Assignment Prompt & Instructions
– ## Assignment3_Template.doc
– ## Assignment3instructions.pdf
– COMPLETED_Assignment2WorkbookTemplateExcel2.xlsx
**## Assignment3_Template.doc**
[removed]
**## Assignment3instructions.pdf**
JWI 531: Financial Management II
Assignment 3
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be copied,
further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. This document is subject to
change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 531 – Assignment 3 (1244) Page 1 of 3
Assignment 3: Forecasting
Due: Monday, 9:00 am (eastern), Week 10 (18% of final grade)
In the first two assignments, you looked at: (1) how NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) and Intel (NASDAQ:
INTC) are positioned to take advantage of opportunities and manage risks and (2) how well each is
currently managing their performance. As part of this analysis, you identified potential areas for improvement
and considered whether a merger or acquisition could strengthen their financial performance.
Based on your insights and recommendations, Buffett is now asking for an assessment of what the future
holds for these businesses. In order to deliver this, you must be able to accurately forecast cash flows (the
money that comes in and the money that goes out). Like any predictions about the future, these forecasts
require the collection and analysis of reliable data, including leading indicators in the broader economy as
well as the market forces that impact competitive dynamics. This analysis will enable you to make smarter
decisions about how to plan for the future in order to maximize returns, minimize risks, and beat the
competition.
Instructions
For this assignment, you will continue to use the published data from the most recent annual reports you
have been studying, as well as analyst reports and other resources available on the Internet.
A. Complete the Assignment 3 Worksheet to assemble and assess your forecasts of working capital.
The guidance for this is found in Chapter 7 of The CFO Guidebook.
B. Summarize your Analysis and Recommendations by addressing the following questions:
i. Which metrics/trends are most critical for forecasting future performance and for budgeting?
To answer this, you must include an analysis of both past trend performance AND the
applicability and reliability of key forecast indicators. In your response, consider:
a. Which company has the stronger income statement? Explain.
b. Which company has the stronger cash flows? Explain.
c. Which company has the stronger operating performance? Explain.
ii. Why are the metrics/trends in the data sets above so critical? How reliable are they as
predictors of future performance?
iii. Based on the data you have analyzed, which metrics would you focus on to improve the
performance of the weaker company against the stronger one? Why?
a. How would you do this? What specific financial tools would you apply? Why?
b. What would “realistic” improvement look like?
c. How would you measure success?
JWI 531: Financial Management II
Assignment 3
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be copied,
further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. This document is subject to
change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 531 – Assignment 3 (1244) Page 2 of 3
iv. If you were given the opportunity to join either of these two companies as the new CFO, which
one would you pick, and why? In considering your answer to this question, the majority of your
compensation plan will be tied to the improvements you can help to drive. Therefore, you should
not base your decision on which company is currently performing better but on which
company's performance – and valuation – has the greatest potential for growth.
Submission Requirements
A. Complete and submit the Assignment 3 Worksheet component of the Workbook, along with your
written work for Part B, through the assignment link in Canvas.
B. Format your written responses for Analysis and Recommendation as follows:
• Typed, double-spaced, professional font (size 10-12), including headings and subheadings (to
identify main topics and subtopics), with one-inch margins on all sides.
• References must be included and provide appropriate information that enables the reader to
locate the original source.
o Application and analysis of course materials and resources is expected.
o At least one additional source beyond the course materials must be cited to support
your analysis and recommendations.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, your name, the professor’s name,
the course title, and the date.
• The maximum length is 4 pages, excluding your cover page, completed worksheets, and
reference list.
JWI 531: Financial Management II
Assignment 3
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be copied,
further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. This document is subject to
change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 531 – Assignment 3 (1244) Page 3 of 3
RUBRIC
Weight: 18% of
Course Grade
Assignment 3:
Forecasting
CRITERIA Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
1. Complete the
assignment
worksheet
Weight: 30%
Submitted
worksheet had
90% or higher
correct data sets.
