Help Andrea recreate a database!
Andrea, a business analyst in Swiss Re, is preparing a data analysis on Swiss Re share prices over the past couple of years. She knows this information is held in a database. However, when she tried to access it, she found out it was accidentally dropped. She contacted IT and learnt that the restoration of the table will take a couple of days. Since data have to be ready tomorrow, the only option is to manually replicate data from another database that is still available. So will you help Andrea? Let's step into her shoes and help her recreate a lost table!
CHALLENGE
Challenge is not about algorithms and results. It gives you a chance to think and connect information. Your task is to help Andrea derive the lost database table and accomplish 3 tasks. So how does it work and where is the problem?
At given points in time, program goes against the market figures and stores the current Swiss Re share price into a database. The database tables contain both :
- Absolute amounts (balances) as well as
- Some changes to these amounts (cash flows).
Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, one of these tables was dropped. Tables containing absolute share prices are still available. However, the table of monthly cash flows needs to be recreated.
After you click on "I am interested" in the challenge, we will send you a detailed example of how the tables are created and when they are updated to help you in the challenge. We will also send you the data for the real task (folder is sent on daily basis). After you need to accomplish following tasks:
- Write a generally understandable algorithm, that you can use to recreate the missing table from the existing ones.
- Tell us: How many result rows would be in the missing table today if it would still exist.
- Imagine that you have a time machine, which allows you to buy or sell Swiss Re shares in the past and also you have CHF 100,000 (around 86,000 EUR). Your time machine has enough energy for 3 transactions. Which transactions would you perform to maximize your wealth as of today? Please explain your investment strategy.
Evaluation criteria:
- Correctness of the recreating algorithm and the result (task 1 and 2)
- Critical evaluation of your result (task 3)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Your solution can be your ticket to an interview! If you are interested in a part-time or full-time job at Swiss Re, please include this sentence on the top of your solution: "I am interested in working for Swiss Re."
About Swiss Re: Swiss Re was established in 1863 and in 2007 Swiss Re Bratislava became a part of it. Since then we have managed to grow rapidly and our office in Bratislava currently occupies around 1200 employees. In 2016 we received the Slovakia Best Employer award from Aon.
Most of our work at Swiss Re is concerned with reinsurance. Simply said, it’s insurance for insurance companies. But, of course, it isn’t that simple. It’s a complex and fascinating business that draws on insights from every scientific discipline. Many of the risks the world faces today are far too great to be borne by insurance companies alone.
Did you know that Swiss Re was the lead insurer of the World Trade Center during the September 11 attacks or that we provide coverage for some of the most well-known entertainment and sporting events in the world such as Olympic Games or FIFA World Cup?
Swiss Re also supports sustainability and renewable energy innovations. Did you know we insured Solar Impulse, the first solar airplane, which flew around the world?
Find out more about us on swissre.com
