Week 5 Assignment (2)

Do you believe that we are just about a week away from concluding this course? Many of you are probably accustomed to the quick pace of these courses, but I feel like we’ve just begun and it is nearly time to wrap up.

Anyway, aside from reviewing one draft I got regarding the final project, I really haven’t heard much from you. This concerns me greatly. As you know, the final project is worth 20 points (1/5th of your final grade), and is due April 22nd. A few observations based on me being a former student, and now as instructor:

· This is not an easy financial analysis. You will not be able to crank out a quality paper the night of April 21st. If you do, we’ll both know and your grade will reflect such.

· I will be grading using the supplied rubric. If you miss some requirements, I will dock points. There is a minimum page count. Shorting the page count means I will short the grade.

· Most students will provide two ratios in the ratio section due to not following directions. I need two ratios in EACH of the categories – not two selected ratios. Also, you need to tell me what the ratios mean. If you list them out, it tells me nothing. I want to ensure that you are understanding what the ratios mean.

· The DuPont ROE analysis and EVA is important. Some students skip this section, and take a 3 point loss.

· There is an international implications section. Many students give me generic concerns that would apply to any company. I am looking for international concerns that would impact YOUR company. So do not tell me taxes and currency exchange are the factors your company should be concerned with.

· Since I know financial analysis fairly well, I will be looking for a combination of the how you address each question (this shows me you are grasping the subject), connection to the course material (it shows me course application), and a synopsis of your view on this subject (overall application). If you simply give me a “book report” on the financial aspects of the firm, without linkage to the course or your personal understanding, your grade will reflect such.

· There is no one more animated when he discovers plagiarism. I fully support Ashford’s policies on plagiarism, and will not hesitate to fail a student based on plagiarism. As I tell my other students, do not attempt this. You will get caught and the appropriate action will be taken. When you run into the deadline, it tempting to “borrow” something. I assure you, I will read every word in your project, so the chances of me not noticing “borrowing” are infinitesimally small. Proper citing is fine. Plagiarism is not.

· At least for the next 7 days I am here to support you in your educational pursuits. If you are having problems, letting me help earlier than later will make it much easier on you. I will not be as gracious the evening of April 21st if you are struggling with one of the requirements of the analysis.

· I mentioned in my Class Policy announcement that I am willing to review outlines or drafts of your papers. This policy has not changed, and I would encourage each of you to take me up on this offer.

Given the level of effort on the weekly homework and weekly postings, I expect great research to be provided on the final projects. I look forward to reviewing your financial analysis of your chosen company.