Mergers and Acquisitions (Organizational Characteristics)

Examining the role of international captive centers (subsidiaries) may be necessary for IT project success. Evaluate three (3) IT or security organizations that resulted in an international merger or have acquired a company process [e.g., data centers; research and development (R&D)].

Compare and contrast the organizations characteristics and enterprise operations management and specify how business intelligence (BI) might be useful in pre- and post-offshore mergers and acquisitions.

There are faxes for this order.

Merger analysis: this project consists of one assignment, a discussion of the motives for a current (within the last two years) merger of your choice.
The paper on mergers should include:
1- Background information on two firms (products sold, sales volume, etc).
2- The market definition.
3- The type of merger, based on the market definition.
4- A critical analysis of the motives claimed by the firms.
5- A description of other possible benefits from the merger
6- The possible impact on the market (e.g., will price go up or down?).

Notes: 2 resources: 1) NAICS.
2) Standard & Poor's Industry Survey.
At least one of them is must be in the paper.

Mergers and Acquisitions Paper

Prepare a 700-1,050-word paper in which you assess the impact of mergers and acquisitions on business, including sensible and dubious reasons for, and benefits and costs of, cash and stock transactions. In your paper also be sure to examine the financial risks of merging with or acquiring an organization in another country and how those risks could be mitigated.

Be sure to support your position using information from the assigned text(s) reading and other sources. Be sure to properly cite all sources.

Merger and Acquisition Paper

You are to write a 2-3 page paper on two companies that either recently merged or where one bought another. This is a website which will list the transactions.

http://www.livemint.com/SectionPages/Mergers-Acquisitions.aspx?NavId=3&NavsId=21

The paper should include

A brief introduction of each company

The terms of the deal (buyout, stock swap, etc) and associated money and shares which changed hands

Why is this beneficial to each company? (was it done to increase market share, diversify, etc.) In other words, why did each company want to do this?

Mergers and Acquisitions
Merger and acquisition activity is increasingly common, both domestically and internationally. However, such activity does not always result in the intended outcomes. In general, shareholders of acquired firms often enjoy above-average returns, while shareholders of acquiring firms are less likely to do so. Identify a recent major merger or acquisition, such as one that made the front page of the Wall Street Journal or was a feature story in a business periodical such as Fortune, Business Week, or The Economist. Then find two or three other comprehensive articles about this merger or acquisition from more than one source, especially over a period of several weeks as the merger/acquisition events unfolded. This process of triangulation will provide a better understanding of any business activity and its results, as well as help substantiate the facts of the case.
1. What are the primary reasons for the merger or acquisition of study? Is this a horizontal, vertical, or related integration? How do you know? How is the firm?s market power affected?
2. Was the merger or acquisition a success? To what extend do analysts anticipate problems in achieving success with this merger or acquisition? What issues appear to be of concern?
3. What happened to the stock prices of the involved firms before, during, and after the merger/acquisition? What actions could have been taken to make the integration more efficient and effective in achieving the acquiring firm?s goals?


There are faxes for this order.

Mergers seldom produce their expected benefits. Explain why this might be so. Include one example of merger failure in your answer.

Hi there,
This is "Valuation of Mergers and Acquisition" module's assignment. MSc Finance degree course.

Useful source: "Investment Banking" Valuation , Leveraged Buyouts,and Mergers&Acquisitions, Joshua Rosenbaum, Joshua Pearl.

Must be Harvard Referencing.

Thank you.

This is based on Merck?s Acquisition of Medco: Case 5.1, pp. 124-125 (attached resource)

Your Role/Assignment

You are the Chairman and CEO of Merck. Make a recommendation to the Board of Directors of Merck & Co. regarding this acquisition based on the recommendations of the three associates and your own analysis.
You are the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Merck & Company, and you will make the final ?yes? or ?no? recommendation to the Board of Directors of the company. You are listening to the advice of various department heads regarding this acquisition. Based on your evaluations and additional analysis of the recommendations of your three associates, make your recommendation to the Board of Directors. What will you recommend? Yes? No? Yes with some conditions? What are the reasons for your recommendation?

Key Players

Chief Operating Officer
I?m concerned about synergy and integration issues between our highly research-oriented development of pharmaceuticals here at Merck, and a prescription medicine marketing company like Medco. I am concerned that the cultures and operations of the two companies aren?t going to mix well, and that this deal would result in an expensive failure.

Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing
I?m all for this acquisition! It will open new marketing leverage opportunities in the Managed Care market. Medco?s marketing database will create market expansion opportunities. This is the perfect answer for the current competitive environment, where other pharmaceutical manufacturers are acquiring drug marketing companies.

Chief Financial Officer
This is my concern; I want to make sure that Merck pays a premium for Medco at $6.6 billion dollars. The combination of the two companies will immediately result in increase in Earnings Per Share for the combination vs. Merck as a stand- alone company. Although, I?m still concerned about continuing the growth of the stock price of Merck after the target company is acquired.


