FIN3701 Corporate Financial Management Module Handbook 2021/22.

FIN3701 Corporate Financial Management Module Handbook 2021/22.Introduction to the Module This module is intended for students who require an intermediate knowledge of the financial aspects of business management, providing a foundation in finance for students who are aspiring to come financial professionals. Students will apply financial concepts and theories to finance-related issues encountered by firms, focusing upon the role of the Financial Manager and the theory and skills required to make sound investment and financing decisions. 2.1 Aims This module develops on the knowledge and skills obtained in modules covering business and financial environment to have a broader and deeper understanding on how firms manage their financial resources 2.2 Learning Outcomes On completing this module successfully you will be able to: a) Critically evaluate the principles of financial decision-making in a firm. b) Explain the working of the economic and financial systems, and the role they play in providing a framework for financial decision making. c) Select and use appropriate techniques of financial decision-making in the areas of investment financing, dividends, risk management and business project evaluation. d) Demonstrate the problem-solving, decision making and report writing skills required by modern professionals in finance. 2.3 Enquiry Based Learning and Research Led Teaching Enquiry-Based Learning (EBL) Defined as ‘an approach based on self-directed enquiry or investigation in which the student is actively engaged in the process of enquiry facilitated by a teacher. EBL uses real life scenarios (for example, from case studies, company visits, and project work) and students investigate topics of relevance that foster the skills of experimental design, data collection, critical analysis and problem-solving’. Students work together in small groups to prepare and deliver a presentation which focuses upon a topical corporate governance issue, the subject matter is defined by the tutor. The presentation is delivered to the rest of the students within their allocated tutorial group. Research-Led Teaching (RLT) An element of EBL which involves faculty introducing students to their own research where it is relevant to the curriculum being taught as well as drawing on their own knowledge of research developments in the field, introducing them to the work of other researchers. RLT sees students as active participants in the research process, not just as an audience. This is achieved by discussing such developments in lectures and classes, and setting reading lists including recent research publications at the frontier of the field. The definition of a diverse assessment regime at the programme level (incorporating an expectation of familiarity with, and use of, such publications in assignments) and the inclusion of projects at every level of the programme is also fundamental to achieving these objectives. FINA 1129 Corporate Financial Management The coursework element of the module requires students to undertake an in depth analysis of current research regarding a topical financial issue and present a critical evaluation in essay format, this could be in connection with regulatory initiatives, finance theory or current economic developments. Inclusive Curriculum Learning is designed to ensure that the curriculum is inclusive and that the diversity of the student body is taken into account. Input from students and student curriculum consultants have informed the design and content of learning materials.  Clear language is used in lecture materials and all handouts, presentations and course materials are accessible via Moodle.  Recordings of lectures are also available to reinforce lectures and support learning.  Assessment guidance is provided in good time. International Curriculum This module is delivered at multiple international partner intuitions. The curriculum is internationalised by the use of case studies which are of international interest and relevance, for example, the challenges faced by corporations developing new complex technologies, such as Tesla. By providing an international focus, students from all different backgrounds can engage with and benefit from the material. The teaching team works collaboratively with and is engaged in research with international colleagues. 2.4 Embedding Employability in the Curriculum Corporate Financial Management equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to facilitate efficient, effective and economically sound management of the finances of a business. The areas covered range from sourcing finance to applying finance effectively. The knowledge acquired can be applied effectively to both a small start up and to a management role within the financial department of a large multi national. Practical, real life examples will be covered in lectures and further in depth exercises will follow at tutorials. The entire running of the module, including the assessment, bear a resemblance to work place examples. For example, the coursework is likely to focus upon a specific topical issue which faces the Finance Managers of today, demanding a thorough and critical analysis together with a well formed conclusion. This acquired knowledge and skill can be immediately applied to the workplace. Descriptors: FINA 1129 Corporate Financial Management a. Cognitive Skills Independent learning is encouraged through the practice of weekly tutorial questions prior to the sessions. The entire