Module study guide
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The Learning Strategy for this module is divided into three stages as follows:
Initial two week study period (off-campus) - during this two week period off-campus, students will undertake a programme of directed pre-work in advance of the Accelerated Learning Stage, including specific research and tasks relating to topical real-world business news stories and events.
Accelerated Learning Stage (on-campus) - during this intensive stage a series of participatory lectures will disseminate knowledge and understanding as the foundation for a structured programme of tutorial sessions where students will work individually and in groups on practical exercises to reinforce their learning. Topical business-world examples and case studies will be used extensively to support learning.

Directed study period (off-campus) - the final stage of the module will be completed via distance learning materials using the University's Blackboard VLE and BPP Learning Media. The study materials on Blackboard provide a structured and incremental approach to the subject matter.
The Support Tutor responsible for the distance learning element of the module will engage in discussions with students and will provide assistance via e-mail and telephone where appropriate.

The focus of this module is very much real-world with emphasis on the practical application of financial strategy in today's dynamic business environment.

This module begins by introducing you to financial objectives and financial management together with issues of ownership and control.
You will then proceed to calculate, analyse and interpret a wide range of financial ratios, including capital gearing and investor ratios. Working capital control and cash management techniques will also be examined. The problems with using accounting information and the creative accounting will be considered.

You will study the range of different sources of long, medium and short-term finance available to businesses, including the various forms of equity finance, borrowings, hybrid finance, retained earnings and government based assistance. This leads to a consideration of the costs of raising different types of finance, and then to the concept of the weighted average cost of capital and the preferred capital structure. We then introduce how stock markets operate, their trading systems and regulation and the efficient market hypothesis.

The module progresses by enhancing your study of investment appraisal evaluation techniques used in practice, including advanced aspects of the use of DCF techniques, consideration of capital rationing and taxation implications.

The breadth of corporate finance and corporate treasury management is examined. You will then go on to explore the various methods of company and share valuation, linking this to the areas studied throughout the module.

You will then examine take-over and merger activity considering real-world case studies and the various financing methods available including the growing importance of private equity finance. We will also examine capital reconstructions, divestments, diversification and corporate failure.

The module continues by considering the measurement and analysis of the different types of risk, and the various methods available for businesses to manage these risks effectively. Portfolio theory and the Capital Asset Pricing Model will be studied in this context.
The module will then consider the determinants of a company's dividend policy together with a framework for analysing dividend policy.

The module concludes by exploring international aspects of Corporate Finance and will include consideration of the advantages of multi-national companies (MNCs) over national companies, the complexities of foreign direct investment (FDI) and exchange rate hedging strategies.

When studied as part of the BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance, BA (Hons) Accounting and Business, Two Year BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance, Two Year BA (Hons) Accounting and Business, the successful completion of this module may lead to an exemption from a professional accountancy qualification - for up to date information on accreditation and exemptions please contact the Award Leader.

McLaney, E. (2009) Business Finance: Theory and Practice, 8th Edition. FT Prentice Hall
Evans, D (2011) A student's Guide to Corporate Finance and Financial Management, 1st Edition. Kaplan Publishing
Corporate Finance & Investment: Decisions and Strategies, 6th Edition - Pike, R & Neale, B. FT Prentice Hall

Details - An Exam, length 2 hours weighted at 50% covering learning outcomes 1, 2 & 3
A Report of 2,500 words weighted at 50% covering learning outcomes 4 & 5