From perpetual to wasting asset

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 247-267
Author(s):  
Stephen Ameyaw
Keyword(s):  
Real Estate ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Responsibility ◽  
Asset Class ◽  
The Government ◽  
Corporate Investors ◽  
Infrastructure Maintenance ◽  
Key Informant Interview ◽  
National Infrastructure

Purpose – This paper aims to present an objective overview of the factual discourse around the wasting nature of real estate for an appreciation of the resultant exacting management responsibility. The durability feature of real estate has had consequential implications on the appreciation of the asset class. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses literature survey and key informant interview to identify the peculiar features of real estate to understand the exacting responsibility of its ownership and management. Findings – The study reveals that real estate is a specialised investment asset that requires extra management care, costs and specialised expertise to retain its investment value. Thus, the asset is not inherently perpetual but wasting and requires conscious physical and functional management, which are dependent on sound financial management. Practical implications – Real estate investment decisions must be made with the exacting management responsibility in mind. Both individual and corporate investors must use a sinking fund policy to meet the financial liability involved in managing both income and non-income properties. The Government of Ghana must create a National Infrastructure Maintenance Fund and adopt a National Infrastructure Management Strategy for managing the existing stock of public real estate. Originality/value – It is the first literature appraisal and facts collation on the wasting nature of real estate and its attendant exacting management responsibility with a call for paradigm shift in our understanding of this investment asset.

Decision time for ACEES Group LLC: to buy or to lease?

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 394-426
Author(s):  
Sanjay Kudrimoti ◽  
Raminder Luther ◽  
Sanjay Jain
Keyword(s):  
Real Estate ◽  
Interest Rates ◽  
Cash Flow ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Business Students ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Decision Time ◽  
Business Incubator ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Real Estate Valuation

Synopsis As the move from the business incubator loomed, Abdul Khan had to decide where his business should relocate to. ACEES Group LLC, a small consulting firm, had grown from three friends working out of Abdul Khan’s house to a 20-person firm generating more than a million dollars in revenue within five years. This growth had necessitated the need for a larger and more prominent place. Although Abdul knew he did not want to renew the lease at the incubator, and he did not want to move his business too far from its current location, but the decision he had to make was whether ACEES Group should lease a commercial place or buy its own property. He was particularly torn because the real estate prices had fallen considerably, and were now on the mend and interest rates were still low. Research methodology The primary source of materials in the case was an interview with the owner (pseudo name: Abdul Khan). The owner wishes to remain anonymous. The financial statements of the firm produced in the case have been modified by a fixed factor so as to disguise the actual numbers but not materially alter the information in any fashion. Other secondary sources of materials include information about the business incubator program, the MBE certification and its benefits through the State of Florida, real estate and lease rates in Central Florida and other economic information. Relevant courses and levels This case is primarily intended for undergraduate students taking a course in entrepreneurship, real estate investments or financial management, with emphasis on real estate valuation, cash flow forecasting and/or valuation of business. Students should be familiar with time value of money concepts, understand the concept of NPV and IRR, and preferably be comfortable in the use of Excel. This instructor manual provides all calculations of space needs analysis, and discounted cash flow analysis for lease vs buy analysis. A few suggestions to discuss qualitative aspects of this decision making are also included.

scholarly journals Modelling the drivers of the UK multi-let industrial property market: an exploratory study

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 585-596
Author(s):  
David Higgins ◽  
Tsvetomira Vincent ◽  
Peter Wood
Keyword(s):  
Real Estate ◽  
Hedonic Pricing ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Pricing Model ◽  
Property Market ◽  
Industrial Property ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hedonic Pricing Model ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Asset Class

PurposeMulti-let industrial (MLI) estates are an emerging £15 billion UK real estate asset class that can offer attractive returns, a diversified income base, constrained supply and extensive management opportunities to add value within an operational platform. This investment appeal is supported by the evolving MLI occupier market with the growth of small to medium enterprises (SME) requiring modern urban business space driven in part by technology advances offering new streams of supply chain connectivity between businesses and potential clients at a local level.Design/methodology/approachTo understand more about MLI properties, this study utilises a hedonic pricing model to quantify property values as a function of defined variables. The dataset used for this research is a sample portfolio of 26 multi-let industrial properties. The dataset was analysed alongside eleven physical, financial and locational factors. Interestingly, the hedonic pricing model results showed that only four characteristics are value-affecting across the selected properties: namely (1) Granularity of the property income, (2) Distance from the nearest motorway, (3) Distance to the nearest town centre and (4) Gross internal floor area. A chi–test confirmed that there was no significant difference between the modelled values and the supplied property valuations.FindingsThis preliminary study offers valuable insight into MLI property market drivers and could easily form a simple decision-making tool to examine potential MLI opportunities in this developing real estate asset class.Originality/valueIn detailing these key MLI property features, current research is limited and focused primarily on market commentary. New knowledge on the MLI property market can provide a platform creating interesting opportunities for fund managers with an intensive management engagement strategy.

