$($b$)$ A two$-$year delay in the receipt of the project's initial net operating cash flows would decrease the NPV because cash flows received later are worth less in present value terms.

$($c$)$ An increase in the project's risk would likely increase the required rate of return, thus decreasing the NPV$.$

$($d$)$ An increase in the corporate cost of capital would raise the discount rate, thereby reducing the NPV$.$

$($e$)$ None of these options would increase the NPV$.$

Therefore, the correct answer is $($e$)$ None of these answers is correct.