This paper addresses the credit report, including how and why a credit report is important and exactly how the credit report can impact the individual.
1,900 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 4 sources, 2002, $ 71.95
Abstract This paper addresses the credit report, including how and why a credit report is important and exactly how the credit report can impact the individual. This paper provides information first on the appropriate steps necessary to acquire a full credit report, and the reasons the average consumer might wish to do so. This paper then investigates the scams that accompany credit and credit reports in order to better inform the reader of the problems that might occur in acquiring a credit report through non- official channels.
Tags: BUSINESS / FINANCE, ECONOMICS, ACCOUNTING, the credit report
Abstract This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of credit risk management software as a risk mitigation tool. The author explains the use of credit-scoring models. The paper demonstrates the application of credit-scoring to CRM software.
From the Paper "For more than four decades, creditors doing business with consumers have been using credit-scoring models to determine if applicants are good credit risks. Information about an applicant's credit history including the amount of debt they have outstanding their bill-paying history any history of late payments and the number of times they have been sued or placed for collection are all factors that CRM programs use to establish an appropriate credit limit for a consumer credit applicant. Fay Hansen in "Business Credit" reports that a few years ago ....."
Abstract This paper discusses credit derivatives in modern banking. The paper gives a brief outline of credit derivatives, and further discusses the concept of how they function within the global market. The paper examines occurrences within banking in relation to credit derivatives and how these events have affected the worldwide opinion regarding the limitations of these transactions. The paper draws conclusions from the research provided, and offers opinions for the future of credit derivatives in banking.
From the Paper "When the economy is stable and interest rates are low, banks traditionally struggle for profits because there is not a significant need for loans from consumers or big business. In these moments of financial peace, banks needed methods that would ensure they could survive independently on the downfall of the economy in order to remain solvent. Credit derivatives were born of such concern, allowing bankers, and others, the ability to reduce their risk by selling risk to other parties. Risk was still maintained by lending institutions, but the prospect of intense profit margins was the deciding factor for most banks to begin to participate in credit derivatives. The research will demonstrate that bank use of credit derivatives has been a recorded success, and that credit derivatives continue to grow across the globe as a boom to the banking industry. However, limitations do exist connected with credit derivatives."
Highlights the main reasons why membership in the Employee Federal Credit Union (EFCU) is shrinking and why individuals are opting for commercial banking when credit unions offer loans at lower rates.
Abstract This research report addresses the main reasons why EFCU has encountered a decline in membership and what is prompting people to borrow from other financial bodies. In order to better understand these reasons, however, the paper first looks at why people are initially attracted to credit unions instead of commercial banks and the principles that guide the growth of credit unions. The report is based on a survey of EFCU members, which was conducted through mailed questionnaires.
From the Paper "This has been a major setback for most federal credit unions including EFCU the number of its members has decreased and many existing members prefer commercial banks to meet their loan requirements. While the governmental regulations are certainly playing a dominant role in poor performance of credit unions in last few years, we must not forget how banking industry has persistently forced the government to develop such legislation. The worst part is that due to this persistent challenges, market share of credit unions came down to 12% in 1995 from 13% in 1980 while that of bans increased from 50 to 56% during these fifteen years."
Abstract This paper provides an extensive review of the recent literature relevant to pricing credit derivatives. The paper discusses new developments in credit derivative pricing and explains that these new developments are those innovations that expand or clarify the existing variations models for credit derivatives.
From the Paper "The purpose of this study is to review new developments in the pricing of credit derivatives. Credit derivatives, essentially insurance against credit risk through the structuring of and trading in of synthetic financial assets, are little more than a decade old. Thus, a skeptic might state that almost anything that occurs in the credit derivative market reflects a new development. The perspective providing the focus in this study however is that new developments are those innovations that expand or clarify the..."
Abstract This paper examines the issue of foreign tax credit for corporations under IRC section 901(b)(1). The paper first explains foreign direct investment in order that we may understand the relevant issues. The paper then gets into the specifics regarding tax credits and issues where these foreign investment companies are concerned.
Outline:
Chapter One - Introduction
Chapter Two - Review of Case and Ruling Issues
Chapter Three - Methodology
Chapter Four - Case and Ruling Analysis
Chapter Five - Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations
From the Paper "The first limitation that is important to note is that there is so little information about the case study subject in question - the foreign tax credit. While there is indeed some information, much of it comes from laws and rulings as opposed to studies and research articles. With that in mind it is important to note where the information that is being collected for the study of this issue is coming from. There is no reason not to use the information that is provided by others, but making sure that one is aware of where it comes from and what potential consequences that could have is of utmost importance when it comes to looking at the limitations that can be found in research. Making sure that the most accurate data available is used is significant and when something cannot be verified it should be pointed out in the study that it cannot be verified so that there is no further confusion as to whether that piece of information is legitimate or not for the study."
Abstract This document discusses the marketing strategy of Metro Credit Union (MCU) and its options, focusing on issues such as branding, brand identity and positioning in a competitive environment. MCU is concerned about which market segments to pursue and how to pursue the one it targets. The paper concludes that MCU should pursue a technologically savvy and able online brand identity.
An analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the research paper, "The Market Pricing of Accruals Quality", by Jennifer Francis, Ryan LaFond, Per Olsson, Katherine Schipper.
Abstract This paper analyzes the theoretical and methodological strengths and weaknesses of the research paper, "The Market Pricing Of Accruals Quality" by Jennifer Francis, Ryan LaFond, Per Olsson, Katherine Schipper. The paper summarizes the strengths of the research and underlines the weaknesses of the empirical method. Finally, this paper discusses the limitations of the theoretical approach.
Table of Contents:
Synthesis Of Strengths
Accruals Quality Has An Impact On The Information Risk And The Cost Of Capital
Innate Accruals Quality Has A Larger Impact Than Discretionary Accruals Quality Has
Methodological Weaknesses
The Specific Sample Cannot Be Applied Generally
Hypotheses And Methods Are Questionable
There Are Variances Between Empirical Findings And Other Results
Theoretical Limitations
Only The Systematic Component Of Earning Quality Risk Contributes To The Equity Risk Premium
The Relation Between Accruals Quality And Cost Of Capital Depends On The Fundamental Risk
Accruals Quality Is Neither A Priced Risk Factor Nor A Determinant Of The Cost Of Capital
From the Paper "In the paper Earnings quality and the equity risk premium: a benchmark model, Yee makes a distinction between the fundamental earnings and the reported earnings: the fundamental earnings are the accounting profits generating future dividend cash flows, while the reported earnings are the imperfect signal of fundamental earnings. He also makes the difference between the two sources of associated earnings risk: the fundamental risk and the earnings quality risk. The fundamental risk is the uncertainty of future dividends payments, whereas the earnings quality risk or information risk is the uncertainty that the reported earnings may not be announced quickly and precisely. Only the systematic components of earnings risk contribute to the equity risk premium, while all the components, either systematic or diversifiable, affect the earnings capitalization factors."
Abstract This paper explains that, in cash basis or cash accounting, businesses record transactions only if they involve the payment or receipt of cash, which does a poor job of matching revenues earned with money laid out for expenses. The author points out that, in accrual accounting, the economic impact of a transaction is recorded whether or not the transaction involves cash, which does a better job of matching revenues with expenses and of handling items such as property and equipment. The paper relates that the four statements used in the accrual method accounting are the balance sheet, the income statement, the statement of cash flows and the statement of stockholders' equity.
From the Paper "An example would be a purchase of supplies in July but the supplies are not sold until August. You receive the cash in August. However, when the books are closed all you have to show for July is an expense for supplies but no revenue to offset it, meaning there is a loss for that month. This can make it difficult for a business to determine whether or not it is earning a profit because all its business activity does not always fall on the same month. It also has trouble tracking anything other than cash. For example if you purchased equipment or property the cash method of accounting would show the purchase and disbursement in the month of purchase. These items, however, will be used over a period of time."
Abstract This paper presents the basic forms and methods of accounting for cash accounting and accrual-based accounting and compares the two. It examines which form of accounting is more beneficial to specific sectors of the economy and looks at the advantages and disadvantages of each.
From the Paper "In the cash basis of accounting, the business records are "cash in" (deposits to the bank account) called cash receipts, and "cash out" (checks) called cash disbursements. Cash receipts - Cash disbursement = Cash flow. Each month's cash flow is added to the preceding month's cash balance yielding the current month's cash balance.
The cash basis of accounting is more likely to be used by service businesses than by retail or manufacturing businesses. Service businesses usually do not need equipment and can sell a service they perform with nothing more than their own hands and minds. Think of people who are lawyers, writers, public relations and advertising personnel, and accountants."
Abstract This paper describes deferrals as prepaid expenses and accruals as accrued liability. It explains what these terms mean and how they are found on balance sheets. The paper gives examples of the terms that are described above.
Table of Contents:
Deferrals: Prepaid Expenses
1. Prepaid Expenses Recorded Initially as Assets
2. Prepaid Expenses Recorded Initially as Expenses
Deferrals: Unearned Revenues
1. Unearned Revenue Recorded Initially as Liabilities
2. Unearned Revenues Recorded Initially as Revenues
Accrued Liabilities
Accrued Assets
From the Paper "Tracy (1997) stated that accrued liabilities is a short-term liabilities that arise from the gradual buildup of unpaid expenses, such as vacation pay earned by employees or profit-based bonus plans that are not paid until the following year. Example of an accrued liability is the salary of the employees. The amounts of such accrued but unpaid terms at the end of the fiscal period are both an expense and a liability (Fess and Niswonger, 1986)."
Abstract This paper uses secondary data to analyze the credit card industry along five constructs: (1) Competitive analysis: Porter's Five Forces and PEST analysis, (2) monopoly vs. perfect competition, (3) standardization vs. localization, (4) competition vs. collaboration and (5) revolutionary vs. evolutionary change. The author points out that the existing credit card industry is a mature market, but it still has room to grow as more people become familiar with the allied financial services their credit and debit cards can provide. The paper relates that VISA enjoys the most powerful credit/debit card position in consumer cards especially in business credit cards, with it has extensive and integrated work in payments processing; however, the founders of First Data/Concord EFS were particularly aggressive business people. Many tables and charts.
