Question 1: (10 points). (Net
present value calculation) Dowling Sportswear is considering building a new
factory to produce aluminum baseball bats. This project would require an
initial cash outlay of $4,000,000 and would generate annual net cash inflows of
$900,000 per year for 7 years. Calculate the project’s NPV using a discount
rate of 5 percent. (Round to the nearest dollar.)

a. If the discount rate is 5 percent, then the project’s NPV is:

$

Question 2: (30 points). (Net present value calculation)
Big Steve’s, makers of swizzle sticks, is considering the purchase of a new
plastic stamping machine. This investment requires an initial outlay of $90,000
and will generate net cash inflows of $19,000 per year for 11 years. To answer Choose an item questions, click on the orange text
and use the pull down menu to select the best answer. 

a. What is the project’s NPV using a discount
rate of 7 percent? (Round to the nearest dollar.)

If the discount rate is 7 percent, then the project’s NPV is:

$

Should the project be
accepted?

The project
Choose an item. accepted because the
NPV is
Choose an item. and therefore
Choose an item. value to the firm.

b. What is the project’s NPV using a discount
rate of 16 percent?

If the discount rate is 16 percent, then the project’s NPV is:

$

Should the project be accepted?

The project
Choose an item. accepted because the
NPV is
Choose an item. and therefore
Choose an item. value to the firm.

If the project’s required discount rate is 16%,
then the project
Choose an item. accepted because the
IRR is
Choose an item. Than the required discount rate.

c. What is this project’s internal rate of
return? (Round
to two decimal places.)

This project’s internal rate of return is:

%

Should the project be accepted? Why or why
not?

If the project’s required discount rate is
7%, then the project
Choose an item. accepted because the
IRR is
Choose an item. the required discount rate.

If the project’s required discount rate is 16%,
then the project
Choose an item. accepted because the
IRR is
Choose an item. the required discount rate.

Question 3: (15 points). (Related
to Checkpoint 11.2) (Equivalent annual cost calculation) Barry Boswell is a
financial analyst for Dossman Metal Works, Inc. and he is analyzing two
alternative configurations for the firm’s new plasma cutter shop. The two
alternatives that are denoted A and B below perform the same task and although
they each cost to purchase and install they offer very different cash flows.
Alternative A has a useful life of 7 years whereas Alternative B will only last
for 3 years. The after-tax cash flows from the two projects are as follows:

a.
Calculate each project’s equivalent annual cost (EAC) given a discount rate of
10 percent. (Round to the nearest cent.)

a. Alternative A’s equivalent annual cost (EAC) at a discount rate of 10% is:	$
b. Alternative B’s equivalent annual cost (EAC) at a discount rate of 10% is	$

b.
Which of the alternatives do you think Barry should select? Why? (Select the
best choice below.)

1. This
   cannot be determined from the information provided.

2. Alternative
   B should be selected because its equivalent annual cost is less per year than
   the annual equivalent cost for Alternative A.

3. Alternative
   A should be selected because its equivalent annual cost is less per year than
   the annual equivalent cost for Alternative B.

4. Alternative
   A should be selected because it has the highest NPV.

Question 4: (10 points). (IRR calculation)
What is the internal rate of return for the following project: An initial
outlay of $9,000 resulting in a single cash inflow of $15,424 in 7 years. (Round to the
nearest whole percent.)

a. The internal rate of return for the project is:

%

Question 5: (10 points). (IRR calculation)
Jella Cosmetics is considering a project that costs $750,000 and is expected to
last for 9 years and produce future cash flows of $180,000 per year. If the
appropriate discount rate for this project is 17 percent, what is the project’s
IRR? (Round
to two decimal places.)

a. The project’s IRR is:

%

Question 6: (10 points) (IRR,
payback, and calculating a missing cash flow) Mode Publishing is considering a
new printing facility that will involve a large initial outlay and then result
in a series of positive cash flows for four years. The estimated cash flows
associated with this project are:

If
you know that the project has a regular payback of 2.9 years, what is the project’s
internal rate of return?

a. The IRR of the project is:

%

Question 7: (15 points) (Mutually
exclusive projects and NPV) You have been assigned the task of evaluating two
mutually exclusive projects with the following projected cash flows:

If
the appropriate discount rate on these projects is 11 percent, which would be
chosen and why? (Round to the nearest cent.)

a. The NPV of Project A is:	$
b. The NPV of Project B is:	$

Which project would be chosen and why? (Select
the best choice below.)

