Abstract
This paper describes in detail discount certificates and bonus certificates. It provides some general information and features of certificates and discusses the engineering and financing of the certificates. The paper then examines the advantages and risks of using these certificates and it then provides a practical example to explain the concept.

Table of Contents:
List of Tables
List of Abbreviations
Introduction
Discount Certificates
General Information
Discounts
Caps
Engineering
Advantages and Risks
Example
Key Figures
Interpretations
Explanations
Bonus Certificates
General Information
Bonus
Barrier
Engineering and Finance
Advantages and Risks
Example
Key Figures
Interpretations
Explanations
Summary and Conclusions

From the Paper
"Both certificate types are constructed on the basis of an underlying value and some kind of option to finance the mentioned securities as well as benefits. Certificates are sold like share at the stock exchanges in Frankfurt and Stuttgart, as well as through direct trade. Emitter like ABN AMRO sets everyday prices for the products to give liquidity for trade to the investors. There are two different prices offered, the bid and the ask price. The spread in between will finally be the profit for the emitter. Furthermore they make profit through the time value of put options. Offering certificates bears nearly no risk for the emitter. Discount certificates are based on an adverse development that equilibrates any development in the market."

Tags:engineering, financing, investments, profits

Abstract
It is the Internet that has spurred the enormous growth of discount brokerage in the post 1995 period. The Internet is the lifeblood of the discount brokerage and its existence is almost wholly dependent on the ability of the Internet to reach and effectively serve, the armchair global investor. Accordingly, the future shape of the Internet will determine the success or failure of the discount brokerage. To a lesser degree, the discount brokerage will determine the future shape of the Internet, at least in terms of its application to financial services.

Abstract
This paper examines Wal-Mart, Kmart and Target and relates that Wal-Mart is the market leader and continues to dominate the discount retailing industry. In contrast, the paper notes that Kmart, once recognized as the market leader in discount retailing, has continued to suffer following its well-publicized bankruptcy earlier this decade and its merger with Sears into Sears Holdings. Finally, the paper explains that Target is seen as Wal-Mart's strongest competitor and has successfully established a strategy based on chic fashion while still offering discount products. The paper relates that technology is viewed as the single most important competitive differentiation factor for these discount retailers. The paper recommends for these retailers to continue to grow internationally since North America is largely viewed as a mature market.

From the Paper
"This document discusses the discount retailing industry which is commonly referred to as big box retailing because of the large, box-like stores that are stacked high with merchandise. The major competitors in this industry across North America are Wal-Mart, Kmart, and Target. Wal-Mart is the market leader and continues to dominate the discount retailing industry. In contrast, Kmart, once recognized as the market leader in discount retailing, has continued to suffer following its well-publicized..."

Tags:kmart, walmart, target

Abstract
The paper explains that for the most part, the form of tuition discounting plans is one where internal resources are used to supplement tuition and other costs associated with attending college. The paper reveals that tuition discounting plans do not always meet intrinsic or extrinsic goals of the institution, and some even continue to operate such plans even when they mean the institution will be operating at a revenue loss. The paper then discusses the pitfalls of tuition discounting but points out that the point of researching this phenomena is not to point out fault but to create a dialogue that will help answer some of the enduring questions of a market driven higher education system.

From the Paper
"The demands to meet all these goals often lead institutions to tuition discounting, for the various goals of the institution, yet do not always accomplish everything that the institutions hope to accomplish by doing so. Market inflation to some degree is at risk, depending on the goals of the institution and the applications of the tuition discounting plans to again outstrip the ability of institutions and individuals to pay for higher education. When cost reached a high enough level institutions chose to offset costs by paying for them in non-traditional ways. In a more traditional system the offset was met by individuals who simply paid more for tuition, and then expansion of access programs, like government grants and loans."

Tags:college, funding, students, diversity, deficits

Abstract
This paper addresses the concept and determinants of present value and the discount factors that affect businesses. The paper presents a two-part case study. Part I addresses a series of discount rate calculation issues. Part II then discusses the writer's analysis of two companies to determine which company would have the lowest discount rates based upon several determinants outlined in the study material.

Table of Contents:
Part I
Part II

From the Paper
"Sirius has a massive cost structure - 2006 cash operating expenses (not including depreciation and non-cash compensation) were $414 million. The management's effectiveness was terrible with a negative 20 percent return on assets. The company's Q4 and full year 2006 financial results are mind-blowing. The year-over-year quarterly revenue growths were 141 percent however the net income was a negative $1.1B. Over the past 12 months, the stock price for Sirius Satellite Inc. had a significant change of minus 35 percent. Thus the volatility of the stock is large with a negative change over the past 52 months. Although Sirius Satellite Inc works in a more dynamic industry where the risks are higher, the growth expectations are expected to be higher next year. With Mercedes expediting installation of radios in a high percentage of their cars and the projected merger with XM Radio Inc., the future for Sirius looks better. One of the major risks of management effectiveness has been haunting Sirius for many years. This risk needs serious attention and mitigation steps are required to heal this wound."

