Business Finance

University of Reading

Course Description

  • Course Name

    Business Finance

  • Host University

    University of Reading

  • Location

    Reading, England

  • Area of Study

    Accounting

  • Language Level

    Taught In English

  • Course Level Recommendations

    Upper

    ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.

    Hours & Credits

  • ECTS Credits

    10
  • Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
    6
  • Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
    8

  • Overview

    Module Provider: Henley Business School
    Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
    Level:5
    Terms in which taught: Spring term module
    Pre-requisites: AC101 Introduction to Accounting or AC104 Introductory Financial Accounting
    Non-modular pre-requisites:
    Co-requisites:
    Modules excluded: AC204 Finance for Managers
    Module version for: 2014/5
    Module Convenor: Dr Elisabetta Barone
    Email: e.a.barone@reading.ac.uk
    Summary module description:
    This module introduces the theory and practise of business finance.
    Aims:
    This module introduces the role and purpose of the financial management function within a business. It aims to explain the nature and purpose of financial management and to discuss the objectives of financial management decision-making. The module explores the theory and practice of financing decisions. The module aims to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills of financial management, assessing the working capital needs of a business and the ways in which the elements of working capital may be managed.
    Assessable learning outcomes:
    By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:
    1. Discuss the role and purpose of financial management.
    2. Explain the role of financial markets and institutions and identify the main sources of finance available to a business.
    3. Consider the need to budget for capital projects and use the techniques of ARR, NPV, IRR and payback to appraise projects.
    4. Analyse financial statements to assess financing needs.
    5. Explain the need for financial restructuring at various stages of the business lifecycle.
    6. Prepare forecast financial statements to assess financing needs.
    7. Introduce business and share valuation and set out the main components of a business plan.
    8. Evaluate the overall management of working capital.
    9. Apply and evaluate various techniques used in the management of inventory, debtors, short-term funds, cash and current liabilities.
    Additional outcomes:
    Structured activities are designed to develop independent learning skills. Students are encouraged to develop additional IT skills by use of relevant web resources and communication techniques, including Blackboard.
    Outline content:
    1. Nature and purpose of financial management
    2. The business finance environment
    3. Introduction to financial objectives and the capital markets
    4. Sources of finance: equity
    5. Sources of finance: debt
    6. Forecasting, business valuation models and business planning
    7. Management of working capital
    8. Management of individual elements of current assets and current liabilities
    9. Capital investment appraisal
    Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
    Lectures of two hours per week will be used for the exposition of the major concepts, principles and techniques under consideration. Workshops of two hours duration will be used for problem solving and discussions based on current issues.
    Contact hours:
    Spring
    Lectures 20
    Seminars 16
    Guided independent study 147
    Total hours by term 183.00
    Total hours for module 183.00
    Summative Assessment Methods:
    Method Percentage
    Written exam 80
    Class test administered by School 20
    Other information on summative assessment:
    Formative assessment methods:
    Formative assessments are available in the class for all weeks of the module to enable students to gain the necessary practice.
    Penalties for late submission:
    The Module Convener 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.
    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.
    Length of examination:
    One 2-hour unseen written paper to be held during the May/June examinations period.
    Requirements for a pass:
    A weighted average mark of coursework and examination of 40%.
    Reassessment arrangements:
    Reassessment is by examination only in August/September of the same year.
    Last updated: 8 October 2014

Course Disclaimer

Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.

Some courses may require additional fees.

Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions. According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home institutions, for the duration of the program.

ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits are converted to semester credits/quarter units differently among U.S. universities. Students should confirm the conversion scale used at their home university when determining credit transfer.

Please reference fall and spring course lists as not all courses are taught during both semesters.

Please note that some courses with locals have recommended prerequisite courses. It is the student's responsibility to consult any recommended prerequisites prior to enrolling in their course.

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