Evaluate the principles of Financial Management

Case 2 Report Instructions

CASE 2: The Battle for Value, 2016: FedEx Corp. versus United Parcel Service, Inc.

Case Introduction/Overview

Set in April 2016, this case invites students to assess FedEx Corp.’s and United Parcel Service, Inc.’s (UPS’s) financial performance. The two firms have competed for dominance of the package-delivery industry. This case is intended for use in an introductory discussion of corporate value creation. It requires few numerical computations from the student; rather, the tasks for the student are to interpret the results and to reflect upon their implications. The contrasting record of the two firms affords a platform to:

· Assess and compare the financial performance and health of two organizations. The case provides historical financial, market, and economic profit analysis for both firms. The case provides a stark contrast between backward-looking financial performance and forward-looking market expectations of performance.

· Motivate definitions of corporate excellence, with particular emphasis on comparing operational and financial excellence.

· Evaluate the financial implications of competition and corporate transformation.

Case Report Instructions

This is a “Directly answer a set of questions” case report. For this case study, answer each of the following questions (as per the guidelines in “Learning with Cases and Writing Case Reports”).

1. What is going on in the package-delivery industry?

2. Do you see this market as highly competitive? Why or why not? How are the two firms competing? What are the competitive prospects for the foreseeable future?

3. If you had to vote for one of these two firms to enter the pantheon of excellent companies, which one would you choose?

4. Are the operational metrics related to the financial metrics? For example, how is the superior-ranked UPS brand score related to the financial metrics, or how is the superior-ranked FedEx employee satisfaction score related to the financial metrics?

5. How is it that UPS has managed to achieve such an impressive ROE figure? A powerful way to explore this question is to decompose the ROE into three components: Margin (Net profit / Revenue), Turnover (Revenue / Total assets), and Leverage (Total assets / Book equity). Then compare each of these elements across the two firms over time.

6. What is economic profit and what does it measure?

7. What does stock performance tell us? How can FedEx’s stock-price performance be superior when UPS’s financial ratios are so much better? In answering this question, you should address the difference between backward-looking financial ratios and forward-looking stock-price performance.

8. How do investors justify a higher PE ratio for FedEx?

9. Create a Strength/Weakness table using the following format. Your table should have at least two bullet point items (you can have more) per cell.

The strengths and weaknesses of various financial measures

Case 2 Report Instructions

CASE 2: The Battle for Value, 2016: FedEx Corp. versus United Parcel Service, Inc.

Case Introduction/Overview

Set in April 2016, this case invites students to assess FedEx Corp.’s and United Parcel Service, Inc.’s (UPS’s) financial performance. The two firms have competed for dominance of the package-delivery industry. This case is intended for use in an introductory discussion of corporate value creation. It requires few numerical computations from the student; rather, the tasks for the student are to interpret the results and to reflect upon their implications. The contrasting record of the two firms affords a platform to:

· Assess and compare the financial performance and health of two organizations. The case provides historical financial, market, and economic profit analysis for both firms. The case provides a stark contrast between backward-looking financial performance and forward-looking market expectations of performance.

· Motivate definitions of corporate excellence, with particular emphasis on comparing operational and financial excellence.

· Evaluate the financial implications of competition and corporate transformation.

Case Report Instructions

This is a “Directly answer a set of questions” case report. For this case study, answer each of the following questions (as per the guidelines in “Learning with Cases and Writing Case Reports”).

1. What is going on in the package-delivery industry?

2. Do you see this market as highly competitive? Why or why not? How are the two firms competing? What are the competitive prospects for the foreseeable future?

3. If you had to vote for one of these two firms to enter the pantheon of excellent companies, which one would you choose?

4. Are the operational metrics related to the financial metrics? For example, how is the superior-ranked UPS brand score related to the financial metrics, or how is the superior-ranked FedEx employee satisfaction score related to the financial metrics?

5. How is it that UPS has managed to achieve such an impressive ROE figure? A powerful way to explore this question is to decompose the ROE into three components: Margin (Net profit / Revenue), Turnover (Revenue / Total assets), and Leverage (Total assets / Book equity). Then compare each of these elements across the two firms over time.

6. What is economic profit and what does it measure?

7. What does stock performance tell us? How can FedEx’s stock-price performance be superior when UPS’s financial ratios are so much better? In answering this question, you should address the difference between backward-looking financial ratios and forward-looking stock-price performance.

8. How do investors justify a higher PE ratio for FedEx?

9. Create a Strength/Weakness table using the following format. Your table should have at least two bullet point items (you can have more) per cell.