coursework is also undertaken independently. This encourages students to learn to work independently, solve problems and critically analyse challenges, all of which are essential commercial skills for life after university. b. Generic Competencies Participation through discussion is encouraged on this module. At the tutorial level, answers are not immediately provided, but rather students are encouraged to speak out and suggest their own solutions. Often, there will be more than one way of viewing a problem and so different approaches are equally valid and students learn to consider issues from alternative perspectives. c. Personal Capabilities A strong focus upon numerical competence equips students with the toolset required to manage business finances in practice. For example, the ability to consider the total cost of a project relative to anticipated future income and to make an educated and qualified decision as to the validity of the project within a risk aware context. Thus students are introduced to a much broader concept of the commercial world than would have previously been experienced. d. Organisational Awareness The module analyses theories and current research in the area of Business financial management. For example, the optimal level of capital funding is thoroughly debated, taking account of both the pros and cons of debt versus equity. e. Practical and Professional Elements Students are encouraged to reflect upon their ability to apply the knowledge gained to a professional environment, particularly with regard to numerical competence, problem solving skills and the application of theory to practice. For example, sessions will cover excel specific skills. 2.5 Learning and teaching activities The module will be delivered to students through weekly lectures, in which students are introduced to a key area of finance, and seminars in which students should develop a critical understanding of the key ideas, the ability and to apply them through practical problemsolving. It is important that students endeavour to enhance their learning by reading the designated text and commiting to answer tutorial questions before each tutorial. Working consistently in this way will enhance students’ prospects of success. 2.6 Expected study time Activity Hours Overall percentage of total Scheduled teaching 72 24% FINA 1129 Corporate Financial Management Guided Independent Study 106 76% Placement / Year Abroad 0 % Total 300 100% 2.7 Additional Requirements None FINA 1129 Corporate Financial Management 3. Contact Details Room Email address Phone number Module Leader: Helen Evans QA006 Contact via e mail Module Tutors: Dr Ryan Chen Tim Evans QA259 +44(0) 797 Programme Coordinator: Elvina Moonien QA259 Please see your programme handbook for more detail 3.1 External Examining of Your Module and Programmes of Study External examining at the University of Greenwich provides one of the principal means whereby the University verifies, maintains, and enhances the academic standards of the modules and the programme on which you are studying. They also help the University to ensure that your assessment processes are sound, fairly operated and in line with the policies and regulations of the University of Greenwich. External examiners - academic staff from other Higher Education Institutions or from the professions - are appointed as reviewers of your modules and your programme of study for a period of 4 years. They provide the University with a number of important services. For example external examiners will  Review and comment on the standard of key elements of assessment that you have been set.  Review samples of student work and confirm whether the standard is at the level expected for the award you are studying and whether it is comparable with other Institutions that they know.  Provide the University with an independent view of how well we conduct our processes for marking and internal moderation of assessments.  Attend Progress and Awards Boards (PABs) and contribute to deliberations for conferring your degree classifications and awards, assisting the University in treating all students fairly and consistently with regard to our regulations. External examiners will endorse the outcomes of PABs based on their scrutiny of the assessments and the deliberations of the PAB. No degree award can be made without the assent of an external examiner.  Report formally their findings to the University at the end of each year and identify our good practice as well as making recommendations for improvements in the future. FINA 1129 Corporate Financial Management External examiner reports for your programme of study can be located on the portal electronically in the Quality Management and reporting channel inside the “My Learning” tab. If you have any questions about the reports, or a report you are interested in isn’t available, please email your local Academic Quality Unit Quality Manager, who is: Nikki Makinwa, Is there anything an external examiner won’t be asked to do? External examiners will not mark your work personally and nor will they comment upon individual student performance or individual works in their reports or engage in correspondence with individuals in respect of grades, marking, feedback, degree class and other personal academic matters. For these you will need to speak to your tutors and programme leader. The external examiner for your module of study is: Name: Edward Lee University/College University of Hertfordshire FINA 1129 Corporate Financial Management 4. Module Content and Design