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Provide a brief write-up on what and how capitalists seek to achieve. Explain how shareholder value decreases during and following unionization. Explain how a doctrinaire organization functions.

Unit 4 Quiz

This quiz contains 8 short answer questions on topics from Chapters 7 and 8 of your text. Your answers should be 1- 3 paragraphs long and will be worth a total of 100 points.

In order to avoid timing out when you take the quiz, prepare answers to the following essay questions in a document ahead of time.

  1. Provide a brief write-up on what and how capitalists seek to achieve.
  2. Explain how shareholder value decreases during and following unionization.
  3. Explain how a doctrinaire organization functions.
  4. Explain what a union decertification is, when it can occur, and why?
  5. Describe the characteristics of a competitive industry.
  6. List some of the steps that a firm can take to increase profitability.
  7. How do unions demonstrate their effectiveness?
  8. What is the reason for the decline in pattern bargaining?

Would you recommend that ExxonMobil use a single company- wide cost of capital for analyzing capital expenditures in all its business units? Why or why not?

FINC400 I001 Winter 2023

EXXONMOBIL

ExxonMobil ( XOM) is one of the half- dozen major oil companies in the world. The firm has four primary operating divisions ( upstream, downstream, chemical, and global services) as well as a number of operating companies that it has acquired over the years. A recent major acquisition was XTO Energy, which was acquired in 2009 for $ 41 billion. The XTO acquisition gave ExxonMobil a significant presence in the development of domestic unconventional natural gas resources, includ-ing the development of shale gas formations, which was booming at the time. Assume that you have just been hired to be an analyst working for ExxonMobil’s chief financial officer. Your first assignment was to look into the proper cost of capital for use in making corporate investments across the company’s many business units.

a. Would you recommend that ExxonMobil use a single company- wide cost of capital for analyzing capital expenditures in all its business units? Why or why not?

b. If you were to evaluate divisional costs of capital, how would you go about estimating these costs of capital for ExxonMobil? Discuss how you would approach the problem in terms of how you would evaluate the weights to use for various sources of capital as well as how you would estimate the costs of individual sources of capital for each division.

Victory Realty revenue is calculated from the commissions paid by the seller minus the commission and extra bonus paid to the realtor. Calculate the percentage of $ earned for each home based on the actual final transacted price. Develop a worksheet to be used by the CEO of Victory Holdings Group of Companies to allow him/her to identify the key profit earned at Victory Realty.

  MX EXCEL

 

ASSIGNMENT

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this assignment is to give you some experience with several of the advanced “decision support” features of the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.  These features include:

  • Data analysis using pivot tables
  • Comparison of different scenarios using scenario manager
  • Working with multiple worksheets
  • Spreadsheet organisation using grouping & outlines
  • Advanced MS Excel functions

This project carries 13% of the total coursework marks, and it is an INDIVIDUAL assignment.  The breakdown marks are as follows:

Required Tasks %
Use of Advanced Functions such as SUMIF, AVERAGEIF, COUNTIF (just to name a few), etc…Earlier Functions should be used in this assignment as well. 20
Use of Scenario Manager 20
Use of Grouping 10
Accuracy of the calculations and format of the spreadsheets 15
Use of Linking Worksheets/Workbooks Features 10
Use of Pivot Tables & Charts 15
Creativity & Originality & Other Misc. Features 10

DECISION MAKING SCENARIO

The purchase of a house usually entails some exchanges of prices between buyers and sellers.  The realtor is there to facilitate the transactions.  The seller has an asking price but typically settles for less.  The commission paid to Victory Realty is 9% commission on the actual selling price for the first $200,000, and a further 2.2% for the remaining selling price if the selling price is above $400,000.  A flat 6% is charged for selling price $400,000 & below. The realtor in turns gets 40% of the total commission paid to Victory Realty.

Victory Realty wishes to encourage its realtors to try to sell the house as close to the asking price of the sellers as possible.  To do that Victory Realty will pay additional bonus for house sold at a certain percentage of the asking price.  The distribution of extra bonus is calculated as follows:

  • A extra 1.0% bonus of the actual selling price is paid to the realtor if he/she is able to sell the house at 92% or more of the asking price.
  • A extra 0.75% bonus of the actual selling price is paid to the realtor if he/she is able to sell the house sold at 88% or more of the asking price.
  • A extra 0.5% bonus of the actual selling price is paid to the realtor if he/she is able to sell the house sold at less than 88% of the asking price
  • No extra bonus will be paid for houses sold at less than 82% of the asking price.

