Question:
Use the MTI Cash Budget Model to determine the effects of assumptions and decisions made by thegroup. This is a dynamic workbook which requires enabling macros in Excel. Groups must make decisions regarding whether or not to defer payroll, defer rent, and lay off staff (no more than eight employees can be laid off) to ensure a positive cash balance, and a positive slack in credit for each of the four (4) scenarios (Original, Worst case, Middle ground, and Best case scenarios). Be sure to address all four scenarios in your analysis. And, include copies of your updated Decision worksheet and Cash Budget for each scenario (reflecting your decisions) as Appendices or Exhibits while referencing them in your responses. It is important to note that you may only defer up to 10% of payroll and 2 months of rent. Remember the case takes place in the holiday season following a tragic event, so be sure to address the impact of deferring payroll on employees at this time of the year. Additionally, if rent is deferred be sure to address which months are to be deferred and why. Explanation must be provided as to why individuals where chosen to be laid off, the pros and cons with the decision, and the strategy the company will use with each employee lay off.
Answer:
Introduction:
In any research project, validity and reliability of the findings are very crucial. However, the findings can be easily influenced by both the internal and external factors also known as the threats to validity and reliability of the research findings (Myera and Young 5). It should also be noted that collected data can easily influence the results. In our case, the occurrence of the September 11 terror attack shock the financial market and the data collected immediately after the period cannot represent the true face of the industry (Myera and Young 6).
Besides affecting the traveling where the researchers cannot travel freely to collect data on consumers' buying habit, the terror attack has a psychological effect on the respondents. I believe that conducting the research through interviews, focus groups or telephone surveys would not yield valid and reliable results given the current situation facing the organization (Garson 22).
One factor that has an influence on the amount of information shared by the respondents is a psychological factor. Consumers would hesitate to give reliable information where their security might be jeopardized. During such situations, many respondents would be reluctant to take part in research. Therefore, back-dating the research to September 5 would ensure the reliability and validity of the research findings. This is based on the fact that the data might have already been collected (Myera and Young 9).
Although the MIT's general objective is to improve its current financial position which would help in maintaining its employees, Customers satisfaction is also important. I urge the customer to accept the proposal by the Marketing Director because it has mutual benefits for the two parties (Garson 34).
Works Cited
Garson, G. David. Validity and Reliability: 2016 Edition. Chicago: Statistical Associates Publishers, 2016.
Myera, Gerald M and Williams W Young. MTI: Cash Budgeting in Times of a Sharp Business Downturn. Seattle: North American Case Research Association, Inc, 2016.
