Corporate Finance CaseWorks Abstracts
Fall 2009

It Took a Village

Jeffrey A. Harris

In 1977 Dr. Muhammad Yunus launched Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, implementing an innovative strategy to provide very small loans for extremely low-income rural villagers. Within ten years the successful bank was owned by its borrowers and Yunus's concepts helped to launch the global microfinance movement now providing funds to nearly 100 million borrowers world-wide and making considerable progress reducing the cycle of poverty.

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The Hub

Jeffrey A. Harris

In 1972 Fred Smith launched Federal Express - an entirely new package delivery system concept. The chances of success were terribly long. How did he overcome a challenging set of regulatory, logistical, and financial forces to create one of the most exciting and successful companies that has changed the way the world does business?

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Fall 2009

The Car of Tomorrow - Today!

Jeffrey A. Harris

Shortly after World War II Preston Tucker attempted to launch his "car of tomorrow." Despite numerous engineering and design innovations as well as creative marketing and financing, Tucker found that the manufacturing, financial, and competitive barriers to entry in the automotive business were difficult to overcome.

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The Mortgage for 1800 L Street

Lynne Sagalyn

This case asks students to scrutinize the documents of a mortgage loan that the lender has put up for auction during a period of market distress.

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1372 Broadway

Lynne Sagalyn

Students are asked to evaluate the strategy of an acquisition and propose leasing transactions that could enhance the bottom line of the investment.

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The Associate's Task: Financial Tales of Changing Place

Lynne Sagalyn

Set during the uncertain real estate market of 2009, this case maps out the analytic tools and thought processes of a seasoned financial analyst as she assesses the investment potential of several urban properties.

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Fall 2009

Research Brief: Trade Liberalizations: Evidence from India

Amit Khandelwal

This research brief examines the impact of trade liberalization on India's economy while providing an overview of the country's progression from a closed, centralized economy to an increasingly market-oriented one.

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Zenith Center

Lynne Sagalyn

This case asks students to identify the due diligence issues and develop an acquisition work plan for a high risk investment opportunity.

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Fall 2009

Phelps Dodge 2005

Bruce Greenwald

Should Phelps Dodge invest in a new copper mine, paying high cost for increased production?

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