1. UNDERSTAND THE ROLE OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT IN THE PERFORMANCE OF ORGANISATIONS AND CRITICALLY APPRAISE ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF FINANCE FOR BUSINESS FIRMS
Analysis
Enquiry
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning

2. CRITICALLY ANALYSE THE FINANCIAL POSITION AND PERFORMANCE OF ORGANISATIONS USING KEY RATIOS
Analysis
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning
Problem Solving

3. APPLY ADVANCED DECISION-MAKING TECHNIQUES IN A RANGE OF SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM SITUATIONS AND COMMUNICATE FINDINGS
Application
Communication
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning
Problem Solving

4.CRITICAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE COMPLEXITIES INVOLVED IN ASSESSING AND MEASURING BUSINESS RISK AND THE RETURN ON INVESTMENT
Analysis
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning
Problem Solving

5. APPLY A RANGE OF MODELS IN THE PROCESS OF ORGANISATIONAL VALUATION
Application
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning
Reflection

You will examine the development of financial strategy within an organisation. The starting point is the main financial objective of a company, which is to maximise shareholder wealth. We look at various financial and non-financial strategies to achieve this objective as well as ensuring organisation goal congruence through effective decision making.

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 an introduction to financial objectives and financial management together with issues of ownership and control.

You will 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 learn 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 the 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 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, Two Year BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance, 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 Course Leader.

Whole group sessions - a series of participatory lectures will disseminate knowledge and understanding as the foundation for a structured programme of tutorial sessions. Topical business-world examples and case studies will be used extensively to support learning.

Small group sessions - a series of weekly tutorial sessions where students will work individually and in groups on practical exercises to reinforce their learning.

The class room delivery will be supported by materials available on the VLE to guide further self-directed study at a pace and time convenient to the student.

Students will be provided with general guidance in the module study guide, and receive specific guidance and training where needed.
The tutorial sessions include case-based exercises and activities that require students to prepare work outside formal contact hours and to discuss findings with tutor and peers during the tutorial session. As such, formative feedback will be a feature of these sessions.
Extensive use is made on online discussions to extend learning between sessions.

McLaney, E. (2014) Business Finance: Theory and Practice. FT Prentice Hall. ISBN 1292016124.

Pike, R. & Neale, B. (2018) Corporate Finance & Investment: Decisions and Strategies, 9th Edition. FT Prentice Hall. ISBN 1292208546

CIMA (2017). F3 Financial Strategy: Study text paperback. CIMA. ISBN 1509715835.

Blackboard : VLE, Webinar (Collaborative), Blogs, Discussion Boards, Online Tests
LinkedIn
Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
Microsoft Office Suite
Microsoft 365, Padlet
Guest Speakers
Annual entrepreneurship festival
Lynda.com training tools

At the end of Semester One - 2-hour examination with extra 10 mins reading time weighted at 50%

At the end of Semester Two – 2-hour examination with extra 10 mins reading time weighted at 50%

You will examine the development of financial strategy within an organisation. The starting point is the main financial objective of a company, which is to maximise shareholder wealth. We look at various financial and non-financial strategies to achieve this objective as well as ensuring organisation goal congruence through effective decision making.