Type of module:

Summary module description:

The MFR module is designed for the practising manager recognising that every aspect of the business has an impact on the bottom line. Organisations that do not effectively plan, control and monitor their financial resources are unlikely to achieve their operational targets and strategic business objectives.  As such, this module covers core topics in financial accounting, management accounting, finance and microeconomics. The module is designed to addresses the critical issues of planning and management control to enable managers to direct the resources available to an organisation in the most efficient and effective manner so that they make decisions, which are essential to achieve their business objectives.

Aims:

The module is designed for practising managers to enable them to:

• Support key management tasks of planning, controlling and decision making in the achievement of creating value in an organisation


• Make effect use of, understand and interpret financial and economic data with an appreciation of the related timeframe


• Develop a level of confidence in their ability to communicate on financial and economic issues to enable them to effective in their discussions and meetings, to effectively contribute to business.

The key objectives are to:

• Introduce key concepts and theories of accounting, both financial and managerial with an emphasis on how they are applied in practical business contexts


• Introduce the key concepts and theories of economics that are essential in managing financial resources with an emphasis on how they are applied in practical business contexts


• Enable those taking the module to develop an ability to use and communicate on these key concepts in practice

Intended learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that programme members will be able to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding, capabilities and skills in MFR.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Their knowledge and understanding of the core topics of the module by:

• Identifying the nature of financial information, its purpose and the context of its use in organisations


• Recognising and defining the types of financial information, available financial techniques and their relevance to managers in planning, controlling and making decisions


• Discussing the principles underpinning the production and use of fina ncial information


• Explaining key aspects of economic theory and financial terminology, appreciating the distinction between financial and managerial accounting approaches.


• Drawing on economic theory and recognising their underpinning in the production and evaluation of financial information

Their capability to:

• Critically analyse the relevance and appropriateness of financial techni ques and economic issues


• Synthesise, evaluate and discuss alternative theories and concepts


• Challenge the accepted tools where appropriate as part of the evaluation process


• Interpret their knowledge and understanding of the financial techniques and economic issues, and


• Make decision and recommendations based upon their knowledge and understanding of related theory


• Critically reflect on their analysis and demonstrate an understanding of the implications of their recommendations

Their skills in:

• Communicating clearly and confidently their analysis, through written reports


• Working autonomously, as well as collaboratively, managing their process of study, prioritising appropriately


• Managing the research processes to gather required information and data with minimum of guidance


• Refle cting on their understanding and ability to communicate with others in the subject area

Core learning outcomes outlined in each of the areas of competency above are assessed through:

• Individual Assignment, and


• Written Examination in controlled conditions

Additional outcomes:

Depending upon the mode of study there are a variety of activities to encourage the development of proficiency in the handling of financial and economic data, both individually to hone independent learning skills and as a group to work on group activities and cases.

Outline content:

The key topics covered in all modes of study (Levy, Non-Levy and Flexi) address the aim of developing an appreciation and understanding of:

• The basic concepts of economic thinking relevant to firms in different industries


• The theories of supply and demand, markets and regulation and their relevance to the management of financial resources


• The key financial statements in terms of presentation, terminology and con tent


• Analysis of financial statements, interpreting and communicating financial ratios


• The role of budgeting and budgetary control within an organisation’s planning process


• The costing concepts relevant to making decisions in the short term and in the long term


• An introduction to time value of money, cost of capital


• The techniques of decision analysis, and methods of investment appraisals


• The fi nancial information necessary to enable managers to make good decisions


• The assessment of company performance and key financial measures of performance

Global context:

The module is delivered across the world as a core module in Level 1 of the MBA programme, in various formats of delivery.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module uses a blended-learning approach, incorporating self-study, face-to-face workshop(s) and online tutor support. The balance of activities is tailored to different modes of study:

• Executive MBA (Global) programme (EM) the content is delivered in a number of 4 day workshop sessions, supported by comprehensive course content delivered via the learning portal (Canvas) as chapters for each week of the course, key readings from the course textbook and prac tical activities for each topic with group and cohort discussion facilitated on-line by a tutor.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One, written two (2) hour examination.

Examinations are set and administered quarterly enabling scheduling of the different co-hort of students and allowing for re-sits as necessary.  

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

4000 words assignment (50%)

Assignment focusing on the application of learned concepts, methods and techniques in real-world business contexts, typically the organisation in which the student works. Assignment feedback allows students to improve their understanding of the core concepts and how well they are able to apply to practical business contexts. 

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A combined mark of 50 % (combined equally weighted mark from the exam and the assignment)

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment by 100% examination (capped at 50%), is to be taken at the next available sitting following notification of module failure.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 4 April 2020