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Finance and Supply Chain Operations Post Pandemic: A Guide for Small Businesses Post Pandemic

Description

This thesis examines real experiences of how small businesses responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in order to generate recommendations for said businesses post pandemic from a finance and supply chain perspective. A literature review finds that several trends that emerged over the pandemic, such as supply and demand changes, workforce…

This thesis examines real experiences of how small businesses responded to the COVID-19 pandemic in order to generate recommendations for said businesses post pandemic from a finance and supply chain perspective. A literature review finds that several trends that emerged over the pandemic, such as supply and demand changes, workforce difficulties, financing struggles, and the effectiveness of the Payment Protection Program. Next, we conducted a survey of local small businesses based on the findings in the literature review. The survey aimed to examine managers’ struggles, strategies, and responses to the pandemic. The survey responses were examined and then analyzed to find how they compare to the statistics from the literature review. The findings from the results and other sources served as the basis for which small business recommendations are made on how to prepare for future unprecedented economic crises and better situate themselves to respond.

ContributorsOnyszchuk, Ethan (Author) / Thomas, Ryan (Co-author) / Simonson, Mark (Thesis director) / Printezis, Antonios (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / School of Accountancy (Contributor) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor)

Created2022-05

Company X Collaborative Thesis: Entry Level Processors

Description

This project examines entry-level processors for Company X. Analyzing their current position and creating recommendations for their future positioning in regard to entry-level processors. Utilizing financial models, our group worked to determine the most effective way to optimize NPV and gross margin for this segment. With extensive step models and…

This project examines entry-level processors for Company X. Analyzing their current position and creating recommendations for their future positioning in regard to entry-level processors. Utilizing financial models, our group worked to determine the most effective way to optimize NPV and gross margin for this segment. With extensive step models and sensitivity analysis, we analyzed potential paths that Company X could take. Continuing to be mindful of the limitations that certain projected paths would entail. Through our analysis, we were able to form a comprehensive suggestion that had a positive 8-year NPV and an improved gross margin percentage.

ContributorsJones, Ciara (Author) / Kuo, Ian (Co-author) / Mathias, Chase (Co-author) / Huseinovic, Ayla (Co-author) / Simonson, Mark (Thesis director) / Hertzel, Michael (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor)

Created2024-05

GPU vs CPU: AI and the Xeon Business

Description

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence has propelled significant growth in the GPU market. In the evolving data center landscape, Company X faces challenges due to its lag in entering the GPU market, which jeopardizes its competitive advantage against industry players like Nvidia and AMD. To address these issues, our…

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence has propelled significant growth in the GPU market. In the evolving data center landscape, Company X faces challenges due to its lag in entering the GPU market, which jeopardizes its competitive advantage against industry players like Nvidia and AMD. To address these issues, our thesis aims to analyze market dynamics between CPUs and GPUs-whether they present distinct markets or compete against each other. We seek to guide Company X in maximizing profitability and sustaining its pivotal role in the semiconductor industry amidst the AI revolution. Specifically, we discuss optimizing their GPU offering, Falcon Shores, towards specific markets and doubling down on the production of CPUs.

ContributorsKujawa, Brennan (Author) / Ulreich-Power, Cameron (Co-author) / Mostaghimi, Dunya (Co-author) / Livesay, Thomas (Co-author) / Simonson, Mark (Thesis director) / Hertzel, Michael (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor)

Created2024-05

Valuing Offerpad: iBuying business model looks poised to disrupt the traditional real estate process

Description

This paper acts as an initiation of coverage report for Offerpad, a technology-based real estate platform headquartered in Chandler, Arizona. The report reviews industry dynamics, analyzes Offerpad's competitive positioning, and uses financial valuation techniques to arrive at a buy recommendation for the company.

ContributorsNance, Jacob (Author) / Simonson, Mark (Thesis director) / Licon, Wendell (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor)

Created2023-05

Substrate Industry Dynamics and Price Implications

Description

This paper serves as an analysis of the current operational conditions of a real-world company – referred to as “Company X” – with respect to the IC substrate industry. The cost of substrates, a crucial component in the production of Company X’s product, has recently diverged from Company X’s predictions…

This paper serves as an analysis of the current operational conditions of a real-world company – referred to as “Company X” – with respect to the IC substrate industry. The cost of substrates, a crucial component in the production of Company X’s product, has recently diverged from Company X’s predictions and is contributing to declining profitability. This analysis aims to discover the underlying cause for price divergence and recommend potential resolutions to improve the forecast of substrate costs and profitability. The paper is organized as follows: Chapter 1 is an introduction to IC substrates and the industry as a whole, Chapter 2 is a breakdown of the specific factors responsible for substrate prices, and Chapter 3 delivers a final recommendation to Company X and concludes the paper.

