Introduction to Financial Management Theory for International Business

Aims

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. 

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

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. 

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.

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.

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:

a.Critically discuss two recent developments in the international financial environment 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.

b.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):

1.Sources of finance

2.Dividend policy

c. 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. 2016/17 or 2017/18, ) using 8 different accounting ratios (prior year comparative figures will be available in the annual report).  

Online activities will comprise of 40 questions which students are required to answer. Students will be assessed on topics including:  Financial Statements/Ratio analysis/EMH/CAPM/Cost of Capital/Capital Structure/Investment Appraisal/Foreign Currency Risk Management

Questions will consist of a combination of multiple choice and short stimulus questions assessed online using Blackboard Learn.  Time allowed: up to 120 minutes.  The precise day/time of assessment to be agreed with tutor, but will typically take place on the Friday following the end of the final teaching session.  The online test will be available for completion from 8am to 12 midnight on that day.  This assignment will measure the student’s achievement of module learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3.