*Course Description* 

This course explores core financial management principles, focusing on corporate finance, investment decisions, and strategic planning. Students will learn to analyze financial statements, value securities, assess risk, and make capital budgeting decisions. Emphasis is placed on practical applications through case studies, Excel workshops, and a capstone project.

*Learning Objectives* 

By the end of this course, students will be able to: 

1. Analyse financial statements using ratio analysis. 

2. Apply time value of money (TVM) concepts to valuation. 

3. Evaluate risk-return trade-offs and portfolio diversification. 

4. Value bonds, stocks, and projects using NPV/IRR. 

5. Calculate cost of capital (WACC) and optimize capital structure. 

6. Manage working capital and short-term financing. 

7. Understand dividend policies, M&A, and international finance risks. 

8. Navigate ethical dilemmas and emerging trends (ESG, fintech).

 *Course Structure (14 Weeks)* 

| *Week* | *Topic*                                              | *Key Activities*                                   |

|----------|------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|

| 1        | Introduction to Financial Management           | Role of financial managers, financial environment   |

| 2        | Financial Statements & Analysis                | Ratio analysis, DuPont model                        |

| 3        | Time Value of Money (TVM)                      | Excel workshops (PV, FV, annuities)                 |

| 4        | Risk and Return                                | CAPM, portfolio theory, beta calculation            |

| 5        | Valuation of Securities                        | Bond/stock pricing, dividend discount models        |

| 6        | Capital Budgeting                              | NPV, IRR, payback period, case study analysis       |

| 7        | *Midterm Exam*                               |                                                     |

| 8        | Cost of Capital                                | WACC, cost of debt/equity                           |

| 9        | Capital Structure & Leverage                   | Modigliani-Miller, trade-off theory                 |

| 10       | Working Capital Management                     | Cash conversion cycle, short-term financing         |

| 11       | Dividend Policy                                | Theories, factors influencing dividends             |

| 12       | Mergers & Acquisitions                         | Valuation methods, takeover defences               |

| 13       | International Financial Management             | Exchange rates, hedging strategies                  |

| 14       | Ethics, Corporate Governance & Current Trends  | ESG investing, fintech, final project presentations |

*Assessment Methods* 

- *Midterm Exam (25%)*: Covers Weeks 1–6. 

- *Quizzes (15%)*: Weekly online quizzes on readings. 

- *Case Studies (20%)*: Individual analysis (e.g., Tesla’s capital structure). 

- *Group Project (20%)*: Company financial analysis (milestones + final presentation). 

- *Final Exam (20%)*: Comprehensive (Weeks 8–14). 

*Required Textbooks* 

1. Fundamentals of Financial Management (Brigham & Houston) 

2. Principles of Corporate Finance (Brealey, Myers, & Allen) 

*Additional Resources: * 

- Excel tutorials, Bloomberg Terminal access, CFA ethics handbook. 

- Case studies from Harvard Business Review. 

*Teaching Methods* 

- *Lectures*: Interactive discussions on theory. 

- *Excel Workshops*: Hands-on financial modelling. 

- *Guest Speakers*: Industry professionals on M&A/ESG. 

- *Group Project*: Analyse a real company’s financial strategy. 

*Policies* 

- *Attendance*: Mandatory for workshops and presentations. 

- *Late Work*: 10% penalty per day. 

- *Academic Integrity*: Zero tolerance for plagiarism.