...Executive Summary A significant element of investment management is the mechanisms of alternative investment. A strategic selection of the right asset allocation can provide a means of protection against unsystematic risk, also known as “diversifiable risk”. Though a well-diversified investment portfolio can provide a means of risk minimisation, allocating assets across a varied range of investments through alternative means is essentially the most effective mechanism. A combination of private equity, hedge funds, venture capital, commodities, real estate and art can assist in achieving this objective. Alternative investments were restricted to professional fund managers and large private investors. However, many small investors now have a way to access alternative investments through venture capital, hedge funds and private equities (Brailsford, T 2011). Following the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), investors shifted capital into lower risk investments. Some financial institutions and individual investors preferred to place a large percentage of their capital into lower risk products such as commercial papers and treasury notes. However, others believe that such events provides a good opportunity to invest their capital into higher risk instruments in order to gain greater returns in the mid-to long-term. The core principles of investment is the diversification of assets to minimise risks. Therefore, alternative investments plays a pivotal role in broadening the selection...
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...| Alternative Investment Project | | | | | | | | Content Page: Content | Page | Cover Page | 1 | Content Page | 2 | Executive Summary | 3 | Introduction | 3 | Content of Project | 4 | Conclusion | 9 | Recommendation | 9 | Appendix | 10 | Assignments of work | 19 | Executive Summary: The purpose of the report is to do an in-depth investigation, study and analysis on alternative investments. From the various alternative investments, our team of analyst chose commodities, variable annuities and hedge funds as our subject of interest for the study. Each financial product has its own aims as to cater to the different investment goals to meet the needs of investors. Thus, just by looking at the basis on expensiveness and tax-efficiency, and then from selecting the better one is unwise. We have to look at the overall picture and considering other indispensable factors like risks, liquidity, asset allocation which are equally important. Therefore, our basis of evaluation comprises of various important factors so as to make a robust analysis. Firstly, commodities are a highly demanded investment which is traded using options and futures contract.. Moreover, they are also an element of diversification that investors can lower their vulnerability to market volatility. Despite its high volatility in its prices, it managed to gain a higher return as compared to stocks and bonds. As commodities have a low correlation with bonds...
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...Alternative Investment Instruments Fin 460, Section - 2 Karishma Rahman - 1330090 Rumman Rahman - 1320142 A.S.M Asadul Haque - 1231001 Abdullah Al Masud - 1210380 Imtiaz Ahmed - 1220812 2015 Table of Contents Introduction 1 Identification of Alternative Instruments 2 Art 2 History 2 Characteristics and details 3 Prospects in Bangladesh 5 Gold 6 History 6 Characteristics and details 7 Prospect in Bangladesh 9 Real Estate 10 History 10 Characteristics and details 11 Prospects in Bangladesh 13 Private Equity 14 History 15 Characteristics and details 15 Prospects in Bangladesh 17 Venture Capital 18 History 19 Characteristics and details 19 Prospects in Bangladesh 21 Conclusion 22 References 23 Introduction As volatile as the stock market can be, many investors have been looking into safer ways to invest their money. So, “alternative investments” have become increasingly popular. An alternative investment is any investment other than the three traditional asset classes: stocks, bonds and cash. These alternatives don’t take the place of those more traditional assets. Investors shouldn’t sell their stocks, cash out their savings accounts and put all their money in these less traditional options. Most financial experts agree that alternative investments are best when used to diversify financial portfolios. In other words, instead of putting all of the money in stocks put some in stocks, some in bonds and...
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...| Are diamonds investor’s best friend? | Study on polished diamonds as an alternative investment. | | Presented by:Daria GoldobinaStudent number:080006193Supervised by:Anh L. TranIn partial fulfilment of the:BSc Business Studies, Cass Business SchoolDate:24th March 2011I certify that I have complied with the guidelines on plagiarism outlined in the Course Handbook in the production of this dissertation and that it is my own, unaided work.Signature:__________________________________________ | | This work is dedicated to the memory of my beloved grandfather Ivan Smolin. He was a sweet, kind and sensitive man who devoted his life to studying precious stones and metals. He enriched my life with passion to beauty. If God wanted us to bend over he'd put diamonds on the floor Joan Rivers Contents Acknowledgements 3 Executive summary 7 I Introduction 10 Ground for discussion 10 Objectives 10 Methodology 11 II Literature review and hypothesis development 12 Overview 12 Introduction 12 History of diamonds 12 Industry structure 13 DeBeers cartel 15 Diamond valuation 16 Diamond valuation process 16 Determinants of diamond prices 18 Diamond as an investment 19 Types of investment 19 Problems associated with investing in diamonds 20 Benefits associated with investing in diamonds 20 Alternatives to investing in diamonds 23 Hypothesis development 25 III Methodology 26 Data collection 26 Primary research 26 Secondary...
