Module Content

1. Introduction to Finance:
   o The fundamental concepts of finance, including the time value of money, risk, and return.
   o The role of financial markets and institutions in the broader economy.
2. Financial Statement Analysis:
   o Financial statements to assess a company’s financial health.
   o Key financial ratios and indicators.
3. Time Value of Money:
   o The time value of money and its applications in finance.
   o Time value of money, valuation, and investment decisions.
4. Introduction to Investment Vehicles:
   o Different investment vehicles such as stocks, bonds, and derivatives.
   o The risk and return characteristics of various asset classes.
5. Valuation Methods:
   o Valuation methods such as discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis.
   o Valuation techniques to assess the intrinsic value of financial assets.
6. Portfolio Management:
   o The principles of portfolio management and diversification.
   o Strategies for constructing and managing investment portfolios.
7. Introduction to Financial Technology (FinTech):
   o FinTech and its impact on the financial services industry.
   o Key FinTech innovations and their applications.
8. Digital Banking and Payments:
   o The evolution of digital banking and payment systems.
   o The role of FinTech in reshaping traditional banking services.
9. Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies:
   o Blockchain technology and its applications.
   o The concepts of cryptocurrencies and their impact on financial markets.

Teaching Methods

Class contact time is currently a lecture per week, and one seminar group session each week. The module runs like this over the full academic year. This is considered as the minimum contact time appropriate for students to develop their understanding and knowledge of corporate finance. Work by students will also include guided reading and problem solving. Several textbooks are recommended as is additional reading.

The module will be delivered by a combination of lectures and seminars.
The module is delivered by means of weekly:
• Face-to-face lectures
• Guest speaker’s talks (in class or in distance)
• Case studies /Incidents (traditional, online)
• Homework and Classwork Assignments
• Interactive class activities (role playing, business game, simulation, online forum, instant polls)
• Small and extended multiple choice questions (MCQs) as well as seminar questions covering the subject matter of both the current and previous lectures. In this way, students gain experience of the practical applications of the theory delivered.
It is essential to do the preparatory reading, at least in outline, before attending the lecture.
The lecture material may include further references. Chapters in the texts generally have substantial references to further reading at the end of each chapter.
Formative feedback on seminar and practice questions is provided to students on a weekly basis, with additional support available in the timetabled Technical Support Workshops.
As part of this module, students will draw on and enhance graduate attributes of planning, communication, literacy and analysis which will aid their employability in the financial management sector.

Assessment Methods

2 Written Exams (30% and 70%)