Victory Realty revenue is calculated from the commissions paid by the seller minus the commission and extra bonus paid to the realtor.  Calculate the percentage of $ earned for each home based on the actual final transacted price.  Develop a worksheet to be used by the CEO of Victory Holdings Group of Companies to allow him/her to identify the key profit earned at Victory Realty.

Also use pivot tables to organise Salesperson’s commission by month with total commission for the first half of the year for each salesperson.  Also in another separate pivot table, organise your data to reflect the net profit by house and by month.

 

REQUIREMENTS

You are required to create on the 1st spreadsheet (Commissions) a spreadsheet-based decision support model that allows the CEO of Victory Holdings Group of Companies to understand how the economic climate will affect the revenue earned at Victory Realty to compare different scenarios (e.g. Varying percentages collected from owners: 7%, 9%, 11% for the 1st $200,000; the 2.2% is fixed for all scenarios).  Rather than having a separate model for each scenario, you are expected to design a single model and employ “scenarios” to change only those aspects of the model that varies with the scenarios being considered.  At the same time, he is able to use the same workbook to forecast income for his group of companies.

Use advanced MS Excel built-in functions (IF, HLOOKUP, VLOOKUP, etc.) in your spreadsheet wherever you see fits.  Also use pivot tables to organise Realtor’s commission by month with total commission for the first half of the year for each realtor.  Also in another separate pivot table, organise your data to reflect the net profit by house and by month.

On a 2nd worksheet (Forecast), also plan a 5-year forecast (2023 to 20267) of the Group’s corporate taxable income based on the following assumptions:

Forecast of Increase/Decrease Percentages:
Restaurant   5.50%
Motor     7.65%
Realty      12.20%
Entertainment   -7.15%
Computers   -3.50%
Directors’ Fees   5.15%

 

Organise your spreadsheet (if possible) into grouping & outlines.

This value should come from worksheet 1 times 2.5

 

      2022
Victory Group Income        
Net Profit from Victory Restaurant   $395,000
Net Profit from Victory Motors   $298,800
Net Profit from Victory Realty   X value
Net Profit from Victory Entertainment $259,400
2.5 %  of total group income

Net Profit from Victory Computers

$195,000
         
Other Operating Expenses  
Annual Directors’ Fees   $275,000
Misc. Dividends to Shareholders   Y value

Total Corporate Taxable Income = Group Income – Other Operating Expenses

On the 3rd spreadsheet, (Loan) prepare a worksheet for all salespersons to use with the assumptions that if customer needs to take a house loan, it will normally be 65% of final transacted price with 35% being down payment.  The loan interest rate is prime rate plus 0.95%, (assume prime rate to be 3.25%, and can be changed anytime).  Period of loan is usually 15 years.  All price used are net of GST and PST.

Calculate the following: (You may pick one of the houses listed in the 1st worksheet)

  • Purchase Price of a house (may use linking worksheets feature)
  • Monthly mortgage payment & Total house payments (including down payment) over the 15 years
  • Total Interest for the house loan with Interest & Principal paid per month
  • Starting & Ending dates of payment
  • Beginning Principal & Ending Balance at the end of each month till the end of the loan

Example: 

Purchase Price $925,000.00   House Loan $601,250.00
Monthly Payment $4,507.87   Down Payment $323,750.00
Prime Rate 3.25%   Total Payment $1,135,167.31
Plus rate 0.95%   Period (years) 15
Month Beginning Principal     Interest Paid        Principal Paid         Ending Balance
Sep-22 $601,250.00 $2,104.38 $2,403.50 $598,846.50
Oct-22 $598,846.50 $2,095.96                 $2,411.91 $596,434.59
         

DESIGN ISSUES

The following is a short list of generic design issues that you should consider when building your application:

  • Never use a number in a formula. The purpose of a separate table of assumptions is to allow you to identify your assumptions and change them easily
  • Named ranges and cells should be used where practical to make your formulas more readable.
  • Use scenarios (instead of 2 separate workbooks) to compare situations that share the same basic model, but which have different values for critical decision inputs.
  • Create 1st 2 spreadsheets in ONE workbook named Victory.xls and the 3rd spreadsheet in another workbook named Dream.xls and link them. Use linking formula across workbooks/worksheets wherever possible.

 

Explain how the implementation of public key infrastructure, access controls, and threat analysis would be vital in reducing the cybersecurity impact of the Target data breach.