Requirements
A good paper is 8 to 10 pages plus graphs, charts or tables, and references

Follow the outline in the case and assume you are the Chairman and CEO of Merck. Make a recommendation to the Board of Directors of Merck & Co. regarding this acquisition based on the recommendations of the three associates and your own analysis.
Brief introduction of both companies history, summary of deal terms, quantitative analysis of the financials pre-merger and post merger pro-forma, summary of the post merger actual results, was this a good acquisition? Was the price paid a fair value, premium or discount based on the cost of capital and required return of the acquiring company? Include an excel tabel of the calculations.

Create a discount cash flow model that would show the company has the ability to achieve its objectives

Utilize the DEF 14A (http://quote.morningstar.com/stock-filing/Proxy-Statement/2011/5/24/t.aspx?t=XNYS:MRK&ft=DEF%2014A&d=e701dcfc5b69d114d6e239c3062c9501)
or
S4 (attached resource) and other proxy statements to support the value proposition
MERCK & CO., INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA starts on page 18
MEDCO CONTAINMENT SERVICES, INC. SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA strats on page 19
MERCK & CO., INC. AND MEDCO CONTAINMENT SERVICES, INC. SELECTED UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA starts on page 20
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME starts on page 60

?Analyze what the differences are between a merger, an acquisition and a downsizing.
?Summarize why a company selects one option over the other. Assess the role of technology and innovation in your analysis.
?Length: 1200 word maximum, APA Format 6th edition
?You may use any source but at least one citation must come from one of the assigned readings
?Please remember to use headings to assist in organizing key points, for this size of paper, headings are needed (be sure to label page 2 with a title and be sure to label your conclusion with the heading Conclusion).

Assigned readings
Cash, Jr., J., Earl, M., & Morison, R. (Nov 2008). Teaming Up to Crack Innovation & Enterprise Integration. Harvard Business Review, 86 (11), 90 ? 100.

Nidumolu, R. Prahalad, C., Rangaswami, M. (Sep 2009). Why Sustainability is Now the Key Driver of Innovation, Harvard Business Review, 87 (9), pp. 56-64.

Shook, L. & Roth, G. (2011). Downsizings, mergers and acquisitions: Perspectives of human resource development practitioners. Journal of European Industrial Training, 35 (2), 135-153.

Wickramasignhe, V. & Karunaratne, C. (Mar2009). People management in mergers and acquisitions in Sri Lanka: employee perception. Journal of Human Resource Management, 20 (3), 694-715.

Technology Acquisition and Innovation: An Integrative Approach for Organizational Success by Rachna Kumar Ph.D, M. Krishnamoorthy Ph.D, & Miguel Cardenez Ph.D http://www.pomsmeetings.org/ConfProceedings/002/POMS_CD/Browse%2

Your reputation as a renowned administrator to successfully lead mergers and acquisitions of hospitals precedes you, and you have been hired to create and open a new specialty health care business. This is a clinic with physicians who specialize in the following areas: dermatology, gynecology, heart disease, respiratory disease, surgery, and gastroenterology. It is located in an exclusive neighborhood.

1.Determine whether you would incorporate and state the advantages and disadvantages of doing so.
2.Determine the feasibility of a profit or nonprofit organizational status for this facility.
3.Create a contract structure, including four (4) necessary clauses, for inclusion for medical staff for this facility.
4.Outline a plan to hire or appoint specialists for the clinic.
5.Justify the decision to accept Medicare or Medicaid as potential pay sources for this exclusive clinic.
6.Use at least five (5) quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not quality as academic resources.

Hi,
Here is my finance project.The subject is Travelers group and Citigroup merger-Travelers group acquiring Citigroup merger.You can use both subject or either one. If you have any question or concerns please don`t hesitate to ask me.

Managerial Finance Project

Your team of consultants has been hired to evaluate a merger or acquisition that took place at least 2 years ago. The firm that engaged you is interested in executing a similar deal and will use your analysis as a basis to move forward or not with the acquisition. You will provide quantitative and qualitative analysis of the transaction and provide your recommendation to the executive team that hired you. If the acquisition was deemed a success you should explain why, consequently if the deal is deemed a failure provide structural changes or execution imperatives that should exist in this new deal to ensure success. Keep in mind in some cases you may recommend that they should not proceed with the deal. Your deliverables will include a written analysis 4 to 8 pages and a 10 minute PowerPoint presentation to the executive team. Your paper should be in MLA format.

Qualitative analysis will look at facts and observations to potentially place a premium on the quantitative valuation of the business. Qualitative Analysis could look at: synergies, risk considerations, market trends, and growth opportunity.
Quantitative analysis is based on an evaluation of factual based numbers that can be used to support the valuation of the business. Some of the data will come through a re-evaluation of the actual business numbers (pro-forma statements) and others will come from industry comparables.

Assignment 2: My Firm?s Acquisition

You are to write a four to eight (4-8) page report that answers the following:

As a CEO, you are trying to acquire a foreign firm. The size of your firm will double, and it will become the largest in your industry. What does your firm do and what does the foreign firm you are trying to acquire do? Where are the firms based?

