Matching Items (34)
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- All Subjects: Finance
- All Subjects: Sustainability
- Creators: W. P. Carey School of Business
Description
For this thesis, the authors would like to create a hypothetical Private Equity Real Estate Investment firm that focuses on creating value for partners by taking an opportunistic approach to acquiring under-performing urban multi-family properties with large upside potential for investing. The project will focus on both the market analysis and financial modeling associated with investment strategy and transactions. There is a substantial amount of complexity within commercial real estate and this thesis seeks to offer an accurate and comprehensive documentary of the process, while simplifying it for everyday readers. Additionally, there are a significant amount of risk factors associated with investment decisions, so the best practices from the industry documented in this manuscript are valuable tools for successful investing in the future. To gain the most profound and reliable industry knowledge, the authors leveraged the experience of dozens of industry professionals through research and personal interviews. Through careful analysis, the authors were able to ascertain the current economic position in the real estate cycle and to create a plan for future investing. Additionally, they were able to identify and evaluate a specific asset for purchase. As a result, the authors found that multifamily properties are a sound investment for the next two years and that the company should slowly start to shift directions to office and retail in 2018.
ContributorsBacon, David (Co-author) / Soto, Justin (Co-author) / Kashiwagi, Dean (Thesis director) / Kashiwagi, Jacob (Committee member) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Department of Supply Chain Management (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / School of Accountancy (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2016-05
Description
As the IoT (Internet of Things) market continues to grow, Company X needs to find a way to penetrate the market and establish larger market share. The problem with Company X's current strategy and cost structure lies in the fact that the fastest growing portion of the IoT market is microcontrollers (MCUs). As Company X currently holds its focus in manufacturing microprocessors (MPUs), the current manufacturing strategy is not optimal for entering competitively into the MCU space. Within the MCU space, the companies that are competing the best do not utilize such high level manufacturing processes because these low cost products do not demand them. Given that the MCU market is largely untested by Company X and its products would need to be manufactured at increasingly lower costs, it runs the risk of over producing and holding obsolete inventory that is either scrapped or sold at or below cost. In order to eliminate that risk, we will explore alternative manufacturing strategies for Company X's MCU products specifically, which will allow for a more optimal cost structure and ultimately a more profitable Internet of Things Group (IoTG). The IoT MCU ecosystem does not require the high powered technology Company X is currently manufacturing and therefore, Company X loses large margins due to its unnecessary leading technology. Since cash is king, pursuing a fully external model for MCU design and manufacturing processes will generate the highest NPV for Company X. It also will increase Company X's market share, which is extremely important given that every tech company in the world is trying to get its hands into the IoT market. It is possible that in ten to thirty years down the road, Company X can manufacture enough units to keep its products in-house, but this is not feasible in the foreseeable future. For now, Company X should focus on the cost market of MCUs by driving its prices down while maintaining low costs due to the variables of COGS and R&D given in our fully external strategy.
ContributorsKadi, Bengimen (Co-author) / Peterson, Tyler (Co-author) / Langmack, Haley (Co-author) / Quintana, Vince (Co-author) / Simonson, Mark (Thesis director) / Hertzel, Michael (Committee member) / Department of Supply Chain Management (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / School of Accountancy (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2016-05
Description
The goal of this project is to gain and use knowledge of sustainability topics as a value-adding function for a business in the Tempe, AZ area and to develop the skills to approach and consult with business owners and staff about sustainable business options. Sustainability searches for a balance between society, economy and the environment where all three can thrive; therefore, the ideal project partner was a business that values the wellbeing of mankind, is locally owned and operated and promotes environmental stewardship. The Original Chop Shop Co in Tempe Arizona was appropriately selected. Throughout the duration of our partnership, I observed their daily routine, interviewed employees and managers and used the collected information to identify three areas of focus that have the largest potential to reduce The Original Chop Shop Company's impact on the environment. Information on the areas of recycling, composting, and food sourcing was researched and synthesized to make suggestions for ecofriendly changes to business practices. The scope of the project includes small changes in daily practices such as implementing a recycling and composting program and employee training sessions and minor investments such as purchasing a micro washer and silverware in order to eliminate nonrenewable plastic utensils. The scope does not include major renovations or investments in technology. The suggestions offered position The Original Chop Shop to conduct business in a way that does not compromise the health of the environment, society, or economy.