CT3 – 666-sara

Explain how the implementation of public key infrastructure, access controls, and threat analysis would be vital in reducing the cybersecurity impact of the Target data breach. Include current IT governance, change configuration, budgeting, and other risk factors that may prevent Target from becoming a victim of cybercrime.

Requirements:

  • Should be two-to-three pages in length, not including the title or reference pages.
  • Be sure to provide citations from your readings and additional research to support your statements.
  • APA style.
  • Avoid plagiarism.
  • Word format only
  • add small introduction an conclusion.

Provide some examples outside of math class of how you could apply your knowledge of polynomials.

Everyday Polynomials

Introduction

Let’s Explore! Because a polynomial is only a multi-term algebraic expression, it’s not as difficult as it might seem. Polynomials typically have multiple terms, each of which may be a variable, a number, or a combination of both. While some employ polynomials more deliberately, some people use them subconsciously throughout the day.

Here are three common, everyday things that professionals are known to use polynomials for:

  • People use polynomials to graph curves in the real world because they may be utilized to describe a variety of curve types. Polynomials, for instance, may be used by roller coaster designers to define the curves in their rides.
  • In economics, polynomial function combinations may be used to do cost evaluations, for instance.
  • Polynomials are used by engineers to graph bridge and roller coaster curves.

Directions

Provide some examples outside of math class of how you could apply your knowledge of polynomials.

Create a presentation using a presentation software (Google Slides, Powerpoint) on the healthy living topic, presenting the students findings from their research.

Healthy Influence Project Presentation

Project Purpose:
 -To identify, research and present a healthy living idea/topic
 -To provide students and opportunity to learn about something that interests them
 -To educate fellow students regarding healthy topics and to ‘influence’ them regarding health and wellness related topics

Project Description: The Healthy Influence Project Presentation consists of students choose a healthy living topic or idea, and then researching this topic, idea, or frame of mind. Students will use their research to create a presentation to ‘influence’ their peers regarding this topic. This is a very creative project, and should be fun and interesting. Project topics/ideas can be in a variety of health and wellness topics; For example “Health Benefits of Yoga,” “Is caffeine good for us?” (Just examples, don’t use these ideas!).

Students Will:
o Choose a healthy living topic/idea
o Submit this topic during Week 6 in a Discussion Post
o Research this topic/idea
o Create a presentation using a presentation software (Google Slides, Powerpoint) on the healthy living topic, presenting the students findings from their research. This should have about 7-10 minutes worth of content with a reference page.
o Post your presentation in a discussion forum for others to view, during week 10

Where will you build the new facility? Why? How will the new facility increase revenues? Will you have fewer seats to create more demand? How will you make this facility more fan friendly?

DISCUSSION ESSAY

Imagine You are the new Owner of the New York Knicks Research your selected team and answer the following questions:

Part One (One page)
You are the new owner of your team and have to build a new stadium/arena. Assume your facility is at least fifty years old and needs to be replaced.

  • Where will you build the new facility? Why?
  • How will the new facility increase revenues?
  • Will you have fewer seats to create more demand?
  • How will you make this facility more fan friendly?

Part Two (One page)
You are the new General Manager for your team. The owner wants a three-year plan as to how you are going to build the team to win a championship. Discuss how you are going to achieve this addressing:

  • Free agents
  • The coach
  • Trades
  • The draft
  • The farm system
  • Innovative ideas

Part Three (One page)
Go to the applicable link based on your selected team (example below):
Forbes.com/teams/new-york-yankees
Look at the bar charts on your team to answer parts 1, 2 and 3.

  • Discuss how the value of the franchise has changed in value over the years. Use numbers from the charts. Why do you think it has changed?
  • Discuss how the team’s revenues have changed over the years. Use numbers from the charts.
  • Discuss the changes in player expenses over the years. Use numbers from the charts. Does an increased payroll really help the team win more games?
  • What are you going to do to promote your team on a global basis so the owner can create more fan interest and make more money? Think of overseas games, jersey sales, the Internet, overseas offices, cable TV, clinics, player appearances and signing foreign born players.

Part Four (One page)
Sports agent Curtis Polk requires all his clients to follow this model regarding their income:

  • 50% will go to taxes
  • 40% you have to save and invest
  • 10% you can spend as you wish

Would you recommend this model to any player that you represented as a sports agent? Why or why not? What if the potential client said no?
Discuss three of the existing marketing deals that Lebron James currently has.
As the agent for Lebron James, what four companies would you try and get new marketing deals with and why? What kind of dollar amounts would you be looking at?
As the agent for Lebron James, would you recommend that he start his own shoe company? Why or why not?