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...towards my decision problem: To pursue the path of the ‘Corporate Ladder’; one of a simplistic, ‘bare bones’, and uncomplicated lifestyle that I have in Columbus, OH (aka “Cowtown”)? I have hit the mid-life checkpoint and desire to have a plan in place so that it does not evolve into the proverbial mid-life ‘crisis’. My decision for this problem is based on objectives that meet my physical, mental, social, emotional, and spiritual wishes and goals. Among the alternatives I considered, I selected “Relocating/Transferring to another state with my current company” . I believe this alternative will provide an ideal mix of consequences and benefits such as flexibility, opportunity, challenge, short-term change and long-term sustainability, ability to modify the decision and its subsequent outcomes; as well as acceptable tradeoffs. The primary factors that led me to this selection are that this alternative lends itself to buying more time and gathering information to determine if this alternative is, in fact, the best alternative for me. This method helps to mitigate risk, but more importantly achieves my fundamental objectives, which were the determining factors for my decision selection. Problem Statement The nature of my decision problem is that of a life choice—the path I desire to construct for myself heading into the future—what my career choice(s) will be, overhauling and simplifying my priorities, getting rid of the dross. At first glance, this may first appear to be too...
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...Filmore Furniture Ltd Company Background * Incorporated in 1970 by Fred Filmore, a sole proprietor. * In 1983, Phil obtained his father’s furniture business and acquired the management of the business. * In 10 years the sales income increased to $5,100,000 and employed 58 full-time employees. * He is an aggressive manager and strategist. * During 1986 to 1993, Filmore Furniture modernized its manufacturing facilities. * Phil owned 63% of the share, 31% the five investors and the rest is retained by the employees of the company. Problem She is having a tough time choosing between whether she should sell the business, or manage the business herself. Objectives Choose the best option that will favor in Mrs. Lucinda Filmore, and provide her with an income that would benefit her financial situation. Also, an income to assist her to have a good standard of living for her and her children for the years to come, with the lowest short- and long term debt possible. Situation Analysis PEST Analysis Political:- * Canada-US Free Trade Agreement (1989) brought increased import competitors from larger American companies. * Opportunity to export in large US market Economical:- * During recession, additional fixed cost may be risky * The furniture industry is very competitive Social:- * Innovations resulted in good reputation, and goodwill in the furniture industry * Relationship with financial institutions; Customer...
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...rest – refer docs in Moosa’s loki (and also secondary sources if need be) 1. Customer Analysis - Alpa a. What are the major segments? b. What are their motivations and unmet needs? 2. Competitor Analysis - Alpa a. Who are the existing and potential competitors? What strategic groups can be identified? b. What are their sales, share, and profits? What are the growth trends? c. What are their strengths, weaknesses, and strategies? 3. Market/ Submarket Analysis - Ruchira a. How attractive is the market or industry and its submarkets? What are the forces reducing profitability in the market, entry and exit barriers, growth projections, cost structures, and profitability prospects? b. What are the alternative distribution channels and their relative strengths? c. What industry trends and emerging submarkets are Significant to strategy? d. What are the current and future key success factors? 4. Environmental Analysis - Ruchira a. What environmental threats, opportunities, and trends exist? b. What are the major strategic uncertainties and information-need areas? c. What scenarios can be conceived? 5. Internal Analysis - Ravi a. What are our strategy, performance, points of differentiation, strengths, weaknesses, strategy problems, and culture? b. What threats and opportunities exist? 6. Strategy Development – Ravi & Riyas a. What are the target segments? What is the production scope...
