Aims and Fit of Module

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the basic concepts and principles of corporate finance. The module provides students with a solid grounding in issues of finance as they relate to business and financial markets. It also provides students with the necessary foundations on which to build their knowledge and understanding at levels 2 and 3 of their programme.

Learning outcomes

A. Demonstrate understanding of the fundamental concepts of corporate finance.

B. Show recognition of the relationship between these fundamental concepts and decision-making by practitioners and participants in financial markets.

C. Acquire knowledge of methods and applications of quantitative techniques relating to essential issues in finance.

D. Demonstrate appreciation of the framework in which financial issues and problems are presented, providing a foundation for appropriate analysis.

Method of teaching and learning

The teaching philosophy of the module follows very much the philosophy of Syntegrative Education. This has meant that the teaching delivery pattern, which follows more intensive block teaching, allows more meaningful contribution from industry partners. This philosophy is carried through also in terms of assessment, with reduction on the use of exams and increase in coursework, especially problem-based assessments that are project focused. The delivery pattern provides space in the semester for students to concentrate on completing the assessments.

The teaching and learning strategies employed include a combination of lectures (which teach basic concepts and principles), seminars and tutorials (which are interactive and hands-on sessions designed to enable students to apply their knowledge to analyse real-world problems and issues), and the university’s virtual learning environment (the ‘Interactive Communications Environment’ or ‘ICE’), which will be used for the dissemination of material, as well as to provide feedback to students.