Napoleon Is Contemplating Four Institutions of Higher Learning as Options

question 11

Essay

Napoleon is contemplating four institutions of higher learning as options for a Masters in Business Administration. Each university has strong and weak points and the demand for MBA graduates is uncertain. The availability of jobs, student loans, and financial support will have a significant impact on Napoleon's ultimate decision. Vanderbilt and Seattle University have comparatively high tuition, which would necessitate Napoleon take out student loans resulting in possibly substantial student loan debt. In a tight market, degrees with that cachet might spell the difference between a hefty paycheck and a piddling unemployment check. Northeastern State University and Texas Tech University hold the advantage of comparatively low tuition but a more regional appeal in a tight job market. Napoleon gathers his advisory council of Kip and Pedro to assist with the decision. Together they forecast three possible scenarios for the job market and institutional success and predict annual cash flows associated with an MBA from each institution. All cash flows in the table are in thousands of dollars.
$$\begin{array} { | l | c | c | c | } \hline \text { School } & \text { Scenario 1 } & \text { Scenario 2 } & \text { Scenario 3 } \\\hline \text { Vanderbilt } & 95 & 20 & - 10 \\\hline \text { Texas Tech } & 55 & 60 & 60 \\\hline \text { Seattle } & 90 & 10 & 80 \\\hline \text { Northeastern State } & 65 & 50 & 60 \\\hline\end{array}$$
-Napoleon doesn't know what to think, since he has no idea which scenario will happen. Which criterion is he well-suited for and what is his decision?

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Definitions:

Flexible Working Hours

A work arrangement that allows employees to adjust their working times and locations, promoting work-life balance.

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The practice of working remotely, often from home, using digital communication technologies instead of being physically present at a company's office.

Compressed Workweek

An alternative work schedule allowing employees to work longer hours on fewer days, often resulting in a three-day weekend.

Telecommuting

It involves working from a remote location outside of a traditional office environment, often from home, using technology to stay connected.