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Quantitative Techniques For Decision Making
Quantitative Techniques For Decision Making
Quantitative Techniques For Decision Making
QUESTION BANK
UNIT - I - FOUNDATIONS OF FINANCE
2. You have just received a $10,000 inheritance from your grandparents. You are
considering investing it in a savings account that offers a 3% annual interest rate
compounded annually. How much will your investment grow to after 5 years?(CO1,K3)
What are the key financial metrics and ratios that need to be analyzed to assess the
financial health and performance of XYZ Manufacturing Company?
How do the company's financial performance metrics compare to industry
benchmarks and historical trends? (CO1,K3)
B. Discuss the role of financial derivatives, such as options, futures, and swaps, in
managing financial risks. Provide examples of how companies use derivatives to hedge
against various types of risk exposure.(CO1,K3)
UNIT II - INVESTMENT DECISIONS
Capital Budgeting: Principles and techniques – Nature of capital budgeting- Identifying relevant
cash Flows – Evaluation Techniques: Payback, Accounting rate of return, Net Present Value,
Internal Rate of Return, Profitability Index – Comparison of DCF techniques – Concept and
measurement of cost of capital – Specific cost and overall cost of capital.
PART - A
2. Name one key evaluation technique used in capital budgeting. (CO2, K1)
Net Present Value (NPV) is a key evaluation technique in capital budgeting.
3. Define the Payback period in capital budgeting. (CO2, K1)
The payback period is the time it takes for a project to recover its initial investment
through the cash flows it generates.
4. What is the Accounting Rate of Return (ARR) in capital budgeting? (CO2, K1)
The Accounting Rate of Return (ARR) is a measure of a project's profitability, calculated
as the average annual accounting profit divided by the initial investment.
5. Differentiate between the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Net Present Value (NPV).
(CO2,K1)
IRR is the discount rate that makes the present value of cash inflows equal to the present
value of cash outflows, while NPV is the difference between the present value of cash
inflows and outflows.
6. What does the Profitability Index measure in capital budgeting? (CO2, K1)
The Profitability Index measures the ratio of the present value of cash inflows to the initial
investment, helping in project prioritization.
7. Compare two Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) techniques used in capital budgeting.(CO2,
K1)
NPV and IRR are both DCF techniques. NPV provides the absolute dollar value, while
IRR represents the discount rate at which the project breaks even.
8. Explain the concept of the cost of capital. (CO2, K1)
The cost of capital is the required rate of return that a company needs to achieve to attract
investors and maintain financial viability.
9. Differentiate between specific cost and overall cost of capital. (CO2, K1)
Specific cost of capital refers to the cost of capital for a specific source, like debt or
equity, while overall cost of capital considers the weighted average cost of all capital
sources.
10. Why is it important to identify relevant cash flows in capital budgeting? (CO2, K1)
Identifying relevant cash flows is crucial as it ensures that only cash flows directly
attributable to the investment decision are considered, providing a more accurate
evaluation of a project's profitability.
PART - B
1. A XYZ Corp, a manufacturing company, is considering expanding its operations by
investing in new machinery. To finance this expansion, they are evaluating their cost of
capital. Which of the following factors would likely increase their cost of capital? (CO2,
K2)
A) Decreasing interest rates in the economy
B) A stable and growing economy
C) Increasing competition within the industry
D) Issuing new equity shares
Select the best choice and give justification for that. (CO1, K3)
PART - C
2. JKL Cosmetics has achieved success in selling its beauty products through traditional
retail channels, but the company now seeks to explore new distribution channels to
capitalize on changing consumer preferences and market trends. Propose innovative
channel expansion strategies for JKL Cosmetics, such as partnering with subscription
box services, collaborating with influencers and beauty bloggers, or launching pop-up
stores in high-traffic locations. How can JKL Cosmetics leverage these alternative
distribution channels to reach untapped customer segments and enhance brand visibility
and accessibility? (CO3,K3)
UNIT – IV - WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
Principles of working capital: Concepts, Needs, Determinants, issues and estimation of working
capital -Receivables Management – Inventory management – Cash management – Working
capital finance: Commercial paper, Company deposit, Trade credit, Bank finance.
PART - A
1. What is working capital?(CO4,K1)
Working capital represents the difference between a company's current assets and current
liabilities, reflecting its operational liquidity.
2. Why is working capital essential for businesses?(CO4,K1)
Working capital is crucial for meeting day-to-day operational expenses, managing short-
term obligations, and supporting ongoing business activities.
3. Define Receivables Management.(CO4,K1)
Receivables Management involves overseeing the company's accounts receivable to
ensure timely collection of payments from customers.
4. What is Inventory Management?(CO4,K1)
Inventory Management refers to the strategic control and tracking of a company's stock
of goods to optimize costs and ensure timely availability.
5. Explain Cash Management.(CO4,K1)
Cash Management involves monitoring and controlling a company's cash flow to ensure
there is enough liquidity for daily operations and to meet financial obligations.
6. Name one working capital finance option involving short-term borrowing.(CO4,K1)
Commercial paper is a form of short-term borrowing used for working capital finance.
7. What is the purpose of Company Deposits in working capital finance?(CO4,K1)
Company Deposits are a form of working capital finance where companies raise funds by
accepting deposits from the public to meet short-term financial needs.
8. Define Trade Credit.(CO4,K1)
Trade Credit is an arrangement where a buyer is allowed to purchase goods or services
on credit, extending the payment period beyond the typical immediate payment.
9. Mention one determinant of working capital needs.(CO4,K1)
Seasonal fluctuations in demand for products or services can be a determinant of working
capital needs.
