Assignment Module 1 - Working Capital Management
Assignment Module 1 - Working Capital Management
Short-term financing sources are used to meet the immediate financial needs of a business.
These sources typically provide funds for a period of less than a year and are often used to cover
operational expenses, such as inventory purchases, payroll, and utility bills.
Common Short-Term Financing Sources:
1. Trade Credit: This is the most common form of short-term financing. It involves
purchasing goods or services on credit from suppliers, with payment due within a
specified period (usually 30-60 days).
2. Bank Overdrafts: This allows a business to withdraw more funds from its bank
account than it currently has. The bank charges interest on the overdrawn amount.
3. Commercial Paper: This is a type of unsecured promissory note issued by a
corporation to raise short-term funds. It is typically sold at a discount to its face value
and matures within a year.
4. Factoring: This involves selling accounts receivable (money owed to a business by
customers) to a factoring company at a discount. The factoring company collects the
debt from the customers.
5. Lines of Credit: A bank provides a business with a pre-approved credit limit that can
be used as needed. Interest is only charged on the amount actually borrowed.
6. Short-Term Loans: These are loans with a maturity of less than a year, often used to
finance specific projects or purchase equipment.
7. Revolving Credit Facilities: Similar to lines of credit, these provide a pre-approved
credit limit that can be used and repaid multiple times.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Short-Term Financing:
Cost: Interest rates and fees associated with different sources can vary.
Flexibility: Consider how easy it is to access and repay funds.
Risk: Some sources may involve more risk than others, such as factoring or
commercial paper.
Term: Ensure the term of the financing aligns with the business's needs.
By understanding the different short-term financing options and their characteristics,
businesses can make informed decisions to meet their immediate funding requirements.
Working capital levers are financial tools and strategies used to optimize a company's
working capital efficiency. They help businesses manage their current assets and liabilities
effectively to improve cash flow and profitability.
1. Inventory Management:
o Credit Policy: Implementing a strict credit policy can reduce bad debt
expenses and improve cash flow.
o Overdrafts: These provide flexibility in managing cash flow but may incur
interest charges.
o Reducing the Cash Conversion Cycle: The goal is to minimize the time
between purchasing inventory, selling it, and collecting payment.
Improved Cash Flow: Optimized working capital management can enhance cash
flow, enabling businesses to meet financial obligations and invest in growth.
Reduced Financial Risk: Effective working capital management can help mitigate
financial risks, such as insolvency or liquidity crises.
By strategically employing these working capital levers, businesses can optimize their
financial performance, improve operational efficiency, and achieve sustainable growth.
4.Describe Working Capital Financing: Short Term Financing of Working
Capital?