Abstract This paper offers a personal discussion on obtaining a degree and a career in finance. It explores the career options, the pitfalls and the areas in which specific tasks are performed in the industry.
From the Paper "I am currently working on my AA degree. Once I have received my AA degree, I plan to transfer immediately to a four year college to earn a bachelor's degree in finance. I have already done research on finance as a major to make certain that I have taken both the required and the recommended classes as a part of my AA degree program. I learned that the School of Business at the college I want to attend is currently impacted ..."
Tags:finance, accounting, career, finance major, job options, controller, treasurer, college degree, earning potential, career path, CFO, Vice President of Finance
Abstract This paper explains campaign financing and the federal and state levels of campaigning funds. The paper discusses the finance reform laws that prohibit "soft money" and place restrictions on contributions. The paper relates that if the current trend continues, eventually congressional financing will be so regulated that even an ordinary citizen will be able to run for a seat in congress.
From the Paper "It is said "Campaign financing in Congress has become so scandalous that is gives the wealthy in Congress inordinate influence, while ordinary citizens are virtually excluded from a meaningful role." It is true that Congress relies heavily on finances in order to maintain/achieve incumbency, however there are many financial restriction regarding campaign finances. Finance reform laws now prohibit the use of "soft money" (money obtain outside the restrictions of federal law). This soft money restriction came about with the passage of the Shay's- Meehan Campaign Finance Reform Law. However, there are restrictions on individual contributions, as established in the out come of the Buckley v. Valeo case. These restrictions have limited the effect of campaign spending on voters, and created little negative impact (aside from a lack of money) on the Congress as a whole."
Abstract This work is a detailed analysis of the automobile financing schemes for Chrysler. It lists all the various controlled and uncontrolled variables as well as explains the demands for automobile financing. Among those are prices and special deals, money spent on advertising, average income of consumers, consumer taste and the expectation of services at Chrysler Financial.
From the Paper "With the slowing of the economy, Chrysler is forced to give incentives such as special interest rates, factory rebates, and free equipment group upgrades to maintain sales levels that stay competitive. During the time of economic slowdown, there is less money flowing in and out of consumer's hands, which means fewer business transactions taking place. This has an impact of all aspects of the economy, including car sales. In order to entice people to purchase cars during periods such as these, it is necessary to offer lowered rates and added incentives to interest the would-be buyer. This buyer power gives the consumer a financial advantage, thus leading to more demand for vehicles."
Abstract The paper looks at the 1994 "The New World of Microenterprise Finance", which discusses the issue of building healthy financial institutions for the poor throughout the developing world. It examines each article and analyzes the various strategies suggested to finance these microbusinesses. The innovative ideas presented are discussed.
From the Paper " The New World of Microenterprise Finance, edited by Maria Otero and Elisabeth Rhyne, is a collection of critical articles on the subject of microenterprise development, with a particular focus on various strategies to finance these microbusinesses in a range of contexts throughout the developing world. Beginning with a general description and analysis of the microenterprise concept in theory and practice, this review will proceed to examine in critical detail the range of contributions in this collection."
Abstract This paper considers the different means available to hospitals for financing capital construction projects. The focus is on mortgages and bond issues. The paper touches on the general outlines of these methods of financing and discusses the characteristics of success funding arte in an effort to define the way hospitals can increase their likelihood of successfully raising funds.
From the Paper "The financing of hospital construction projects has become an important public health issue in the past several decades. As the population has burgeoned through an influx of immigrants and a newly-expanding birth rate, and as the large "baby boom" population moves through middle age into retirement years, the demand for services that hospitals provide has grown. Concurrently, the sources of financing for hospital construction have shifted from public and philanthropic contributions to incursion of long-term debt (Washington State Department of Health, n.d.)."
Abstract This paper reviews the requirements for health care finance and accounting. The paper describes the financial environment within which healthcare financial administrators perform their functions, such as accounting, financial planning, budgeting and financial control. The paper also examines the effect of growth of the managed care sector.
Tags: Accounting, health care, managed care, finance
Abstract This paper looks at sources of money for financing a film. It touches on pre-sale agreements, independent film distributors and investors. The paper examines SEC Regulations, non-profit organizations and personal debt. Taxation is also discussed.