Submitted
worksheet had
between 80%
and 89% correct
data sets.
Submitted
worksheet had
between 70%
and 79% correct
data sets.
Submitted
worksheet had
between 60%
and 69% correct
data sets.
Did not submit
worksheet or
had fewer
than 60%
correct data
sets
entered.
2. Present
synopsis of
data
Weight: 30%
Data synopsis
was excellent;
accurately
highlighted key
data presented
in both annual
reports and
third-party
sources.
Synopsis was
very good;
focused on the
most critical
elements with
only minor
elements
unclear/missing.
Synopsis was
good; provided
general
snapshot of key
data, but did not
focus on the
most critical
elements.
Synopsis was
overly simplistic;
restated the
data, but did not
provide a
coherent
overview.
Synopsis
was missing,
incomplete,
inaccurate, or
did not align
with data.
3. Present and
defend sound
recommended
finance
strategies
Weight: 30%
Presented and
defended
excellent
finance
strategies;
exemplary
connection to
core finance
principles and
to real-world
circumstances.
Excellent
consideration of
viable options
with very clear
rationale for
why options
were not
chosen.
Presented and
defended very
good finance
strategies; solid
connection to
core finance
principles and
to real-world
circumstances.
Very good
consideration
of viable
options with
good rationale
for why options
were not
chosen.
Recommended
strategies were
good, but lacked
clarity on how
they could be
implemented to
drive outcomes.
Addressed other
options, but was
unclear why
these were not
chosen.
Recommended
strategies were
basic or were
not supported
by data and
analysis or tied
to desired
outcomes.
Made minimal
reference to
options, but did
not explain why
these were not
recommended.
Recommended
strategies were
missing,
superficial,
and/or were
not supported
by data and
analysis. No
options were
presented.
4. Include
appropriate
citations and
use
professional
writing
standards
Weight: 10%
Citations and
references to
both course
materials and
additional
sources were
properly
documented;
free from
grammatical and
formatting
errors; adhered
to maximum
length.
Citations and
references to
both course
materials and
additional
sources were
properly
documented;
contained
minor
grammatical
and formatting
errors.
Citations and
references to
both course
materials and
additional
sources were
properly
documented;
contained some
grammatical and
formatting errors.
Included some
citations and
references to
course
materials, but
failed to cite for
several key
references;
contained
distracting
grammatical or
formatting
errors.
No citations
provided and/or
references to
course
materials were
missing or did
not support key
content in
submission;
numerous
writing
mistakes.
**COMPLETED_Assignment2WorkbookTemplateExcel2.xlsx**
This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/completed-assignment2workbooktemplateexcel2-xlsx)
**COMPLETED_Assignment2WorkbookTemplateExcel2.xlsx**
This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/completed-assignment2workbooktemplateexcel2-xlsx)
**## Assignment3_Template.doc**
[removed]
**## Assignment3instructions.pdf**
JWI 531: Financial Management II
Assignment 3
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be copied,
further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. This document is subject to
change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 531 – Assignment 3 (1244) Page 1 of 3
Assignment 3: Forecasting
Due: Monday, 9:00 am (eastern), Week 10 (18% of final grade)
In the first two assignments, you looked at: (1) how NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) and Intel (NASDAQ:
INTC) are positioned to take advantage of opportunities and manage risks and (2) how well each is
currently managing their performance. As part of this analysis, you identified potential areas for improvement
and considered whether a merger or acquisition could strengthen their financial performance.
Based on your insights and recommendations, Buffett is now asking for an assessment of what the future
holds for these businesses. In order to deliver this, you must be able to accurately forecast cash flows (the
money that comes in and the money that goes out). Like any predictions about the future, these forecasts
require the collection and analysis of reliable data, including leading indicators in the broader economy as
well as the market forces that impact competitive dynamics. This analysis will enable you to make smarter
decisions about how to plan for the future in order to maximize returns, minimize risks, and beat the
competition.