10. How is the estimation of working capital calculated?(CO4,K1)
The estimation of working capital involves assessing the company's current assets and
liabilities, considering factors like operational cycles and growth projections to determine
the required level of working capital.
PART -B
1. A manufacturing company is experiencing a slowdown in sales due to economic
conditions. As a result, they are looking to optimize their working capital management to
improve their cash flow. Which of the following strategies would be most appropriate for
them to adopt? (CO4,K3)
(A) Increase inventory levels to meet potential future demand.
B) Lengthen accounts receivable collection period to encourage more sales.
C) Negotiate longer payment terms with suppliers to preserve cash.
D) Implement aggressive cost-cutting measures to reduce operating expenses.?
Select the best choice and give justification for that. (CO4, K3)
4. You are the finance manager of a medium-sized retail company. The holiday season is
approaching, and historically this is the busiest time of the year for your business. You
need to develop a cash management strategy to ensure smooth operations during this
period. As a CEO, How to develop and implement the strategies for your business.
(CO4,K3)
PART – C
Delayed Payments: Customers are taking longer to pay their invoices, leading to a
significant increase in the average collection period.
Lack of Clear Policies: ABC lacks clear guidelines and policies regarding credit extension,
invoicing, and collection procedures.
Ineffective Communication: There is a lack of communication between the sales team and
the finance department regarding customer creditworthiness and overdue accounts.
OR
2. ABC Manufacturing is a mid-sized manufacturing company that produces electronic
components. Despite having a strong market presence and steady revenue streams, ABC
Manufacturing has been facing challenges related to cash flow and working capital
management.
Scenario:
Inventory Management: ABC Manufacturing is holding excessive inventory levels,
leading to tied-up capital and storage costs. Additionally, obsolete inventory is not being
efficiently liquidated.
Accounts Receivable: The company's accounts receivable turnover ratio is low, indicating
slow collection of receivables. This is causing cash flow constraints and increasing the risk
of bad debts.
Accounts Payable: Although ABC Manufacturing has negotiated favorable credit terms
with suppliers, it is not optimizing payment schedules. Early payments are being made
without taking advantage of available discounts, leading to unnecessary cash outflows.
How can you Propose the Strategies for Improvement? (CO4,K2)
UNIT – V - LONG TERM SOURCES OF FINANCE
Indian capital market- New issues market- Secondary market – Long term finance: Shares,
debentures and term loans, lease, hire purchase, venture capital financing, Private Equity.
PART - A
1. What is the Indian capital market? (CO5,K1)
The Indian capital market is a financial system that facilitates the buying and selling of
long-term financial instruments, including stocks and bonds.
2. Differentiate between the primary market and the secondary market.(CO5,K1)
The primary market is where new securities are issued, while the secondary market is
where existing securities are bought and sold among investors.
3. Define long-term finance in the context of the capital market.(CO5,K1)
Long-term finance refers to funds raised for periods exceeding one year, typically through
the issuance of shares, debentures, term loans, and other financial instruments.
4. Name one type of long-term finance instrument used in the capital market.(CO5,K1)
Shares are a type of long-term finance instrument representing ownership in a company
and traded on the stock exchange.
5. What is the purpose of the New Issues Market?(CO5,K1)
The New Issues Market, also known as the primary market, is where new securities are
issued by companies to raise capital for expansion, projects, or other financial needs.
6. Define debentures in the context of long-term finance.(CO5,K1)
Debentures are debt instruments issued by companies to raise long-term funds. They
represent a loan to the issuing company and pay periodic interest.
7. What are the characteristics of the Secondary Market?(CO5,K1)
The Secondary Market is characterized by the buying and selling of existing securities
among investors after the initial issuance in the primary market. It provides liquidity to
investors.
8. Name a form of long-term finance that involves the temporary transfer of assets for a fee.
(CO5,K1)
Lease is a form of long-term finance that involves the temporary transfer of assets for a
fee.
9. Differentiate between venture capital financing and private equity.(CO5,K1)
Venture capital financing typically involves investing in early-stage startups, while private
equity involves investing in more mature companies with the aim of restructuring or
expanding their operations.
10. What is the role of Private Equity in long-term finance?(CO5,K1)
Private Equity involves investing in companies by acquiring a significant ownership stake.
The goal is to improve performance, enhance value, and eventually exit the investment for
a profit.
PART - B
1. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announces a cut in the repo rate to stimulate economic
growth. How might this influence investor behavior in the Indian capital market,
especially regarding fixed income securities versus equities? (CO5,K3)
2. ABC Company manufactures electronic gadgets. Due to a sudden increase in demand for
its products, ABC is facing challenges in meeting its production targets. The company
needs to decide on the most appropriate working capital management strategy to address
this situation. What should ABC consider? Which of the following working capital
management strategies is most suitable for ABC Company to address the sudden increase
in demand?
A) Increasing inventory levels
B) Negotiating longer payment terms with suppliers
C) Accelerating accounts receivable collection
D) Investing in long-term assets (CO5,K3)
Select the best choice and give justification for that. (CO5, K3)
3. A retail chain wants to expand its operations by opening new stores in different
cities. How might the company utilize term loans to finance the expansion,
considering factors such as interest rates, repayment schedules, and collateral
requirements?(CO5,K3)
Scenario: ABC Tech is planning to accelerate its growth through strategic acquisitions
and expansion into new markets. However, the company needs additional capital to
fund these initiatives. ABC Tech's management team is considering various options,
including raising funds through the secondary market. (CO5,K3)