You are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to be a leading captain of industry and the associated power, prestige, and income. (You expect your salary, bonus, and stock option to double next year). However, you are troubled by the fact that 70% of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) reportedly fail. How would you proceed?

What institution-based issues would you encounter? Discuss.

What resource-based issues would you face? Describe.

What are your managerial motives? Explain.

Do you possess hubris? Explain your answer.

How would you ensure the success of your acquisition?

You are to use at least three references apart from the textbook and include a reference page listing your sources.

The format of the report is to be as follows:

Typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman font (size 12), one-inch margins on all sides (APA format).
Type the question followed by your answer to the question.
In addition to the four to eight (4-8) pages required, a reference page and a title page are to be included. The title page is to contain the title of the assignment, your name, the instructor?s name, the course title, and the date.

NOTE: You will be graded on the quality of your answers, the logic/organization of the report, your language skills, and your writing skills.

Please assign to Alan: The subject of this paper is Mergers & Acquisitions. : As always, please read the reference text / papers suggested below and make generous use of graphs, tables, diagrams etc. :
Question: In 2008 UK luxury vehicle manufacturer, Jaguar Land Rover, was sold by Ford to the Indian conglomerate, Tata Group, for approx. $2.3 billion (?1.5 billion). Using a multi-disciplinary
approach, identify and use appropriate perspectives to analyse this significant cross-border
transaction. Your business-style report should include, but not be limited to, an analysis of the
motivations of both Ford and Tata, the identification of key post-acquisition challenges faced by
Tata and discussion of the actions taken to overcome them. What is your overall assessment of
the transaction?

The assignment is based upon the well-documented acquisition in 2008 of UK luxury vehicle
manufacturer, Jaguar Land Rover, by the Indian conglomerate, Tata Group. The cross-border
transaction saw Tata become a major global luxury vehicle manufacturer and Ford, who sold
JLR, continue its programme of Premier Automotive Group divestments leading to its withdrawal from luxury vehicle manufacturing in Europe.
You are expected to undertake online research into the acquisition and the companies involved
to complete the assignment.

This paper should knowledge the inherent complexity of M&A and emphasise the importance of adopting a multi-disciplinary approach in order to effectively analyse and understand the topic.
Awareness of the many perspectives which both inform and interpret M&A is essential for a
sound appreciation of the variety and interaction between many forces at work. This individual
assignment is designed to assess your awareness of the many different perspectives on M&A, of the issues involved in M&A and of their interrelatedness. The module notes and the
accompanying textbook (Angwin, 2007) also suggest different lenses that may be of use in
deciding which perspectives to adopt although there are other authors who also suggest multi-
perspective views of M&A including Cummings and Wilson?s book
Images of Strategy
.

there is my proposal and in the second part you will find what you need to do thanks



first part

Table of Content

1. Titlepg2

2. Introduction.pg2

3. Research Aim, Questions and Objectives..pg2

4. Literature Review...pg3

4.1. The types of Merger and Acquisitionpg3
4.2. The reasons for the companies to merge.pg3
4.3. Overview of Merger and Acquisition activity in United Kingdom..pg4

5. Methodology pg4

5.1. Research Approach.pg5
5.2. Research Design..pg6
5.3. Method of data collection.pg6
5.3.1. Documentary data...pg6
6. Markov-Switching Model of Merger waves...pg7
7. Resources..pg7
8. Discussion of access and ethical consideration.pg7
8.1. Access..pg7
8.2. Ethical consideration.pg7
9.TIMELINE......................................................................................................pg8
10.References.pg9














1. Title

A"The reasons behind waves of Mergers and Acquisitions in United Kingdom

2. Introduction


The main goal of companies nowadays is to maximize the shareholders value. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is through merger or acquisition. Merger is defined as the process where the shareholders of two or several companies decide to merge into a single company. Acquisition is defined as the process where the shareholders of one company buy the ownership of another company or its assets. The increase in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity has generated a new phenomenon, which is merger wave. This phenomenon has been first observed in United States, then in United Kingdom and recently in other European countries. This dissertation will focus on the merger wave in the United Kingdom.



3. Research aim, Questions and Objectives
The basic aim for this dissertation will be to identify the causes of waves of M&A in UK. This research is relevant as it will improve our understanding of merger waves as the factors which triggers the waves are not fully understood although different theories have been identified. In addition, this research will create greater awareness about the history of merger waves in UK.
Based on the research aim, we have framed the following research questions and objectives for this dissertation.



Research Questions Research Objectives
What are the different types of M&A? To identify the types of M&A
Why do companies do merge? To identify the reasons of merge
What are the different M&A waves in UK? To identify the M&A waves which happened in UK
Is there a relationship between these M&A waves? To compare these waves





4. Literature Review
The scope of the literature review is to examine the types of merger and acquisition. To study the motivations for companies to merge and acquire in the UK. Finally the literature review will look at the different wave of M&A in UK and evaluate them.


