Objectives and competences
Main course objective is to acquaint students with concepts of modern corporate finance and financial management,, clarification of teoretical framework and in continuation its applicative use on different case studies and practical analysis of best business practice. Transferable/Key Skills and other attributes: Understanding and use of discussed subject with ability of problem analysis and systematic consideration.
Content (Syllabus outline)
The content introduces students to the basic tools of financial analysis and their applications, data processing for financial decision-making, and case studies in finance. The main focus is on two areas: (1) financial decisions about financial resources and their costs, and (2) financial decisions about the optimal use of resources and the financial implications of these decisions (investment decisions and the associated effects and risks). The course covers the following topics; analysis of financial statements, financial planning, valuation of financial instruments and investment decisions, assessment of optimal capital structure and cost of capital in practice, understanding the differences between alternative sources of finance and financing decisions, assessing the value of a going concern.
Learning and teaching methods
- Interactive lectures with and group discussions.
- Practical tutorial based on case studies.
- Independent research and critical study of materials.
- Practice of communication skills through presentations.
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
Students in this course:
1. Know, understand and demonstrate the ability to formulate and apply a wide range of financial methods and techniques that are key to understanding business finance in the firm (PILO 1a, 2b).
2. Have an in-depth and systematic understanding of the key concepts and terms in business finance, financial theories and models that influence corporate decisions and be able to apply these theories and models to the analysis of financial decisions (PILO 2a).
3. Be aware of ethical dilemmas in the financial industry and be able to take a proactive approach to finding solutions to them, particularly in the context of corporate governance, responsible investment and financial reporting, and understand the importance of ethical codes and professional standards (PILO 4c).
4. Be able to critically analyse complex and sometimes conflicting areas of finance, including financial analysis, risk assessment and business valuation, and be able to explain the results of his/her analysis in a comprehensible manner (PILO 3a, 3b).
5. Be able to critically synthesise financial information and develop innovative approaches to financial decision-making, taking into account both the theoretical and practical value of their findings for the firm and the wider social community (PILO 1a).
6. Demonstrate independence and originality in analysing and solving financial problems, including planning and implementing financial strategies and making decisions in uncertain and complex situations, taking into account relevant financial, ethical and legal frameworks (PILO 4a).
7. Master complex and unpredictable financial circumstances, following best practices and standards in financial management, risk assessment and corporate governance to ensure the sustainable and ethical growth of the company (PILO 4b).
The PILO label (i.e., Programme Intended Learning Outcomes) defines the contribution of each listed intended learning outcome of a course towards achieving the general and/or subject-specific competencies or learning outcomes acquired through the programme.
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
Students in this course:
1. Know, understand and demonstrate the ability to formulate and apply a wide range of financial methods and techniques that are key to understanding business finance in the firm (PILO 1a, 2b).
2. Have an in-depth and systematic understanding of the key concepts and terms in business finance, financial theories and models that influence corporate decisions and be able to apply these theories and models to the analysis of financial decisions (PILO 2a).
3. Be aware of ethical dilemmas in the financial industry and be able to take a proactive approach to finding solutions to them, particularly in the context of corporate governance, responsible investment and financial reporting, and understand the importance of ethical codes and professional standards (PILO 4c).
4. Be able to critically analyse complex and sometimes conflicting areas of finance, including financial analysis, risk assessment and business valuation, and be able to explain the results of his/her analysis in a comprehensible manner (PILO 3a, 3b).
5. Be able to critically synthesise financial information and develop innovative approaches to financial decision-making, taking into account both the theoretical and practical value of their findings for the firm and the wider social community (PILO 1a).
6. Demonstrate independence and originality in analysing and solving financial problems, including planning and implementing financial strategies and making decisions in uncertain and complex situations, taking into account relevant financial, ethical and legal frameworks (PILO 4a).
7. Master complex and unpredictable financial circumstances, following best practices and standards in financial management, risk assessment and corporate governance to ensure the sustainable and ethical growth of the company (PILO 4b).
The PILO label (i.e., Programme Intended Learning Outcomes) defines the contribution of each listed intended learning outcome of a course towards achieving the general and/or subject-specific competencies or learning outcomes acquired through the programme.
Readings
Obvezna študijska literatura (Compulsory textbooks):
- Ross, S.A., Westerfield, R.W., Jaffe, J.(2015) Corporate finance, 11th ed., McGraw-Hill Education
- Stubelj, I., Dolenc, P., Laporsek, S. (2016); Poslovne finance s primeri in z rešitvami, FinKin, Ljubljana
Dopolnilni viri (Additional textbooks):
1. Brigham, E.F., Daves, P.R. (2021); Intermediate Financial Management, 14th edition, Boston, Cengage
2. Bodie, Z., Kane, A., Marcus, A. J. (2021). Investments. United States: McGraw-Hill Education
3. Damodaran, Aswath. 2024. Damodaran Online. Https://pages.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar/ (12.03.20244)
4. Baze podatkov bonitetnih agencij in javnih evidenc (E-Bonitete, AJPES, ipd)
Additional information on implementation and assessment • written exam (60%)
• seminar paper (30%)
• active cooperation at lectures and tutorials (10%)
Written exam - individual written exam
Seminar paper - writing and presenting of seminar paper
Active cooperation at tutorials - short tasks based on case studies
