Project Externalities and Cannibalization

Corporate Finance Fundamentals · 3:18

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Lyrics

[Verse 1]
When we launch a project new
Think beyond what it will do
Other parts might feel the change
Ripple effects through the range
Positive flows can lift us high
Negative ones we can't deny
Every choice has wider reach
That's the lesson we must teach

[Chorus]
Externalities spread around
Cannibalization brings us down
When new products steal the show
From the old ones that we know
Look beyond the project line
See the impacts intertwine
Every move affects the whole
That's our analytical goal

[Verse 2]
Sarah's team creates a phone
Thinks the profits are their own
But the tablet sales decline
As customers realign
That's cannibalization clear
When new products interfere
With existing revenue streams
Crushing optimistic dreams

[Chorus]
Externalities spread around
Cannibalization brings us down
When new products steal the show
From the old ones that we know
Look beyond the project line
See the impacts intertwine
Every move affects the whole
That's our analytical goal

[Bridge]
Positive externalities
Boost other facilities
New store brings more foot traffic
Makes the whole mall more prolific
Negative ones subtract value
From the business revenue
Count them all to get the truth
Of your project's real proof

[Verse 3]
Calculate the total gain
Don't let tunnel vision reign
Add the positive effects
Subtract what the firm neglects
If the new coffee shop's bright
Kills the old one's customer sight
Net cash flow is what we need
For decisions to succeed

[Chorus]
Externalities spread around
Cannibalization brings us down
When new products steal the show
From the old ones that we know
Look beyond the project line
See the impacts intertwine
Every move affects the whole
That's our analytical goal

[Outro]
Think holistic from the start
Every project plays its part
In the business ecosystem
Don't let side effects be lost then
Externalities and cannibalization
Guide our project evaluation

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