AC311-Financial Management

Module Provider: Business Informatics, Systems and Accounting
Number of credits: 30 [15 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Summer term module
Pre-requisites: AC101 Introduction to Accounting AC106 Introduction to Management Accounting AC208 Management Information
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2020/1

Email: a.graham@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module focuses on the key factors to be considered in corporate financial management decision makings, in terms of working capital management, sources of long-term finance, dividend policies, risk management and etc. The module aims to equip students with relevant knowledge in understanding and evaluating the factors in financial decision makings by a variety of stakeholders, such as shareholders, investors and etc.

Aims:

This module aims to explain the nature and purpose of financial management and to discuss the objectives of financial management decision-making. The module introduces students to key perspectives, theories and practices in financial management by considering the effects of working capital management, capital structure, policies on dividends, and tools of risk management.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Identify capital requirements of businesses, assess financing options and recommend relevant methods of financing

2. Identify the financial risks facing a business and the principal methods of managing those risks

3. Apply appropriate investment appraisal techniques taking into account other factors affecting investment decisions

Additional outcomes:

Structured activities are designed to develop independent learning, including reflective, adaptive and collaborative learning. Students are encouraged to develop additional IT skills through use of relevant web resources and electronic communication techniques, including Blackboard.

Outline content:

Objectives of financial strategy and management; impact of financial markets and other external factors on business strategy; objectives and conflicts of objectives of stakeholders, advisors and financial institutions; suitability of different financing options and factors affecting financing in different countries; costs and benefits of different appraisal techniques; ethical implications of an entity’s financing strategy; financial risk and use of financial instruments to manage risk; managing interest rate, currency and other financial risks; investment decision making process; selection of inputs for investment appraisal techniques; optimal investment plans when capital is restricted; non-financial factors; share and business valuation approaches.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures will be used for the exposition of the main concepts, principles and techniques associated with the discipline. Workshops will focus on numerical practice and discussion of examination style questions. All lectures and workshops are compulsory – attendance will be recorded.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 2 1/2 hour unseen written exam.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One multiple choice test consisting of 20 questions, for 60 minutes, taking place in week 10 of the Autumn term.

Formative assessment methods:

Formative assessments are available in the textbook for all weeks of the module to enable students to gain the necessary practice. This work is primarily designed as a learning vehicle, and students will be provided with marking guides and feedback where appropriate so that they can assess their own performance.

Penalties for late submission:

The Module Convenor will apply the following penalties for work submitted late, in accordance with the University policy. 

·  where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

·  where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

Requirements for ICAEW Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) This module contributes to the Financial Management module of the ICAEW Professional Stage exams. In order to apply for ICAEW CPL a minimum mark of 50% must be obtained on this module.

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination takes place in August/September of the same year. Reassessment is by examination only.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Required text books: Financial Management (Study Text) Published by ICAEW; Financial Management (Question Bank) Published by the ICAEW.

Both materials are needed by students, and the total cost of the two via https://www.gillards.com/icaew/Shop.aspx is £30.00

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Last updated: 4 April 2020