Assignment

You
are the general manager at a private country club in Nevada. The club
is struggling in several ways because of a downturn in the economy. Many
of the club members are involved in real estate, which has declined
substantially because of the recession in that area. Month-to-date and
year-to-date forecast revenues and projections are at a negative
variance to budget. Food and beverage numbers are down by 40%, both in
the dining room and in banquets. The only dining outlet that has been
successful this month and year to date is the poolside grill, which has a
positive variance to budget. Rounds of golf are down by 25%, as well as
tennis. The only area that has seen an increase in usage is the club
fitness center. In addition, the list of delinquent accounts receivable
has increased by 10%. The finance committee at your club is scheduled to
meet this week to review the monthly financial statements prepared by
your controller. Before the meeting, the club treasurer would like to
meet with you and the controller to go over the variances to budget. The
club treasurer has sent you an e-mail with the following questions to
prepare for your meeting:

Please explain the potential reasons why the dining room and banquet department are a negative variance to budget by 40%.
Why do you think the poolside grill is successful during this time, with a positive variance to budget?
Please explain the potential reasons why rounds of golf and tennis are not meeting the budgeted projections.
Why do you think the usage of the fitness center has increased during this time, as opposed to golf and tennis?
What can we do differently to prevent an increase in delinquent accounts receivable?
How can we as a club increase revenues and decrease expenses, without sacrificing quality of service?