scholarly journals Crowdfunding REITs: a new asset class for the real estate industry?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia Gibilaro ◽  
Gianluca Mattarocci
Keyword(s):  
Real Estate ◽  
The United States ◽  
Individual Investors ◽  
Diversification Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Real ◽  
The Real Estate ◽  
Real Estate Sector ◽  
Real Estate Investments ◽  
Asset Class

PurposeThe paper aims to study the performance of crowdfunding REITs with respect to traditional REITs in order to evaluate the differences in the risk–return profile and their usefulness for a diversification strategy within the indirect real estate investments.Design/methodology/approachThe paper considers the crowdfunding REITs introduced after the JOBS act in the United States and evaluates their performance and risk during the time period 2016–2018. Performance achieved by crowdfunding REITs is compared with other types of REITs in order to evaluate their usefulness for constructing an optimal portfolio strategy based on a standard mean variance approach.FindingsResults show that the performance of crowdfunding REITs is more stable over time with respect to other REITs and the lack of correlation with traditional REITs may be exploited for constructing a more efficient diversified portfolio of indirect real estate investments.Practical implicationsCrowdfunding REITs have different performance with respect to standard REITs and, especially individual investors, may benefit from including this new investment opportunity in their portfolio.Originality/valueThe paper is the first study on the performance of the crowdfunding REITs that is evaluating their usefulness for a diversification strategy within the real estate sector.

Gap analysis of green features in condominiums between potential homeowners and real estate agents

Facilities ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 630-648 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sui Pheng Low ◽  
Shang Gao ◽  
Ling Ling Grace Teo
Keyword(s):  
Real Estate ◽  
Built Environment ◽  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Gap Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Real Estate Agents ◽  
The Government

Purpose The building sector is one of the main contributors to carbon dioxide emissions in Singapore. Over 90 per cent of life-cycle carbon emissions are due to the operations phase of buildings, and 90 to 98 per cent of the building cost is associated with operation, maintenance and personnel costs. Hence, occupants have a major role in achieving environmental sustainability objectives. This study aims to understand the awareness level of potential homeowners and real estate agents concerning environmental sustainability issues in the built environment, to identify the types of green features required by potential homeowners and to understand real estate agents’ perceptions of the types of green features required by the homeowners in a green condominium. Design/methodology/approach The features of the Green Mark (GM)-awarded buildings, as well as the benefits derived by homeowners were identified from the literature. A survey of a group of potential homeowners and real estate agents was carried out in Singapore to analyse the gap, if any, between the potential homeowners’ needs and expectations and real estate agents’ perceptions of these needs and expectations with respect to the green features in the homes. Findings The results indicate that potential homeowners are more aware of environmental sustainability issues in the built environment than are real estate agents; potential homeowners seem to be more supportive of environmentally sustainable development than the real estate agents are aware of, despite the fact that the price of the apartment remains an important deciding factor; and potential homeowners are more concerned about the ease of maintaining green homes and paying greater attention to green features in the areas most heavily promoted by the government. However, green features do not constitute the main considerations of potential homeowners when making the decision to buy a green home. Research limitations/implications To close the gaps identified in the analysis, recommendations are suggested, including having public education and awareness campaigns to emphasize the long-term energy savings of green homes, conducting GM courses for real estate agents and involving real estate agents in the developers’ project consultancy team. Originality/value As there has been no prior research in this area, this study serves to provide fresh perspectives on how developers can better select the types of green features to be included in the green homes, so as to meet the potential homeowners’ needs and expectations and, at the same time, balance mandatory GM requirements with such demands. Choosing the right type of green features to incorporate in a residential development for homeowners to utilize increases the owners’ satisfaction level and allows them to reap the intended benefits of green features.

