Overview
Discussion - Groundhogs and Investors
Investors, as a group, can be a very superstitious lot. From the Wharton article “Are investors superstitiousLinks to an external site.”, we learn that they worry about days of the week (Mondays can be a peril), December and January are good, and past experiences inform future behaviors.
Please also read the article “When the Groundhog Predicts and Early Spring, Investors Get Optimistic”Links to an external site.. Consider the premise provided by the author after his examination of a century’s worth of data.
- Do you think his conclusion is “just another superstition” or does it have merit?
- Are we to make investment decisions based on what could be mere coincidence, or should we start paying more attention to Punxsutawney Phil as we plan our retirement savings?
- Do you have any particular superstitions that guide your behavior?
Have some fun with this discussion. Let your creative juices fly. And think about the decisions you make in planning your own finances.
Assignment - State Fair of Virginia
Read the case ”State Fair of Virginia” in your coursepack. Using what you have learned this week and through any outside research you may need, prepare a PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation for possible funders including, but not limited to, the State of Virginia, local philanthropists, and others. Be sure to cover the following key issues:
- What caused State Fair of Virginia to be in its current precarious financial condition?
- Who are the parties impacted by State Fair of Virginia's financial challenges? What is the magnitude of the harm to these parties?
- The current options before the Board.
- What steps should be taken by the State Fair of Virginia Board of Directors?
Please observe the following general guidelines for your slide deck:
- Your presentation should be no less than 5 or more than 15 slides.
- Add explanatory text and references to the notes view of affected slides. Minimize text on a slide, but include your script in the notes section.
- Be careful with fonts and colors.
- Structure the presentation to lead the audience to the recommended solution.
This article from MIT Sloan Management Review provides excellent guidance on presentation format. How to Create Slides That Suit Your Superiors - 11 TipsLinks to an external site.
Here is a video with some additional do's and don'tsLinks to an external site. that might also give you a chuckle.