Essays and Research Papers on Finance

A 6 page paper discussing changes in Four Seasons' structure and ownership in 2007. The formerly-public company now is jointly owned by a Saudi prince and Bill Gates, with the founder retaining a 5% stake. The paper discusses competitive advantage, environmental conditions and strategy for the future. Bibliography lists 6 sources. ...

This 5 page paper considers to what extent the traditional approach of portfolio diversification is valid and useful in today’s complex international investing environment. The paper looks at research that has been conducted and the ways in which different risk that diversification should minimize are evidenced. The bibliography cites 12 sources.

This 10 page paper begins with an overview of the Federal Reserve Bank system, its duties and importance. The different monetary policy instruments the Fed uses are explained and discussed with examples, e.g., open market operations, reserve requirements and the discount window. Each is discussed. Examples include how the Fed used its options after the ...

This 10 page paper discuss the potential problems that occur between owners and managers due to different perspectives. The paper considers how the basic differences in interest and objectives may be solved paying special attention to the share-ownership programs. The bibliography cites 13 sources.

This 6 page paper focuses on bonds but includes information about stock investing as well. Different types of bonds are named and some are discussed in detail. Types of investment strategies are discussed. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 10 page paper uses a range of ratio, including financial performance, financial structure, liquidity and working capital ratios, to compare and contrast the financial performance of these two fashion companies in the years 2003 and 2004. The bibliography cites 9 sources.

This 8 page paper examines a variety of cultures and pay preferences. Various types of payment methods are considered. Hofstede's model is used. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

This 10 page paper shows the student how to perform present value calculation including how the discount factor is calculated. The paper then looks at three business plan and assesses which is the most risky and should have the highest discount factor when it is being assessed and which is the safest and should have ...

A 6 page paper providing pro forma statements and a marketing focus for a company offering generic robotic applications to the auto maker industry in the US. When a single unskilled worker costs upwards of $100,000 annually, the cost of robotic applications is not so daunting. Generic applications that can be customized to ...

This 8 page paper looks at the use of Net Present Value and Internal Rate of return calculations for use in capital budgeting. The first part of the paper looks at different potential investments and shows the student examples of NPV and IRR calculations. The second part of the paper looks at both IRR and ...

A 4 page paper that discusses the downfall of Arthur Andersen LLP. The paper begins with comments about the original climate in the company - integrity and honesty set it apart, and how that changed. The writer discusses Steve Samek's 2x strategy as one of the factors that led to the company's problems. Bibliography lists ...

This 4 page paper evaluates an article entitled Public Pension Plans Face Billions in Shortage which appears in the New York Times. Implications of this article are discussed. Suggestions are made. No additional sources cited.

A 7 page paper discussing budgeting processes at River Beverages and at Atlantico. River Beverages strives to gain a high degree of accuracy, incorporating many unnecessary steps in the process and holding production managers accountable for the performance of non-production departments (i.e., sales). Atlantico's approach is only to "do even better next year," ...

This 9 page paper is based on a scenario tool supplied by the student. Mikes Bikes want to expand and compete. The first part of the paper considers how they may compete according to Porters generic strategies and adjusts a draft strategy plan. The second part of the paper examines a four year scenario planning ...

This 3 page paper looks at the internet bank ING Direct and considers how they protect confidentiality and security. The paper looks at the internal measures such as encryption and other security measures as well as the advice given to bank customers to protect themselves. The bibliography cites 1 source.

This 4 page paper assesses two projects showing NPV calculations. The paper presents the net present values, looks at which of the projects could be accepted and then considers how NPV can be used and other issues that should be taken into account before a decision is made. The bibliography cites 5 sources.

This 4 page paper compares the financial performance of Costco and Best Buy, between 2004 and 2006. The paper looks at operating performance and profitability using gross, operating and net profit as well as return or assets and return on equity. Activity ratios are presented in the form of accounts receivable and payable turnover, inventory ...

This 10 page paper considers the way in which inventory levels and inventory costs may be cut. The paper looks at tools such as just in time inventory management, forecasting, pull systems and the use of consignment stock. The bibliography cites 8 sources.

A 3 page paper discussing beta and investment. Beta is a term found on all web pages providing quotes of individual stocks. Often thought of as a measure of risk of the stock, it does not directly reflect risk at all. It is an integral component of the capital asset pricing model ...

A 3 page paper discussing the operation and ethics of payday loan companies. The need for the existence of payday loan companies is regrettable, but the business can be expected to grow as the economy continues to favor greater numbers of low-paying service jobs. They are not legal loan sharks, but their success ...

The decision to buy or lease is faced by many businesses. This 4 page paper considers the purchase or lease of a large piece of equipment and considers the advantages and disadvantages of each option. The bibliography cites 3 sources.

This 5 page paper looks at different pricing scenarios for books, where the fixed costs, marginal costs and market up are given, The paper considers scenarios where there are additional large orders placed and the way discounts may be applied to wither the large order only or across the full publication run. The bibliography cites ...

A 6 page paper answering 5 questions about strategic planning, economic forecasting and creating a master budget using the fictional Riordan Manufacturing as the subject. No forecast can be expected to be absolutely accurate simply because all of the events and expectations are set in the future that no one can foretell. An ...

This 6 page paper is written in two parts. The first part looks at an existing system to pay expenses that needs to be changed assessing the advantages and disadvantages. The second part of the paper suggests a new system along with the required checks. The bibliography cites 3 sources.

This 3 page paper considers how an investor can determine at what price they will be prepared to buy an equity futures contract. The paper uses the company McDonalds in 2006 as an example to show the different considerations. The bibliography cites 4 sources.