Discussion

Discussion 1

Fixed versus Flexible/Variable Expenses

Evaluate how fixed and variable costs can differ based upon the industry. Which would you prefer to have more of in terms of expenses (fixed or flexible)? Provide rationale for your choice. Your initial post should be at least 300 words.

· Support your initial and subsequent posts by citing at least two academic resources, preferably from the Ashford University Library.

· Points you receive on discussions will reflect the quality of your initial post and responses.

Discussion 2
Justifying Fixed and Flexible Expenses
Discuss how you would justify a budget’s fixed and flexible expenses to a board of directors or grant funding agency. What negotiation or conflict resolution strategy would you recommend if the board or agency does not accept the initial justification? Your initial post should be at least 300 words.

· Support your initial and subsequent posts by citing at least two academic resources, preferably from the Ashford University Library.

· Points you receive on discussions will reflect the quality of your initial post and responses.

Discussion 3
Payment Differences
Discuss rationale as to why there are vast differences in payment for the same services (by CPT-treatment code) by various payer sources (e.g., private pay, grant, Medicare/Medicaid, traditional insurance like Blue Cross/Blue Shield, or managed care). How does this practice impact the profession and budgeting? Provide rationale for your choice. Your initial post should be at least 300 words.

· Support your initial and subsequent posts by citing at least two academic resources, preferably from the Ashford University Library.

· Points you receive on discussions will reflect the quality of your initial post and responses.

Discussion 4
Justifying Budget Loss
Not every operating budget must show a profit. For example, there are many examples of successful mental health and other health related programs that are referred to as “lost leader” programs because they show a loss. This is common with grant funded programs, or benevolent foundation funding. Discuss how you would continue to justify a budget loss to a board of directors or grant funding agency. What negotiation or conflict resolution strategy would you recommend if the board or agency does not accept the initial justification? Your initial post should be at least 300 words.

· Support your initial and subsequent posts by citing at least two academic resources, preferably from the Ashford University Library.

· Points you receive on discussions will reflect the quality of your initial post and responses.

Discussion 5
Zero-Based Budgeting
Zero-based budgeting is very common in non-profit agencies. Discuss the pros and cons of this type of budgeting related to mental health service provision based on answering the five ZBB questions on page 92 of your text.

· Support your initial and subsequent posts by citing at least two academic resources, preferably from the Ashford University Library.

· Points you receive on discussions will reflect the quality of your initial post and responses.

Discussion 6
Capital-Equipment Budgeting
Capital-equipment budgeting is typically related to the expansion of current services. This type of budget must be justified and requires a viability or return on investment analysis. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of financing options (e.g., mortgages and loans; lines of credit, leases; bond financing) for a specified capital improvement or equipment project.

· Support your initial and subsequent posts by citing at least two academic resources, preferably from the Ashford University Library.

· Points you receive on discussions will reflect the quality of your initial post and responses.

Discussion 7
Forecasting
Forecasting is a very difficult part of budgeting. Discuss what sources of data (e.g., cost of living, inflation, housing market changes, unemployment rates, federal loan interest rates, gross domestic product changes, etc.) would you use to help forecast budget changes for year 2+? Provide rationale for your choice(s). Your initial post should be at least 300 words.

· Support your initial and subsequent posts by citing at least two academic resources, preferably from the Ashford University Library.

· Points you receive on discussions will reflect the quality of your initial post and responses.

Discussion 8
Monitoring Budget Goals
Sometimes things happen that we cannot predict or have control over that negatively impacts our budget. Consequently, monitoring budget goals on a quarterly basis is most common. If a quarterly budget goal is off (less than 20%) of its’ intended target, modifications and corrective action is generally needed. Discuss what modifications and corrective action you would make if your budget was 20% less than projected for quarter 2 of a fiscal year. Make sure to provide rationale. Your initial post should be at least 300 words.

· Support your initial and subsequent posts by citing at least two academic resources, preferably from the Ashford University Library.

· Points you receive on discussions will reflect the quality of your initial post and responses.