The strengths and weaknesses of various financial measures

Discuss the elements of Project Management

This case illustrates a common problem in software and IT development, where programmers and IT staff are anxious to lock in specifications as early as possible so they can “get to work” without having to worry about invasive or disruptive input from the end users.  Unfortunately, what typically happens is that the finished product is not what the users needed or thought they needed and a long list of fixes and modifications are needed to make it work correctly.  This case is based on a true story in a hospital IT department that routinely struggled with these sorts of user conflicts until they sifted to an Agile methodology.

Questions

1. Why does the classic waterfall project planning model fail in this situation?  What is it about the IT department’s processes that leads to their finished systems being rejected constantly?

2. How would an Agile methodology correct some of these problems?  What new development cycle would you propose?

3. Why are “user stories” and system “features” critical components of an effective IT software development process?

4. Using the terms “Scrum,” “Sprint,” and “User stories,” create an alternative development cycle for a hypothetical software development process at Northwest Regional Hospital.

Case Study 12.2: “First Come, First Served”: Resource Challenges for Sunrise Restoration

This case is intended to highlight the challenges in resource assignment, particularly in the common cases where project managers within the same firm are competing with each other for the use of scarce and valuable human resources to accomplish their tasks.  Without clear guidance from top management and a valid priority system, the ability to acquire resources is often the result of chaotic bargaining and negotiation among equals. This case is based on a real situation and the outcomes were very much in line with the way they are described in the case.  The business owner did not want to simply invest in more resources for fear that they would be underutilized.  He much preferred the system of negotiating among his project managers, even if that led to inefficient utilization of the resources that were available.  Students can be asked to take the side of the owner or Tyler to debate the options that Sunrise can use to manage its resources.

This case illustrates a common problem in software and IT development, where programmers and IT staff are anxious to lock in specifications as early as possible so they can “get to work” without having to worry about invasive or disruptive input from the end users.  Unfortunately, what typically happens is that the finished product is not what the users needed or thought they needed and a long list of fixes and modifications are needed to make it work correctly.  This case is based on a true story in a hospital IT department that routinely struggled with these sorts of user conflicts until they sifted to an Agile methodology.

Questions

1. Why does the classic waterfall project planning model fail in this situation?  What is it about the IT department’s processes that leads to their finished systems being rejected constantly?

2. How would an Agile methodology correct some of these problems?  What new development cycle would you propose?

3. Why are “user stories” and system “features” critical components of an effective IT software development process?

4. Using the terms “Scrum,” “Sprint,” and “User stories,” create an alternative development cycle for a hypothetical software development process at Northwest Regional Hospital.

Case Study 12.2: “First Come, First Served”: Resource Challenges for Sunrise Restoration

This case is intended to highlight the challenges in resource assignment, particularly in the common cases where project managers within the same firm are competing with each other for the use of scarce and valuable human resources to accomplish their tasks.  Without clear guidance from top management and a valid priority system, the ability to acquire resources is often the result of chaotic bargaining and negotiation among equals. This case is based on a real situation and the outcomes were very much in line with the way they are described in the case.  The business owner did not want to simply invest in more resources for fear that they would be underutilized.  He much preferred the system of negotiating among his project managers, even if that led to inefficient utilization of the resources that were available.  Students can be asked to take the side of the owner or Tyler to debate the options that Sunrise can use to manage its resources.

Discuss on Managerial Economics

Discuss on Managerial Economics

1.  Read the two articles below that discuss why fuel prices fluctuate. Research two of these types further.

2. Locate two JOURNAL articles which discuss this topic further. You need to focus on the Abstract, Introduction, Results, and Conclusion. For our purposes, you are not expected to fully understand the Data and Methodology.

3. Summarize these journal articles. Please use your own words. No copy-and-paste. Cite your sources.

For this Discussion Question, complete the following.

1.  Read the two articles below that discuss why fuel prices fluctuate. Research two of these types further.

2. Locate two JOURNAL articles which discuss this topic further. You need to focus on the Abstract, Introduction, Results, and Conclusion. For our purposes, you are not expected to fully understand the Data and Methodology.

3. Summarize these journal articles. Please use your own words. No copy-and-paste. Cite your sources.

Explain how you would strategically implement and communicate the code to others in the organization.

This assignment provides you with an opportunity to create a code of ethics for you and your family, as well as to explain the strategies and thought processes that went into developing the code. First, create an original code of ethics for your family by thinking about your family as an organization. In your code of ethics, please include the following items:

  • guiding principles,
  • purpose of the code,
  • core values,
  • training and education (How will you train and educate others about the code?),
  • definitions,
  • who it covers,
  • mission statement, and
  • other pertinent elements you feel necessary to have a comprehensive code of ethics.

The next part of this assignment involves an evaluation, where you describe the thought process behind the code of ethics that you prepared. For the evaluation part of this assignment, draft an essay to include the following items:

  • Identify the key roles of those who have a vested interest in the ethical behavior that your code defines.
  • Explain the strategies and thought processes that you used to formulate the code.
  • Explain how you would strategically implement and communicate the code to others in the organization.
  • Explain how you will monitor the practice of ethical decision-making.
  • Provided that laws exist and have been enacted for resolving conflict, why do we also need a code of ethics?

