expenses ? 3 311 3 600 2 900 Other Revenue ? 600 200 – Net Profit / Loss ? 3 179 (511) 4 100 2005 2006 2007 29 120 26 789 28 500 Solutions to Target Practice Questions Question 1 Andrew Gordon Trading and Profit & Loss Account for the year ended 31 December 20X2 ? 26 200 3 100 23 100 11 570 34 670 6 100 1 200 160 380 3 730 11 570 ? 34 670 _____ 34 670 Gross profit b/d 11 570Purchases Less Stock at 31 December 20X2 Cost of goods sold Gross profit c/d Wages Rent Insurance Lighting and heating Net profit Sales ______ 11 570 25 Question 2 A. Darnell Trading and Profit & Loss Account for the year ended 30 September 20X7 ? 23 380 3 650 19 730 11 140 30 870 900 320 860 4 200 165 4 695 11 140 ? 30 870 _____ 30 870 Gross profit b/d 11 140 Purchases Less Stock at 30 September 20X7 Cost of goods sol d Gross profit c/d Rent Insurance Motor vehicle expenses Wages General expenses Net profit Sales _____ 11 140 Question 3 B. Betty Trading and Profit & Loss Account for the year ended 30 June 20X5 ? 1 160 2 800 18 360 10 280 28 640 2 240 5 100 190 315 2 435 10 280 ? 28 640 _____ 28 640 Gross profit b/d 10 280 Purchases Less Stock at 30 June 20X5 Cost of goods sold Gross profit c/d Rent Wages Insurance Office expenses Net profit Sales ______ 10 280 26 Question 4 Ada Cheung Trading and Profit & Loss Account for the year ended 31 March 20X3 Purchases Less Stock at 31 March 20X3 Cost of goods sold Gross profit c/d Wages Rent Advertising Lighting and heating Sundry expenses Net profit ? 46 820 9 140 37 680 16 020 53 700 7 360 2 370 840 765 1210 3 475 16 020 Sales ? 53 700 _____ 53 700 Gross profit b/d 16 020 _____ 16 020 Question 5 (a) 1. Comparing performance with other businesses or with previous periods of time to see if the business is growing. Planning ahead – profits will all ow the firm to expand so information about how much profit has been made and how it was made will be important in deciding what to do in the future. To help the business to control and monitor its expenses. 2. 3. (b) This means that his cost of goods sold was more than the sales revenue; he sold the goods for less than he paid for them. 27 Chapter 7 The Balance Sheet Answers to ‘Think about it’ QuestionsPage 72 – Why the balance sheet is prepared at a specified date while the trading and profit and loss is prepared for a period of time. Because it shows the financial position of a business at a particular date and not for a particular period of time. It shows the value of assets and liabilities as they are at a specific date. Solutions to Target Practice Questions Question 1 1. Fixed assets are presented in order of decreasing permanence while current assets are presented in increasing order of liquidity. Question 2 J Robinson Balance Sheet at 31 March 20X7 ? Fix ed Assets Buildings Fixtures and fittings Motor vehicle ?Capital (missing figure) ? 47 020 35 000 2 860 6 400 44 260 Current Assets Stock Debtors Bank Cash 4 360 7 200 2 950 80 14 590 58 850 Current Liabilities Creditors Long-term Liabilities Loan 6 830 5 000 ______ 58 850 28 Question 3 Andrew Gordon Balance Sheet as at 31 December 20X2 ? Fixed Assets Premises Fixtures and fittings Motor vehicle ? Capital Add: Net profit Less: Drawings ? ? 68 660 3 730 2 600 1 130 69 790 Current Liabilities Creditors 54 000 1 200 5 600 60 800 Current Assets Stock Debtors Bank 3 180 3 460 4 130 10 690 71 490 1 700 _____ 71 490 Question 4 A Darnell Balance Sheet as at 30 September 20X7 ?Fixed Assets Premises Fixtures and fittings Motor vehicle ? Capital Add: Net profit Less: Drawings ? ? 34 555 4 695 3 200 1 495 36 050 Current Liabilities Creditors 24 000 850 4 200 29 050 Current Assets Stock Bank Cash 3 650 2 130 70 9 900 38 950 2 900 38 950 29 Question 5 B Betty Balance Sheet as at 31 June 20X5 ? Fi xed Assets Office furniture Motor vehicle ? Capital Add: Net profit Less: Drawings ? ? 7 500 2 435 1 230 1 205 8 705 Current Liabilities Creditors 1 870 650 2 800 ____ 3 450 2 800 2 360 1 890 75 _7,125 10 575 Current Assets Stock Debtors Bank Cash _____ 10 575 Question 6 Ada Cheung Balance Sheet as at 31 March 20X3 ?Fixed Assets Premises Fixtures and fittings Motor vehicle ? Capital Add: Net profit Less: Drawings ? ? 