1. Cannor
   choose without comparing their IRRs.

2. Choose
   A because its NPV is higher.

3. Choose
   both because they both have positive NPVs.

4. Choose
   B because its NPV is higher.

REPLY WITH AT LEAST 1 reference

1:

1. What will organizations have to do to adapt to the influx of needed Generation Y individuals?

Organizations adjust everyday to different things. However, the adjustments that organizations have had to make due to the influx of Generation Y individuals is astounding. According to Ivancevich & Konopaske (2013), “The reality is that generation Y’s are disruptive not only because of their size but because of their attitudes” (p.60). They also come to the workplace with lots of demands and if they don’t get those demands they will find a place that will provide them. Organizations will have to accommodate to the different work types that will be present and although some of the characteristics that Gen Y’s show might not be seem as “political” they must still be open to receiving them with open arms. There is no doubt that there is a short supply of talent and a high demand for workers both domestic and internationally. This means that organizations will have to find ways to adapt and work around Gen Y’s. “Companies have already begun catering to Gen Y’s needs by offering what is known as a results only work environment. Commonly referred to as ROWE, the results only work environment puts less stock in how or when the work is done and instead focuses on how well the work is done.

When a company adapts a ROWE, employees are typically given the freedom to work remotely or to create their own schedule. The results only work environment caters to Gen Y’s desire for freedom, “me time”, and a non-traditional work environment, yet because it is performance-driven, it still ensures that employees are working hard and delivering results” (Good.co, 2013). Ultimately, organizations will have to continue to be intentional in finding ways to include Generation Y individuals into their workforce.

1. Is Generation Y really that different from previous generations that entered the workforce in large numbers? Explain.

In my opinion as a fellow Gen Y, I do feel that this generation is different from the previous generations that entered the workforce in large numbers while also having some similarities. As any large generation I think that Gen Y’s are the same as previous generations in the simple fact that they also want to feel included. However, the biggest different between this generation and previous generations is their accessibility to technology. “Having grown up on computers, cell phones, and the internet, Generation Y’s technical proficiency is remarkable. Unlike those who came before, Gen-Y’s prefer to team up at work and socially. They are also capable of multi-tasking at work and at home, better than anyone. Unlike Generation X, whose members prefer to work alone, Gen Y workers love an organized workplace and a group effort. They respect the office hierarchy and desire to have healthy working relationships with their bosses. What Gen-Y is looking for is inclusivity in leadership, fairness, and work reviews that are solely based on performance” (SIS International Research, 2019). Technology plays a big role in how different the generation is in comparison to others as well as having the amount of information at their disposal. Gen Y’s can challenge the boss with information because they can get access to information that will give them the tools needed to challenge their superior as oppose to previous generations.

1. Will Generation Y individuals have to make adjustments in their style, preferences, and interests to be successful in their careers? Explain.

Since there will be 4 generations working at one time there is no doubt that all 4 of the generations will need to adjust in some way in order to be successful or continue to be successful in their careers. “These new workforce entrants will seek more personal attention, require high levels of supervision, and expect more structure than their Generation X predecessors” (Hurst & Good, 2009). Change is something that is always hard to grasp and accept and I believe that each generation deals with that differently. As for the Generation Y individuals they must be open to change as much as they want the change. There will be some adjustments that will have to be made in regard to how they communicate with the other 3 generations in order to grow in the workplace. Let’s face it Baby Boomers and Gen X’s are the ones in current leadership roles, so they are the ones that are calling the shots and deciding who moves and who goes. Which means that Gen Y’s will have to be savvy enough to maneuver through all of this as well. Those that do not will struggle but it won’t mean that they wont have a job because like many Gen Y’s they will just go and find one that gives them what they want. At the end of the day, yes they need to make adjustments, however the ones making the biggest adjustments are their employers and supervisors in order to keep them happy and content in the workplace.

