20500 Financial Valuation and Strategy (Capstone)
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
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Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksThere are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject develops an understanding of the relationship between financial information and multinational corporate strategic decisions. Analytical skills using financial tools are integrated with economic fundamentals to aid in decisions involving cross-border operations and performance evaluation. This subject encourages a broad perspective by focusing on financial implications of decisions.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| 1. | Appraise various financial and economic characteristics and links to firm strengths |
|---|---|
| 2. | Evaluate a firm's strengths and weaknesses including foreign operations |
| 3. | Discuss the impact of cross-border transactions and operations on financial performance of the firm and its valuation |
| 4. | Critically evaluate strategic improvements including mergers and acquisitions and their effects on profitability and risk |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the following program learning objectives:
- Apply evidence, creativity and critical reasoning to solve business problems (1.1)
- Communicate information clearly in a form appropriate for its audience (2.1)
- Demonstrate ability to work independently and with others as a member of a team to achieve an agreed goal (2.2)
- Make judgements and business decisions consistent with the principles of social responsibility, inclusion and knowledge of different cultures (3.1)
- Apply technical and professional skills to operate effectively in business (4.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
This subject integrates topics from accounting, management, economics and finance core subjects to develop skills and knowledge relating to financial information and multinational corporate strategic decisions. This subject relates financial tools and economic fundamentals to decision-making across borders and the effect on firm performance. This subject develops analytical skills in using financial metrics and encourages an expansive perspective in dealing with corporate decisions.
Teaching and learning strategies
The subject will be taught using a combination of large lectures and smaller tutorials. The lectures provide the structure of the topic area, discussion of the theory and some practical examples. Tutorials provide an opportunity to discuss ideas, issues and make practical application of the theory, as well as encouraging students to think in a creative manner to solve real world problems. Use is made of the UTS Learning Management System, which will be used to share information, provide feedback and encourage interaction between staff and students.
Content (topics)
- Company strategies
- Ratio analysis interpretation
- Cash flow analysis
- Profitability and risk analysis
- Equity and firm valuation
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Case Study (Written Assignment and Presentation - Individual)*
| Objective(s): | This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2 and 3 This addresses program learning objectives(s): .1, .2, .2, .2, .3, 1.1, 2.1, 2.2 and 3.1 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 50% |
| Length: | Written report: 2,500 words, weight 30%. Individual presentation: 4-5 minute presentation as part of a total 20-Minute team presentation (including time for questions and discussions), weight 20%. |
| Criteria: | *Note: Late submission of the assessment task will not be marked and awarded a mark of zero. |
Assessment task 2: Final Exam (Individual)
| Objective(s): | This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This addresses program learning objectives(s): .2, .3, .3 and 4.1 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 50% |
| Length: | The final exam is of 2 hours duration, plus 10 minutes reading time. |
Minimum requirements
Students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks.
Required texts
Subramanyam, K. R. and Wild, J. J., Financial Statement Analysis, 11th Edition, McGraw-Hill, 2014. ISBN 9780078110962.
Recommended texts
Lundholm, R. and Sloan, R., Equity Valuation & Analysis, McGraw Hill, 2004.
Stickney, C. P., Brown, P. R. and Wahlen, J.M., Financial Reporting and Statement Analysis,
6th Edition, Thomson, 2006.
References
All references should follow the same style, preferably Harvard reference style.