68 335 3 475 3 700 __(225) 68 110 Current Liabilities Creditors 43 000 5 700 5 300 54 000 Current Assets Stock Debtors Bank 9 140 8 200 1 710 19 052 73 050 4 940 _____ 73 050 30 Chapter 8 Final Accounts with Further Considerations Answers to Activities Activity 8. 1 T Antonio Trading Account for the month ending 30 April 20X8 Opening Stock Purchases Add Carriage inwards Less Returns outwards Less Closing Stock Cost of goods sold Gross profit c/d ? 3 855 2 680 102 2 782 139 Sales Less Returns inwards Turnover ? 280 139 5 141 2 643 6 498 2 631 3 867 1 274 5 141 5 141 Solu tions to Target Practice Questions Question 1 (a) Carriage Inwards is associated with the cost of getting goods into the business and ready for resale so it is always added to the cost of purchases in the Trading Account. Carriage Outwards is a necessary cost of ‘distribution’ of sales to customers and so it is debited to the Profit & Loss Account with other expenses. (b) It is necessary to include returns inwards and returns outwards in the trading account to adjust the purchases and sales figures to find the amounts actually bought and sold. c) It shows the amount of resources a business has that can be readily turned into cash. 31 Question 2 R Knight Trading and Profit & Loss Account for the year ended 31 October 20X6 ? Sales Less: Returns inwards Turnover Less: Cost of goods sold Opening stock Purchases Add: Carriage inwards Net purchases Less: Closing stock Gross Profit Less: Expenses Carriage outwards Wages Sundry expenses Net Profit ? ? 120 500 740 119 760 15 200 75 400 2 150 77 550 92 750 13 600 79 150 40 610 3 200 28 500 2 230 33 930 6 680 32 Question 3T Pearl Trading and Profit & Loss Account for the year ended 31 August 20X7 ? Sales Less: Returns inwards Turnover Less: Cost of goods sold Opening stock Purchases Add: Carriage inwards Less Returns outwards Net purchases Less: Closing stock Gross Profit Add: Rent Receivable Less: Expenses Carriage Outwards Rent Payable Lighting and heating Telephone Net Profit ? ? 34 350 1 230 33 120 4 360 26 500 940 27 440 1 050 26 390 30 750 4 210 26 540 6 580 600 7 180 540 2 100 430 215 3 305 3 875 33 Question 4 P Franks Trading and Profit & Loss Account For the year ended 28 February 20X8 ?Sales Less: Returns Inwards Turnover Less: Cost of goods sold Opening stock Purchases Less: Returns outwards Net purchases Less: Closing stock Gross Profit Less: Expenses Lighting and heating Salaries and wages Sundry expenses Rent and rates Net Profit ? ? 221 300 5 200 216 100 12 600 155 400 6 650 148 750 161 350 16 100 145 250 70 850 3 900 48 500 4 650 2 300 59 350 11 500 34 P Franks Balance Sheet at 28 February 20X8 ? Fixed assets Premises Equipment Motor vehicle Current assets Stock Debtors Bank Cash Less: Current liabilities Creditors Net current assets Long-term liabilities Loan ? 04 000 28 000 21 000 153 000 16 100 23 750 960 76 40 886 15 716 25 170 178 170 32 000 146 170 Financed by: Capital Balance b/d Add: Net profit Less: Drawings 145 270 11 500 156 770 10 600 146 170 35 Question 5 T Williams Trading and Profit & Loss Account for the year ended 31 May 20X8 ? Sales Less: Returns inwards Turnover Less: Cost of goods sold Opening Stock Purchases Add: Carriage inwards Less: Returns outwards Net purchases Less: Closing stock Gross Profit Less: Expenses Wages and salaries Rent Insurance Sundry expenses Carriage Outwards Net Profit ? 139 200 430 138 770 27 230 103 500 630 104 130 960 103 170 130 400 30 580 99 820 38 950 15 320 5 400 325 475 2 340 23 860 15 090 36 T Williams Balance Sheet at 31 May 20X8 ? Fixed assets Buildings Fixtures and fittings Current assets Stock Debtors Bank Cash Less: Current liabilities Creditors Net current assets Long-term liabilities Loan Financed by: Capital balance b/d Add: Net profit Less: Drawings ? 32 000 4 250 36 250 30 580 21 460 4 450 195 56 685 12 240 44 445 80 695 15 000 65 695 62 005 15 090 77 095 11 400 65 695 37 Chapter 9 The Division of the Ledger and Books of Original Entry Answers to ‘Think about it’ QuestionsPage 93 – What have you noticed about the Cash Book? It is a Book of Original Entry as well as a Ledger. Answers to Activities Activity 9. 