The contribution of USM company financial data to the study of traditional MDA predictive models

This thesis presents a detailed investigation of predicting of corporate financial failure, using two traditional (Altman and Taffler) Multiple Discriminant Analysis models on companies whose equities are traded on the London Unlisted Securities Market (USM) and on those that have passed or graduated from the USM to a full listing. The primary objective was to see if the two models can be effectively used in the context of the USM to either to predict or at least indicate symptoms of financial collapse. Secondly, ratios were taken for further discriminant analysis to see if better ratios can be identified and predictions developed from one or a group of ratios. In this study consideration also has been given to the limited progress in developing the underlying theory of bankruptcy. The Altman and Taffler MDA models were tested on the USM data. Their predictions compared favourably with those of a multi-discriminant model that was derived from the USM data. However, it was found that all three models gave mediocre and late predictions of individual company bankruptcy. The research found that MDA analysis of company failure had to be supplemented by a more behavioural and subjective approach to the question of company failure in order to be useful. Even so, the dissertation is able to end with some useful pointers for future research

"Wow, I could've had a V8!": The role of regret in consumer choice

decision making;consumer behavior;regret theory

Eigenvalue Placement and Stabilization by Constrained Optimization

A pole placement algorithm is proposed which uses constrained nonlinear optimization techniques on a finite dimensional model of a linear n degree of freedom system. Low order feedback control is assumed where r poles may be assigned; r being the rank of the sensor coefficient matrix. It is shown that by combining feedback control theory methods with optimization techniques, one can ensure the stability characteristics of a system, and can alter its transient response

Trimodular Block Strategies in Haydn\u27s Sonata Movements

This study combines concepts from Hepokoski and Darcy, and Caplin, to examine Haydn’s approaches to the trimodular block (TMB). The first part of the article proposes three categories of TMBs based on which modules of a given TMB lie within S and the stability of the opening of TM3. Subsequent parts use these three categories to identify patterns in Haydn’s instrumental movements containing TMBs. Data regarding the fundamental features of forty-one movements are combined with in-depth analyses of three representative movements, one for each TMB category. While some traits remain consistent across all three categories, other traits typical of a single category in Haydn’s output correlate with specific recapitulatory strategies

Biblical Leadership: Combatting Authoritarianism

The radio station in Oil City, Pa became a non-existent entity when the owner sold the organization. This caused dissatisfaction among many members of the community, as well as resentment among former employees. Understanding the leadership\u27s impact provides insight into the radio station\u27s potential sustainability or inevitable failure. This phenomenological study allows for a focus on the events surrounding the radio station\u27s sale, which sheds light on the leadership style used by the radio station\u27s most recent owner. Each interviewee offers a unique perspective, including information about the events that led up to the radio station\u27s sale. The study of the leadership style encompasses insight into successful and unsuccessful methods of leadership through the study of the events that led up to the sale. Additionally, the biblical examples can be seen through Moses’ and Jesus’ leadership that presents the most effective biblical leadership style of servant leadership

Regret in repeat purchase versus switching decisions:The attenuating role of decision justifiability

The decision-making literature has consistently reported that decisions to maintain the status quo tend to be regretted less than decisions to change it. We examine the consequences of repeat purchasing (maintaining the status quo) versus switching in the context of information regarding the reason for the decision (e.g., prior consumption episode, brand history), and we argue that there are situations in which repeat purchasing may cause as much or even more regret than switching. We contend that this effect depends on whether or not there is a justifiable basis for the decision. In a series of four studies, we show that if there is sufficient motivation to warrant a switch, consumers will feel less regret in the face of a subsequent negative outcome realized via a switch than in one realized via a repeat purchase. Our results imply that feelings of regret are mitigated when the consumer reflects and concludes that the decision was appropriate under the circumstances.

Building a future...An exploration of the contribution of educational provision to clients’ well-being at Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers

This research project builds on previous work, ‘Beneath the Surface’ (Cogo, Inman, McCormack, Rogers 2018) which focussed on how clients at Southwark Day Centre for Asylum Seekers (SDCAS) understood and evaluated their well-being. One of the areas touched on in that research was the role of educational activities in developing the well-being of clients. This report describes in depth the ways in which the educational provision offered in the centre contributes to the well-being of clients and how this contribution might be enhanced. The report focuses on two areas of education provision; gardening and storytelling and explains how they contribute to the well-being of the clients. The interview data confirms that the activities in these two areas help to build clients’ psychological, physical and social resources and have a positive effect on how clients feel and how they function in the world. The report ends with recommendations as to how SDCAS might ensure that gardening and storytelling continue to benefit the well-being of clients and also as to what might be put in place to strengthen the activities