Corporate Investment and Financial Policy

No prerequisite

This course examines techniques and issues in corporate finance with a focus on corporate investment decisions. The course covers several aspects of valuation in a corporate setting: estimation of free cash flow, stock valuation along with recognition of growth opportunities, risk management strategies, estimation of beta using online data, and specifying market scenarios to identify sustainable growth outcomes when evaluating investment proposals. Further topics include merger and acquisition strategies, the examination of options embedded in corporate capital structures, incentive-aligning compensation including executive stock options, and techniques for measuring financial performance including Economic Value Added.

To understand the characteristics of various financial policies including investment in assets and capital structure
To understand the key factors affecting financial performance
To understand the features of specific forms of domestic and international business finance and identify the circumstances when each is appropriate
To understand the key variables affecting financial performance, and
To understand the principles of risk minimisation strategies including exchange rate and interest rate risk management.

Apply percent of sales approach to identify external financing needed at a given growth rate, and use formulas and pricing models to measure growth opportunities
Employ various capital budgeting techniques in decision-making
Apply option pricing models including real options methods, to evaluate corporate investments
Utilise leading techniques in the valuation of merger and acquisition strategies
Analyse corporate investment decisions in the context of corporate diversification and corporate governance
Identify & apply ethical principles relevant to the finance profession

The online delivery blends synchronous and asynchronous components. Students complete self-directed assignments hosted on the course platform. Weekly Forums support a required active, rubric-based student contributions that foster collaboration.

Exams may include essays, short answers, or MCQs. Formats include open/closed book. Time zones are considered. Assessments are formative and summative. Students have 2 weeks to review grades and must follow the appeal process in the Student Handbook.

Certificate

Scholarship Awarded (Total Fee: €100)