Egypt’s slum development plan will be applied unevenly

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Real Estate ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Public Spending ◽  
Informal Settlements ◽  
Development Plan ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Real ◽  
The Real Estate ◽  
The Government ◽  
Policy Priority

Subject Plans to rid Egypt of its slums. Significance Since President Abdel Fatah el-Sisi came to office in June 2014, the eradication of informal settlements has officially been a top policy priority. More than 20 billion Egyptian pounds (1.2 billion dollars) has been allocated to the development and demolition of 351 slum areas since 2014. In February, Sisi pledged to rid the country of its slums by 2030. However, concerns have been raised about the lack of consultation with the communities affected. Impacts The slum redevelopment plans will drive growth in investment in the real estate and construction sectors. Public spending will increase from subsidised provision of electricity, water and sewerage services. The government will boost revenues by selling repossessed land to the private sector. Lack of consultation with residents over relocation will drive resentment among many of the poorest segments of society.

Global Synfuels' financial and strategic appraisal of a coal-to-liquid project

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (8) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Narender Lal Ahuja ◽  
Sweta Agarwal
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Corporate Finance ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Coal Gasification ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Managerial Accounting ◽  
Alternative Source ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government

Subject area Financial management, corporate finance, strategic management, managerial accounting and project management. Study level/applicability The case is suitable for courses such as MBA, Bachelor level business courses (in finance, business strategy) and training programs for working executives. Case overview The case study deals with financial and strategic appraisal of a unique coal-to-liquid project. India imported about two thirds of its crude oil requirements resulting in huge outflow of precious foreign exchange. As a result, it became necessary for the country to look for alternative sources of energy. The coal-to-liquid (CTL) technology of coal gasification offers a credible alternative source of fuels as proved by Sasol of South Africa. The Government of India short-listed Global Synfuels Company (name changed) as one of the selected few companies to build a CTL project. While the project is strategically important to the company and highly desirable for the country, there are serious doubts about the commercial viability of the project because of which the company is in dilemma whether to go ahead with the project. The case study presents this decision dilemma in a very interesting way and will be useful for teaching courses in corporate finance and strategic management. Expected learning outcomes The case can be used to engage participants to make a SWOT analysis for a new business opportunity, discuss environmental and financial issues facing a company, use DCF techniques to evaluate the project viability, carry out scenario analysis of the project to the changes in variables as well as challenge the participants to generate strategies for the success of a new project. Participants would also develop a better understanding of: environmental issues involved in CTL projects and new technologies to deal with such issues; and the employment impact of large projects such as the CTL. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available; please consult your librarian for access.

India backs blockchain but adoption will be cautious

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Asset Management ◽  
Trade Finance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Customer Data ◽  
Finance Minister ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Reserve Bank ◽  
Asset Class ◽  
The Government ◽  
Foreign Exchanges

Subject Blockchain adoption in India. Significance On April 22 the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a directive ordering all cryptocurrency accounts on Indian exchanges to close by July. Despite this, on May 16 Indian information technology giant Infosys, in collaboration with seven major banks, launched a blockchain-driven trade finance initiative. In his budget speech, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that the government will “explore …blockchain technology …for ushering in digital economy”. Impacts The ban on trading cryptocurrencies on Indian exchanges will drive investors to foreign exchanges rather than away from the asset class. The RBI ban on entities under its influence engaging in services relating to cryptocurrencies will slow blockchain adoption. Tests of blockchain in trade finance, 'know your customer' data and non-performing asset management will extend to other applications. Indian cities including Vizag in Andhra Pradesh are leading in adopting blockchain, supporting regional development.

Factors influencing the propensity of real estate investors in the UK to employ property derivatives

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 194-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander T. Hanisch
Keyword(s):  
Real Estate ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Real Estate Market ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Original Form ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Results ◽  
Asset Class ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Derivatives Markets

