Which one of the following is an example of a "flexibility" option? Group of answer choicesA company has an option to close down an operation if it turns out to be unprofitable. A company agrees to pay more to build a plant in order to be able to change the plant's inputs and/or outputs at a later date if conditions change. A company invests in a project today to gain knowledge that may enable it to expand into different markets at a later date. A company invests in a jet aircraft so that its CEO, who must travel frequently, can arrive for distant meetings feeling less tired than if he had to fly commercial. A company has an option to invest in a project today or to wait a year. Next

This is simply described as a form of an analysis of capital budgeting projects. It is often used by managers so as to influence the size and riskiness of a project's cash flows. And this can be done only by taking different actions or at the end of the project's life.

It uses the usual NPV capital budgeting analysis along with an analysis of opportunities as a result of manager's responses to changing circumstances that can change a project's outcome.

Examples of Real Options

1. Investment timing

2. Abandonment/shutdown

3. Flexibility

4. Growth/expansion

Flexibility Option

This type of re option simply allows operations to be changed based on how conditions change during a project's life. It is said to exists when it is useful spending money today, which therefore helps one to maintain flexibility down the line. That is, either inputs or outputs (or both) can be altered.