Lectures - Communication of knowledge and ideas from the lecturer to the student. Problem Solving Exercises - Student will work as part of a team and will work together to resolve various business scenarios. Class Discussion/Debate - Students will be encouraged to actively participate in the class sessions which will develop their analytical and communication skills. E-Learning - It is envisaged that the module will be supported with on-line learning materials. Self-Direct Independent Learning - The emphasis on independent learning will develop strong and autonomous work and learning practices.
Module Aim:
The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to corporate finance through the development of theoretical and practical skills and knowledge in relation to the role and purpose of the finance function, the management of working capital, the role of financial markets and institutions and the evaluation of alternative sources of business finance. The depth and breadth of the module content and assessment are designed to gain maximum exemptions from professional accounting bodies, appropriate to the B.A. (Honours) in Accounting programme.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1
Define and explain the key terms, concepts, theories and practices associated with: The finance function, optimising the use of working capital; the role of financial markets and institutions; and financing business operations.
LO2
Identify and apply relevant corporate finance techniques when presented with defined and undefined practical business problems.
LO3
Analyse, prepare and evaluate results within a corporate finance framework and present recommendations.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
Module Content & Assessment
Indicative Content
The Finance Function
Financial management decisions; Role of the financial manager; Economic influences on financial management decisions; Corporate objectives (financial and non-financial); Achievement of corporate objectives; Agency theory; Regulatory environment (including corporate governance); Ethical issues facing financial managers, key developments in finance.
Working Capital Management
Nature, elements and importance of working capital and cash management; Management of working capital - working capital ratios, liquidity ratios and techniques for the management of inventory, trade receivables, cash and trade payables; Over-trading (symptoms, causes, identification and remedies); Determination of working capital requirement; Working capital funding strategies.
Financial Markets and Institutions
Nature and role of money markets, capital markets and financial intermediaries; Characteristics of perfect capital markets; Efficient market hypothesis; Behavioural finance; Irish Stock Exchange; Regulatory environment; Methods of issuing equity shares; Effect of rights issue on shareholders wealth.
Sources of Finance
Long, medium and short-term sources of external equity, debt and other finance available to small, medium and large enterprises (characteristics, comparison and evaluation); Internal sources of finance; Nature and practical influences on the level of dividends (dividend theory not included); Suitability of financing choices (matching, availability, gearing, influence and cost).
Assessment Breakdown
%
Continuous Assessment
20.00%
End of Module Formal Examination
80.00%
Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Other
Class Assessment / Project / Presentation / Case Study
1,2,3
20.00
Week 6
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type
Assessment Description
Outcome addressed
% of total
Assessment Date
Formal Exam
End of Module Final Examination
1,2,3
80.00
End-of-Semester
SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment