Essays and Research Papers on Personal Finance

A 3 page paper discussing expectations for the housing market and particularly in terms of mortgage interest rates. The US economy continues to issue surprises. Many believed that mortgage interest rates would increase dramatically with the end of the post-9/11 recession, but such has not been the case. Not only have mortgage ...

This 13 page paper considers the position where a company wants to make an international acquisition of another company or shares where there is a net present value (NPV) of zero. The paper looks at the influences and the effectiveness of the stock market and the currency markets. These are examined using efficient market ...

A 6 page paper examining the failure of internal controls that resulted in losses to the organization or to its stockholders. Examples include Enron of course, but also a small Alabama trucking company and the National Australian Bank (NAB). The paper concludes that a standard approach to computer programming is that someone takes ...

This 9 page paper examines the way in which UK banks have changed and adapted their strategies to meet the challenges presented by different legislation and regulations. The paper looks at the developments starting from the 1970's and uses examples to illustrate points raised. The bibliography cites 7 sources.

This 9 page paper looks at the various market forces seen in the UK new car industry. The paper looks at influences on the supply and demand including elements such as profit level, attractiveness of the market, trends and fashion, social factors, disposable income and level of advertising. The bibliography cites 6 sources.

This 4-page paper focuses on fiscal policy, as seen through the eyes of a Keynesian economist. The paper discusses the definitions of GDP, the impact of Keynesian policies on GDP, and how an auto company might fare in such an economy. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

This 5 page paper analyzes specific questions pertaining to Michael Lewis' book, Liar's Poker. A description of the major players, the reasons for the crash, are discussed. Quotes cited from text. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 9-page paper details a fictitious entrepreneur and the types of retirement plans he might want to choose from. For various reasons, the paper recommends SEPs and provides reasons as to why this is the best option. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 4 page paper discussing management’s deficiencies and the costs to small business in Australian resulting from the collapse of HIH Insurance. Executives in companies such as these appear to share several common characteristics, among them loss of sight of their responsibilities to customers, shareholders and employees. In the case of HIH Insurance, ...

This 15 page paper looks at how banking, both at central bank level and on the high street, has changed as a result of legislation. The paper starts by considering the Bank of England from its' formation and how legislation has changed the role it plays and then looks at high street banks and the ...

A 5 page outline addressing Social Security reform and recommending that the United States follow the Singapore example. Singapore has the highest personal savings rate in the world, thanks in large part to its Provident Fund. Singapore citizens contribute mandatory savings funds to three accounts, one of which they control. US politicians ...

This 14 page paper discusses the validity of financial analysis is based on the assumption that markets efficiently reflect the underlying present value of the firm. This is examined using various theories such as efficient market hypothesis (EMH) and the Edwards-Bell-Ohlson models. This is considered generally and in the context of the stock market performance ...

This 26-page paper describes the Islam economic system, how banks and financial institutions operate in this system, and the accounting procedures used under Islam economics. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 4-page paper focuses on e-commerce and taxation issues as they pertain to Canada. CCRA and OCED reports are discussed as well. Bibliography lists 5 sources.

This 4-page paper focuses on taxes in the U.S. and proposed reform. The paper examines the concepts of flat and progressive taxes, and determines their advantages and disadvantages. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

A 10 page paper discussing expansion decisions for an auto body repair shop. The paper provides capital budgeting analysis for a term of ten years, at discount rates of 14%, 20% and 25%; payback; and discounted payback. Payback for the project occurs in year 4, but discounted payback does not occur within the ...

This 7 page paper answers 6 questions concerning economics. The first looks at why property rights mean a more efficient and careful use of resources, secondly what impact different events will have on a demand curve. The next question considers why AOL may choose to subsides computer sales in Mexico. The forth question looks at ...

This 15 page paper looks at the research and the manifestation of risk and reward in emerging markets. The paper argues that although the emerging and the developed markets are different the overall risk and reward profile is less differentiated that usually perceived and that performance and risk may be lower than expected and can ...

This 11 page paper takes a look at the economy in 2005. The economy is evaluated in respect to classic economic theories. Information about the theories is relayed. A case study is also to accentuate what type of company might do well in the future. Bibliography lists 10 sources.

This 3 page papers examines a case study supplied by the student and uses different methods to determine the value of the firm. The bibliography cites 1 source.

This 3 page paper answers 6 questions regarding the entrance of a new competitor into a former monopoly industry. The paper includes a strategic form payoff matrix and examines the situation, why a new competitor entered, why the existing competitor dropped its prices and why the buyers were the winners. The bibliography cites 1 source. ...

This 16 page paper looks at the role and performance of Islamic banks and considers the hypothesis that Islamic banks are ore profitable than non Islamic banks. The paper starts by considering the role of banks and the application of Islamic banking. The paper then presents primary research using data from Islamic bank accounts and ...

This 5 page paper looks at then influences of supply and demand and how business may use these to make decisions. Examples are used to illustrate the points raised. The bibliography cites 9 sources.

This 5 page paper critically evaluates the potential impact of the movement towards international accounting harmonisation with the European Union's decision in 2004 to partially endorse International Accounting Standard (IAS) 39. The bibliography cites 4 sources.

A 5 page response to 3 questions regarding international trade theory and central bank action in developing nations. Included in the responses are mention of the Heckscher-Ohlin and Ricardo theories of international trade; the Leontief paradox; and observations by Staffan Linder. Central bank policy discusses 2004 actions by the central banks of Brazil ...