Category: Business and Management

Jeremiah Wilkins
May 31, 2024May 31 at 3:28pm
Manage Discussion Entry
Discussion Thread: Company Cash Flow
As the CFO of a struggling company, I find the challenge of maintaining positive cash flow while developing a revolutionary product formidable. The phrase “Cash is king” highlights the critical importance of cash flow in sustaining business operations. Without adequate cash flow, even the most promising companies can falter (Plaskova et al., 2020). My task is to ensure that the company survives the next two years when our new product is ready for market while keeping stakeholders satisfied. A multi-faceted approach involving strategic financial planning, stakeholder management, and faith-based principles can be employed to keep the company alive.
Short-term Financial Strategies
Firstly, securing immediate funding is imperative. One approach is to seek bridge financing, which provides short-term capital to cover expenses until longer-term financing can be arranged, which could involve negotiating with banks or private lenders for short-term loans (Dorosh & Plish, 2021). Additionally, exploring venture capital or private equity might be viable options, especially if the product has a high potential for market disruption (Brealey et al., 2023). Another avenue is issuing convertible debt. This method allows the company to borrow money that can be converted into equity later and could be attractive to investors who believe in the long-term potential of the new product but are cautious about the immediate financial risks. It also mitigates the immediate cash flow strain, as interest payments on convertible debt are typically lower than traditional loans.
Moreover, tightening the company’s operational efficiency can free up cash, which includes renegotiating supplier payment terms, optimizing inventory management, and reducing non-essential expenses (Dorosh & Plish, 2021). These measures can help conserve cash without significantly impacting the company’s operational capabilities. Furthermore, streamlining internal processes and implementing cost-saving technologies can also improve efficiency and reduce expenditures (Dorosh & Plish, 2021).
Long-term Financial Planning
Securing partnerships or strategic alliances could provide financial support and additional resources for the long term. For example, collaborating with a larger company in the same industry could offer benefits such as shared research and development costs, marketing synergies, and access to broader distribution networks. This approach provides financial relief and enhances the product’s market entry strategy. Another long-term strategy involves equity financing. By issuing new shares, the company can raise substantial capital. Although this dilutes existing shareholders’ equity, it may be a necessary sacrifice to ensure the company’s survival and future growth. Communication with stakeholders about the new product’s potential exponential growth can help mitigate dilution concerns.
Stakeholder Management
Maintaining stakeholder confidence during this period is crucial (Oriekhova & Golovko, 2022). Transparent and consistent communication is vital. Regular updates on the company’s financial status, progress on product development, and strategic plans to secure funding can help build trust (Oriekhova & Golovko, 2022). Hosting quarterly town halls, providing detailed reports, and being accessible for questions can reassure stakeholders that the leadership team is competent and proactive.
In addition, aligning the stakeholders’ interests with the company’s goals can be achieved through incentive programs (Akhmetova et al., 2021). Offering stock options or performance-based rewards can motivate employees and management to work towards the company’s success. For investors, presenting a clear and compelling vision of the future, backed by thorough market research and realistic projections, can secure their support. In navigating these financial challenges, biblical principles can provide valuable guidance. Proverbs 21:5 states, “The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want” (Holy Bible, King James Version, 1769/2008). This verse emphasizes the importance of diligent planning and prudent decision-making. As a CFO, embodying this wisdom means thoroughly evaluating all financial options, considering the risks and benefits, and making informed, deliberate decisions rather than hasty ones.
Furthermore, Philippians 4:6-7 offers reassurance in times of anxiety:
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Holy Bible, King James Version, 1769/2008).
These verses encourage a reliance on faith and divine guidance when facing uncertainty. One can find peace and clarity amid financial turbulence by integrating prayer and faith-based reflection into decision-making processes.
Conclusion
Ensuring the survival and growth of a struggling company requires a comprehensive approach that includes securing immediate and long-term financing, optimizing operational efficiency, and maintaining stakeholder trust (Akhmetova et al., 2021). By combining strategic financial planning with transparent communication and biblical principles of diligent planning and faith, a CFO can navigate the company through challenging times and towards a prosperous future.
References
Akhmetova, A., Aimagambetova, A., Oralbayeva, A., & Bisembayeva, G. (2021, April 15). WAYS TO OPTIMIZE THE CASH RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AT THE ENTERPRISE. The Bulletin, 2, 183-189. doi:10.32014/2021.2518-1467.68
