Matching Items (12)
Filtering by
- Creators: Department of Finance
- Member of: Barrett, The Honors College Thesis/Creative Project Collection
- Resource Type: Text
- Status: Published
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
My Honors Thesis is about answering a central question regarding the business of real estate: "What is the return on investment of obtaining a real estate license?" I focused my research on the monetary, time, and other value factors that affect the initial cost of securing a real estate salesperson license in the State of Arizona (costs) and the amount of money a licensed salesperson makes as a result of having a salesperson license (income). Licensees make this trade-off: the cost in terms of real dollars to obtain a license, as well as the opportunity costs associated with the time to secure, start using, and begin to earn money by way of a salesperson license. To answer the central question I conducted a survey of active licensees in order to determine the value ascribed to holding a real estate salesperson license. Through my research, I concluded that there is not a single number that can be assigned to a real estate license that indicates its value, but the data collected reveals that the return on investment has the potential to be great. Upfront costs and fees necessary to obtain a license are insignificant when the commission a licensee can then make from a single transaction is enough to cover those expenses. Therefore, based on the survey results and research into the initial costs associated with obtaining a real estate license, there appears to be sufficient data to support a positive return on investment and warrant obtaining a real estate license.
ContributorsSanders, Sarah (Author) / Stapp, Mark (Thesis director) / Koblenz, Blair (Committee member) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2018-05
Description
This paper investigates whether measures of investor sentiment can be used to predict future total returns of the S&P 500 index. Rolling regressions and other statistical techniques are used to determine which indicators contain the most predictive information and which time horizons' returns are "easiest" to predict in a three year data set. The five "most predictive" indicators are used to predict 180 calendar day future returns of the market and simulated investment of hypothetical accounts is conducted in an independent six year data set based on the rolling regression future return predictions. Some indicators, most notably the VIX index, appear to contain predictive information which led to out-performance of the accounts that invested based on the rolling regression model's predictions.
ContributorsDundas, Matthew William (Author) / Boggess, May (Thesis director) / Budolfson, Arthur (Committee member) / Hedegaard, Esben (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor)
Created2013-12
Description
The rising age of the Baby Boomer generation has made a significant impact on the workforce, leaving leadership gaps that Generation X is unable to fill. This leaves an opportunity for the Millennial generation to step up and use their strengths and skills to become stronger leaders of the business and sales industry.
To bridge the gap between the growing sales industry there is the ability to properly train Millennials so they are successful and stay within their roles longer. By attacking this problem from a university level by strengthening sales programs as well as having employers understand and respond to needs of the Millennial generation, this will create an overall successful Millennial salesperson that will stay with their employer long term.
Strengths and weaknesses of this generation are also important to understand. Millennials are known to be tech-savvy, open-minded, collaborative, and connected, resourceful networkers. They also carry weaknesses and stereotypes of being lazy, lacking communication skills, impatient, entitled, and demanding of feedback and work flexibility. From an employer, they expect a large salary as well as a good culture, manager feedback, a mentor, work-life integration, an employer with a social responsibility mindset, and a sense of purpose.
An analysis of 12 sales programs at various universities across the country helped to understand what is being taught and offered to students as well as commonalities and differences that make a strong sales program. Commonalities among these programs include, about 250+ students, high job placement, sales labs, hosting and competing in sales competitions, and a desire to expand and grow their programs. Unique aspects of various programs were partnerships with the sales industry, hosting fundraisers, student ambassadors for the sales program, CRM courses, and internships and competition requirements.
Primary research was conducted to understand various sales development programs from companies in the sales industry. The 12 companies that participated in this research were from Arizona State University’s Sales Advisory Board. These companies completed a survey that provided detailed information of their onboarding and training process as well as their opinions of Millennial employees.
From this research, recommendations were formed for employers,
• creating a collaborative and innovative culture
• A mentorship program
• work flexibility
• continuous learning
• sense of purpose
As for Arizona State’s Sales Program, recommendations include,
• a mentorship program between Sales Scholars and the Sales Advisory Board
• creating a sales lab
• implementing CRM curriculum in classes
• continued support from the Board and alumni of the sales program
To bridge the gap between the growing sales industry there is the ability to properly train Millennials so they are successful and stay within their roles longer. By attacking this problem from a university level by strengthening sales programs as well as having employers understand and respond to needs of the Millennial generation, this will create an overall successful Millennial salesperson that will stay with their employer long term.
