AC314-Business Analysis

Module Provider: Business Informatics, Systems and Accounting
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Summer term module
Pre-requisites: AC218 Financial Management and AC107 Management Information
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: AC305 Financial Accounting and Reporting
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Ms Helen Crofts
Email: h.c.crofts@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is delivered at University of Reading.

Aims:

This modules aims to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in financial reporting, management accounting and business finance and to synthesise these in  their application to real-world business problems and case study scenarios.

Assessable learning outcomes:

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

1. Apply knowledge and skills from accounting and finance to underpin the analysis of organisational problems. 


2. Analyse, summarise and synthesise the decisions made by and choices available to an organisation with regard to, for example: strategy implementation, performance measurement; financing decisions; investment decisions; the dividend decision; cash management and working capital decisions.


3. Understand and apply business valuation models to a real company. 


4. Make recommendations based on reasoned analysis and argument.


5. Write a business report which succinctly addreses the key issues relating to a particular company as they affect investors.

 

Additional outcomes:

The module also aims to encourage the development of oral communication skills, and the students’ effectiveness in group situations. Case study work will help students integrate their knowledge across modules and topics and to apply ideas creatively.

Outline content:

The case study may require students to revisit the content of other modules. In particular, students will need to revise and develop their understanding of theory, techniques and skills from management accounting, financial reporting, business finance and strategy. 

Content may also include the use of business valuation models to assess the future prospects of a listed company and to evaluate its current share price.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures will be used for the exposition of the major concepts, principles and techniques under consideration. Classes will be used for student-led presentations and/or discussions.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10
Practicals classes and workshops	20
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	10		20
Peer assisted learning	15
Preparation for tutorials	10
Preparation of practical report			40
Completion of formative assessment tasks			30
Group study tasks	10
Carry-out research project	15		20
Total hours by term	90	0	110
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Project output other than dissertation	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Students will complete at least one piece of coursework of 5000 words +/- 10% allowance

Coursework has a weight of 100% in the final assessment mark.

Coursework deadline will be in Summer term exam window

Formative assessment methods:

Supervisor will provide feedback on first draft.  

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that 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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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:

A minimum mark of 40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmission of Coursework

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 22 September 2022