Tags:depreciation, assets, volatility

Abstract
The paper reviews the book, "Discounted Labour: Women Workers in Canada, 1870-1939", by Ruth A. Frager and Carmela Patrias and provides a synopsis of the text as well as an analysis highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the text. In particular, it is argued that the monograph is a welcome addition to any personal or school library because it is well-researched, readable, lucid, and makes an attempt, despite the authors' obvious ideological commitments, to be fair to all concerned. The paper concludes that "Discounted Labour" is a commendable introduction to a controversial and significant historical matter.

From the Paper
"The following paper is a review of a 2005 book, "Discounted Labour: Women Workers in Canada, 1870-1939," penned by Ruth A. Frager and Carmela Patrias. Over the next several pages, a synopsis of the text will be provided along with an analysis highlighting the strengths of the text - there are several - along with some of the volume's weaknesses. In particular, it will be argued that the monograph is a welcome addition to any personal or school library because it is well-researched, readable, lucid, and makes an attempt, despite the authors' obvious ideological..."

Tags:women, workers, canada

Abstract
This paper evaluates the discount brokerage in terms of Porter's 'Five Forces Analysis. This author reviews job attitudes and job equity for both the manager and broker at a typical discount brokerage firm.

Abstract
The paper examines a 2005 text penned by Ruth A. Frager and Carmela Patrias entitled, "Discounted Labour: Women Workers in Canada, 1870-1939" and outlines why the text is a "good read" and an excellent synopsis of an important period in Canadian labour history. The paper also identifies how Frager and Patrias point out that today's Canadian labour market bears some surprising similarities to the one of three or four generations ago. The paper asserts that no novice student to Canadian labour history can afford to lightly dismiss this text.

From the Paper
"The following book report will look at a 2005 text penned by Ruth A. Frager and Carmela Patrias entitled, "Discounted Labour: Women Workers in Canada, 1870-1939". The paper will summarize the book and then outline why the text is a "good read" and an excellent synopsis of an important period in Canadian labour history. As well, the paper will identify how Frager and Patrias artfully point out that today's Canadian labour market bears some surprising similarities to the one of three or four generations ago. Ultimately, no novice student to Canadian labour history can afford to lightly dismiss this text."

Tags:labour, women, workers

Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) and the discounted cash flow (DCF) model in valuing common stock. The paper holds that, because of the complexity and importance of valuing common stock, the above techniques have been devised over time to accomplish this task. It points out that CAPM focuses on inputs to calculate stock prices that are external to the firm while the DCF model focuses on internal factors. Also, CAPM is concerned with growth rate, while DCF is concerned with estimated returns. The paper concludes that both models are important to investors and expanding companies.

From the Paper
"For a firm that is expanding, it is difficult to establish a proper growth rate for the DCF. If past growth rates in earnings and dividends have been relatively stable, and if investors appear to be projecting a continuation of past trends, then the growth rate may be based on the firm's historic growth rate. However, if the company's past growth has been abnormally high or low, either because of its own unique situation or because of economic fluctuations, then the growth rate has to be estimated in some other manner."

Tags:stocks, investment, stock, market

Abstract
This research paper assesses whether hotel companies should offer customers a discount by way of compensation for service failure. The study assesses whether offering customers a discount is an effective strategy to ensure their repeat business in spite of having suffered poor service. The study also assesses whether it is in the financial interests of the company to offer such compensation. This is done by evaluating whether the company is able to generate the cost of the discount back from the customer through their repeated business.

Outline:
Introduction
Background
Purpose of the Study
Importance of the Study
Hypothesis
Outline Methodology
Sources of Information
Reliability and Validity of Data
Limitations of the Study
Summary of Research Questions
Literature Review
Methodology
Results
Discussion

From the Paper
"The study is important in determining the strategy which the hotel industry should pursue in regards to offering discounts to customers. The practice of offering compensation as a means of service recovery is currently routine in many hotels. There has however been little analysis conducted as to whether the strategy is actually beneficial to the hotel. In the current market the conditions under which the strategy was devised do not necessarily hold, so there is no guarantee that the strategy remains as effective as when first introduced. It is important that the effectiveness of the strategy is assessed in order to ensure that the hotel can maintain their profitability and competitive market share."

Tags:hotel, complaints, compensation