Provide the calculation and analyze the exercise from both concept and problem-solving perspectives. Support your thoughts with at least one external reference.

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 net cash flow of $50,000. The company is very concerned about its cash flow. Using the payback period, which project is better from a cash flow standpoint? Why?