1 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. General Ledger Sales Ledger General Ledger General Ledger General Ledger or Private Ledger General Ledger Solutions to Target Practice Questions Question 1 (a) They provide documentation (proof) that a transaction has occurred. (b) 1. 2. They save time as they summarise similar transactions for the period, resulting in less information and les s frequent postings to the General Ledger.They allow a business to have different individuals responsible for different journals therefore increasing internal control. Question 2 (a) Debtors Ledger (b) Creditors Ledger (c) Nominal Ledger Question 3 (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Real Nominal Nominal Real Real Question 4 (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) Cash Book Cash Book Cash Book Cash Book Purchases Day Book Cash Book 38 Chapter 10 Bank Facilities Answers to Activities Activity 10. 1 Payee Cheque number Drawer Counterfoil Crossed cheque Mary White is writing a cheque for ? 200 to John Blue.As she is the drawer she must make sure that she signs the cheque. Her book-keeper told her to always fill out the counterfoil so she will have a record of the payment. As the cheque number is on the counterfoil as well as the cheque it will help her to trace the payment. She has decided to give John a crossed cheque as she is worried that the cheque might get lost. John is not very happy about this. As he is the p ayee it means he will not be able to get the money from the bank immediately. Solutions to Target Practice Questions Question 1 Bank 20X7 ? 45 December 15 December 22 20X7 November 30 Interest receivable Interest payable Bank charges ? 320 45 Interest Receivable 20X7 November 30 Bank ? 145 20X7 December 15 Bank Interest Payable ? 320 20X7 December 22 Bank Bank Charges ? 45 Question 2 A bank overdraft occurs when the bank allows a current account holder to withdraw more money from the account than is actually in the account. For example, the account holder only has ? 800 in the account but with the permission of the bank is allowed to withdraw up to a maximum of ? 1500. 39 Question 3A standing order is used for payments of fixed amounts at regular intervals at the request of the account holder while a direct debit is made at the request of the payee (the person/organisation that is owed) and can be used for either fixed or changing amounts and for payments at irregular intervals. Que stion 4 (a) Interest receivable is the interest received on the balance of an interest bearing account; the amount the bank pays the account holder for the use of the money in the account. (b) Interest payable is the cost of borrowing; it is the payment to the lender (the bank) for the use of its money. c) Bank charges is a charge by a bank for the services it provides. Question 5 (a) (b) (c) (d) Direct Debit Credit transfer Standing order Dividend Question 6 (a) 1. 2. Current account Deposit account (b) Current accounts do not always earn interest, deposit accounts do. Question 7 (a) (b) (c) (d) ? 2738. 57 – ? 206. 05 = ? 2532. 52 Credit column Credit transfer Loan repayment through a standing order 40 Chapter 11 Cash Books Answers to ‘Think about it’ Questions Page 111 – Is it possible for the cash columns to have a credit balance? Give reasons for your answer. No – because it is impossible to spend more cash than is available.If the business has cash in hand of only ? 50 then it cannot spend more than this amount. Solutions to Target Practice Questions Question 1 (a) As a book of original entry it is the first place where all the cash and cheque transactions are recorded; it is also one side of the double entry. (b) Where the debit and credit entries for a transaction are in the same ledger or book. Question 2 F. Patel – Cash Book Bank 20X3 Details ? Bank (C) Nov 02 Rent 2 800 Nov 03 Purchases Nov 07 Stationery 230 Nov 10 Wages Nov 12 Cash (C) 200 Nov 14 Carriage in Nov 20 Drawings Nov 26 Bank (C) Nov 28 Purchases Nov 30 Balances c/d †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..Nov 30 3 230 2 130 20X3 Nov 01 Nov 02 Nov 14 Nov 17 Nov 23 Nov 28 Details Capital Cash (C) Bank (C) Sales Sales Cash (C) Cash ? 