Brealey, R. A., Myers, S. C., & Marcus, A. J. (2023). Fundamentals of Corporate Finance (11th ed.). New York, NY, United States of America: McGraw Hill.
Dorosh, O., & Plish, I. (2021). Cash Flow Planning at the Enterprise. Management and Entrepreneurship in Ukraine: the stages of formation and problems of development, 3(2), 21-28. doi:10.23939/smeu2021.02.021
Holy Bible, King James Version. (1769/2008). Holman Bible Publishers.
Oriekhova, K. V., & Golovko, O. H. (2022, May 10). CASH FLOW MANAGEMENT STRATEGY. Economy and Law, 64(1). doi:10.15407/econlaw.2022.01.089
Plaskova, N., Prodanova, N., Ignatyeva, O., Nayanov, E. A., Goncharov, V., & Surpkelova, A. (2020, September 26). Controlling in cash flow management of the company. Eurasian Journal of Biosciences, 14, 3507-3512.
BUSI 530 Discussion Thread 3
Cash Flow
Philip G. Maher
School of Business, Liberty University
Author Note
Philip G. Maher
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Philip G. Maher.
Email: ************************* style=”margin: 12px 0px; font-size: 0.9rem; cursor: auto; color: inherit;”> 
BUSI 530 Discussion Thread 3
Brealey et al. (2023) detail multiple reasons why firms would benefit from having a stockpile of cash on hand and one of the primary reasons is to provide a runway that enables continued business operations while waiting for investments to generate cashflow. In our scenario, our firm has enough cash on hand to fund business operations for six months, with the expectation that our breakthrough product will begin to generate cashflow in two years, driving the need to secure funding for eighteen months’ worth of business operations.
Obtain Funding Through the Issuance of Debt
Brealey et al. (2023) illustrates three primary methods firms can increase their cashflow that include internally generated funds via plowing back profits, issuing common stock, or issuing debt. Since our firm is not expecting to generate cashflow from our breakthrough product for another two years, plowing back increased portions of our profits is not a realistic option, which will drive the focus towards equity financing through the issuance of new shares or debt financing through the issuance of bonds.
Huang and Ritter (2021) emphasize that the firms will seek external financing to either increase their cash balances or to rebalance their capital structure and determined that the vast majority of firms utilize external financing due to their shortfalls in cash. Additionally, Huang and Ritter (2021) illustrate that firms that are routinely profitable but faced with short-term cash needs tend to issue debt, whereas firms that are unprofitable and research and development (R&D) intensive favor equity issuance. There are a few strategic reasons to issue debt versus equity when raising cash for short-term needs that focus on the tax benefits associated with debt, being able to write-off debt on taxes, and the signal to investors that the stock is not viewed as overvalued and the company anticipates being able to pay off the debt (Huang & Ritter, 2021).
Understanding that my firm needs cash to support short-term business operations, with the anticipation that our firm will be profitable once the breakthrough product is launched leads to me favor issuing debt over equity to raise our cash on hand. Therefore, I will move forward with the issuance of corporate bonds to fund our business operations.
Keeping Stakeholders Happy
In an attempt to keep my stakeholders happy, I will need to articulate the belief that the opportunity cost of capital through an investment in my firm will at minimum, match the return of an investment with similar risk. I will focus on my stakeholders happiness through transparent communication that articulates our short-term financial challenges and the strategic plan, focused on our breakthrough product, that will lead our firm to financial success.
Additionally, my communication will include detailed timelines and financial expectations that will manage investors expectations and increase their confidence in the success of our new product, and ultimately the firm.
Biblical Application
Proverbs 21:5 states, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty” (English Standard Version, 2016). The bible verse highlights the importance of firms diligently planning for the future by ensuring they retain enough cash reserves to sustain business operations when faced with a future outlook of negative cashflows. Additionally, careful planning and preparation through researching the most advantageous methods to obtain funding will not only ensure the financial success of a firm, but it will also instill confidence and trust in stakeholders that the firms leadership is competent and capable of making sound financial decisions.
References
Brealey, R. A., Myers, S. C., & Marcus, A. J. (2023). Fundamentals of corporate finance (11th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
English Standard Version. (2016). Proverbs 21:5 ESV – The plans of the diligent lead surely – Bible GatewayLinks to an external site. (Original work published 2001).
Huang, R., Ritter, J. R. (2021). Corporate cash shortfalls and financing decisions. The Review of Financial Studies, 34(4), 1789-1833. https://doi.org/10.1093/rfs/hhaa099Links to an external site.
PLEASE READ CRITERIA FOR REPLIES. BIBILICAL REFERENCE NEEDED 150 WORDS EACH REPLY 