From the Paper "Studio filmmaking is an insider's game, and not many independent filmmakers can play, or they choose not to play. Studios are in the business of producing hits. The filmmaker loses a lot of creative control in this method. That's why these alternative methods of raising funds are needed. As difficult and complex as they may seem, they have worked to produce funds for many filmmakers, and allowed them to keep most of the creative control."
Abstract The author of this paper discusses the US power company, American Superconductor, and its financing strategy. In particular, the paper examines two forms of financing structures used by the company - debt financing and equity financing and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each system.
Outline:
Introduction
Advantages of Debt Financing Disadvantages of Debt Financing Advantages of Equity Financing Disadvantages of Equity Financing References
From the Paper "In terms of payments distribution, equity financing has the advantage that the shareholders are generally paid only once a year. And this occurs at the end of a fiscal year, when the company has counted and established the distribution of their profits. Even more, unlike the monthly payments that have to be made with the debt financing, equity financing allows American Superconductor to use the money that would have constituted the bank reimbursement to further develop their business.
"The advantage of this payment system also materializes in that the company does not have to make any payments until the end of the fiscal year; in other words, they get free money that can help them start their business or finance a new project that is expected to retrieve positive financial results (Advani, 2006). Foremost, at the end of the year, the company can even reach an understanding with the shareholders to minimize or even eliminate dividend payments and invest the money into further developing American Superconductor."
Abstract This paper examines how choosing which financing vehicle is best for a company is very important and how equity and debt financing are financial mechanisms by which a firm can raise financial capital. It looks at how the characteristics of each of these two groups depend on three variables: investors' claims on future cash flow, their right to participate in company decisions and their claims on company assets in liquidation. The paper examines the benefits and disadvantages of both.
Outline
Introduction
Characteristics of Equity Financing Advantages of Equity Financing Disadvantages of Equity Financing Characteristics of Debt Financing Advantages of Debt Financing Disadvantages of Debt Financing Contrast Between Equity and Debt Financing The Capital Structure Decision
The Irrelevance Proposition
Conclusion
References
Appendix
From the Paper "Equity financing is the act of raising money for company activities by selling common or preferred stock to individual or institutional investors. In return for the money paid, shareholders receive ownership interests in the corporation. Equity (or common stock) offers residual claims. On a balance sheet, equity equals total assets less all liabilities. Equity financing is generally recommended for a business that's experiencing very high growth with high investment risk. The major sources of equity financing include individuals starting the business, friends and family, angel investors, venture capitalists, and public equity markets. Equity can take several forms including preferred stock, common stock, limited partnership interest, and project equity."
After taking a battering from spectacular failures due to the Asian economic crisis impact on emerging nations and markets worldwide, project finance is making a cautious, conservative rebound. Private and institutional investors are taking an increasing part in financing domestic and international major infrastructure, power and utility projects through innovative funding structures.
From the paper:
"Limited recourse loans are a well-defined form of borrowing; any transaction that does not include elements unique to this structure does not strictly qualify as project finance. Limited recourse loans were invented in the late 1920s and early 1930s to provide US wildcatters with longer-term production finance. During the 1930s, drilling became deeper and resultant cost higher; more extended financing terms were needed. The improved engineering techniques of the early 1940s provided the ability to forecast the future recovery of oil reserves, and some banks applied these new techniques to justify production loans in excess of the three years? limited term previously applied. Since the project itself was deemed able to support a level of production that would provide for repayment from the project's cash flow, the creditworthiness of the borrower was irrelevant."
Abstract This paper focuses on the effects and benefits of micro-financing in specimen countries, focusing on their respective exchange rates. Special focus is given to inflationary pressures, demand of goods and purchasing power, which may be affected by micro-financing.
Outline
I. Introduction: What is Micro-financing II. Financials and Micro-financing III. Micro-financing and exchange rates
IV. Benefits of Micro-financing V. Conclusion
From the Paper "The main benefits of micro-credit appear to be reduced vulnerability of the poor to adverse circumstances, increased consumption in the same group, and empowerment of women. The major spin-off of the micro-credit movement at the grassroots level has been the fact that women have used this system to come out and join a mainstream activity in the village. In many areas, particularly where there has been support from NGOs or strong SHGs, women have gained a voice and been able to use this space to come out of their traditional roles into a more 'proactive' male space."