4.1. The types of Mergers and Acquisitions
There are various types of merger and acquisition. The classification has been done on the basis of functional relationship between two companies and the economic impact of the merger on their operations (Tanriverdi, H & Uysal, V: (2010).
There are three main types of merger. First, the horizontal merger is when two companies from the same industry which are currently in direct competition merge together. It has as advantages to generate substantial economics of scale and result in decrease in the number of competitors in the industry Pawaslar, Vardhana: (2001). The other type of merger is the vertical merger which take place when a company, and perhaps one of their suppliers, join together to be able to offer a contiguous, non-interrupted supply of merchandise to their companies (Craig W. Fontaine, 2007). Finally, the conglomerate merger is when two companies from different industry merge together.


4.2. The reasons for the companies to merge
Merger and acquisition have kept the interest of a lot of academia during this recent year. As they can be really beneficial for the companies involved in these processes. However it is important to note that the merger or take-over activities are not always benefits for the companies. There are different motives behind the mergers and acquisitions. According to Trautwein (1990) the motives can be categorised in different theories, to know efficiency theory, where merger is planned and executed to achieve the synergy, which can be financial, operational or managerial synergy. For example, if a particular company is very good at marketing strategies while some other company is good in operations. If the expertises of both are put together, it produces synergy. This produces a new firm with more powerful features than the individual firms had before. However although the operational and managerial synergies are really benefits for the firms, they have been the object of several critics. According to Kitching (1967) and Porter (1987) these synergies are evasive concepts that are often claimed for merger but seldom realized.
Another theory developed by Trautwein (1990) is monopoly theory, for which the reason to merge is to achieve market power. The monopoly position will allow the firm to reduce the competition, control the market price and cross-subsidize its products. Although providing some advantages to the company, it is important to note that this monopoly theory cannot be applied in horizontal acquisition. In addition, A"under the monopoly theory the competitors stock should rise under an announcement and drop if the merger is challenged (Trautwein, 1990, p5). For Jensen (1984) since the competitors stocks do not fall on the two latter events, the monopoly theory should be rejected. Therefore, the monopoly theory although being cited as one of motive for merger, it faced a lot of critics which weakened this theory.
According to Ravenscraft and Scherer (1987) the fact the managers have better information about the targets value firm than the stock market can be a motive of merger. This is considered as a valuation theory. A"Bidders' managers may have unique information about possible advantages to be derived from combining the target's businesses with their own (Trautwein, 1990, p5). However this theory can only holds in an imperfect market, as in the perfect market all the information are available to the market and no one can take advantage from the information as the price of a company reflects the truly value of the market. Therefore although this theory is relevant, it conflicts with the financial market perfection.




4.3. Overview of M&A activity in the United Kingdom
Mergers and Acquisitions are not a new thing in the United Kingdom. Five different waves have been identified since the late 19th century. The first real wave was in 1960 and coincided with the internationalization of the world economy, the British government decided that the lage firms were needed in order to compete effectively in international stage (Owen, 2006). To achieve this, a lot of companies were encouraged to merge. In other hand, the post-war reconstruction had a big role in this first wave. The second wave peaked in 1972 and was characterized by horizontal mergers (Sudarsanam, 2010) the reason of this wave was the soft legislation which encouraged the merger. The third wave was in 1980, Prior to this time the waves had been mostly about increasing the size of companies but in the 1980s the emphasis changed to the control of corporate assets as a commodity (Owen, 2006). The main trigger of this wave was the Big Bang deregulation of financial services sector in the City of London (Sudarsanam, 2010). In 1990s the UK experienced its fourth merger wave which was also trigger by the deregulation of British industries. The fifth UK wave in addition to the characteristic of fourth wave (deregulation) had the privatization of firms as important stimuli of the wave.





5. Methodology

The methodology will identify the intended research approach and outline the research strategy chosen. The first part of the methodology will develop an appropriate research approach, strategy and design for the dissertation. Providing an overall explanation of methods chosen, whilst giving justification for these choices. The second part, will demonstrate more explicitly the different data collection methods intended in order to achieve the research objectives.



5.1. Research Approach
There are two research approaches that can be taken, the deductive and the inductive approach. To begin with deductive approach, which is the development of theory that will be tested, this approach is applied the most of the time for scientific research. It is considered as the top to down approach:




Theory


Hypothesis


Observation


Confirmation


Then, the induction approach which is focused on building theory. It is considered as the down to top approach:

Theory


Hypothesis


Pattern


Observation


As the research objective of this study is concerned with the cause of merger wave in the UK. This dissertation will require an inductive approach, because it will allows us to observe the factors preceding the waves, identify the types of M&A during these waves. However this approach can lack of objectivity and validity. Therefore in order to meet these issues related to validity and objectivity. This dissertation will use also the Markov- switching model of merger waves considered by Town (1992) which provide a better portrayal of M&A than simpler formulation.