ContributorsFerry, Brianna Aislinn (Author) / Dooley, Kevin (Thesis director) / Darnall, Nicole (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / School of Politics and Global Studies (Contributor)
Created2015-05
Description
Sustainability has been a growing topic since the 1970’s, but is truly taking shape today as society is beginning to understand the necessity of protecting our environment. Business organizations are following this ‘megatrend’ and are beginning to incorporate sustainable initiatives in their organizations from the inside out. The sports industry is no exception as they are extremely influential over the millions of fans that follow them, whom have a strong affiliation with their favorite team. The Arizona Diamondbacks understand this responsibility and seek to be a leader in their community by creating many sustainable initiatives within their organization and community. The current problem the organization faces, is that much of the community are not aware of their environmental commitment. This is in part due to a lack of marketing within the organization and to the Arizona valley. This project analyzes the sports industry’s commitment to sustainability and how the Arizona Diamondbacks compare to industry leaders. Included is a detailed marketing plan for the organization comprised of current initiatives and of new initiatives that the Diamondbacks could potentially carry out. The implementation of this proposal could deem extremely beneficial as it would strengthen their identity, unify their employees and engage fans, which will make them feel a deeper affiliation with the organization. The Diamondbacks have made a commitment to the environment, but it is time to deepen that commitment, set an example for people in the Valley and in turn, spark social change.
ContributorsBauman, Jillian (Co-author) / Hopson, Emma (Co-author) / Eaton, John (Thesis director) / Kutz, Elana (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Department of Management (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / School of Sustainability (Contributor)
Created2015-05
Description
Derived from the idea that the utilization of sustainable practices could improve small business practice, this honors thesis offers a full business assessment and recommendations for improvements of a local, family-owned coffee shop, Gold Bar. A thorough analysis of the shop's current business practices and research on unnecessary expenses and waste guides this assessment.
ContributorsSorden, Clarissa (Co-author) / Boden, Alexandra (Co-author) / Darnall, Nicole (Thesis director) / Dooley, Kevin (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Sustainability (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Department of Management (Contributor) / Department of Supply Chain Management (Contributor)
Created2015-05
Description
In order to discover if Company X's current system of local trucking is the most efficient and cost-effective way to move freight between sites in the Western U.S., we will compare the current system to varying alternatives to see if there are potential avenues for Company X to create or implement an improved cost saving freight movement system.
ContributorsPicone, David (Co-author) / Krueger, Brandon (Co-author) / Harrison, Sarah (Co-author) / Way, Noah (Co-author) / Simonson, Mark (Thesis director) / Hertzel, Michael (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Supply Chain Management (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Economics Program in CLAS (Contributor) / School of Accountancy (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law (Contributor)
Created2015-05
Description
Company X is one of the world's largest semiconductor companies in the world, having a current market capitalization of 177.44 Billion USD, an enterprise value of 173.6 Billion USD, and generated 52.7 billion USD in revenue in fiscal year 2013. Recently, Company X has been looking to expand its Foundry business. The Foundry business in the semiconductor business is the actual process of making the chips. This process can be approached in several different ways by companies who need their chips built. A company, like TSMC, can be considered a pure-play company and only makes chips for other companies. A fabless company, like Apple, creates its own chip design and then allows another company to build them. It also uses other chip designs for its products, but outsources the building to another company. Lastly, the integrated device manufacturing companies like Samsung or Company X both design and build the chip. The foundry industry is a rather novel market for Company X because it owns less than 1 percent of the market. However, the industry itself is rather large, generating a total of 40 billion dollars in revenue annually, with expectations to have increasing year over year growth into the foreseeable future. The industry is fairly concentrated with TSMC being the top competitor, owning roughly 50 percent of the market with Samsung and Global Foundries lagging behind as notable competitors. It is a young industry and there is potential opportunity for companies that want to get into the business. For Company X, it is not only another market to get into, but also an added business segment to supplant their business segments that are forecasted to do poorly in the near future. This thesis will analyze the financial opportunity for Company X in the foundry space. Our final product is a series of P&L's which illustrate our findings. The results of our analysis were presented and defended in front of a panel of Company X managers and executives.