Strengths and weaknesses of this generation are also important to understand. Millennials are known to be tech-savvy, open-minded, collaborative, and connected, resourceful networkers. They also carry weaknesses and stereotypes of being lazy, lacking communication skills, impatient, entitled, and demanding of feedback and work flexibility. From an employer, they expect a large salary as well as a good culture, manager feedback, a mentor, work-life integration, an employer with a social responsibility mindset, and a sense of purpose.
An analysis of 12 sales programs at various universities across the country helped to understand what is being taught and offered to students as well as commonalities and differences that make a strong sales program. Commonalities among these programs include, about 250+ students, high job placement, sales labs, hosting and competing in sales competitions, and a desire to expand and grow their programs. Unique aspects of various programs were partnerships with the sales industry, hosting fundraisers, student ambassadors for the sales program, CRM courses, and internships and competition requirements.
Primary research was conducted to understand various sales development programs from companies in the sales industry. The 12 companies that participated in this research were from Arizona State University’s Sales Advisory Board. These companies completed a survey that provided detailed information of their onboarding and training process as well as their opinions of Millennial employees.
From this research, recommendations were formed for employers,
• creating a collaborative and innovative culture
• A mentorship program
• work flexibility
• continuous learning
• sense of purpose
As for Arizona State’s Sales Program, recommendations include,
• a mentorship program between Sales Scholars and the Sales Advisory Board
• creating a sales lab
• implementing CRM curriculum in classes
• continued support from the Board and alumni of the sales program
ContributorsQuinn, Jacklyn Michelle (Author) / Montoya, Detra (Thesis director) / Dietrich, John (Committee member) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2017-05
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, 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
Description
The millennial generation is quickly solidifying its place as the dominate generation within the workforce. As millennials transition through workplace hierarchy it is essential organizations understand how to properly develop incoming talent. This is especially important within sales as the opportunity cost for hiring and developing new sales professionals is much higher compared to other professions. Downward trends in millennial retention rates is also a strong contributing factor to the importance of understanding the millennial generation. This paper aims to identify key concepts and elements employers should incorporate into their sales training programs in order to better develop millennials entering sales roles. Through an analysis of each generation and sales training a clear framework will be identified to achieve this goal. Analyzing millennials unique strengths and weaknesses will provide the basis for the key areas employers need to focus on when designing their sales development programs. The framework identified is easily adaptable within any organizations as the concepts discussed can be universally applied.
ContributorsStensland, Zachary William (Author) / Montoya, Detra (Thesis director) / Schlacter, John (Committee member) / Department of Marketing (Contributor) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2017-05
Description
The insurance industry consists of financial advisors planning for individual’s financial future through defensive investments that will payout in case of something happening to a person’s greatest asset—themselves. Each financial advisor is mandated to pass a professional exam to receive their license in order to take in clients in each state. There is a process in which clients are serviced and sold on different products of insurance. Advisors need to consider client needs and service them with products are in their best interest and within financial reason. <br/> To sell a product you must have clients, and the way that financial advisor receive clients are generally through two ways: company provided or their own connections. At the end of the day, the goal is to get in front of more people and expand you circle. In that sense, there are two common way people address this expansion of circles and that is build relationships versus networking. The goal of this paper is to dive deep in the insurance industry and analyze the sales process when comparing the difference in selling through building relationships versus selling through networking.<br/> The research plan I have in mind start from researching background and history, to current practices environment, to method process solutions. In the initial stages of my research, I will focus on background and history of the financial services industry in terms of sales and insurance. This will address insurance sales processes in the financial services industry and its features as well as benefits. After explaining the step by step process and potential results of the sales process in the insurance industry, I will start researching current environments of the industry. This will explain the history, key theoretical elements, and significant events of the industry. <br/> The history of the background will set stage for me to address situational challenges in the business based on my own experience to which I will do research to find plausible sales process solutions when comparing relationship sales to networking sales. This research will then be synthesized with my own experimental solutions as I work in the industry, which will help me complete chapter 4 and 5 of my theses – Methods and Execution of Results.