Instructions
Read all three scenarios and respond to all the questions. Your answers should be about 1 page for each scenario, so your completed paper should be approximately 3 pages long.

Instructions
Persuasive Presentation: Advocating for Women’s College Sports at Clayton State
*This is a video assignment with slides. Cameras should be on during presentations. Power Point allows you to record yourself presenting your slides within the slideshow.
*This is an individual project to illustrate your fact-based, persuasive presentation skills. Do not script your presentation. Present naturally.
Directions: Demonstrate your communication and persuasive presentation skills by crafting a concise, persuasive presentation to your college administration on why they should invest more resources into developing women’s sports programs. Your audience is the Clayton State Presidential Cabinet and University System of Georgia Administration. Mention how CSU’s harmonic branding will make a powerful women’s program.  
Create a 5-minute presentation with slides and evidence-based information to support your points. You may choose one sports specifically, or you may speak on all collegiate women’s sports in general. 
Project Components:
1. Evidence of Chapter Reading: Begin with the chapter reading on persuasive communication techniques. This will equip you with the necessary tools to craft a powerful argument and the appropriate structure for persuasive messages. 
2. Research: Conduct focused research on the current state of women’s college sports, including funding, media coverage, participation rates, and facilities. Identify key challenges faced by women’s sports programs. (Make sure to use credible research sources)
3. Argument Building: Develop concise yet strong arguments supporting increased support for women’s college sports, highlighting benefits for athletes, educational institutions, growing popularity, etc.
4. Presentation Structure: Structure your presentation logically, with a clear introduction, impactful main points, and a memorable conclusion. Dress professionally in corporate business attire. (suit/jackets, no athletic attire).
5. Slide Deck: You will need at least 5 slides that reinforce your message and support your arguments. (Do not use your slides as a script) Ensure each slide is visually appealing and complements your presentation. Use visuals to engage your audience effectively, ensure that graphics or videos are clear and high quality, and appropriate grammar/mechanics.
6. Presentation Delivery: Deliver your presentation with clarity, professionalism, and confidence to an audience.
Submissions:
Slide deck/ppt presentation with bibliography of a minimum of 3 sources used in the research (5th slide).
In your bibliography, provide a list of references used in your research, along with a brief summary (5 sentences) of key points of the source. 

Thesis Thopic: ”Strategies
to overcome import and export obstacles by Congolese companies.”
I would like the thesis to have 4 chapters, 
CHAPTER I. UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORT AND EXPORT LANDSCAPE
IN DR CONGO
CHAPTER II. IMPORT AND EXPORT CHALLENGES FACED BY
CONGOLESE COMPANIES
CHAPTER III. CASE STUDIES OF SUCCESSFUL IMPORT AND
EXPORT COMPANY
CHAPTER IV. STRATEGIES TO OVERCOME IMPORT AND EXPORT
OBSTACLES
NB: 1. no AI-generated text, no plagiarism 
2. references according to Oxford standard
3. include footnote.

Assignment Content
Read the “ Starbucks–Going Global Fast” case posted above and answer the following questions based on your understanding of the case. Make sure that your answers are detailed and reflect an in-depth analysis of the case. Write your report in a separate file (MS Word format) and upload it to BlackBoard via the link on the assignment page.
The assignment is worth a total of 50 points. The following rubric will be used for grading the assignment:
Detailed coverage of issues: 20 points (40%)
Logical support for answers: 20 points (40%)
Spelling and grammar: 10 points (20%)
The suggested length of the case analysis is 2-3 pages typed in double space. There will be no penalty for exceeding the length if you have more information to offer. Please answer the questions in reasonable depth.

Branding – luxury/expansive/influencers
Brand awareness – 
Association with celbrities
How has Hermes association or collaboration with celebrities/product quality something about branding
Focus
Hermes using influences to solidify luxury brand image of exclusivity
Tasks
Tell me how Hermes use influencers
Who?
What products?
How is it exclusive?
What is the brand image?
Compare to other luxury brand 
Maybe in Asia?
What timeline?
sources do not have to be about Hermes
General docs: 
Fashion brands use of influencers
Luxury brand marketing strategies
Teacher had time to reflect on my research question today and your research in general
Research question: To what extent has Hermes use differentiation promotion of product solidified its luxurious brand image
Exclusivity is Hermes’ main thing i.e. it’s like AIS and education. Could you try and consider focusing in on a specific strategy on a specific product of Hermes instead. 
For example this is a specific decision by Hermes: In 2014, two classic scarves (Ex-libris and Peuple du vent) were extended to cowgirl bandana sizes to emulate the great American West tradition