ContributorsJones, Trevor (Author) / Matiski, Matthew (Co-author) / Green, Alex (Co-author) / Simonson, Mark (Thesis director) / Hertzel, Michael (Committee member) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2015-05
Description
Dr. Dean Kashiwagi created a new thinking paradigm, Information Measurement Theory (IMT), which utilizes the understanding of natural laws to help individuals minimize decision-making and risk, which leads to reduced stress. In this new paradigm, any given situation can only have one unique outcome. The more information an individual has for the given situation, the better they can predict the outcome. Using IMT can help correctly "predict the future" of any situation if given enough of the correct information. A prime example of using IMT would be: to correctly predict what a young woman will be like when she's older, simply look at the young woman's mother. In essence, if you can't fall in love with the mother, don't marry the young woman. The researchers are utilizing the concept of IMT and extrapolating it to the financial investing world. They researched different financial investing strategies and were able to come to the conclusion that a strategy utilizing IMT would yield the highest results for investors while minimizing stress. Investors using deductive logic to invest received, on average, 1300% more returns than investors who did not over a 25-year period. Where other investors made many decisions and were constantly stressed with the tribulations of the market, the investors utilizing IMT made one decision and made much more than other investors. The research confirms the stock market will continue to increase over time by looking at the history of the stock market from a birds-eye view. Throughout the existence of the stock market, there have been highs and lows, but at the end of the day, the market continues to break through new ceilings. Investing in the stock market can be a dark and scary place for the blind investor. Using the concept of IMT can eliminate that blindfold to reduce stress on investors while earning the highest financial return potential. Using the basis of IMT, the researchers predict the market will continue to increase in the future; in conclusion, the best investment strategy is to invest in blue chip stocks that have a history of past success, in order to capture secure growth with minimal risk and stress.
ContributorsBerns, Ryan (Co-author) / Ybanez, Julian (Co-author) / Kashiwagi, Dean (Thesis director) / Kashiwagi, Jacob (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor)
Created2015-05
Description
This thesis conducts research into the emissions from ocean going vessels and the ports that they dock at and current methods that are being pursued to help reduce the environmental impact of the ocean shipping industry. The main emissions from the industry analyzed are particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen, oxides of sulfur and greenhouse gases. One method of reducing the environmental impact of the industry is through the improvement of the vessels. The vessels are currently being improved through the exploration of using liquefied natural gas (LNG) instead of bunker fuel. It has been found that LNG takes up less space, costs less, and has fewer emissions compared to bunker fuel, making it an ideal replacement as a fuel source. In addition to changing fuel sources, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has created emission control areas around the United States and its territories mandating the use of ultra-low sulfur diesel within a certain range of land. There are two emission control areas with one being for the United States, Canada, and the French Territories of North America and the other for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For the North American nations it is 200 nautical miles, while for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands it is 50 nautical miles. This is an external pressure encouraging current shipping companies to switch to LNG as a fuel source. A second method of reducing the environmental impact of the ocean shipping industry is to improve the ports. The ports are being improved by utilizing alternative maritime power, reducing the emissions of vehicles at the ports, and engaging all of the stakeholders of a port. Alternative maritime power (AMP) is the use of shore-side power sources to power the auxiliary engines of vessels while they are hotelling, at dock. AMP is also referred to as cold-ironing and is effective in reducing emissions from vessels because the auxiliary engines are powered by electricity as opposed to fuel. This is an expensive option to pursue because of the high investment costs, but the Carl Moyer Program provides analysis for the cost-effectiveness of projects to justify the high costs. The second facet of port improvements is decreasing the emissions from all vehicles at the ports. The Port of Los Angeles has gradually been phasing out trucks with old engines and even banning them from entering the port. Cargo handling equipment has seen similar restrictions to reduce emissions. Finally locomotives have seen requirements implemented causing them to improve their engines while implementing idling restriction technologies as well. These improvements have yielded tangible and effective results for the Port of Los Angeles. These initiatives have resulted in a decrease in emissions from the port since their inception in 2005 to 2011 (2011 being the last year that data is available). In that time frame diesel particulate matter has been reduced by 71% at 634 tons, NOx has been reduced by 51% at 8,392 tons and SOx has been reduced by 76% at a total of 4,038 tons. The final part of port improvements this paper looks into is the integration and engagement of all stakeholders. The Port of Los Angeles has all but approved the Southern California International Gateway Project (SCIG) by Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway. This project included the cooperation of BNSF, local unions, and local politicians to create a new rail yard that contains the highest sustainability standards for any rail yard. SCIG will employ numerous local people, require trucks to take alternative routes, reduce the amount of trucks on the highway, and help get products to consumers more competitively and efficiently. This will result in reduced emissions, decreased noise pollution, and less traffic congestion on Los Angeles highways. In conclusion it was found that real, effective, and cost-effective projects are being undertaken to improve the environmental impacts of the ocean shipping industry.
ContributorsAlbright, Joe Todd (Author) / Maltz, Arnold (Thesis director) / Dooley, Kevin (Committee member) / Brown, Steven (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Supply Chain Management (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor)
Created2013-05
DescriptionThe project consisted on creating a model for a venture capital firm to use that would help in screening through investment opportunities.
ContributorsRojo, Grecia (Co-author) / Cullen, Justin (Co-author) / Gandhi, Prayas (Co-author) / Brooks, Daniel (Thesis director) / Foy, Joseph (Committee member) / O'Brien, Jennifer (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor)
Created2013-05