Brief Paper Budget Models and Resource Allocation Assignment - Copy

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Brief Paper: Budget Models and Resource Allocation Assignment Department of Education, Liberty University EDUC664: Economics and Finance of Higher Education
Abstract Colleges and universities utilize various financial strategies to manage their funds effectively. These strategies are selected based on the institution's objectives and priorities. Allocating resources is a vital aspect of financial management. Individuals with Christian values must prioritize saving and maintaining a solid work ethic when planning their finances. Budgeting is critical in balancing income and expenses, allowing for reinvestment in higher education. Institutions derive financial resources from various sources, including government funding, tuition fees, and charitable contributions. Budgets are typically developed for twelve months to align with the fiscal year. Understanding different budget models and resource allocation is essential for comprehending the budgeting process in higher education. These models ensure the appropriate utilization of resources and sustain organizations within the sector. The choice of budget model may vary depending on the institution's preferences and type. In the subsequent sections, we will examine diverse budget models and explore resource allocation in higher education. Keywords: budget, resources, finances
Budget Models Budget models are crucial in estimating and projecting yearly outcomes for institutions and organizations. They provide a structured approach to creating budgets and meeting specific needs, making them essential for the success of an institution, especially when it comes to financial responsibility. Understanding where money is going and how it is used assists in making financial decisions on whether programs can be expanded, if areas need to be cut, or if financial struggles exist (Weidman, J. et al., 2014). Postsecondary educational institutions, including public universities and private colleges, have a complex resource distribution process. This process must be standardized because each institution has its mission, objectives, offerings, backgrounds, traditions, and protocols. Therefore, the allocation of financial resources in higher education varies among establishments. Nine commonly used budget models can serve as helpful aids for maintaining financial success in institutions: 1. Incremental Line-Item Budgeting: This approach starts with the current revenue as the basis for all budgetary components. It involves making gradual changes to each item using a fixed percentage. These adjustments are based on past budgets and assumptions about potential expense changes for the following year. Each budget item is modified by a small amount, ensuring a relatively smooth transition. An incremental budget has the benefit of being relatively simple to create and allocate funds; however, since all budget lines are moving in tandem, making strategic changes to the budget would violate its incremental nature (Weidman, J. et al., 2014). 2. Formula Budgeting: The higher education institutions utilize a robust financial framework that determines funding based on unit expenses and productivity indicators.
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This budget provides directors with an estimate of the following year's expenses. While most states use this system to allocate funding to elementary and secondary schools, Northeastern and Midwestern states are the most likely to use it for higher education (Weidman, J. et al., 2014). 3. Mathematical Decisions Models Budgeting: Mathematical models optimize the allocation of resources and aid in decision-making to effectively use money through computer models. 4. Zero-based Budgeting: Budgets are built from scratch each year, requiring justification for every expense and not relying on previous budgets. Under zero-based budgeting, the prior year's budget is cleared each year, and each institutional unit must reapply for funding; consequently, departments or units must continuously defend their funding requests (Navolio, 2023). 5. Program Budgeting: The main benefit of program-based budgeting is that it is event- specific. Unlike other cost drivers, it assists organizers in determining costs associated with the project or program exclusively (Pisey. Daung, 2020). This model focuses on allocating funds to specific programs or initiatives within an institution, allowing for better resource management. 6. Performance-based Budgeting: This model requires units to perform in specific ways and meet expectations to receive funding; decisions are made centrally based on policies that relate inputs like enrollment or research volume to determine funding levels (A. Hyatt, 2020). The budget aims to achieve predetermined performance objectives, promoting efficiency and accountability.
7. Responsibility Center Budgeting: Budgetary responsibilities are distributed to different centers within an institution, allowing for greater control and accountability. To correctly manage finances in educational institutions, it is crucial to assign expenses and earnings to their respective units. This ensures that each academic unit is motivated to generate revenue and reduce costs to achieve educational goals. Moreover, expenses incurred by other units, like the library or student counseling, should be distributed fairly among the academic units. This financial allocation system facilitates efficient resource management and supports the overall objectives of the educational institution. 8. Block-Incremental Budgeting: Budget amounts are pre-established and distributed in increments to different departments or programs. In the traditional approach to college budgeting, the board utilizes data from the prior year to determine budget proposals and allocations. 9. Initiative-based Budgeting: Budgets are developed by considering initiatives or projects, guaranteeing that funds are assigned to areas that support the institution's objectives. This involves combining strategic planning, performance evaluation, and allocation of resources within a university environment. In higher education institutions, budget processes are vital for ensuring smooth operations. These institutions may utilize different budget systems depending on their unique characteristics. By implementing appropriate budget models, higher education institutions can effectively allocate resources and ensure a continuous flow of funding, supporting their strategic plans. Institutions can confidently make informed decisions about resource allocation and finance using suitable budget models. These models provide frameworks for budget creation and management, promoting efficiency and accountability in financial matters.