ContributorsO'Loughlin, Connor (Author) / Fares, Ari (Co-author) / Aggarwal, Bianca (Co-author) / King, Camden (Co-author) / Guillaume, Riley (Co-author) / Simonson, Mark (Thesis director) / Hertzel, Mike (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (Contributor)

Created2023-05

An Analysis of Substance Use Disorder Treatment and an Exploration of Opportunities for Telehealth

Description

This thesis explores how a completely online treatment service can help lower the treatment gap through a financial lens. The thesis then analyzes how an online only model differs from traditional treatment programs with an emphasis on financial data. It includes market models and financial forecasts. The thesis also outlines…

This thesis explores how a completely online treatment service can help lower the treatment gap through a financial lens. The thesis then analyzes how an online only model differs from traditional treatment programs with an emphasis on financial data. It includes market models and financial forecasts. The thesis also outlines a business model for an online only treatment center and addresses the financial and operational difficulties in starting such a venture.

ContributorsLefevre, Thomas Owen (Author) / Simonson, Mark (Thesis director) / Shafer, Michael (Committee member) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)

Created2021-05

Capital Efficiency Metrics

Description

We gathered and analyzed key data from a wide-range of competitors in the foundry, fabless, and Integrated design manufacturing business. After detecting a downward trend in the return of invested capital (ROIC) and higher capital intensity of Company X, we searched for alternatives to turn this around. We conclude that,…

We gathered and analyzed key data from a wide-range of competitors in the foundry, fabless, and Integrated design manufacturing business. After detecting a downward trend in the return of invested capital (ROIC) and higher capital intensity of Company X, we searched for alternatives to turn this around. We conclude that, to decrease the net PPE of Company X, a sale-leaseback transaction would help Company X reduce their balance sheet and provided financing to advance their manufacturing capabilities.

ContributorsBhat, Arjun Khandige (Co-author) / Brock, Ethan (Co-author) / Gamperl, Max (Co-author) / Gupta, Viraj (Co-author) / Macha, Sanketh (Co-author) / Simonson, Mark (Thesis director) / Duran, Juan Carlos (Committee member) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)

Created2018-05

Collaborative Thesis - GPU vs CPU: AI and the Xeon Business

Description

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence has propelled significant growth in the GPU market. In the evolving data center landscape, Company X faces challenges due to its lag in entering the GPU market, which jeopardizes its competitive advantage against industry players like Nvidia and AMD. To address these issues, our…

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence has propelled significant growth in the GPU market. In the evolving data center landscape, Company X faces challenges due to its lag in entering the GPU market, which jeopardizes its competitive advantage against industry players like Nvidia and AMD. To address these issues, our thesis aims to analyze market dynamics between CPUs and GPUs-whether they present distinct markets or compete against each other. We seek to guide Company X in maximizing profitability and sustaining its pivotal role in the semiconductor industry amidst the AI revolution. Specifically, we discuss optimizing their GPU offering, Falcon Shores, towards specific markets and doubling down on the production of CPUs.

ContributorsLivesay, Thomas (Author) / Kujawa, Brennan (Co-author) / Ulreich-Power, Cameron (Co-author) / Mostaghimi, Dunya (Co-author) / Simonson, Mark (Thesis director) / Hertzel, Mike (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor)

Created2024-05

Company X Collaborative Thesis: Entry Level Processors

Description

This project examines entry-level processors for Company X. Analyzing their current position and creating recommendations for their future positioning in regard to entry-level processors. Utilizing financial models, our group worked to determine the most effective way to optimize NPV and gross margin for this segment. With extensive step models and…

This project examines entry-level processors for Company X. Analyzing their current position and creating recommendations for their future positioning in regard to entry-level processors. Utilizing financial models, our group worked to determine the most effective way to optimize NPV and gross margin for this segment. With extensive step models and sensitivity analysis, we analyzed potential paths that Company X could take. Continuing to be mindful of the limitations that certain projected paths would entail. Through our analysis, we were able to form a comprehensive suggestion that had a positive 8-year NPV and an improved gross margin percentage.

ContributorsKuo, Nicholas (Author) / Mathias, Chase (Co-author) / Jones, Ciara (Co-author) / Huseinovic, Ayla (Co-author) / Simonson, Mark (Thesis director) / Hertz, Micheal (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Historical, Philosophical & Religious Studies, Sch (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor)

Created2024-05

Life Cycle Analysis and Financial Modeling of 100% Reusable Cup Café Store

Description

The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the benefits and barriers of the circular economy in comparison to the traditional, single-use linear economy. The project scope pertains to a case study of a 100% reusable cup café store, conducting analysis through an environmental, financial, and social lens. Two tools…

The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the benefits and barriers of the circular economy in comparison to the traditional, single-use linear economy. The project scope pertains to a case study of a 100% reusable cup café store, conducting analysis through an environmental, financial, and social lens. Two tools were created to analyze this program. A life cycle analysis was designed to interpret environmental impacts, and a total cost assessment was designed to analyze operational financing. The main finding of this work is to ensure that reusable cups exhibit an average lifetime, quantified in the number of uses, that exceeds environmental indicator break-even points to produce a lower emissions footprint within an open population café store setting.

ContributorsSroka, Sara (Author) / Simonson, Mark (Thesis director) / Johnson, Nathan (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor)

Created2024-05

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