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2020/21 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

LUBS5856M Finance for Practice

15 creditsClass Size: 200

Module manager: Carl Hartford
Email: C.R.Hartford@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 1 May to 30 Sep View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module provides an introduction to the principles of accounting and finance taking a strategic view of the theories of corporate finance and the process of making and justifying decisions in an ethical environment.

Objectives

OThe module provides an introduction of accounting and financial strategies including modelling and identifying trends. The module will show how data can be analysed and economic theory applied to decision-making so that finance can aid performance measurement and strategic decision-making in the manufacturing and service sectors

This module will allow participants to obtain a financial awareness of the differing accounting tools and financial statements which are used in making decisions within a non-profit and profit making sector. It will also lead to a critical examination and interpretation of the roles of the statement of financial position, (the income statement, cash flow statements, KPIs, performance indicators and budget statements). Finally this is a core module covering the fundamental aspects of accounting and finance allowing participants to critically evaluate the financial challenges facing an organisation today and with consideration and analysis of a corporate socially responsible environment. Hence assumptions about the financial data will be questioned and underpinning strategies critiqued so that accountable decisions are taken.

Learning outcomes
Knowledge outcomes:

Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
1) Critically apply the basic principles and techniques of accounting, demonstrating a critical awareness of their value and limitations
2) Critically interpret and evaluate the types of financial statements within a published set of accounts and communicate their relevance and application
3) Critically debate how organisations engage with financial resource providers to obtain and deploy financial resources, making reasoned evaluations of alternatives so that a rationale is provided;

Academic skills outcomes:

Participants will be able to evaluate and use this knowledge to:
4) Identify how accounting information is generated and communicated for internal purposes of planning, decision-making, control and performance measurement
5) Critically examine its relevancy in the non-profit making and profit making context
6) Recognize and interpret cost behaviour identifying how costs accumulate in a range of different organisations
7) Evaluate the implications of cost behaviour upon decision-making

Workplace skills outcomes:

On successful completion of the module participants will be able to:
8) Apply accounting theory to practical situations (work place environment)
9) Produce financial documents that reflect the position of the business (work place environment).
10) Collect and evaluate secondary data applying it within a financial environment so that decisions can be made and justified
11) Critically discuss the financial documents available internally so that accountants can demonstrate strategic long term thinking

Interpersonal skills outcomes:

Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
12) Synthesise financial information so that decisions can be justified
13) Communicate effectively with stakeholders when making financial decisions
14) Respond to feedback and provide constructive comments where necessary

Skills outcomes
Successful participants of the module will evidence:

Subject Specific skills:
- Assessment of the effectiveness of financial and management tools in diverse international settings
- Evaluate the importance of accounting for manufacturing and service sector organisations
- Examine budget statements with a rationale of the variances and deviations
- Analyse KPI data in making strategic decisions


Transferable skills:
- Ability to analyse numerical data and to report the findings through appropriate communication methods
- Ability to communicate effectively using spreadsheets and reports with the latest technology
- Ability to understand the major ethical implications of working within the financial environment


Syllabus

Indicative content:

- Introduction to basic financial statements-
- Interpretation of and analysis of accounts
- Cash flow statements and forecasts
- Valuation of assets and businesses
- Investment appraisal and sources of finance
- Sources of finance and cost of capital
- Principles of costing-
- Accounting information for planning, decision-making and control with the reporting of financial data- KPIs

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture41.004.00
Seminar42.008.00
Independent online learning hours24.00
Private study hours114.00
Total Contact hours12.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)150.00

Private study

Independent online learning refers to non-facilitated directed learning. Participants will work through bespoke interactive learning resources and reflective activities in the VLE. This will be supported by face to face physical class room delivery with a combination of lectures and seminars.
Private study refers to directed reading and self-directed research in support of learning activities and discussions, as well as in preparation for assessments.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Online learning materials will provide regular opportunity for participants to check their understanding. Regular group activity embedded into learning will allow self and peer assessment providing opportunities for formative feedback from peers and tutors.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Project2,500 word individual project (incorporating reflective account)80.00
Case StudyPractical application case study, 750 words20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Resit by failed element

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 04/11/2021

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