Part Five (One page)
Please read Chapter 20 on Strategies for Career Success.
What are the four steps to obtaining the best first job and which one is most important?
Select one of the following careers in Sport Management: General Manager, Facility Manager, Athletic Director, Sports Broadcaster, Sports Agent, College Coach or Sports Attorney. Then discuss the following questions:

  • How will you obtain this position?
  • What are the job responsibilities?
  • Why you will be a success in this position?
  • What are some of the pros and cons of this position?
  • What do you think your annual compensation will be?

Part Six (One page)
Discuss four ways you will speed up the games in Major League Baseball. Fans are stating that the games are too long.
You are the owner of an NFL team and you want to address the liability from the lawsuits due to concussions. How will you make the game safer to play to address the concussion issue?
Read Chapter 16 on Sport Analytics. Discuss four points in the chapter that you can use to improve your team’s performance.

Write an essay on the impact of representative democratic leadership on poor service delivery.

DISCUSSION ESSAY

Write an essay on the impact of representative democratic leadership on poor service delivery.

Discuss about the risk involved in DB and DC plan? What are the different Personality Types of Investors. As a Portfolio Manager, what type of investment strategy would you formulate for “Spontaneous ” of Investors?

Portfolio management FIN424

1-The significance of IPS in Portfolio management. Explain it with appropriate examples.

2-Discuss about the risk involved in DB and DC plan?

3-What are the different Personality Types of Investors. As a Portfolio Manager, what type of investment strategy would you formulate for “Spontaneous ” of Investors?

To improve your answer you are requested to use scientific references, following APA style.

4-If Neutral rate is 4%, Inflation target is 3%, expected inflation is 7%, GDP long-term trend is 2% and expected GDP growth is 0%, so what will be the short-term interest rate target?

a.  

4%

b.  

11%

c.  

16%

d.  

5%

Show how are you answer it .

The cash flows associated with a public works project in Buffalo, New York, are shown. Use the modified B/C ratio at a discount rate of 5% per year to determine the economic justification.

CEIE 301 – Engineering and Economic models in civil engineering

7.7 The cost of grading and spreading gravel on a curvy rural road is expected to be $300,000. The road will have to be maintained at a cost of $25,000 per year. Even though the new road is not very smooth, it allows access to an area that previously could only be reached with off-road vehicles. The improved accessibility has led to a 150% increase in the property values along the road. If the previous market value of the property was $900,000, calculate the conventional B/C ratio using an interest rate of 6% per year and a 20-year study period. (5 points)

7.13 A government-funded wind-based electric power generation company in the southern part of the country has developed the following estimates (in $1000) for a new turbine farm. The MARR is 10% per year and the project life is 25 years. Calculate the (a) conventional B/C ratio, (b) modified B/C ratio, and (c) PI value. Benefits: $45,000 in year 0; $30,000 in year 5 Government savings:

  • $2,000 in years 1 through 20
  • Cost: $50,000 in year 0
  • Disbenefits: $3000 in years 1 through 10

(5 points)

7.16 The cash flows associated with a public works project in Buffalo, New York, are shown. Use the modified B/C ratio at a discount rate of 5% per year to determine the economic justification.

  • First cost, $ 50,000,000
  • AW of benefits, $/year 7,500,000
  • AW of disbenefits, $/year 1,700,000
  • M&O costs, $/year 900,000
  • Life of project, years 30

(5 points)

7.26 The two alternatives shown are under consideration for improving security at a county jail in Travis County, New York. Determine which one, if either, should be selected based on a B/C analysis, an interest rate of 7% per year, and a 10-year study period.

  • Extra Cameras
  • (EC)
  • New Sensors
  • (NS)
  • First cost, $ 38,000 87,000
  • Annual M&O, $ per year 49,000 84,000
  • Benefits, $ per year 110,000 87,000
  • Disbenefits, $ per year 16,000

(10 points)

7.29 A group of engineers responsible for developing advanced missile detection and tracking technologies such as shortwave infrared, thermal infrared detection, target tracking radar, etc. recently came up with six proposals for consideration. The present worth (in $ billions) of the capital requirements and benefits are shown. Determine which one(s) should be undertaken, if they are (a) independent and (b) Alternative A B C D E F

  • PW of Capital, $ 80 50 72 43 89 81
  • PW of Benefits, $ 70 55 76 52 85 84

(10 points)