1. FIN 365 Term Paper Questions
Select one of the following topics and write a 1,500 word paper on the subject.
You can use the suggested links or find your own.
Grading will be based on original thought and an understanding of the subject matter:
Original thought (10 points)
Evidence of research (10 points)
Organization of paper (6 points)
Spelling/grammar check (4 points)
Copying directly from outside sources must include credits and be used only to support a specific point. Cite your sources.
This paper will represent 30% of your final grade.

2. FIN 365 Term Paper Questions
1. Gentrification and Affordable Housing
The SF Mayor and Board of Supervisors are attempting to deal with the serious increase in housing costs in San Francisco. Both rents and property values have gone up dramatically in the past 5-10 years as a result, in part, of the “Tech Boom.” This increase has come from many directions, including what is generally referred to as “gentrification” of our older neighborhoods.
What is gentrification, and is it good or bad? What is the impact on filling empty stores in a low income neighborhood with retailers that bring more people into the area, thereby increasing demand for housing and then driving up housing costs? Who should pay the cost of building affordable housing, there are so many fees charged by the City for new construction that drive up the initial cost?
Take a strong position in favor of or opposed to gentrification and make that case in your paper.

3. FIN 365 Term Paper Questions
2. Neighborhood Planning
Select either the neighborhood that you live in or any neighborhood within San Francisco for this paper. The area should include both single family and multi-family housing and a neighborhood commercial district. Discuss what changes you think should be implemented by the City to address the future needs of that neighborhood. Discuss issues related to traffic, parking, transit, neighborhood-serving businesses and population density.
Your paper should form the basis of a new general plan for that neighborhood, setting priorities for future development and growth, and including public benefits. Include a discussion about the community’s resistance to change, and how that resistance should be addressed.

4. FIN 365 Term Paper Questions
Changes in Retail Shopping Trends
Retail shopping patterns are changing rapidly. There are 13 well known retailers that are closing over 1,500 stores nationally in 2017, including Macy’s, JC Penney, Kmart and many men’s and women’s clothing stores.
What is driving this apparent failure of brick and mortar? Will this be good for consumers? What will replace the opportunity to “touch and feel” the merchandise?
Discuss this topic in any way that you think explains what is behind this trend and what retail shopping might look like in the near future (5-10 years).