References

Good.co (2013). How is Gen Y is Changing the Workplace?. [online] Good.co. Available at: https://good.co/blog/how-gen-y-is-changing-the-workplace-and-why-you-should-adapt/.

Hurst, J. L., & Good, L. K. (2009). Generation Y and career choice. Career Development International, 14(6), 570-593. doi:http://dx.doi.org.saintleo.idm.oclc.org/10.1108/13…

Ivancevich, J. M., & Konopaske, R. (2013). Human resource management. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Irwin.

SIS International Research. (2019). Generation Y Market Research. Retrieved from https://www.sisinternational.com/emergence-of-generation-y/

2:

As individuals of Generation Y, born after 1978, begin to enter the workforce in large numbers organizations will have to adapt to the new demographics of the multi-generational work environment. Generation Y has been described as high maintenance, impatient, self-absorbed, loud, curious, ambitious and constantly multi-tasking (Ivancevich & Konopaske, 2013). Organizations will be forced to examine their recruiting methods in order to find the “right” fit for their organization. Organizations would benefit from offering challenging work from day one along with competitive salaries, flexible work schedules combined with the opportunity for growth and advancement (Hansen, n.d.). Offering these benefits would attract a greater number of Generation Y candidates and allow organizations to be more selective. Furthermore, organizations may find investing in mentorship and educational programs focused on Generation Y development in the work place an avenue to mend the gap amongst generations as well as govern the unprofessional behaviors Generation Y is accused of exhibiting. Pamela Nicholson, COO of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, has instituted an educational program directed at Generation Y’s attitude of “I want it all and want it now”. She surveyed her younger employees for assistance in design of the program. The educational program focuses on financial stability, relationships, personal and professional goals, healthy life style choices and scheduling all while addressing their professional attitudes and governing the undesired behaviors of Generation Y employees (Erickson, 2009). Investing in recruiting and educational programs aimed at Generation Y are two ways organizations can adapt for the influx of Generation Y and prepare for Generation Z and others in the future.

Currently, Generation Y is unlike any generation before them to enter the workforce. The differences are a direct reflection of the innovation and changes in the values of society as a whole. With the innovations in technology such as video games, smart phones and access to various lifestyles through social media has shaped the behaviors of Generation Y. Access to over indulgent lifestyles has contributed to their desire to find wealth, luxury and professional advancement quickly. Though they are most indulged generation they are also the most technologically advanced (Hansen, n.d.). Generation Y is also the most diverse we have ever seen and will desire more diversity and inclusion than past generations (Alton, 2017).

There are several pathways to success. Success is measured in many different ways and often times dependent on many factors. It is obvious they have a different value system than the generations before. However, members of Generation Y will ultimately find themselves in positions of power due to the raw numbers of the workforce. As of 2017 they held 20 percent of all leadership roles with that number set to increase (Alton, 2017). They will continue to advance technology and inclusiveness which could assist in the transition of future generations into the workforce, much like the generations before them, which would be a success.

References:

Ivancevich, J. & Konopaske, R. (2013) Human Resource Management. McGraw-Hill

Hansen, R. (n.d.). How to Recruit, Hire and Retain Best of Generation Y; 10 Workplace Issues Most Important to Gen Y Retrieved January 7, 2019, from https://www.livecareer.com/career/advice/jobs/recruit-retain-gen-y

Erickson, T. (2009). Harvard Business Review: Gen Y in the Workforce Retrieved January 7, 2019, from https://hbr.org/2009/02/gen-y-in-the-workforce-2

Alton, L. (2017). Forbes: 5 Ways Millennials Will Transform The Workplace In 2018 Retrieved January 7, 2019, from https://www.forbes.com/sites/larryalton/2017/12/28/5-ways-millennials-will-transform-the-workplace-in-2018/#5166fc1558da

In this assignment, you will begin to undertake a more detailed assessment of the costs, benefits, and risks associated with the project. Specifically, you will begin completing an ROI and a business case analysis related to the project proposal.

