your objective is to read the following scenario and answer the following questions after reading the scenario

• 1. What "objectives of budgeting" should or could take place here: Planning, Directing or Controlling?
• 2. Are there possibly any "human behavior" problems with respect to budgeting in this situation?
• 3. How should Cam Morley respond to Megan Hewitts request to expense the advanced payments for convention-related costs against Julys budget?

Budgeting and Timing of Expenditures

The director of marketing for Starr Computer Co., Megan Hewitt, had the following discussion with the company controller, Cam Morley, on July 26 of the current year:

Megan: Cam, it looks like Im going to spend much less than indicated on my July budget.

Cam: Im glad to hear it.

Megan: Well, Im not so sure its good news. Im concerned that the president will see that Im under budget and reduce my budget in the future. The only reason that I look good is that weve delayed an advertising campaign. Once the campaign hits in September, Im sure my actual expenditures will go up. You see, we are also having our sales convention in September. Having the advertising campaign and the convention at the same time is going to kill my September numbers.

Cam: I dont think thats anything to worry about. We all expect some variation in actual spending month to month. Whats really important is staying within the budgeted targets for the year. Does that look as if its going to be a problem?

Megan: I dont think so, but just the same, Id like to be on the safe side.

Cam: What do you mean?

Megan: Well, this is what Id like to do. I want to pay the convention-related costs in advance this month. Ill pay the hotel for room and convention space and purchase the airline tickets in advance. In this way, I can charge all these expenditures to Julys budget. This would cause my actual expenses to come close to budget for July. Moreover, when the big advertising campaign hits in September, I wont have to worry about expenditures for the convention on my September budget as well. The convention costs will already be paid. Thus, my September expenses should be pretty close to budget.

Cam: I cant tell you when to make your convention purchases, but Im not too sure that September items should be expensed in Julys budget.

Megan: Whats the problem? It looks like no harm, no foul to me. I cant see that theres anything wrong with thisits just smart management.