The Artisan Shutter Company, like many companies that relied on the construction industry, took a financial hit when "housing bubble" burst in late...

The Artisan Shutter Company, like many companies that relied on the construction industry, took a financial hit when “housing bubble” burst in late 2007. Lenders were making subprime mortgage loans to borrowers who really couldn’t afford the principle and interest (P&I) payments and subsequently defaulted on their loans. This was followed, in 2008, by the collapse of Lehman Brothers, a global bank, which almost brought down the world’s financing system. Due to tighter banking regulations, many individuals and companies found it extremely challenging to secure loans. Despite the government’s decision to implement quantitative easing as a means of stimulating the economy, unemployment, personal and corporate bankruptcies increased. Looking at The Artisan Shutter Company and imagine that you were a member of the leadership team and noticed that the cash flow position of the company was being severely weakened by what economists perceived to be a pro-longer economic downturn. The owners are understandably concerned about the long-term viability of the firm. Prepare a position paper that outlines strategies to improve cash position of the company as it tries to “weather the storm” and experiences a normalizing of the economy. In order to formulate your position paper, you may want to carefully consider the problem (reflecting back to 2008 recession), collect relevant data and information, critically evaluate the alternatives, and document your recommendations using sound arguments that are well supported, properly vetted, and logically presented. It is important that management carefully consider any potential ethical implications associated with their stated position. If there are any potential ethical concerns associated with your position, they should be identified and discussed in the position paper.