Instructions
For this assignment, you will continue to use the published data from the most recent annual reports you
have been studying, as well as analyst reports and other resources available on the Internet.
A. Complete the Assignment 3 Worksheet to assemble and assess your forecasts of working capital.
The guidance for this is found in Chapter 7 of The CFO Guidebook.
B. Summarize your Analysis and Recommendations by addressing the following questions:
i. Which metrics/trends are most critical for forecasting future performance and for budgeting?
To answer this, you must include an analysis of both past trend performance AND the
applicability and reliability of key forecast indicators. In your response, consider:
a. Which company has the stronger income statement? Explain.
b. Which company has the stronger cash flows? Explain.
c. Which company has the stronger operating performance? Explain.
ii. Why are the metrics/trends in the data sets above so critical? How reliable are they as
predictors of future performance?
iii. Based on the data you have analyzed, which metrics would you focus on to improve the
performance of the weaker company against the stronger one? Why?
a. How would you do this? What specific financial tools would you apply? Why?
b. What would “realistic” improvement look like?
c. How would you measure success?
JWI 531: Financial Management II
Assignment 3
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be copied,
further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. This document is subject to
change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 531 – Assignment 3 (1244) Page 2 of 3
iv. If you were given the opportunity to join either of these two companies as the new CFO, which
one would you pick, and why? In considering your answer to this question, the majority of your
compensation plan will be tied to the improvements you can help to drive. Therefore, you should
not base your decision on which company is currently performing better but on which
company's performance – and valuation – has the greatest potential for growth.
Submission Requirements
A. Complete and submit the Assignment 3 Worksheet component of the Workbook, along with your
written work for Part B, through the assignment link in Canvas.
B. Format your written responses for Analysis and Recommendation as follows:
• Typed, double-spaced, professional font (size 10-12), including headings and subheadings (to
identify main topics and subtopics), with one-inch margins on all sides.
• References must be included and provide appropriate information that enables the reader to
locate the original source.
o Application and analysis of course materials and resources is expected.
o At least one additional source beyond the course materials must be cited to support
your analysis and recommendations.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, your name, the professor’s name,
the course title, and the date.
• The maximum length is 4 pages, excluding your cover page, completed worksheets, and
reference list.
JWI 531: Financial Management II
Assignment 3
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be copied,
further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. This document is subject to
change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 531 – Assignment 3 (1244) Page 3 of 3
RUBRIC
Weight: 18% of
Course Grade
Assignment 3:
Forecasting
CRITERIA Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
1. Complete the
assignment
worksheet
Weight: 30%
Submitted
worksheet had
90% or higher
correct data sets.
Submitted
worksheet had
between 80%
and 89% correct
data sets.
Submitted
worksheet had
between 70%
and 79% correct
data sets.
Submitted
worksheet had
between 60%
and 69% correct
data sets.
Did not submit
worksheet or
had fewer
than 60%
correct data
sets
entered.
2. Present
synopsis of
data
Weight: 30%
Data synopsis
was excellent;
accurately
highlighted key
data presented
in both annual
reports and
third-party
sources.
Synopsis was
very good;
focused on the
most critical
elements with
only minor
elements
unclear/missing.
Synopsis was
good; provided
general
snapshot of key
data, but did not
focus on the
most critical
elements.
Synopsis was
overly simplistic;
restated the
data, but did not
provide a
coherent
overview.
Synopsis
was missing,
incomplete,
inaccurate, or
did not align
with data.
3. Present and
defend sound
recommended
finance
strategies
Weight: 30%
Presented and
defended
excellent
finance
strategies;
exemplary
connection to
core finance
principles and
to real-world
circumstances.
Excellent
consideration of
viable options
with very clear
rationale for
why options
were not
chosen.
Presented and
defended very
good finance
strategies; solid
connection to
core finance
principles and
to real-world
circumstances.
Very good
consideration
of viable
options with
good rationale
for why options
were not
chosen.
Recommended
strategies were
good, but lacked
clarity on how
they could be
implemented to
drive outcomes.