5.2. Research Design
The way, we are going to answer research questions should be related to the purpose of research. A study can have different purposes such as exploratory, descriptive or explanatory.
The research purpose of this dissertation will be exploratory. Which is a valuable means of finding out what is happening, to seek new insights, to ask question and to assess phenomena in a new light (saunders, p139). This type of research design was chosen as it will allow us to review the work of academic in order to identify the relevant factors that influence the merger wave. And also enable to make a comparative analysis of different waves.


5.3. Method of data collection
There are two types of data: secondary data and primary data. For this study, we are only going to used secondary data. The secondary data is data which has already been collected for some other purpose other than the one under consideration (Webb, 2002). It can be used to provide a backdrop to primary research. Secondary data sources can help avoid unnecessary primary research and can be used to guide researchers throughout primary data collection (Webb, 2002). The secondary data which will be relevant for this study are documentary data.
Documentary data
Journals articles, organisations websites and other published materials which adequately covered the research, will be call frequently to form the literature review for this dissertation. The different journals: the journal of Applied Behavioural Science, journal of Financial Economics, International journal of Industrial Organization, journal of Applied Financial Economics, Quaterly journal of Economics journal of Economic Perspectives will play an important role in the development of review and understanding of the subject on which the research objectives are based.
The websites of Office for National Statistics and Thomson Financial will relevant in the collection of data in order to achieve Markov-Switching model analysis. The work of academia such as Sue Cartwright and Cary Cooper (1996) will be relevant in the identification of reasons of mergers. Gerald Adolph et al (2009) work on the explanation and examination of wave will be useful for this study.

Advantages and disadvantages of secondary data
In the case of this study the main advantages of using secondary data are:
?' The saving in resources, time and money
?' A large amount of data can be overviewed quickly and compared.
As disadvantages:
?' Data should be evaluated carefully due to the fact there are not always of high quality and relevant for research question



6. Markov-Switching Model of Merger Waves
The literature has advanced the idea that mergers follow a wave pattern. We take this casual impression to suggest the presence of two distinct states of merger activity, high and low (Halbheer et al, 2009). We will develop different assumption such as
Assumption: Each period t is accompanied by an unobserved latent state variable. This will be tested by Markov-switching model.


7. Resources
Different resources will be needed in order to achieve this dissertation. The main ones are teesside main library and Business School library, which offer a vast range of books and journals articles related to our research objective. As other important resource is personal computer associated to the internet and Microsoft word program, as it will allow us to get access to some relevant websites and also allow us to type our research. Finally, the time can be considered as crucial factor for this research as we have a time limited to achieve this research.

8. Discussion of access and ethical consideration
For the success of research project, we are going to look at access and ethical consideration.
8.1. Access
As our research will mostly be based on secondary data, gaining access to these data will not be a problem due to our free access to the library and some websites with which the Durham University is registered. However it is important to note that some organizations websites are not free, which can be a barrier to access some data.

8.2. Ethical consideration
Research ethics refer to the appropriateness of our behaviour in relation to the rights of those who become subject of our work (Saunders et al, 2009, p187). As we develop our data collection techniques, we need to consider whether our research method is likely to cause any physical or emotional harm. As example of harm: no respect of cultural values, the no respect of work of academia. In order to deal with ethical issues, as our dissertation is mainly based on secondary data, we will require the consent of the other party before to use the secondary data







second part

Overview of the Project? (8000 words excluding references, bibliography and appendices)
The Project is a piece of work in which you demonstrate your ability to investigate a topical business/management issue or problem which is closely related to your programme of study. Within the project you collect, analyse and evaluate relevant information, draw supportable conclusions based on your findings and make appropriate recommendations.
As such your project could be:
A workplace or organisation-based project
If you can negotiate sufficient relevant access to an organisation, this is possibly an ideal basis for your project as it is a ready and valuable surce of primary, live evidence.
Other primary research project
Rather than focussing on a workplace for your project, you may still wish to undertake a project which generates significant and valuable primary research. If you can identify access to the relevant area of your research and data sources, this could be a good option for you.


Regardless of which style of project you undertake, your final work needs to demonstrate that you can:
Plan and manage the implementation of your research
Understand the principles/theory underpinning the issue or problem that is being investigated
Identify how to investigate an issue in order to reach a reliable view
Present data and other information in a clear and logical manner using quantitative and/or qualitative methods as appropriate
Critically analyse, interpret and evaluate data and other information
Develop concise and logical arguments
Draw relevant and valid conclusions and make recommendations which are appropriate to the issue or problem

?'

