This paper introduces a model for rating a firm's default risk based on fuzzy logic and expert system and an associated model of sensitivity analysis (SA) for managerial purposes. The rating model automatically replicates the evaluation process of default risk performed by human experts. It...

In this paper, we lay out theoretical shortcomings of the IRR criteria that have largely dropped out of the finance literature. We discuss the problem of multiple IRRs and non-existent IRR under a new light. We also discuss the financial ambiguity that can arise when interpreting the IRR. Then,...

Capital budgeting decisions are of paramount importance in production economics and, in particular, in manufacturing: investors direct their funds towards firms that create value and withdraw funds from companies which destroy value. Unfortunately, a disparate class of metrics and criteria is...

The internal rate of return (IRR) is widely used in Private Finance Initiative (PFI) schemes in the UK for measuring performance. However, it is well-known that the IRR may be a misleading indicator of economic profitability. Treasury Guidance (2004) recognizes that the IRR should not be used...

Discounted cash flows methods such as Net Present Value and Internal Rate of Return are often used interchangeably or even together for assessing value creation in industrial and engineering projects. Notwithstanding its difficulties of applicability and reliability, the internal rate of return...

Literature and textbooks on capital budgeting endorse net present value (NPV) and generally treat accounting rates of return as not being reliable tools. This paper shows that accounting numbers can be reconciled with NPV and fruitfully employed in real-life applications. Focusing on project...

This paper applies Magni's (2011) Aggregate Return On Investment (AROI)to investment performance measurement. We show that the ratio of undiscountednet cash flow to undiscounted invested capital is not a naive metric (itseemingly does not take the time value of money into account). It is a...

This paper illustrates an innovative approach to financial modeling of engineering decisionmaking and industrial projects. The approach is a minimal one, grounded as it is on three notions, two laws, and one matrix that combines them, called Split-Screen Matrix (SSM). This split-screen approach...