PurposeReal estate is the last major asset class without liquid derivatives markets. The reasons for that are not fully known or understood. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to better understand the main factors that influence the propensity of commercial real estate investors in the UK to employ property derivatives.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology that was chosen for this research is grounded theory which, in its original form, goes back to Glaser and Strauss (1967). A total of 43 interviews were conducted with 46 real estate professionals in the UK from property investment management firms (investing directly or indirectly in real estate), multi-asset management firms, real estate investment trusts, banks, and brokerage and advisory firms, among others.FindingsThe research results show 29 factors that influence the propensity of direct and indirect real estate investors in the UK to employ property derivatives. Out of the 29 factors, the current research identified 12 factors with high-explanatory power, 6 with a contributing role and 11 with low explanatory power. Moreover, factors previously discussed in the literature are tested and assessed as to their explanatory power. The focus of this paper is on those factors with high-explanatory power. From the research data, three main reasons have been identified as the sources of investor reluctance to trade in property derivatives. The first and main reason is related to a mismatch between motivations of property investment managers and what can be achieved with the instruments. The second reason, which ties in with the first one, is a general misunderstanding as to the right pricing technique of property derivatives. Finally, the third reason is a general lack of hedging demand from the investor base owing to the long investment horizons through market cycles.Research limitations/implicationsThe research contributes to the literature on property derivatives in various ways. First, it extends the literature on market hurdles in property derivatives markets by testing and extending the hurdles that were proposed previously. Second, the research shows that the existing pricing models need to be extended in order to account for the risk perception of practitioners and their concerns with regard to liquidity levels.Practical implicationsFor both theory and practice, the research has shown some limitations in using property derivatives for purposes such as creating index exposure or hedging. Another contribution, in this case to practice, is that this study provides a clearer picture as to the reasons that keep property investment managers away from using property derivatives.Originality/valueThe research results indicate that liquidityper seis not a universal remedy for the problems in the market. In addition to the need for improving the understanding of the pricing mechanism, practitioners should give more thought to the notion of real estate market risk and the commensurate returns that can reasonably be expected when they take or reduce it. This implies that property index futures currently do not price like those on any other investable asset class.

Effect of the global financial crisis on the financial performance of public listed construction companies in Malaysia

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 246-263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Ying Lai ◽  
Abdul Rashid Abdul Aziz ◽  
Toong Khuan Chan
Keyword(s):  
Financial Crisis ◽  
Financial Performance ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Capital Investment ◽  
Global Financial Crisis ◽  
Financial Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Companies ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The aim of this case study is to characterize the impact of the 2008 global financial crisis on the financial performance of public listed construction companies. Design/methodology/approach – Financial analysis was conducted on 32 public listed construction companies in Malaysia. Twelve financial ratios were examined to determine the profitability, liquidity, activity, leverage and solvency of these companies over the period between 2005 and 2010. This was complemented by a distress analysis using Altman’s Z-index. The study also used a content analysis of the Chairman’s or Managing Director’s statement to shareholders to uncover the responses and strategic initiatives undertaken by the management in response to the financial crisis. Findings – The only direct impact of the financial crisis was a reduction in profitability. Total revenues and total assets of these companies continue to grow due to increased demand for construction from year 2007 following two large capital investment programs initiated by the Malaysian Government to mitigate the potential effects of the financial crisis. Net profits rebounded back to 5 per cent by year 2010. These companies immediately responded to the crisis with more prudent financial management; curtailing expenses, cutting dividends, reducing bank borrowings, increasing equity; and to the extent of disposing of assets to mitigate losses. Research limitations/implications – The sample of only 32 public listed companies out of a total of more than 60,000 construction companies may be considered small, but these 32 companies represent nearly 20 per cent of the total construction volume for 2010. Practical implications – The study documents the effects of increased capital spending by the government to mitigate the loss of investor confidence followed by a slowdown in economic growth during a period of global financial distress. Key findings will inform on prudent financial management to withstand future financial crises. Originality/value – The responses and strategies adopted by the management to mitigate the effects and to enhance future performance of these companies have been uncovered. These are important considerations in managing construction companies; the analysis and observations will be invaluable to researchers intending to study how the construction industry responds to a future slump in demand.

Autonomy of public agencies in Pakistan: does structure matter?

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 565-581 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abiha Zahra ◽  
Muhammad Zafar Iqbal Jadoon
Keyword(s):  
Financial Management ◽  
Public Management ◽  
Multivariate Regression Analysis ◽  
Governing Board ◽  
Vertical Specialization ◽  
Public Agencies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Administrative Culture ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between structural arrangements of public agencies of Pakistan and their autonomy. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through a questionnaire using the key informant approach from 70 public agencies of Pakistan. Hypotheses were drawn from the structural instrumental perspective to examine the relation between structure and autonomy. In order to test the hypotheses, multivariate regression analysis was performed on the data. Findings The research highlights that out of the three major structural dimensions, horizontal specialization, vertical specialization and governing board, only governing board is seen to affect the human resource management dimension of autonomy while vertical specialization is related to financial management autonomy. None of the three hypotheses were completely supported. The divergence of the results from the structural instrumental perspective points to other factors related to agencies including administrative culture and context of state that matter in delegation of autonomy to the agencies by the government. Originality/value This paper contributes to an on-going debate on globalization of public management reforms with emphasis on structural instrumental explanation of the agencification in developing countries.

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