In pursuit of these objectives, your project must contain the following sections and content
An abstract or brief summary
An introductory section outlining the nature and context of the chosen issue or problem
A literature review
A research design (explaining how you have approached the task)
A number of development sections (analysis of findings)
A conclusion and recommendations
A reflection on the research project process

In producing and presenting your Project you must meet the following requirements:
Presentation of the Final Project
It should be typed or word-processed, on A4 unlined paper, on one side only, using Arial font size 12
There should be good margins all round. Remember to allow sufficient space on the left hand side to allow for binding
There should be double line spacing throughout, except where there are long quotations indented in the main text when single spacing is acceptable
Pages should be numbered consecutively through the main text, including tables/charts/ diagrams which are not embodied in the text. Page numbers should be located centrally at the bottom of the page
Any large charts or diagrams should be reduced to A4 size if possible, otherwise folded to A4 size with an allowance for binding
Project Contents
The Project should be 8000 words in length, excluding appendices. The final document should comprise the following headings and content:

ABSTRACT
Suggested approximate word count of 300 words. A summary of the project aim, research design and methods, findings, conclusions and recommendations. The summary can only sensibly be written after you have drafted all the main chapters.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
An optional (unmarked) section in which you can give thanks those who have advised, supported or inspired you.
TABLE OF CONTENTS, LIST OF TABLES, LIST OF FIGURES
List in numerical order the headings of the chapters and sub-headings of the main body of the Project with the numbers of the pages on which these chapters and sections begin. You must list all appendices providing details of reference number/letter, title and page number.
List separately, after the Table of Contents, any tables, figures, diagrams or other items used in the main body of the text. List in numerical order and give the title and page number upon which it appears.
The Table of Contents is easy to add at the end, but if you are having difficulty getting started you might want to do the contents page first using the standard chapter headings and add the page numbers later.

INTRODUCTION
Suggested approximate word count of 400 words. A summarised description of what is being studied (e.g. company, industry and/or theory " but do not simply cut and paste from a company website!). Identify the audience, i.e. who the project will be useful to and why it will be useful to them. You should put your project into context, explaining why the project area is important. It will be helpful to identify in this chapter main themes or problems your project is investigating and state why this is an appropriate project for you to carry out. Avoid too much general background information, which may distract your reader from the main issues in the project but ensure that a full context has been given.

AIMS & OBJECTIVES
Suggested approximate word count of 100 words. Clearly stated and logically derived aim and objectives. It must be clear from your aim and objectives that the project is appropriate to your programme of study and that achievement of the objectives will satisfy the project aim.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Suggested approximate word count of 2,000 words. A discussion of definitions, themes, concepts and debate relevant to your study.

- Select and critically analyse published theory and research which is relevant to your topic. You must cite academic sources to support your discussion.
- Use headings and subheadings to structure your discussion.

This section explains how the literature shaped and influenced your study. You should discuss how you propose to deal with any conflicting issues raised by the literature.
RESEARCH DESIGN & INFORMATION SOURCES
Suggested approximate word count of 1,500 words. Explanation of and rationale for the research design, methods of data collection and analysis, and the range of information sources used. Cite academic references (e.g. textbooks and sources included on the reading list) to justify and enhance the validity of your choices.
- Research design
- Primary and/or Secondary data collection sources, populations, samples.
- Methods you used to collect the data
- Methods you used to analyse this data
- Project management and control:
Resources and associated costs (if any)
Possible limitations (e.g. access, ethical issues, time constraints)
Measures taken to ensure that your project is completed to time and quality
You will have proposed an approach and identified data collection techniques as part of your research proposal so you should be able to draft this chapter at an early stage as this serves to outline your research plan. You should critically reflect on the methodology you have used and include a discussion of why you have chosen the particular approach and techniques. You must include a discussion here of how you will deal with issues of a confidential or ethical nature.
This chapter is a key chapter for the assessors because it explains the methods you have chosen and, in particular, why you have chosen them. Your reasoning should be justified and supported by relevant reading from research texts.

ANALYSIS & FINDINGS
Suggested approximate word count of 2,000 words. This section should analyse the findings of your research. The exact structure is not prescribed and should be
appropriate to context/fit for purpose. The issue to keep in mind is that there should be a logical flow that makes your project easy to read and understand.
Results should be presented with a full discussion and interpretation. It is insufficient just to say what your findings are - you need to analyse what they mean within your work context and fully interpret them. Where you are presenting a lot of numerical data it is important to include a visual representation (e.g. graph) of major results.
Even if your findings are of a qualitative nature you should consider breaking up the text and perhaps emphasising a major point by use of a diagram (e.g. a flow-diagram to illustrate a change or implementation process). You may not refer much to the research literature at this point, but may draw on some subject based reading to support or interpret your findings.
?'
CONCLUSIONS
Suggested approximate word count of 600 words. A summary of key findings providing an explanation of their significance
.
- Logically derived from the foregoing analysis
- Understanding of the significance of the foregoing analysis
Remember that your conclusions must be clearly drawn from your findings. Address the aim and objectives you set earler in the Project. A common mistake is to include entirely new material in the conclusion. This is not appropriate.
The conclusions should arise logically from what has gone before. This may not be the longest chapter but it should be clear, succinct and encapsulate the important issues and findings.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Suggested approximate word count of 600 words. Recommendations for action must be included. These should be expressed in a clear and practical manner. These should be directed to your audience/stakeholders (organisations, managers, researchers) and address issues such as strategy, management decisions, and further research.