ContributorsSkelnik, Eason John (Author) / Byrne, Jared (Thesis director) / Desiderio, Jake (Committee member) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Department of Supply Chain Management (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2021-05
Description
This thesis explores the profitability of various technical trading strategies to explore their ability, generate returns in the American stock market. All strategies are based on five popular technical indicators, including the volume-weighted average price, moving average convergent-divergent index, Bollinger bands, support/resistance, and simple momentum trading. Most strategies were tested from 2019-2022 and tested for the SPY and QQQ stocks, representing the S&P 500 and NASDAQ. 3 of the 26 strategies had win rates of over 50%, but several were able to greatly outperform broader market returns. The best performing strategies were based on simple momentum trading, while the MACD and Bollinger Bands produced the worst results. Some strategies based on simple momentum trading or Bollinger bands found results greatly exceeding standard market returns in recent years, but most do not.
ContributorsEberle-Taylor, Nicholas (Author) / Boguth, Oliver (Thesis director) / Ikram, Atif (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor)
Created2022-05
Description
The Solis Lofts Development Proposal thesis consisted of a full prospective development within the City of Tempe. Our team conducted a vast amount of market research to determine what sector of the market would provide the best return on investment. We organized meetings with local brokers from Cushman & Wakefield, CBRE, JLL, and Colliers International to learn more about the current market environment. Also, we organized meetings with local developers, architects, and lenders. These included Merit Partners, Sunbelt Holdings, MODUS Development, Catclar Investments, 5Visual, Butler Design Group, and Colonial Capital. Through the research we conducted we were able to successfully determine that a multifamily development within the City of Tempe would be a great way to enter the Commercial Real Estate Development field. Our project consisted of the full land acquisition process, architectural site plan review, financial analysis, and completion of the product.
ContributorsLiu, Braden John (Co-author) / Butura, Alexander (Co-author) / Zwillinger, Mason (Co-author) / Farnsworth, Yzaac (Co-author) / Sadusky, Brian (Thesis director) / Avrhami, Matthew (Committee member) / Department of Finance (Contributor, Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05
Description
This paper will examine the statistical significance of IRR dispersions caused by adjustments to property conditions. Many different economic metrics affect the returns and performance of real estate assets. During the underwriting process, many of these factors are considered and analyzed to find the true value of the asset given a set of market conditions. Because of the dynamic nature of the market, these factors fluctuate and therefore affect asset returns. Using Argus software, real estate managers can identify these variables and see how their adjustments affect asset returns in real-time. The beginning of this paper will start with an outline of the properties being analyzed, and well as financial information and market assumptions. For the statistical analysis, the Argus inputs that will be analyzed are:
1. Rental Revenue
2. Occupancy Rate
3. Tenant Improvements
4. Leasing Commissions
5. Operating Expenses
6. Capital Expenditures
7. Purchase Price
8. LTV
9. Debt Service Payment
10. Exit Sales Price
For the analysis, each variable will be individually adjusted without any changes to the other variables to ensure that changes in IRR are solely a result of the variable being adjusted. After the sensitivity analysis, each variable will be examined further the showcase differences in disparities and provide managerial insight. Finally, the findings will be applied to a modern-day scenario for additional insight on the practice use of the data. The importance of this data is that once analyzed, it can help real estate managers understand the main determinants of value in commercial real estate investments.
1. Rental Revenue
2. Occupancy Rate
3. Tenant Improvements
4. Leasing Commissions
5. Operating Expenses
6. Capital Expenditures
7. Purchase Price
8. LTV
9. Debt Service Payment
10. Exit Sales Price
For the analysis, each variable will be individually adjusted without any changes to the other variables to ensure that changes in IRR are solely a result of the variable being adjusted. After the sensitivity analysis, each variable will be examined further the showcase differences in disparities and provide managerial insight. Finally, the findings will be applied to a modern-day scenario for additional insight on the practice use of the data. The importance of this data is that once analyzed, it can help real estate managers understand the main determinants of value in commercial real estate investments.
ContributorsMakhija, Aditya (Author) / Stapp, Mark (Thesis director) / Koblenz, Blair (Committee member) / Department of Finance (Contributor, Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2020-05