C/F/331. Management's focus should be on increasing shareholder value: analysis of good and bad practice within financial industry

The paper looks at the issues of corporate social responsibility (CSR) facing global financial services. CSR theories are reviewed with the focus on shareholder and stakeholder theories; the interests of the principal stakeholders in financial markets are discussed including those of individual customers, corporate customers, regulators, government, etc. Good and bad practices in financial services are described arguing the need for a new integrated approach to shareholder value.

C/F/305. Financial plan based on financial model for a company in the housing market

The paper presents a financial plan for a company beginning property development. Profit and loss and cash flow balances are projected for three years ahead including a reflection on how the financial plan could have been better drafted. The issues of direct and indirect labour cost and a specific scenario of economic upturn resulting in higher labour costs are discussed.

S/F/153. Financial ratio analysis: opportunities and limitations

The paper examines the challenges of financial ratio analysis describing the types of financial ratios, identifying the uses and usefulness of the ratio analysis, and outlining its limitations.

C/F/267. Dissertation. Sources of finance in Russia since 1990: the difference between theory and practice

The dissertation investigates the sources of finance available to Russian entrepreneurs discussing the reforms that have taken place in Russia since the transition from communism. The review of literature touches on the role of money in the Soviet Union with regard to home economy and foreign trade, the stages of political and economic transition, the financial crisis of 1998, etc. The study uses phenomenological inductive approach combining primary methods of data collection through various types of interviews and secondary data analysis. Conclusions are made about the reasons behind the difference in theoretical availability of the external financial sources and their practical use.

C/F/217. What aspects of financial crime are you concerned about and how do you think we should educate future business leaders in regard to financial crime

The paper examines the practices of terror financing, money laundering and fraudulent activities in finance that could be broadly categorized as financial crime (FC). Several research studies indicate that FC is quite widespread and certain structural loopholes and internal organisational flaws will have to be considered in order to combat anti social activities in financing. The paper discusses innovative research and methodologies, cooperation among enforcers and regulators, partnerships, the IT upgrading to track and monitor money laundering, information and communication exchanges and investments. The cognitive framework and approach to money laundering and FC understood in terms of broad research knowledge can suggest how future business leaders should perceive financial crime.

C/F/179. Share Price Growth and Corporate Finance

This paper examines the claim whether share price growth is a valid corporate objective, and whether managerial compensation should be linked to such growth. This maxim has been an accepted theory in finance since the 1970's but has recently been revisited. The revision finds that this objective is not a wholesome one, and firms should instead focus on increasing overall corporate value. This is a long term goal, and better than the short termism encapsulated in the original principle. Moreover, it is rooted on a false premise, for SPG is nothing more than an expectation measure, and assuming that markets are efficient, managers cannot expect to exceed the market's expectations. In addition, it finds that SPG leads to an underinvestment, mainly due to the rejection of zero or near zero-NPV projects. Further, IRR and payback are not adequate measure of value of actual returns and than better measures such as EVA could be used.

S/F/135. Comparison of AMEX and NASDAQ

The paper examines American Stock Exchange (AMEX) and the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System (NASDAQ) identifying similarities and differences between them and discussing the WorldCom scandal of September 2002.

E/F/90. Discuss the relationship between a firm's objectives, its budget, budgeting control, including issues of cash flow forecasting and capital investment appraisal

The paper examines key factors that contribute to a firm's survival discussing the firm's goals, growth strategies, budget planning, employee motivation, etc.

S/F/100. Financial Distress

The paper examines the concept of financial distress (FD) providing its definitions, identifying the causes of financial distress, types of insolvency, etc. and analysing the recent financial problems faced by Bradford County Football Club.

S/F/99. MANAGING FINANCIAL RESOURCES

The paper analyses the rationale for decision making about capital expenditure and investment using the examples of electronics companies (Jerit Ltd, Elgin Electronics, Electrocomponents PLC) and determining the investments net present value (NVP), the internal rate of return (IRR), the payback period, etc. Valuation of the company's shares is made; analysis of the company's financing over the last three years is performed. References are not included in this assignment.

S/F/96. 'A business can be profitable, and yet experience serious cash flow problems: the key is the length of the working capital cycle' (Voi Thainh Danh)

The paper examines the keys to successful working capital (WC) management focusing on the balance between profitability and liquidity. Both concepts are defined and illustrated with examples; the objectives of cash management are identified; the operating cycle of WC is described highlighting the necessary elements of its effective management.

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