2016/17 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

LUBS5014M Financial Analysis

15 creditsClass Size: 200

Module manager: Helen Short
Email: H.Short@lubs.leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

Pre-requisite qualifications

The qualifications to gain entrance to the MSc in Accounting and Finance are sufficient.

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

On completion of this module students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

- the linkages between corporate strategy, financial analysis and stock market performance
- a strategic analysis of a company in the context of its industry and external environment
- the limitations of the profit and loss account and appreciate the importance of the cash flow statement for evaluating corporate performance
- the possibilities for 'creative accounting' and understand the difficulties such creative accounting techniques present when analysing financial statements
- the techniques of financial statement analysis and be aware of their limitations
- the evaluation of a company's stock market performance and place it in the context of its strategic and financial performance
- be familiar with the use of on-line and manual sources of corporate and economic data

Syllabus

The module will cover the following topics:

1. An introduction to financial and business analysis, accessing company and business information
2. Assessment of strategic direction - undertaking a strategic audit of a company in the context of industry and external environment
3. An overview of financial statements - accounting for profit and accounting for cash
4. The manipulation of accounting numbers - how and why creative accounting occurs
5. Financial statement analysis - techniques, interpretation and limitations
6. Stock market analysis - factors influencing share price movements and the evaluation of stock market indicators

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	10	2.00	20.00
Tutorial	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			120.00
Total Contact hours			30.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

- 20 hours preparation for classes
- 100 hours collection and consideration of material for coursework and writing report.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Progress will be monitored by contributions made to classes both individually and in groups together with individual consideration of progress on research into company allocated to each student.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Report	3,000 words analysing an allocated UK listed company	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 13/04/2016

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