International Financial Management Techniques for Successful Global Business Ventures

Businesses now operate in a highly globalised and competitive market where access to, and control of, finances are necessary for survival. This module focuses on the international financial management techniques essential throughout the business life cycle. The module provides a broad overview of international financial management theory and practices which are imperative to creating and sustaining a successful international business venture. The module probes the financial landscape in which modern day international businesses operate.

Overall Aim of the Module

The module provides students with and introduction to financial management theory and techniques required for entrepreneurship and managerial decision-making within an international business context.

Learning Outcomes

Successful participants will be able to:

• Learning Outcome 1

Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and critical appreciation of the key concepts and topical issues of International Finance.

• Learning Outcome 2

Act autonomously in the analysis of new and/or abstract data using a range of techniques appropriate to the discipline of International Finance, synthesising evidence and critically evaluating complex problems in International Finance.

• Learning Outcome 3

Be proactive in leadership, work effectively within a team or group as appropriate, make and sustain arguments/alternative points of view related to the discipline of International Finance.

• Learning Outcome 4

Demonstrate confidence and flexibility in critically evaluating complex problems and the application of appropriate knowledge, tools or methods to their solutions in the context of International Finance. Be confident in the application of their own judgement.

3. Assessment and Feedback

You are required to prepare/submit an individual report discussing the following: Choose a Multinational Enterprise (MNE) listed on an internationally recognised Stock Exchange (including for example, London, Dublin, New York or Paris). You are required to:

1. Critically discuss two recent developments in the international financial environment which appear to have impacted on your chosen company’s recent performance and development. Analyse how these two developments are likely to impact on the company in the near future. (14 marks)
2. Discuss the following key elements of the MNE’s international financial and/or risk management strategy (and how they appear to have affected the financial performance of your chosen company):

• Sources of finance
• Dividend policy

With reference to your chosen Multinational Enterprise (and using the most recent annual report published), analyse the financial performance (in terms of profitability, liquidity, efficiency and investment) of the company in the two most recent consecutive financial periods (e.g. 2018/19 or 2019/20, ) using 8 different accounting ratios (prior year comparative figures will be available in the annual report).

Notes:

(i) You must advise your tutor of your chosen multinational enterprise to ensure suitability for use and avoid duplication; What you need to do to demonstrate achievement of learning.

(ii) It is advisable to choose your multinational enterprise and download the most recent annual report by the end of week 1 – this will facilitate your preparation and allow you to effectively participate in weekly class activities;

Assessment Guidelines

1) The assignment may take the form of an individual written word-processed briefing report of not more than 2500 words, including title page, contents page, in-text references and citations, but excluding tables, reference list and appendices.

2) Detailed guidance will be given in the tutorials in weeks 1 and 6 to explore the factors for your chosen case study and provide advice on the use of mediums/technologies for this assessment exercise.

3) This element of coursework accounts for 60% of the overall assessment. Students should refer to the marking criteria attached to provide them with fuller details of marking criteri a for each classification band.

The module is delivered fully online and will be facilitated through the provision of the following learning and teaching activities:

• Lectures one hour and thirty minutes utilising live WebEx sessions and recorded session videos will be sent to you after the lecture.
• Seminar: one hour and thirty minutes via WebEx including individual/ groupwork activities
• Discussion Board: These will be utilised to continue in-class discussions and/or discussion of new set topics. Blackboard Learn, Discussion Board Tool will be utilised.
• Online Resources: These will be an integral part of the delivery. See the library reading list below which is also accessible via Blackboard Learn. You will be directed to academic, professional and open content resources to extend your knowledge, understanding and application