Abstract The paper examines corporate finance, focusing on the efficient market hypothesis. The paper further examines the behavioural finance school of thought, which argues that any investment decision is a gamble when investors are not fully aware of the future results of their actions. The paper discusses how, due to human psychology, investors often act irrationally, thereby decreasing the market transparency and predictability, together with decreasing market efficiency. The paper concludes that this increases the importance of recent behavioral finance studies, as capital markets are driven by purely human behavior and thus are subject to huge risks.
Outline:
Introduction
Behavioural Finance Approach to Market Efficiency Theory
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "Fridson in his work argues that all the investors have their sentiments, or biases when considering risk and making investment decisions. Thus, the risk premium on any asset is the summary of fundamental premium set by efficient investors and of sentiment premium or the investors judgements errors. Also, there are asset prices bubble theories which also prove that in some points of time investors do behave irrationally and overestimate or underestimate factual fundamentals which leads to none fundamental increases in some asset prices followed by further price crash."
Abstract In this article, the writer examines and analyzes the financing of terrorism. The writer's analysis is divided into successive components entitled: Forms of Financing, Motivations for Financing Terrorism, Exploitation of the Media, and Disturbing Trends. The final sections offer a solution to the problem of terrorism. In addition, the writer provides a concluding commentary concerning the consequences if the fundamental causes of terrorism are not addressed through Western foreign policy changes and alternative fuels are not developed so reliance on Middle East oil can be ended.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Forms of Financing Motivations for Financing Terrorism
Exploitation of the Media
Disturbing Trends
Conclusion
From the Paper "Terrorists, of course, do not consider themselves to be irrational or self-righteous, they believe they are defending Muslims from Western domination and economic exploitation. Millions of Muslims throughout the Middle East share this belief, and help fund terrorist groups by making contributions to Islamic charities, which greatly exacerbates the difficulties for Western governments and intelligence agencies trying to cut off the financing of terrorism.
"The fundamental problem in combating the exploitation of Islamic charities by terrorist groups is the fact that the act of charity forms a very important part of Muslim law and tradition."
Abstract This paper discusses the ongoing debate over campaign finance reform, explaining the major issues associated with the reform and some of the reasons for the disagreement about how campaign finance should be implemented. In particular, the paper focuses on the McCain-Feingold bill, detailing what it would change about campaign finance and why there is still opposition to the bill even though it is bipartisan.
From the Paper "Campaign finance reform has been debated since Richard Nixon ran for the Vice Presidency under Eisenhower. In the wake of the Watergate fiasco, some meaningful reforms were made. However, there have been no major changes to campaign finance laws since that time. The time is ripe for change, but what kind of changes do we want? Do we want changes that make a joke of our constitution or do we want changes within the boundaries of the constitution? The major issue is soft money "was originally intended to go to party-building activities and get-out-the-vote drives but which increasingly has been used as a way to funnel large contributions to presidential and other candidates." (Hamburger, Tom "Campaign-finance debate jumps to center stage // There is widespread agreement that federal election rules need repairing. But there is no consensus on how, and there is lots of opposition to the lead." Minneapolis Star Tribune, 09-28-1997, pp 21A). However, the McCain-Feingold bill, the one most advocates support, would also limit advertising. The problem with that is any changes that try and skirt around the constitution, by limiting free speech, will most likely be thrown out by the Supreme Court. Until recently most congressmen did not look at finance reform seriously."
Abstract This paper discusses the applicant's enthusiasm for finance, research experience and skills. It discusses the applicant's understanding and knowledge of finance, his education in finance and also other interests. He concludes by stating that he believes with the university's guidance and support he will be able to fulfill his dream and enhance his knowledge and education of the world of finance.
From the Paper "The more I learned the more I came to understand that finance was more than crunching numbers. The field of finance has a unique history all its own. Finance is an interesting and creative process, which I cam to realize after some time. I have since began to recognize how financial analysis, research and teachings can contribute to our welfare. "