Table of Contents
Introduction
In Brief
Background
Flies in the First Data Ointment
Objective
Methodology
Structure of the Dissertation
Literature Review
Competitive analysis
Porter's Five Forces
Porter's Five Forces Example
PEST Analysis
Economic Factors
Socio-Cultural Factors
Technological Factors
Literature Review
Monopoly vs. Perfect Competition
Standardization vs. Localization
National Initiatives
Competition vs. Collaboration
Revolutionary vs. Evolutionary Change
Opportunities
Overview of Credit and Debit Card Industries
Top Ten Card Issuers Compared
Bank Card Profitability
Differences between Credit and Debit Cards
U.S. Payment Cards-in-Force (in millions)
Off-Line Debit History
Top 10 U.S. Issuers by Card Loans
Developed vs. Less Developed Nations' Credit Card Use
VISA Volume
2003 Top 10 Countries
Global Financial Cards in Circulation - 2003
Corporate /Commercial vs. Consumer Use
Analysis of VISA's Strategy
VISA's Strengths
VISA's Weaknesses
VISA's Opportunities
VISA's Threats
STP Strategy (Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning)
Conclusion
Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "From the merchant's point of view, the merger was seen as one that would give them an alternative to VISA and MasterCard. Shortly after the merger, major STAR network contracts with high-profile banks such as Wells Fargo, Wachovia and BankOne were set to expire; this opened the field to some turmoil, in all likelihood, because VISA was already making a play to sign the same institutions for its processing and acceptance capabilities. FirstData/Concord was assumed to have the upper hand, however because analysts thought those two institutions, despite their disparate original sizes, understood contracts of that sort and banks themselves better then VISA. As it turns out, STAR did lose some of its bank contracts, reducing the value of the merger somewhat from the First Data standpoint."
Abstract The paper considers, how of all the problems afflicting the United States, credit card debt and pad payments are almost as serious as overweight and bad eating habits. The paper discusses the FICO score that facilitates the task of companies offering credit with the use of a single number that displays a buyer's credit history. The paper shows how the best way to improve one's FICO score is to improve one's credit; paying debts and keeping large outstanding debts to a minimum. The paper reveals that while the specific scores are useful for merchants to determine the credit standing of potential customers, it is also useful for the individual to occasionally check his or her specific score. Nevertheless, to accept every recommendation and offer from score agencies is unnecessary and costly.
From the Paper "According to Coffey and Palm in "Bank Marketing", the FICO score is the most common credit score in use today. The term FICO is an acronym derived from the company that introduced the score, Fair Isaac Credit Organization. This score is used by a number of credit reporting agencies, including Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. The score facilitates the task of companies offering credit with the use of a single number that displays a buyer's credit history. Factors taken into account when calculating the score include a customer's payment history, amounts borrowed, credit history duration, new credit taken and current types of credit. The calculation then arrives at a number between 300 and 850. A higher number means better credit. So the better your credit history, the higher the score and the easier it is to get a loan. Conversely, lower scores indicate a higher credit risk, and also a merchant's tendency to loan money at a higher rate of interest."
Abstract This paper discusses that a friend discovered that he had been a victim of identity theft and credit fraud demonstrating how important it is to be aware of the information on one's credit report. The paper relates that the 2003 Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) mandates that the disclosure of credit reports must be free of charge for consumers. The paper relates that the reasons for checking one's credit report at least yearly are (1) the frequent potential for error on the part of the credit reporting agency, (2) the possibility of being a victim of identity theft and not even being aware of it and (3) knowing one's exact credit score can give a person an edge when negotiating things like car and home loans.
From the Paper "In previous years, individual consumers' credit scores were unavailable to private people; leaving individuals somewhat in the dark regarding their actual score. Although credit reports and scores could be purchased for a fee of around $30-$50, most consumers did not take the time or want to spend the money to verify that they had not been victims of fraud, or even that a clerical error had occurred in their credit ratings. However, recent laws have mandated the disclosure of credit reports free of charge for consumers. In December 2003, Congress enacted and the President signed comprehensive legislation, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) updating the 1970 Fair Credit Reporting Act."
A look at how the creation of credit in the U.S. economy has been hugely compounded over time and why credit is the defining aspect of our financial system.
1,105 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 4 sources, 2001, $ 38.95
Abstract This paper explores the aspect of credit in America's financial system and traces the path of credit from its origins. The author examines how the creation of credit in America's economy has been greatly compounded over time and, now hugely prevalent, credit is the defining aspect of the national financial system.
From the Paper "Today credit is more prevalent then ever before. Over three quarters of the American adult population have and use at least one credit card. However, along with this heavy reliance on credit comes a definite risk. Even as early as 1791 this threat was realized, the bank made a large impression on the economy within months of opening its doors in late 1791. Initially it flooded the market with its notes and credits, and then, in February 1792, it sharply reversed course and curtailed credit."
