Matching Items (21)
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- All Subjects: Finance
- Creators: W. P. Carey School of Business
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
This paper explores the history of sovereign debt default in developing economies and attempts to highlight the mistakes and accomplishments toward achieving debt sustainability. In the past century, developing economies have received considerable investment due to higher returns and a degree of disregard for the risks accompanying these investments. As the former Citibank chairman, Walter Wriston articulated, "Countries don't go bust" (This Time is Different, 51). Still, unexpected negative externalities have shattered this idea as the majority of developing economies follow a cyclical pattern of default. As coined by Reinhart and Rogoff, sovereign governments that fall into this continuous cycle have become known as serial defaulters. Most developed markets have not defaulted since World War II, thus escaping this persistent trap. Still, there have been developing economies that have been able to transition out of serial defaulting. These economies are able to leverage debt to compound growth without incurring the protracted consequences of a default. Although the cases are few, we argue that developing markets such as Chile, Mexico, Russia, and Uruguay have been able to escape this vicious cycle. Thus, our research indicates that collaborative debt restructurings coupled with long term economic policies are imperative to transitioning out of debt intolerance and into a sustainable debt position. Successful economies are able to leverage debt to create strong foundational growth rather than gambling with debt in the hopes of achieving rapid catch- up growth.
ContributorsPitt, Ryan (Co-author) / Martinez, Nick (Co-author) / Choueiri, Robert (Co-author) / Goegan, Brian (Thesis director) / Silverman, Daniel (Committee member) / Department of Economics (Contributor) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor) / School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (Contributor) / School of Politics and Global Studies (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2015-12
Description
My interest in this topic began last summer when I was fortunate enough to travel to Tomatin, Honduras on a microfinance mission with the organization Global Brigades. Microfinance previously an unknown concept to me, but once I saw the effect it had on the lives of those in need, I was immediately sold on its effectiveness. Microfinance stems from the field of developmental aid. While generally understood as one of the most powerful weapons in the fight against poverty, question as to which methods and techniques are the most effective are still unanswered. It is the goal of my thesis to examine the research in the area of microfinance, reveal the most effective methods, and apply these findings to improve the structure of the Global Brigade microfinance institution in Tomatin.
ContributorsZurek, Joseph William (Author) / Mendez, Jose (Thesis director) / Herbert, Anne (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor)
Created2014-05
Description
This paper takes a look at developing a technological start up revolving around the world of health and fitness. The entire process is documented, starting from the ideation phase, and continuing on to product testing and market research. The research done focuses on identifying a target market for a 24/7 fitness service that connects clients with personal trainers. It is a good study on the steps needed in creating a business, and serves as a learning tool for how to bring a product to market.
ContributorsHeck, Kyle (Co-author) / Mitchell, Jake (Co-author) / Korczynski, Brian (Co-author) / Peck, Sidnee (Thesis director) / Eaton, John (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / Department of Economics (Contributor) / Department of Management (Contributor) / Department of Psychology (Contributor) / Department of Supply Chain Management (Contributor) / School of Accountancy (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor)
Created2014-05
Description
An integral part of the financial system, the evolutionary history of commercial banking remains largely uncharted and is often grouped into banking development as a whole. Previous research on banking has primarily relied on economic analysis or has placed banking in a larger social context. This work aims to bridge the two by classifying commercial banking growth into four cycles of expansion, application, and decline. Drawing from historical accounts and growth cycle theory, this framework for classification is developed to better synthesize its progress and the fundamental innovations that changed the banking system. Beginning in 1150 with the foundation for deposit banking, the next three cycles of 1500, 1750, and 1933 mark periods of great innovation and a push toward the regulatory environment, technology, and globalization that define modern commercial banking. Paralleling the economic, financial, and political development of the Western World, its evolution is guided by three themes: the increased accumulation and flow of capital, regulation, and market expansion.
ContributorsSinger, Andrea Cayli (Author) / Licon, Wendell (Thesis director) / Hoffmeister, Ron (Committee member) / Brooks, Dan (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor)
Created2013-05
Description
Stand-up comedy, as a performance art, has a dearth of serious academic literature and exposition. In this paper, I set out to analyze comedy at the edge, what I refer to as abject comedy. I draw on the major performers in this vein of performance to analyze the effects of their material. Also, I use my more than three years experience in the stand-up world to take a sincere look at the power and effectiveness of this brand of comedy. The abject comedian addresses the personally political narrative of self-discovery, social inequality, and performative boundaries to absolve herself of the existing circumstances she perceives as deplorable and unfounded. I show that abject stand-up exhibits realistic performative change in not only the audience and performer, but in society as a whole. Lastly, I seek out my own motivations for performing stand-up comedy and address my personal relationship with humor and audience interaction, finding that I aim to discover truth, establish uncertainty, and test the limits of social boundaries. At the very least, I aim to make the audience question, to make them think. I do not expect my material to always have my personal intended affect on the audience, but making an affect, sparking a question, challenging the individual's accepted conceptual boundaries, these are my reasons for approaching the stage. Baring my self through a microphone on a well lit stage in a dark room for a group of strangers whose acceptance or denial elevates or remands my spirit; this is my pursuit. This is why I tell jokes
ContributorsRollingher, Daniel (Author) / Fahs, Breanne (Thesis director) / Botham, Thad (Committee member) / Vicich, Tony (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor)
Created2012-12
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
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
Amazon Prime Air is the innovative new service that promises automated drone delivery in thirty minutes or less. The platform has not yet been brought to market, but there is a plethora compelling data available that suggests it will be a unique and highly disruptive business segment for Amazon. The aim of this thesis is to analyze the framework laid out by Amazon.com, Inc. for their anticipated Prime Air drone delivery platform, and offer our recommendations for what steps the e-commerce giant should take moving forward. Following a brief recap of the company's founding and a breakdown of its various business segments, we will begin our analysis by examining past strategic decisions that Amazon has made which have directly contributed to their current market position. It is our goal to construct a narrative of what events lead the company to begin developing a fleet of automated delivery vehicles. Following this history lesson, we will review and criticize the existing elements of Amazon's Prime Air platform, and explore any possible alternatives that they could have taken to optimize the development of this exciting new technology. Criticisms will touch upon elements such as cost efficiencies, brand management, and utilization of infrastructure to name but a few. These criticisms will be based upon data sourced from Amazon's available material as well as comments from market analysts and journalists. The culminating element of our analysis will be to offer our professional recommendations as to what we believe the next logical steps that Amazon should take for their Prime Air platform. These recommendations will be informed by our criticisms and our understanding of Amazon as a corporation. This chapter will be largely concerned with guiding Amazon towards a fully optimized drone delivery platform. Our recommendations will be based upon our extensive experience concerning cost and logistical efficiencies, as well as our knowledge of Amazon as a corporation. We will offer succinct suggestions for Amazon's immediate needs as well as long-term solutions to lingering obstacles that they may face.
ContributorsMcCaleb, Nicholas (Co-author) / Glynn, Reagan (Co-author) / Choi, Thomas (Thesis director) / Rogers, Dale (Committee member) / Department of Supply Chain Management (Contributor) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor) / Department of Finance (Contributor) / W. P. Carey School of Business (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2017-05