One of the most important and challenging tasks in assessing IT projects is to determine the project’s return on investment (ROI). Essentially, ROI refers to the concept of trying to determine how much benefit or return the organization will obtain from successfully implementing a project in relation to the costs that will have to be incurred.

In this assignment, you will apply different approaches for assessing the ROI for your case project option. Completing the ROI will provide you with needed information as you complete the business case.

These recommended readings may be helpful as you begin this assignment:

• Dawes, S.S., Kelly, K.L., Andersen, D.F., Bloniarz, P.A., Cresswell, A. M., and Galvin, T.J., Editor. (1996). Making Smart IT Choices: A Handbook. Center for Technology in Government: Albany, New York. p. 9-45.
• Cresswell, A.M. (2004) Return on Investment in Information Technology: A Guide for Managers. Center for Technology in Government: Albany, New York. p. 5-22.

Action Items

1. Complete your required reading for this week and read the Overview of this assignment.
2. Read the rubric for this assignment.
3. Review the business case entitled The Columbus Public Library Case Study: Choosing Products, Meeting Expectations and Cost and Benefit Research Info provided by the email project task force at the CML. For additional background information, please refer to the attached documents: CML Media Fact Sheet, CML Organization Chart, and CML Strategy.
4. Research and compare the following two options, and recommend one over the other. Option 1 – In-house: Hosting the technology in-house in the CML environment. Option 2 – Out-source: Contracting with the software company to host the technology in their environment. You will analyze the ROI by completing this ROI Analysis guide. Also complete a business case/cost benefit analysis for both options by using this Business Case Analysis guide.

The topic of your project needs to be a contemporary societal problem, such as healthcare reform, immigration reform, privacy rights, euthanasia, First Amendment Rights, stem cell research, capital punishment, corporate prisons, legalizing drugs, ageism, animal rights, cloning, prayer in schools, racial profiling, recycling/conservation, sexism, outsourcing jobs, workplace bullying, etc. The topic must focus on a single aspect, as in “How far do       corporations intrude into the private lives of their employers?” or “The social costs of financing the distribution of custom-designed drugs.” You may suggest another topic to use, but the instructor must approve the topic during the Week Two Discussion.

The Final Research Project will  present research relating the responsibilities of a critical thinker to contemporary society. In this assignment, you will do the following:

• Research one aspect of a contemporary social problem.
• Define the problem.
• Propose a possible solution for the problem.
• Create an argument that supports your thesis position. You should take on the perspective of a critically thinking researcher. The argument must present a thesis statement and evidence to support the thesis statement.
• Evaluate the ethical outcomes that result from the position you take on the issue and explain how those outcomes would influence society and culture.
• Interpret statistical data from at least two peer-reviewed scholarly sources.
• Evaluate evidence using the following standards: validity, reliability, and bias related to the chosen topic and accurately identify strengths and weaknesses.

Research and Define the Problem
            You must take on the perspective of your major field of study and explain in your paper what that perspective is and how it informs your view of the topic. The topics listed above are far too broad to write about in 10–12 pages (3,300–3,900 words). Instead, you must choose a narrowly defined thesis and approach it from the perspective of your field.

Example: If you are an economics major, and you are interested in  immigration reform, you should approach a very specific aspect of immigration  reform through the lens of economic theory and practice. A specific thesis question would not be, “How does illegal immigration influence the U.S. economy?” One could write thousands of pages on such a topic. Instead, a better question would be, “How do illegal immigrant hotel workers in Chicago impact  the economy of Northern Illinois?” You would then want to do the research and determine the positive and negative impacts they have, ultimately trying to conclude how illegal immigration in this area should be approached ethically.

How to Hone Your Thesis: It is important that you start your research early in this course. Try to find the most important contemporary questions and theories in your field of study and then align the most important questions with a very specific aspect of the general topics above. For example, if you are a psychology major, you might want to start thinking within the realm of healthcare reform or aspects of mental health and criminality in the prison system.

