Apex dynamics ltd$,$ is a leading publicly traded company in technology sector, seeks strategic advice redarding the treatment of specific items under IAS $19$ employee benefits. The company manages two retirement plans : Apex dynamics retirement plan A accessible to current employees, and Apex dynamics retirement plan B$,$ a recently eatablished scheme without guaranteed returns.

Apex Dynamics retirement Plan A

Employees contribute $8\%$ of their salaries to the plan.

Apex Dynamics matches employees contributions.

Retirement benefits are guaranteed, contingent on years of service and final salary.

Apex Dynamics Retirement Plan B

Apex Dynamics does not gurantee returns on contributions.

a$)$ Discuss the nature of and differences between a defined contribution plan and a defined benefit with specific reference to the company's two schemes.

b$)$ Discuss five $(5)$ Actuarial assumptions used in measurement of a defined defined benefit liability or asset.

c$)$ How do the disclosure requirements of IAS $19$ enhance the understandability and decision usefulness of financial statements?

d$)$ Do analysis on any recent pension reforms which have been implemented or are currently being undertaken for the public or private sector.