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...Juul Moller: The Internet Impact Consumer Behaviour Friday, February 5, 2016 Table of Contents Introduction 4 Situation Analysis 4 SWOT Analysis 4 Strengths 4 Weaknesses 5 Opportunities 5 Threats 6 Assumptions & Missing Information 6 Problem Statement 7 Development & Evaluation of Alternatives 7 Alternatives 7 Alternative One: Build an e-Commerce platform 7 Pros 8 Cons 8 Alternative Two: Strategic Partnership with NSM 9 Pros 10 Cons 10 Alternative Three: e-Textbook Options 11 Pros 12 Cons 12 Alternative Four: Client Focused Strategy 12 Pros 13 Cons 13 Alternatives Matrix 14 Index 14 Conclusion 15 Solution Objectives 15 Recommendation 15 Build an e-Commerce platform 15 Strategic Partnership with NSM 16 Client-focused strategy 16 References 18 Introduction Dag Juul Moller is the owner and president of Juul Moller Bokhandel, a bookstore located in Norway. Dag speaks to Dagfinn Nettland, a master of management student at the Norwegian School of Management. Dagfinn was enrolled in a course that required students to take an existing company and analyze how it could use the internet as a sales channel and source of information. Dag was interested in the fact that the required textbooks weren’t available until several weeks into the course. Some students purchased their books using Amazon.com, others resorted to using other bookstore websites. Some students had purchased other products through the internet with...
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...Annual Worth Analysis Basics So far we learned PW and FW as comparison tools AW analysis is said to be the best comparison tool. AW value is the equivalent uniform annual worth of all estimated receipts and disbursements during the life cycle of the project or alternative AW value is equivalent to the PW and FW values at the MARR for n years AW = PW (A/P, i, n) = FW (A/F , i, n) where n is the number of years for equal-service comparison. When all cash flow estimates are converted to an AW value, this value applies for: every year of the life cycle for each additional life cycle The prime advantage of AW analysis is: 1 2 AW value has to be calculated for only one life cycle not necessary to use the LCM of lives as it is for PW and FW . IE 347 Week 5 Industrial Engineering Dept. 1/8 Dr.Serhan Duran (METU) Annual Worth Analysis Basics When alternatives being compared have different lives, the AW method makes the assumption that: 1 2 3 The service provided by alternatives will be needed for at least the LCM of years or more The selected alternative will be repeated over each life cycle of the LCM in exactly the same manner The cash flow estimates will be the same in every life cycle Example Eric Forman, a project engineer is assigned to start up a new office in Wisconsin. Two lease options are available: Location A Location B First cost, $ $-15,000 $-18,000 Annual lease cost, $ per year -3,500 -3,100 Deposit return, $ 1,000 2,000 Lease term...
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...product, service, or program should resolve a problem that you identify in your workplace and should be directed to your employer (even if you do not actually plan to share it with your employer). Use the basic outline below to draft your paper. Organize your responses to each question under the following section headings: Problem Statement (for Question 1) Overview of Alternatives (for Question 2) Criteria (for Question 3) Methods (for Question 4) Write a two (2) page, single-spaced report in which you: 1. Describe in detail a problem at work, persuading and convincing the reader that it needs fixing. 2. Provide a detailed description of two (2) possible solutions (“alternatives”) that could be implemented to resolve the problem identified in Question 1. 3. Describe five (5) criteria that you will use to measure the worth of each alternative in Criterion 2. Note: The alternative that satisfies the most criteria to the highest degree will be the one you recommend later to your employer. Criteria are standards that the audience values and are therefore used to measure the worth of each alternative (common examples include cost, desirability, durability, efficiency, time it will take to implement, and practicality). 4. Describe in detail how you will conduct the research needed...
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...operations and formulates a discussion as to the surrounding outcomes that the prohibition of CSG operations would have on the Australian industry if this proposition were to be approved. This is mentioned through several key areas, which are: the economic and environmental value of CSG to the Australian economy, the effects of a proposed policy ban on the industry as well as the effects of such a ban on surrounding companies. An alternative policy will be put forth to ensure the government’s main objective of the protection of the natural environment is able to coexist with CSG projects in the future. The report will conclude with recommendations that the government should consider with the alternative policy. Conclusion (100) In conclusion it is evident that the proposed policy by the government “to ban all Coal Seam Gas (CSG) projects to protect farms, nature reserves and ground water” is flawed and would have detrimental effects on the mining industry and companies associated with CSG extraction. To address these negative impacts an alternative policy has been created with the aim of ensuring the coexistence of CSG projects, farms, nature reserves, and ground water. Some recommendations are offered below to aid in minimizing the effects on the industry and relevant companies...
