Problem:
Two new software projects are proposed to a young start up company. The Alpha Project will cost $150,000 to develop and is expected to have an annual net cash flow of $40,000. The Beta Project will cost $200,000 to develop and is expected to have an annual cash flow of $50,000. The company is very concerned about their cash flow. Using the payback period, which project is better from a cash flow standpoint? Why?