3 000 160 220 Cash ? 2 800 46 120 Bank 140 370 160 34 60 200 120 3 380 430 2 130 3 230 Dec 1 Balances b/d †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 3 380 120 41 Question 3 T. Karekla – Cash Book Cash Bank 20X9 Details ? ? Motor vehicle 6 000 July 3 150 Cash (C) Ju ly 4 Rent 2 000 July 8 100 Purchases July 10 390 Carriage in July 18 Cash (C) 540 July 20 Purchases 300 July 24 Wages July 24 Bank (C) July 30 Balances c/d July 31 ___ ____ 640 8 840 95 4 460 0X9 July 1 July 4 July 15 July 20 July 23 July 29 July 30 Details Capital Bank (C) Loan Bank (C) Sales Sales Cash (C) Cash ? 85 Bank ? 3 000 150 460 40 100 20 300 95 670 100 4 460 8 840 Aug 1 Balances b/d Question 4 Maria Metaxa – Cash Book Cash Bank 20X7 DETAILS ? 65 ? 3 196 2 610 1 250 2 730 2 945 1 760 Feb 02 Feb 06 Feb 06 Feb 12 Feb 12 Feb 15 Feb 16 Feb 19 Feb 21 Feb 25 Feb 27 Feb 28 Feb 28 Feb 28 Postage Purchases Wages Cash (C) Wages Electricity Stationery Wages Travelling expenses Telephone Wages P Barratt D Smart Balances c/d 20X7 Feb 01 Feb 04 Feb 08 Feb 10 Feb 12 Feb 19 Feb 23DETAILS Balances b/d Sales D Pole Sales Bank (C) Sales E Holme Discount Allowed ? 30 Discount Received ? Cash ? 50 Bank ? 1 075 2 167 100 1 964 53 100 40 38 1 840 19 132 1 920 1 240 2 145 1 855 14 491 __ 7 0 Mar 1 Balances b/d ___ 165 58 _____ 14 491 1 855 20 55 __ 75 58 165 (b) Discount Allowed ? Total for the month 70 20X7 February 28 42 Discount Received 20X7 February 28 Total for the month ? 75 Question 5 (a) 20X2 Oct 01 Oct 02 Oct 10 Oct 12 Oct 18 Oct 20 Oct 21 Oct 21 Oct 26 DETAILS Balances b/d P Mace Sales G Lai Bank (C) Sales Loan interest Cash (C) B Chalke Discount Allowed ? 150 1 120 60 16 1 120 704 Sally Foon – Cash Book Cash Bank 20X2 DETAILS ? 68 ? 160 2 086 560 Oct 01 Oct 12 Oct 14 Oct 16 Oct 18 Oct 21 Oct 22 Oct 22 Oct 24 Oct 28 Oct 30 Oct 30 Oct 31 Balances b/d W Eastern Stationery F Samway Cash (C) Bank (C) Wages G Lai Telephone Office Expenses L. Hall Interest paid Balances c/d Discount Received ? Cash ? 35 4 1 120 35 560 147 40 13 __ 17 247 20 1 618 14 491 86 150 Bank ? 1 692 75 __ 24 Nov 1 Balances b/d ____ 1 398 203 _____ 4 630 1 618 203 1 398 (b) The ? 24 discount allowed will be posted to the debit side of the discount allowed account.The ? 17 discount re ceived will be posted to the credit side of the discount received account. (c) 20X2 October 31 Discount Allowed ? Total for the month 24 Discount Received 20X2 October 31 Total for the month ? 17 43 Chapter 12 The Sales and Purchases Day Books Answers to ‘Think about it’ Questions Page 125 – Why do you think the invoice numbers are not sequential in S French’s Purchases Day Book? Because S French has not assigned unique numbers to each invoice but is instead using the invoice numbers as received from the different sellers.Solutions to Target Practice Questions Question 1 (a) Sales Day Book Date 20X8 Oct 01 Oct 04 Oct 09 Oct 15 Oct 23 Oct 29 Oct 31 Details F Law G Harding S Wilks L Ryle F Law G Harding Transferred to Sales Account Net Amount ? 612 436 370 810 354 508 3 090 (b) Sales Ledger 20X8 October 01 F Law ? 612 Sales 20X8 October 04 Sales G Harding ? 436 20X8 October 09 Sales S Wilks ? 370 44 L Ryle 20X8 October 15 Sales ? 810 20X8 October 23 Sales F Law ? 354 20X8 October 29 Sales k G Harding ? 508 General Ledger (c) Sales 20X8 ? October 30 Credit sales for the month 3 090 Question 2 (a)Sales Day Book Date 20X5 July 02 July 07 July 12 July 18 July 23 July 30 July 31 Details D Smith T Ronald N Smithers L Malt D Smith T Ronald Transferred to Sales Account Net Amount ? 488 480 256 186 221 435 2 066 (b) Sales Ledger 20X5 July 02 D Smith ? 488 Sales 45 20X5 July 07 July 30 Sales Sales T Ronald ? 480 435 N Smithers ? 256 20X5 July 12 Sales 20X5 July 18 Sales L Malt ? 186 20X5 July 23 Sales D Smith ? 221 General Ledger Sales 20X5 July 31 Credit sales for the month ? 2 066 Question 3 (a) Purchases Day Book Date 20X3 April 01 April 03 April 10 April 14 April 21 April 27 April 30