Use of Real Options in IT Investment Valuation

This thesis presents the new approach to IT investment valuation by using real options. In the introductory part the traditional methods of information investment valuation are introduced and described. It gives a detailed summary of valuation methods that could be used for valuation made in the traditional way. Next part deals with the financial options, its definition, types, parameters and methods of valuation. Some basic methods of reducing the risks (hedging) with the help of financial options are mentioned as well. After that, the real options, the difference between real and financial options, behaviour, parameters and methods of valuation are introduced. Next chapter analyses and describes the chosen frameworks for using real options in IT investment valuation. The selection was performed so as to give reader a full idea of possible ways real options could be used. Final part presents a case study where one of the chosen frameworks is applied to a real project so as to show all aspects and level of complexity of this solution