REFLECTION
Suggested approximate word count of 500 words. A personal reflection on the research project process and on the limitations of the foregoing analysis (how might these limitations affect your results?)
- Did the process of undertaking the project deviate in any way from the proposal? If so, why?
- What did you learn from the process of this research project?
- What are the limitations of the research and how might these limitations have affected the results?
- What might you do differently if conducting future research and/or if you were to do the research again?

In order to write this section effectively it is recommended that you maintain a Project Log Book throughout the duration of your project.
APPENDICES
The Appendices should contain supporting documentation, such as detailed results or tables of statistics that support the analysis, but which are too detailed to be contained in the main text. It is important that they complement the main text.
Note that the word count applies to your project chapters not the appendices. You can therefore use the Appendix Section to support and evidence the depth, as well as the breadth of your learning and activity throughout the course of your project. However, you should not include large amounts of additional information in the appendices as they are used to illustrate the discussion, not to compensate for a limited word allowance.
Clearly sectioning and labelling the contents of your Appendix enables you to illustrate and support the material that you refer to in the text of your project in the previous chapters. Contents of the Appendix Section might include, for example a copy of the questionnaire used in a survey or supporting data for quoted results.
Each Appendix should be on a separate page, designated in sequence as Appendix A, Appendix B etc., listed in the Table of Contents and referenced within the main text. Remember to provide references for sources of material used in the appendices where appropriate.
When choosing what to include in the appendices consider the following criteria:
Timely: recent and current
Appropriate: illustrates the points you are making
Relevant: clearly linked to the project
Ethical: you have permission to use it and no- one is compromised by its inclusion
Authentic: real, rather than invented to illustrate the purpose
Annotated: the reason for inclusion is explained
Confidentially protected: protect names of your organisation or individuals and gain their permission to use the example

It is often useful to include entries from your Project Log in the Appendices.

The purpose of the Appendices are to illustrate your project process and are not there to compensate for a limited word number.
REFERENCE LIST
Here you must list all the sources you have referred to or quoted in the text. Use the Harvard format. Failure to include a source referred to risks being classed as plagiarism, which is a serious disciplinary issue. The reference list must be one list in alphabetical order by the authors surname (Harvard format).

Please note:
In addition to marks for the quality of content your Project will also be marked on the basis of referencing, bibliography, structure and quality of presentation:

- Adherence to specified criteria for presentation
- Evidence of an appropriate structure
- Correct spelling and grammar and appropriate narrative style
- Evidence of proof-reading to eliminate typographical and other errors
- Correct referencing (Harvard style)

Below is the title of what the paper needs to be. The first paper has been uploaded, as it states Expansion and Merger is a continuation of it. Please be sure to adhere to the directions and required information needed, to ensure a good grade.


Title: Expansion and Merger
This paper is a continuation of Assignment 1.

Assume that the industry you wrote about in Assignment 1 wants to expand and that its only option is a merger. Now the industry is confronted with government regulations to oversee the merger.

Write a four to five (4?5) page paper in which you:
1.Explain why government regulation is needed, citing the major reasons for government involvement in a market economy.
2.Justify the rationale for the intervention of government in the market process in the U.S.
3.Assuming that the merger faces some threats and that the industry decides on self-expansion as an alternative strategy, describe the additional complexities that would arise under this new scenario of expansion via capital projects.
4.Analyze how the different forces will come together to create a convergence between the interests of stockholders and managers.
5.Speculate about the implications for the goals of the firm as to whether to maximize the industry?s profits or to create more value for the shareholders.
6.Use at least three (3) high-quality academic resources in this assignment. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources.

Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
?Be typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
?Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student?s name, the professor?s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required page length.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
?Apply macroeconomic concepts to changes in a national economy and how they affect economic growth, inflation, interest rates, and wage rates.
?Identify the economic impact on a company?s operations of the macroeconomic concepts.
?Use technology and information resources to research issues in managerial economics and globalization.
?Write clearly and concisely about managerial economics and globalization using proper writing mechanics.

There are many factors that can influence the success or failure of a merger. Prior to merging with another company, managers should consider operational synergy, economies of scale, financial synergy, company valuation, cash flows, and tax savings. The various steps involved in a merger and the anticipated reactions from the different stakeholders of the merging companies must be critically analyzed. This will help to understand how the merger will proceed and the potential impact on different stakeholders.
There are multitudes of issues involved in a merger and the influence of these factors can be seen in real life examples. Analyze the financial statements, ratios, and cash flows of the two companies.Review at least five journals to support your points

In a five page paper, (ONE INCH MARGINS, ROMAN FONT), address the following

Discuss how the two companies performed risk management.

Discuss the valuation of the two companies. How did the valuation change after the merger?

Identify the cost components for the merger.

Analyze the capital budgeting for the merger.

Analyze how the companies financed the merger.

Discuss the new capital structure change after the merger.

Analyze tax savings from the merger.

Analyze the dividend policies pre- and post- merger.

Analyze the stock price movements during and after the merger.

Analyze the merger process.