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...For the past couple of months I have been working at Fun House pizza in Lee's Summit, MO as a cook. My goal has been to save up around $4,000 and then sell my 2002 SS Monte Carlo so I can buy a new car. So the time comes to where I have enough money saved to sell the Monte Carlo. I come to the decision that I could get the most money if I post it on craigslist so I did and within an hour I got a cool from someone who wanted to buy the car so I sold the Monte Carlo later on that afternoon, but when I sold it I forgot to take my plates off the car which at that point in my life did not know mattered. Alright now I got all they money I had earned and I was looking for a new vehicle. I looked around a couple of days for a SUV and I found a 2004 sport ford explorer. I wanted to go look at the SUV so I asked a buddy of mine if he would take me out to Compass Motors in Kansas City and he agreed. He comes to pick me up and we head out to Compass Motors we arrived and I got to drive the SUV around and I thought it was good so I bought it. I soon found out that was a mistake when I later on arrived home and showed it to my father, grandfather, and my mother who all told me that I had made the wrong decision and needed to return the SUV and would be lucky to get my money back. That next morning me, my father, and grandfather all went back down to Compass Motor to talk to the man who sold me the car to go get my money back. Me and my father go into the store and talked to the man who sold...
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...all of the alternative solutions you list (see below) are things from your role's perspective and things within the power of your character to do. If you don’t have a name, identify a job title. Do not list alternatives that other people have; only list the options facing your chosen role. You are making your character's decisions and no one else's. Identify your character: Owner Step 1 - Identify the Problem/Opportunity. The company needs to improve on marking. Step 2 - Identify the Causes of the Problem/Opportunity. The problem occurred because of earlier decisions to kick the business in a profitable position in 1962. It occurs where ever there is an Enterprise rental established. It doesn’t occur where people doesn’t have knowledge of the company’s motto or existence. The management should be effectively practicing pleasing the customer. The organization has failed in making the customers know how well the staff does please their customers. Step 3 - List Alternative Solutions to the Problem (or ways to take advantage of the opportunity). Proposed alternatives should be consistent with the problem(s)/opportunity(ies) and cause(s) identified. Develop at least three possible alternative solutions. You may list both short-term and long-term solutions. Though you might list information gathering (surveys, marketing research, a consultant, etc.) as an implementation step in Steps 5 and 6, please don't let information gathering be an alternative solution....
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...hiring an employee, consolidating departments, or investing funds. *Structures: Direct or indirect pattern Direct is used for non-sensitive topics and recommendations that would be agreeable to readers : 1. In the introduction identify the problem or need briefly. 2. Announce solution or recommendation with action verbs. 3. Explain more fully the benefits of recommendation or steps to be taken. 4. Discuss pros, cons, and cost. 5. Conclude with summary. Indirect is used when a reader may oppose a recommendation or when suggest caution: 1. General reference to problem 2. Describe the problem or need your recommendation addresses. -Use specific examples. 3. Discuss alternative solutions. 4. Present the most promising alternative (your recommendation) last. 5. Show advantages of your recommendation. 6. Summarize your recommendation. 7. Ask for authorization to proceed if necessary. Instructions (how to write the report) 1. Use a basic memo heading (To/From/Date/Subject) and fill it in. 2. Write an opening paragraph that describes the problem or purpose of your report. 3. Write an introduction to your report that details the purpose and significance...
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...Marking Guidelines Cases studies are due on paper at the beginning of each class (e.g. xx.00pm). Late cases get zero. |Marks | | |5 |Key Events / Case synopsis | | |Maximum of six (6) sentences here. Provide a brief history of the company up to the time of the decision / problem. | |5 |Problem Statement and Objectives | | |Be clear what the problem is. Sometimes it is a specific decision to be made, most of the time it is a larger issue.| | |This means that the problem statement will rarely, if ever, be, “Should decider do A or B” | | |Note the objectives of the key character. If secondary characters have objectives that might have an impact on the | | |recommendation, note these here. | |25 |Situation Analysis | | |Start with a paragraph that summarises the business situation (eg do strengths outweigh weaknesses? Is it an | | |attractive...
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