Higher education institutions are currently dealing with several challenges. These include a decrease in the number of students enrolling, an increase in expenses, and a decline in revenue. Institutions must achieve financial stability to overcome these challenges while staying true to their mission and values. This requires careful consideration and planning. Balancing the needs of students and faculty while securing the institution's long-term financial health can be difficult. Institutional leadership can only make wise financial decisions after your institution's financial situation has been made clear and all data-based budgeting factors have been carefully considered. Some institutions will find success using multiple budget models, carefully combining alternative budget models to manage the inevitable weaknesses of each one (Navolio, 2023). Bible Instruct us Regarding Financial Planning The Bible teaches us the importance of careful consideration and commitment in planning our lives and finances. The book of Proverbs 4:26 from the New International Version (NIV) states, "Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways." Thoughtful preparation is necessary for successful planning. Acquiring knowledge through education can result in wisdom, which, combined with proficiency, can steer us toward moral deeds. Nevertheless, possessing wisdom does not automatically guarantee its implementation. To fully utilize wisdom, one must consciously and attentively consider one's decisions and behaviors. Proverbs 21:5 (NIV) mentions, "As surely as haste leads to poverty, so do the plans of the diligent lead to profit." Planning is highly beneficial as it helps avoid impulsive actions leading to financial struggles. Taking the time to plan allows us to make thoughtful and informed decisions, ensuring we are better prepared for the future. We can navigate challenges and achieve excellent financial stability by considering our options and setting goals. Engaging in proactive
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planning helps us avoid unnecessary difficulties and empowers us to make wiser choices, allowing us to lead a more secure and prosperous life. Thus, planning is both encouraged and advantageous for individuals. However, it is crucial to maintain the right mindset when creating financial strategies for us and budgeting for an organization institution. Our sense of self-worth and security should not depend on material possessions but on our relationship with God. We have faith that He will provide the necessary resources to build wealth. In 1 Timothy 6:17 of the New English Translation (NET), the Apostle Paul advises individuals about the wealth of this era. I encourage them to trust God, who generously supplies all our needs for enjoyment, rather than relying on themselves or the unpredictable nature of riches. The key to effective planning lies in allowing God to lead our plans instead of solely relying on our understanding. It is crucial to align our actions with God's will rather than conforming to worldly wisdom. Romans 12:2 (NIV) suggests that instead of following the trends of the world, we should allow our minds to be transformed by God's guidance so that we can discern and embrace His good, pleasing, and perfect will. Doing so allows us to discover and embrace God's favorable and satisfying plan for our lives, businesses, and education.
References 1 Timothy 6:17 (NET) . (n.d.). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/? search=1+Timothy+6%3A17+&version=NET A. Hyatt, J. (2020). STRATEGIC BUDGETING AT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES. Berkeley Center for Studies in Higher Education . https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED606659.pdf Navolio, M. (2023, October 23). 6 Alternative budget models for colleges and universities | Hanover Research . Hanover Research. https://www.hanoverresearch.com/insights-blog/6-alternative-budget-models-for- colleges-and-universities/?org=higher-education Pisey.Daung. (2020, November 15). What is Program Budgeting? Definition and Example . Accounting Hub. https://www.accountinghub-online.com/what-is-program-budgeting/#:~:text=The %20program%20budget%20for%20the%20educational%20campus%20can,actual %20and%20estimated%20targets%20for%20costs%20and%20revenues . Proverbs 4:26 (NIV) . (n.d.). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/? search=Proverbs+4%3A26+&version=NIV Proverbs 21:5 (NIV) . (n.d.). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/? search=Proverbs+21%3A5+&version=NIV Romans 12:2 (NIV) . (n.d.). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/? search=Romans+12%3A2+&version=NIV Weidman, J. C., Yeager, J. L., Dynarski, S., Scott-Clayton, J. (2014). In   Economics and Finance Of Higher Education .
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