In the process of writing your code, you must research the topic of codes of ethics and incorporate at least two articles, no older than five years. Your code and evaluation must be at least 1,000 words. Format the code as you like; however, be sure it is professional and legible. Format the evaluation part of the assignment by using APA Style. Save both parts in one Word document, and submit it in Blackboard for grading.

ASSIGNMENT 2

 

For the case study, we will focus on the importance of safety and all parties helping to make safety a priority. The effectiveness of the safety training will depend on how prepared the participants are for the training and their perception of the training.

Review “Case: Safety First” located in the textbook on pages 199-200, and respond to the prompts below. You are not required to answer the questions at the end of the case study in the textbook.

  1. Examine the components of an effective training needs analysis for this scenario. What would the basic parts for a successful training program be?
  2. Describe how the training should be delivered, and briefly describe one motivational theory from those listed on pages 163–173 in the textbook and how it supports this type of training to enhance an organization’s performance.

Your case study should be at least two pages in length. You are not required to use APA style for this assignment; however, your writing should be clear and concise.

How could you start to solve a big social problem through marketing?.

This activity/assignment will allow students to systematically understand the general and specific environments of business.

Activity I: Select any company of your choice. Identify its strengths and weaknesses. Then analyze the company’s context, customers, competitors, and collaborators.

This activity/assignment will help students understand the importance and impact of market segmentation.

Activity II: What social problems do you think is the world’s biggest? Wars? Global warming? Resource imbalances? How could you start to solve a big social problem through marketing?.

The assignment is to answer the question provided above in essay form. This is to be in narrative form and should be as thorough as possible. Bullet points should not to be used. The paper should be at least 1.5 – 2 pages in length, Times New Roman 12-pt font, double-spaced, 1 inch margins and utilizing at least one outside scholarly or professional source related to marketing management. The textbook should also be utilized. Do not insert excess line spacing. APA formatting and citation should be used.

This activity/assignment will allow students to systematically understand the general and specific environments of business.

Activity I: Select any company of your choice. Identify its strengths and weaknesses. Then analyze the company’s context, customers, competitors, and collaborators.

This activity/assignment will help students understand the importance and impact of market segmentation.

Activity II: What social problems do you think is the world’s biggest? Wars? Global warming? Resource imbalances? How could you start to solve a big social problem through marketing?.

The assignment is to answer the question provided above in essay form. This is to be in narrative form and should be as thorough as possible. Bullet points should not to be used. The paper should be at least 1.5 – 2 pages in length, Times New Roman 12-pt font, double-spaced, 1 inch margins and utilizing at least one outside scholarly or professional source related to marketing management. The textbook should also be utilized. Do not insert excess line spacing. APA formatting and citation should be used.

Discuss on Free Trade

Chapter 7 in the textbook will be covered as reading assignments. The assignments will help students digest the material required for each week. Discussion posts and replies should be substantive and demonstrate insight gained from the course material. The initial discussion post is to be no less than 600 words, be in APA format, must reference material from the textbook and academic journals. You will need at least three journal references and the textbook. Start your research with the textbook chapter 7 as attached, so it always grounds your topic. Once you have completed your research return to your “initial post” and respond to it, actually past the paper’s body in the message section (for your peers to read) but attach the actual article so the professor can review it for proper APA formatting.

This assignment will help you digest the textbook material.  In the Discussion Forum, post an APA formatted paper of at least 600-words about the week’s reading material.  The post must be substantive and demonstrate insight gained from the course material and be posted no later than Wednesday 10.00 pm.

Chapter 7 in the textbook will be covered as reading assignments. The assignments will help students digest the material required for each week. Discussion posts and replies should be substantive and demonstrate insight gained from the course material. The initial discussion post is to be no less than 600 words, be in APA format, must reference material from the textbook and academic journals. You will need at least three journal references and the textbook. Start your research with the textbook chapter 7 as attached, so it always grounds your topic. Once you have completed your research return to your “initial post” and respond to it, actually past the paper’s body in the message section (for your peers to read) but attach the actual article so the professor can review it for proper APA formatting.

This assignment will help you digest the textbook material.  In the Discussion Forum, post an APA formatted paper of at least 600-words about the week’s reading material.  The post must be substantive and demonstrate insight gained from the course material and be posted no later than Wednesday 10.00 pm.

Discuss competitive strategy in Action Capture

· A slide describing your strategic vision for the company.

· A slide that shows what performance targets for EPS, ROE, credit rating, and image rating you and your co-managers would set for each of the next two years (assuming the simulation were to continue). You may also want to indicate a stock price target as well.