Your Argument
              You must present a complete argument, including a major claim with at least five points of evidence, information, or data that will prove the claim.

• The thesis statement must be                
  • A clear, simple declarative sentence as the first or last sentence in the opening paragraph of the essay.
  • Of such a nature that it can be substantiated, corroborated, verified, and proved through appeal to primary or secondary academic research source materials.
• The introductory paragraph must               
  • Present the thesis statement, an explanation for the importance of the topic, and its relation to the student’s field of study.
• Beliefs, opinions, and personal opinions must not be introduced at any point in the essay.
• All beliefs and opinions should be supported with academic evidence. Sweeping generalizations with no supporting academic evidence do not reflect adequate critical thinking skills.
• Do not include rhetorical questions in your essays. All the questions that are pertinent to your project need to be answered in your essay and your answers again need to be supported with evidence from peer-reviewed journal articles and academically published books.

Attributes of Good Critical Thinking in Papers

• Your paper should include academic sources that explain multiple sides of the issue.
• The evidence that you use should come from high-level researchers engaged in your field of study.
• Your interpretations of the evidence should be objective and state the conclusions and theses presented in the evidence clearly and fairly.
• Your paper should place the various forms of evidence in relation to one another and demonstrate why one form or perspective is stronger than the other positions that one could take on the issue.
• Your paper should point out the limitations of current evidence and attempt to indicate areas for future research.

Ethical Outcomes of the Position You Take
            After you have defined the problem and created an argument about how one ought to respond to the issue, you need to explain the ethical outcomes of the position you have taken. This should again be in relation to the field of study in which you are working. There might be different ethical outcomes that result from your analysis. For example, going back to the example issue above, from an economic standpoint, illegal immigrants might contribute positively to the economy of Northern Illinois in a specific number of ways. Thus, an economist who believes that  positive impact to the economy is the greatest good would say that one should promote the use of illegal immigrants. However, because these workers are often  paid less than others and eliminate jobs that could be done by residents of  Chicago, there could be other negative ethical outcomes that would outweigh the positive impacts to the economy. It is your goal to draw out the ethical implications of your thesis and explain the underlying rationale that is the foundation for your claim that one action is better than another.

• Critical thinkers are those who can outline the positive and negative ethical impacts of their positions. In addition, they are able to provide a rationale for why they believe a specific position is the right position, even when it leads to negative outcomes.
• Critical thinkers are also able to be honest and objective about the limitations and gray areas that pertain to their theses.

Final Research Project Requirements
            The Final Research Project may be  presented as a formal research paper (essay format), a PowerPoint presentation, a video, or a podcast equivalent to a minimum of 10 – 12 pages in APA format (approximately 3,300 – 3,900 typewritten words, excluding title page and reference pages). Written essays must adhere to all APA formatting standards and requirements, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

PowerPoint presentations must include the full text (at least 3,300 words) in the speaker notes portion of the slides, with appropriate citations, and full reference pages. PowerPoint presentations must adhere to the basic principles of PowerPoint presentation design and must include citations and references according to APA standards and requirements.

Describe
the moment captured in Leonardo’s Last Supper painting, and discuss the reasons
why disciples are shown on the same side of the table. If you could walk
into the studio of Leonardo da Vinci or Michelangelo or Raphael and observe the
artist at work, which artist would you choose, what two things you would ask
him, and why?
Compare Leonardo to some modern figure of the 20th or 21st century

Explore

Leonardo
da Vinci

• Chapter
  14 (pp. 489-492), art of da Vinci; review Week 7 Music Folder
• Partial
  restoration of the Last Supper at http://www.philvaz.com/apologetics/LeonardoLastSupper.htm
• Images,
  article, and 16th century copy of the Last Supper at http://www.abcgallery.com/L/leonardo/leonardo4.html

Leonardo’s
work in science and invention at http://www.museoscienza.org/english/leonardo/models-exhibited