MQM2RC05-Strategic Approaches to the Business of Finance

Module Provider: ICMA Centre
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:NA
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Lisa Schopohl
Email: l.schopohl@icmacentre.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module enables students to develop a nuanced, advanced understanding of the topical challenges associated with the development of the financial sector and how actors in the finance industry respond to these strategic challenges. Throughout the module, students examine different strategic perspectives and approaches and how they translate into business models. Based on this conceptual basis, the module explores specific strategic challenges in respect of changes to industry structure, business strategy and risk appetite which together help to understand the complex sources of strategic change in the finance industry. The module also examines the consequences that strategic developments in the financial industry have for the financial regulator. 

This module is for students studying MSc in Regulation and Compliance (Degree Apprenticeship) only

Aims:

This module aims to develop insights into overarching and strategic challenges that regulated financial entities are exposed to and examines the consequences that strategic developments in the financial services industry have for the financial regulator.

Assessable learning outcomes:

This module is intended to develop students’ ability:

• to demonstrate an advanced understanding of a business strategy and different strategic perspectives and approaches;


• to discuss the interplay between strategy and business models, particularly in the context of the financial services industry;


• to evaluate and engage with new or overarching developments in financial sector practice;


• to critically reflect on the role that financial regulators should play in overseeing firm strategies

Additional outcomes:

Students will gain experience in handling case studies and in debating with their peers.

Outline content:

In the wake of an everchanging political, economic and technological landscape, it has become increasingly clear that financial industry members and regulators must have an incisive and wide-ranging understanding of financial firms’ business models and their overarching strategic choices in the context of governance arrangements and the risk transmission mechanisms across the economy. There is also a need to develop regulatory foresight as the problems of the past are not necessarily re peated in the same format in future crises although there are often common themes that may recur. This module enables students to develop a nuanced, advanced understanding of the topical challenges associated with the development of the financial sector and how actors in the finance industry respond to these strategic challenges. We will examine different strategic perspectives and approaches and how they translate into business models. Based on this conceptual basis, we will explore specific to pical strategic challenges in respect of changes to industry structure, business strategy and risk appetite which together help to understand the complex sources of strategic change in the finance industry. We will also examine the consequences that strategic developments in the financial industry have for the financial regulator. Finally, we will discuss how companies can communicate strategic initiatives to employees to achieve employee buy-in and the desired change.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Taught content for this module will primarily be delivered through lectures and syndicated learning. 

For students on the MSc in Regulation and Compliance (Degree Apprenticeship), there will be 4 workshops of 8 hours (including a mix of lectures and seminars). 

Where appropriate materials and learning will also be shared through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that is intended to facilitate and aid your learning journey within the MSc Programme. < /p>

Students are also encouraged to make extensive use of the facilities at the University of Reading library (Whiteknights campus) and the Academic Resource Centre (ARC) Online.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Group project and presentation, worth 20%, results to be presented during the first half of the last lecture (week 7 of spring term).

Students will be allocated into groups of 3 to 5 and will be asked to develop a scenario plan for a particular strategic challenge of their choice. The scenario plan shall be informed by individual interviews that students conduct with subject experts. The students present their results of the group work to the class during the final lecture. The summative assessment will be in the form of a mark awarded to the entire group.

Individual written assignment of a maximum of 3,000 words, worth 80%, due in week 10 of spring term.

The assignment is an individual reflective essay on the student’s experience of designing a strategic plan relating to the chosen strategic challenge and the role of regulatory involvement in firm strategy. Students are asked to link their discussion to relevant academic literature and real-world examples as well as evidence based on their conducted interview.

Formative assessment methods:

Peer feedback on presentations.

Penalties for late submission:

Submission of coursework by your original deadline date or formally agreed extension to deadline date will not incur penalties.

Submission of coursework within 30 calendar days of your original deadline date (or formally agreed extension to deadline date) will incur a 10 marks reduction.

Submission of coursework more than 30 calendar days of your original deadline date (or formally agreed extension to deadline date) will incur a zero mark

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:

50% weighted average mark.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment by 100% assignment (capped at 50%); to be submitted within 6 weeks of notification of module failure, date dependent on cohort entry and to be advised by the Programme Administrator.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 25 May 2021