Write a paper reflecting on your career explorations throughout this course. When reflecting, think about the following:
What were your career goals at the beginning of this course? What are your career goals now? Have they changed? How?
Have you learned more about your personal values and interests throughout this course? How has your outlook evolved? Has this affected your career choice?
What are the qualifications and skills you need for your chosen career path? What actions will you take to achieve these career goals? What is your long-term strategy and plan?
Who are the people who can help you achieve your career goals? Who can you reach out to? Why have you selected these individuals?
Your paper should be between 500 and 750 words. Type your reflection paper in MS Word (Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins) and then submit it as an attached word document using the M5A1 drop box. Be sure to proofread and use separate paragraphs to maximize readability factor.  This paper is due by 6/16; see Schedule of Activities. 
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Research and develop analysis of the local infrastructure for innovation and development of new ideas.
Research and create analysis of the local infrastructure for innovation and development of new ideas and companies in UAE. Start by understanding and gathering data and information of the local innovation ecosystem. Identify the individual pillars of support and their role in this system. Select one (only one to talk about it in details  of those specific pillars (startup incubator, accelerator, co-working space, venture fund, etc.), research it in detail and gather as varied sources of input as possible – articles, interviews, personal observations, informal discussions with participants, public data, etc. As a result, you will construct an analysis of the local innovation ecosystem based on your findings. Withing this writing you will present in detail one of those elements you have identified and gotten familiar with. Your essay must identify what are the essential pillars of innovating support in UAE. Following that general introduction you will write in depth presentation/analysis of an existing and easily identifiable entity which represents any of the pillars you have already identified 

For this assignment, you will be developing an outline for your Week 5 Final Paper. For detailed information regarding outlines, see the Writing Center’s Outlining resource.
Submit an outline for your Final Paper that includes the following:
Develop an introduction with a thesis statement for the Final Paper.
For assistance, see the Introductions & Conclusions and Writing a Thesis Statement, refer to the Writing Center resources.
Create an outline of the major headings with a two- to three-sentence description of what you will discuss under each heading.
See the APA Style Elements resource for assistance with headings.
Provide a references page for the sources you will use in the Final Paper (the Final Paper has a minimum requirement of five scholarly sources in addition to the course text).
State the complete bibliographic citation for the scholarly source, which should include the reference entry as well as a short summary of the source.
Follow APA Style guidelines, and see the Annotated Bibliography resource for assistance.
The Final Paper Proposal paper
must be two to three double-spaced pages in length (not including title and references pages) and formatted according to APA Style as outlined in the Writing Center’s APA Formatting for Microsoft Word resource.
must include a separate title page with the following:
Title of paper in bold font
Space should appear between the title and the rest of the information on the title page.
Student’s name
Name of institution (The University of Arizona Global Campus)
Course name and number
Instructor’s name
Due date
must utilize academic voice. See the Academic Voice resource for additional guidance.
must include an introduction. Your introduction paragraph needs to end with a clear thesis statement that indicates the purpose of your paper.
must use at least five credible and/or scholarly sources in addition to the course text.
Final paper topic: For your Final Paper, assume the following scenario: You are the manager of Acme Fireworks, a fireworks retailer who sells fireworks, and produces fireworks displays with ground display fireworks and large aerial display fireworks. The company started in the owner’s garage 2 years ago and now has 15 employees who you manage. The company started as a sole proprietorship, and the owner has never changed the entity. The owner has informed you that the company has received inquiries from several large businesses wondering if the company could create several fireworks displays on a regular basis. The owner told the inquirers that the company could fill such display orders, and a price per display was agreed upon. It was discussed that most of the cost for a fireworks display is for skilled labor, insurance, and the actual service of setting off the fireworks. No other details were discussed. The owner is anticipating that new employees will need to be hired, but he is worried that if the large orders for fireworks displays do not continue, the company will not have the funds to pay the new employees. The owner is now considering changing the business entity, but he does not know what entity to form or how to form it.
In your paper, the owner has asked you to do the following:
Analyze if the contracts with the businesses will be governed by common law or the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC).
Explain why.
Analyze whether the owner formed a contract with the businesses.
Apply the five essential elements of an enforceable contract.
Explain the potential personal liability to Acme Fireworks if a spectator is injured by a stray firework from a fireworks display.
Discuss the different employment types and relationships relevant to agency law.
Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each type specific to Acme Fireworks.
Explain why Acme Fireworks should not operate as a sole proprietorship.
Recommend a new business entity.
Provide rationale to support your recommendation.
For each task, be sure to analyze the relevant law, apply the facts to the law, and make a conclusion.

APA Formatting noted with adjustments needed:
1) Page numbers should be included in all APA 7 papers, in the upper right hand area – same font/ size as the paper.
2) The margins are off on the References page – left side
3) I do not see corresponding intext citations for the sources on the References page. complete paragraphs with
3-5 sentences, and scholarly support.
needs to reflect SFAC attached are additional files to support.