module specification

The module aims to enable students to use financial information effectively in managing a business or part of a business. An emphasis on practice and application will allow students to gain an understanding of the role of financial and management accounting in organisational decision making.
Students will also learn about financing, financial markets, foreign exchange for companies serving international markets and be able to contribute to investment decisions. The module focuses on providing the tools, techniques and skills to make financial decisions in an organisational setting.
Learning will be supported through access to Bloomberg and the Count FEFE (Financial Education for Future Entrepreneurs) application.

N/A

The course will cover financial accounting, management accounting and finance

1) Financing an international business and understanding financial markets including equity markets and foreign exchange LO2
2) Measuring and reporting financial position LO1,4
3) Managing working capital and finance for international trade LO3
4) Measuring and reporting financial performance LO1,4
5) Measuring and reporting cash flows LO1,4
6) Analysing and interpreting financial statements LO1,3,4
a) Ratio analysis  
b) Trend analysis  
c) Exceptional Events  
7) Understanding costs LO2-4
a) Fixed costs  
b) Variable costs 
8) Full costing LO2-4
9) Budgeting LO2-4
a) Zero based budgeting
b) Capital and operational budgeting
10) Making capital investment decisions LO2-4
a) ARR
b) Payback
c) IRR
d) NPV
11) Building a business case LO2-4
12) Revisions and assessment preparation LO1-4

Blended learning will be supported through the provision of material on WebLearn, the Bloomberg introduction course (self-learning) and the Count FEFE  app. Students will also be expected to develop skills with Microsoft Excel, again through self-learning with online material.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Critically evaluate an international company’s performance using information from annual reports and accounts, financial databases and other information sources
2. Demonstrate an understanding and use of the appropriate analytical techniques to be applied to decisions involving the:
i. raising of finance
ii. the use of funds for investment projects
iii. and the distribution of funds to investors;
3. Use quantitative models and their independent judgement to analyse financial decisions and recommend feasible options that managers can implement
4. Communicate financial information, analysis and issues clearly and concisely.

Assessment Part 1

The first assessment requires an analysis of the finances and financial performance of a company in comparison to a major competitor, with recommendations to a prospective investor.  Students will prepare a written report and a one-slide summary of their findings. This assessment addresses LO1, LO2 in part, and LO4.

Assessment Part 2

The second assessment requires the analysis and critical evaluation of a major investment or financing decision, for example an acquisition decision or a major capital investment.  This assessment addresses LO2 and 3.

Textbooks:

Core Text:

Atrill, P, and McLaney, E (2018) Accounting and Finance for Non-Specialists 11th edition, Pearson Education Limited

Other Texts:

Baker, HK, & Martin, GS 2011, Capital Structure and Corporate Financing Decisions : Theory, Evidence, and Practice, Hoboken John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated,.

Khan, M, & Porzio, M (eds) 2010, Islamic Banking and Finance in the European Union : A Challenge, Cheltenham, Edward Elgar Publishing, Incorporated,

Melville, A 2017, International Financial Reporting : A Practical Guide, Harlow Pearson Education Limited,

Mishkin, FS, & Eakins, S 2018, Financial Markets and Institutions, Global Edition, Harlow, United Kingdom, Pearson Education Limited,

Pike, R, Neale, B, Linsley, P, & Akbar, S 2018, Corporate Finance and Investment : Decisions and Strategies, Harlow, United Kingdom, Pearson Education Limited

Journals:

• Journal of Applied Corporate Finance
• Corporate Finance
• Accounting & Business Research
• Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal
• Accounting, Organisation and Society
• British Accounting Review
• The European Accounting Review
• Financial Accountability & Management
• Administrative Science Quarterly
• Review of Financial Studies
• European Financial Management
• Harvard Business Review
• London Business School Review

Websites:

Companies House https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/
Deloitte International Accounting Standards www.iasplus.com
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales www.icaew.com
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation www.ifrs.org
London Stock Exchange www.lseg.com

Electronic Databases:

Bloomberg
FAME (UK Companies)

Social Media Sources

Other