Question: Research and Development and Other Expenses

Note: There are two Discussions this week. The first prompt is a regular Discussion Question, to which you will respond individually. The second prompt is a group Discussion similar to that of Week 3.

- A large part of an organization's budget can go towards covering expenses that do not directly contribute to the bottom line. Although essential, if not carefully monitored, these are the areas that can quickly grow out of control. Managers must seek to maintain a fine balance between funding necessary expenses and those that may seem important but are actually not directly and immediately relevant to a company's success. Keep in mind, that a traditional budget as presented in our textbook attributes HR, accounting and marketing as expenses without offsetting these by the positive cash flows generated from these investments. In your HR Metrics course, you'll learn more about how to calculate the ROI in Human Resource Management.

- As you review your Resources this week, continue your research in the Walden University Library, and prepare to write your Discussion posting, contemplate the following. Note: You do not need to directly answer these points in your Discussion post as they serve only to begin your thinking process; however, you must explain your reasoning as you formulate your formal response.

- Now post by Day 3 a cohesive and scholarly response based on your readings and research this week that addresses the following:

- Why is R&D important to most organizations? As a manager, how can you ensure that you are supporting an acceptable level of research? Does the type or size of an organization matter?

- What do you believe is the best way to monitor, control, and account for expenses that are necessary for running a business but don't contribute to the bottom line? How can employees assist in keeping expenses under control?

- Are there any expenses you believe should have leeway in budgeting?