Discuss how the companies communicated the merger information to the different stakeholders.

Analyze the reactions of the employees and other stakeholders.

Prepare a 700-1,050-word paper in which you assess the impact of mergers and acquisitions on business, including sensible and dubious reasons for, and benefits and costs of, cash and stock transactions. In your paper also be sure to examine the financial risks of merging with or acquiring an organization in another country and how those risks could be mitigated.

The Term Paper will be 5 typed, double spaced pages. A MLA format bibliography is required.
Subject of the essay will be Mergers and Acquisitions. Choose a specific Merger or acquisition and write about it, according to the following questions.

1) What was the rationale of the merger?
2) Who were the key players?
3) What role did investment bankers perform in the transaction?
4) Do you think that the M&A was successful?

Please write a seven-page paper about Mergers and Acquisitions as a Growth Strategy. Explain at least 2 main points from the paper, and the reasoning behind my position.

Resources:

"Managing Organizational Change: A Multiple Perspective Approach." 2009, 2nd Edition, Palmer, I., Dunford, R., and Akin, G.

Conduct research on the Internet to identify at least three recent examples of mergers or acquisitions. Write a 700-1,050-word paper in which you do the following:
a. Briefly analyze the strategies each the companies employed in the examples you identified.
b. Analyze the financial outcomes of the examples you identified.

Use the three different mergers or acquisitions as different headers. Write the paper from the eyes of a financial manager.

Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper in which you compare and contrast Mergers and Acquisition failures.

Discuss reasons why an Merger and Acquisition fails, such as technical and legal insolvency, and bankruptcy.

Consider what happens to the stakeholders, company image, price per share, market share, company assets, industry position, goodwill, and service capability. Once the failure of an Merger and Acquisition occurs, what happens to assets of both companies?

Compare and contrast two to three forms of corporate restructuring. Would you recommend any of the following?

o Spin-offs
o Divestitures
o Liquidation
o Carve-out

Defend your position

discuss the impact of mergers and acquisitions on health care
services, providers and patients.

Your assisnment is to use specific examples and discuss the impact of mergers and acquisitions on
1. the organizations involved
2. the delivery of health care services
3. the health care work force
4. the target of health services the patient

use the web to cuduct research about mergers and acquistions

Assignment 4: Merger, Acquisition, and International Strategies
Choose two (2) public corporations in an industry with which you are familiar ? one (1) that has acquired another company and operates internationally and one (1) that does not have a history of mergers and acquisitions and operates solely within the U.S. Research each company on its own Website, the public filings on the Securities and Exchange Commission EDGAR database (http://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml), in the University's online databases, and any other sources you can find. The annual report will often provide insights that can help address some of these questions.
Write a six to eight (6-8) page paper in which you:
1.For the corporation that has acquired another company, merged with another company, or been acquired by another company, evaluate the strategy that led to the merger or acquisition to determine whether or not this merger or acquisition was a wise choice. Justify your opinion.
2.For the corporation that has not been involved in any mergers or acquisitions, identify one (1) company that would be a profitable candidate for the corporation to acquire or merge with and explain why this company would be a profitable target.
3.For the corporation that operates internationally, briefly evaluate its international business-level strategy and international corporate-level strategy and make recommendations for improvement.
4.For the corporation that does not operate internationally, propose one business-level strategy and one corporate-level strategy that you would suggest the corporation consider. Justify your proposals.
5.Use at least three (3) quality references. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not quality as academic resources.
Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
?Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
?Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student?s name, the professor?s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required page length.
The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:
?Identify various levels and types of strategy in a firm.
?Use technology and information resources to research issues in business administration.
?Write clearly and concisely about business administration using proper writing mechanics.

Should a firm attempt to have fewer or more suppliers? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each approach? Your initial post should be 200-250 words.
Two resources per question.

Read Problem 6 in Chapter 6 of your textbook. Calculate and answer parts a through d. Include all calculations and spreadsheets in your post. Explain why the moving average method was used instead of another forecasting method. What might be another forecasting method that could prove to be just as useful? Your initial post should be 200-250 words.
1. The figures below indicate the number of mergers that took place in the savings and loan industry over a 12-year period.
Year Mergers Year Mergers
2000 46 2006 83
2001 46 2007 123
2002 62 2008 97
2003 45 2009 186
2004 64 2010 225
2005 61 2011 240
a. Calculate a 5-year moving average to forecast the number of mergers for 2012.
b. Use the moving average technique to determine the forecast for 2005 to 2011. Calculate measurement error using MSE and MAD.
c. Calculate a 5-year weighted moving average to forecast the number of mergers for 2012. Use weights of 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, and 0.30, with the most recent year weighted being the largest.
d. Use regression analysis to forecast the number of mergers in 2012.
Two resources per question.

Pick a recent merger in less than 2 years either in the computer or video game industry, and analyze rhetoric of proponents.

Analyze pro and anti-competitive aspects.

Check out stock market reaction (before vs. after merger announcement)

Include any graphs or diagrams to illustrate your work better.