Addressed other
options, but was
unclear why
these were not
chosen.
Recommended
strategies were
basic or were
not supported
by data and
analysis or tied
to desired
outcomes.
Made minimal
reference to
options, but did
not explain why
these were not
recommended.
Recommended
strategies were
missing,
superficial,
and/or were
not supported
by data and
analysis. No
options were
presented.
4. Include
appropriate
citations and
use
professional
writing
standards
Weight: 10%
Citations and
references to
both course
materials and
additional
sources were
properly
documented;
free from
grammatical and
formatting
errors; adhered
to maximum
length.
Citations and
references to
both course
materials and
additional
sources were
properly
documented;
contained
minor
grammatical
and formatting
errors.
Citations and
references to
both course
materials and
additional
sources were
properly
documented;
contained some
grammatical and
formatting errors.
Included some
citations and
references to
course
materials, but
failed to cite for
several key
references;
contained
distracting
grammatical or
formatting
errors.
No citations
provided and/or
references to
course
materials were
missing or did
not support key
content in
submission;
numerous
writing
mistakes.
**COMPLETED_Assignment2WorkbookTemplateExcel2.xlsx**
This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/completed-assignment2workbooktemplateexcel2-xlsx)
**## Assignment3_Template.doc**
[removed]
**## Assignment3instructions.pdf**
JWI 531: Financial Management II
Assignment 3
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be copied,
further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. This document is subject to
change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 531 – Assignment 3 (1244) Page 1 of 3
Assignment 3: Forecasting
Due: Monday, 9:00 am (eastern), Week 10 (18% of final grade)
In the first two assignments, you looked at: (1) how NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) and Intel (NASDAQ:
INTC) are positioned to take advantage of opportunities and manage risks and (2) how well each is
currently managing their performance. As part of this analysis, you identified potential areas for improvement
and considered whether a merger or acquisition could strengthen their financial performance.
Based on your insights and recommendations, Buffett is now asking for an assessment of what the future
holds for these businesses. In order to deliver this, you must be able to accurately forecast cash flows (the
money that comes in and the money that goes out). Like any predictions about the future, these forecasts
require the collection and analysis of reliable data, including leading indicators in the broader economy as
well as the market forces that impact competitive dynamics. This analysis will enable you to make smarter
decisions about how to plan for the future in order to maximize returns, minimize risks, and beat the
competition.
Instructions
For this assignment, you will continue to use the published data from the most recent annual reports you
have been studying, as well as analyst reports and other resources available on the Internet.
A. Complete the Assignment 3 Worksheet to assemble and assess your forecasts of working capital.
The guidance for this is found in Chapter 7 of The CFO Guidebook.
B. Summarize your Analysis and Recommendations by addressing the following questions:
i. Which metrics/trends are most critical for forecasting future performance and for budgeting?
To answer this, you must include an analysis of both past trend performance AND the
applicability and reliability of key forecast indicators. In your response, consider:
a. Which company has the stronger income statement? Explain.
b. Which company has the stronger cash flows? Explain.
c. Which company has the stronger operating performance? Explain.
ii. Why are the metrics/trends in the data sets above so critical? How reliable are they as
predictors of future performance?
iii. Based on the data you have analyzed, which metrics would you focus on to improve the
performance of the weaker company against the stronger one? Why?
a. How would you do this? What specific financial tools would you apply? Why?
b. What would “realistic” improvement look like?
c. How would you measure success?
JWI 531: Financial Management II
Assignment 3
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be copied,
further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. This document is subject to
change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 531 – Assignment 3 (1244) Page 2 of 3
iv. If you were given the opportunity to join either of these two companies as the new CFO, which
one would you pick, and why? In considering your answer to this question, the majority of your
compensation plan will be tied to the improvements you can help to drive. Therefore, you should
not base your decision on which company is currently performing better but on which
company's performance – and valuation – has the greatest potential for growth.