· A slide that sets forth your company’s competitive strategy in Action Capture cameras in some detail and how that strategy has evolved over the years you have managed the company. You may need to have more than one slide here if your company’s strategy in AC cameras varies markedly from geographic region to geographic region.

· A slide describing your strategic vision for the company.

· A slide that shows what performance targets for EPS, ROE, credit rating, and image rating you and your co-managers would set for each of the next two years (assuming the simulation were to continue). You may also want to indicate a stock price target as well.

· A slide that sets forth your company’s competitive strategy in Action Capture cameras in some detail and how that strategy has evolved over the years you have managed the company. You may need to have more than one slide here if your company’s strategy in AC cameras varies markedly from geographic region to geographic region.

Analysis Of Existing System

Submission: End on Saturday 9th November 2020

 

1. Analysis of Existing  System (5 marks).

Analyze   the key problems of the existing system used by the company. Also discuss   the Information Systems used within the company for example:

· Transaction   processing systems (TPS)

· Enterprise Resource   Planning (ERP) Systems

· Functional Area   Information Systems

· Business   intelligence

· DSS

Hint: You can discuss any points that you learned in this course and   its related to your selected organization

 

2. Possible Solutions and Suggestions for the company (3 mark).  What are your suggestions to help   the organization in solving the key problems.

 

3. Conclusion (1.5 mark).

Summarize your report

 

4. References (0.5 mark).

Use APA referencing style format.

Submission: End on Saturday 9th November 2020

 

1. Analysis of Existing  System (5 marks).

Analyze   the key problems of the existing system used by the company. Also discuss   the Information Systems used within the company for example:

· Transaction   processing systems (TPS)

· Enterprise Resource   Planning (ERP) Systems

· Functional Area   Information Systems

· Business   intelligence

· DSS

Hint: You can discuss any points that you learned in this course and   its related to your selected organization

 

2. Possible Solutions and Suggestions for the company (3 mark).  What are your suggestions to help   the organization in solving the key problems.

 

3. Conclusion (1.5 mark).

Summarize your report

 

4. References (0.5 mark).

Use APA referencing style format.

Review Jeff Bezos’ leader organization

Leader is Jeff Bezos’; chapter 9 and 10 are attached

Review Jeff Bezos’ leader organization and assess what the group behavior was like under this leader (Chapter 9). How were teams implemented in the leader’s organization? Were they successful? What could have been done better? (Chapter 10)

Be sure to use actual examples from the literature and cite your sources appropriately. Be sure to include extensive research outside the textbook and also to cite the textbook correctly including page numbers. You are expected to use at least two academic or business sources other than your textbook.

Leader is Jeff Bezos’; chapter 9 and 10 are attached

Review Jeff Bezos’ leader organization and assess what the group behavior was like under this leader (Chapter 9). How were teams implemented in the leader’s organization? Were they successful? What could have been done better? (Chapter 10)

Be sure to use actual examples from the literature and cite your sources appropriately. Be sure to include extensive research outside the textbook and also to cite the textbook correctly including page numbers. You are expected to use at least two academic or business sources other than your textbook.

Which competitive model should Groupon worry most about?

Read closely and review the attached Groupon Case Study. This assignment will assess your ability to assess enterprise strategy and make decisions that align with it.

Write a 4 – 6 page paper (double spaced) using MS Word (not including title page and  references), and using proper APA format.  The paper should address the  following questions:

  • How does Groupon create value and for whom is this value created? How does Groupon create value and for whom is this value created?
  • Could a less sales-intensive approach like Groupon stores be the next phase of product growth?
  • Which competitive model should Groupon worry most about? Why?
  • If you managed a project in Groupon’s environment, how would you ensure your project is aligned with Groupon’s overall strategy?

Remember, this paper needs to be original to this class and in your own words.  While outside sources are allowed, your paper should be overwhelmingly your own words.

Creativity is always  encouraged! This assignment is due Saturday of the SIX weeks of the class at 11:59 p.m. EDT (US & Canada).

Read closely and review the attached Groupon Case Study. This assignment will assess your ability to assess enterprise strategy and make decisions that align with it.

Write a 4 – 6 page paper (double spaced) using MS Word (not including title page and  references), and using proper APA format.  The paper should address the  following questions:

  • How does Groupon create value and for whom is this value created? How does Groupon create value and for whom is this value created?
  • Could a less sales-intensive approach like Groupon stores be the next phase of product growth?
  • Which competitive model should Groupon worry most about? Why?
  • If you managed a project in Groupon’s environment, how would you ensure your project is aligned with Groupon’s overall strategy?

Remember, this paper needs to be original to this class and in your own words.  While outside sources are allowed, your paper should be overwhelmingly your own words.

Creativity is always  encouraged! This assignment is due Saturday of the SIX weeks of the class at 11:59 p.m. EDT (US & Canada).