Submission Requirements
A. Complete and submit the Assignment 3 Worksheet component of the Workbook, along with your
written work for Part B, through the assignment link in Canvas.
B. Format your written responses for Analysis and Recommendation as follows:
• Typed, double-spaced, professional font (size 10-12), including headings and subheadings (to
identify main topics and subtopics), with one-inch margins on all sides.
• References must be included and provide appropriate information that enables the reader to
locate the original source.
o Application and analysis of course materials and resources is expected.
o At least one additional source beyond the course materials must be cited to support
your analysis and recommendations.
• Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, your name, the professor’s name,
the course title, and the date.
• The maximum length is 4 pages, excluding your cover page, completed worksheets, and
reference list.
JWI 531: Financial Management II
Assignment 3
© Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information and may not be copied,
further distributed, or otherwise disclosed, in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of Strayer University. This document is subject to
change based on the needs of the class.
JWI 531 – Assignment 3 (1244) Page 3 of 3
RUBRIC
Weight: 18% of
Course Grade
Assignment 3:
Forecasting
CRITERIA Honors High Pass Pass Low Pass Unsatisfactory
1. Complete the
assignment
worksheet
Weight: 30%
Submitted
worksheet had
90% or higher
correct data sets.
Submitted
worksheet had
between 80%
and 89% correct
data sets.
Submitted
worksheet had
between 70%
and 79% correct
data sets.
Submitted
worksheet had
between 60%
and 69% correct
data sets.
Did not submit
worksheet or
had fewer
than 60%
correct data
sets
entered.
2. Present
synopsis of
data
Weight: 30%
Data synopsis
was excellent;
accurately
highlighted key
data presented
in both annual
reports and
third-party
sources.
Synopsis was
very good;
focused on the
most critical
elements with
only minor
elements
unclear/missing.
Synopsis was
good; provided
general
snapshot of key
data, but did not
focus on the
most critical
elements.
Synopsis was
overly simplistic;
restated the
data, but did not
provide a
coherent
overview.
Synopsis
was missing,
incomplete,
inaccurate, or
did not align
with data.
3. Present and
defend sound
recommended
finance
strategies
Weight: 30%
Presented and
defended
excellent
finance
strategies;
exemplary
connection to
core finance
principles and
to real-world
circumstances.
Excellent
consideration of
viable options
with very clear
rationale for
why options
were not
chosen.
Presented and
defended very
good finance
strategies; solid
connection to
core finance
principles and
to real-world
circumstances.
Very good
consideration
of viable
options with
good rationale
for why options
were not
chosen.
Recommended
strategies were
good, but lacked
clarity on how
they could be
implemented to
drive outcomes.
Addressed other
options, but was
unclear why
these were not
chosen.
Recommended
strategies were
basic or were
not supported
by data and
analysis or tied
to desired
outcomes.
Made minimal
reference to
options, but did
not explain why
these were not
recommended.
Recommended
strategies were
missing,
superficial,
and/or were
not supported
by data and
analysis. No
options were
presented.
4. Include
appropriate
citations and
use
professional
writing
standards
Weight: 10%
Citations and
references to
both course
materials and
additional
sources were
properly
documented;
free from
grammatical and
formatting
errors; adhered
to maximum
length.
Citations and
references to
both course
materials and
additional
sources were
properly
documented;
contained
minor
grammatical
and formatting
errors.
Citations and
references to
both course
materials and
additional
sources were
properly
documented;
contained some
grammatical and
formatting errors.
Included some
citations and
references to
course
materials, but
failed to cite for
several key
references;
contained
distracting
grammatical or
formatting
errors.
No citations
provided and/or
references to
course
materials were
missing or did
not support key
content in
submission;
numerous
writing
mistakes.
**COMPLETED_Assignment2WorkbookTemplateExcel2.xlsx**
This file is too large to display. [View in new window](https://www.sweetstudy.com/files/completed-assignment2workbooktemplateexcel2-xlsx)
– 1
– 2
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