University of Technology Sydney

25720 Applied Financial Management

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2024 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Business
Credit points: 3 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 250720 Applied Financial Management AND 25742 Financial Management AND 25799 Financial Management

Description

All managers must have a basic understanding of financial management concepts, capital markets and instruments, as well as the trade-offs between financial risk versus gain. This subject provides students with the understanding of the latest tools and techniques in financial management. The main goal of the subject is to prepare students for responsible and sustainable leadership using the financial management perspective. This subject develops a framework around financial analysis and modelling, as well as business, risk, and investment evaluation by focusing on four main areas:

  1. the assessment of an organisation's financial health
  2. the planning of the organisation's future financial performance
  3. the financing of the organisation's operations, and
  4. the evaluation of business and investment opportunities for the organisation.

Emphasis is placed on the application of tools and techniques to real world problems in financial management to enable students to solve related problems in their place of work.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
1. appraise the role of financial management in evaluating the financial health and performance of an organisation
2. apply financial management techniques to financial analyses and financial modelling problems
3. assess financial decisions relating to investment, financing and risk management

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

The subject introduces students to a range of financial tools and techniques and prepare them for the management of financial risk, assessment of financial health and decision making related to financing operations, risk and the valuation of enterprises.

This subject is aligned with the following Graduate Attribute(s):

  • Intellectual rigour and innovative problem solving

This subject also contributes specifically to develop the following Program Learning Objective(s):

  • Practice ethical leadership and responsible decision-making to create culturally contextualised and sustainable economic, social and ecological business outcomes (3.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject is delivered through a mix of online learning, three live online webinars and online consultations. The subject features a mix of theoretical concepts and application in the contemporary context that is designed to apply evidence-based judgement, analytical and creative skills to solve complex business problems.

Students have access to online resources, and self-directed learning activities and are expected to study online content provided via the UTS learning management system. They are required to complete online learning activities, which will help identify knowledge gaps and inform discussions. They are required to engage in online discussions with their peers and academics. Webinars are designed to present the theory and practice of the subject’s content. Students are required to complete pre-work activities before attending webinars. Discussions focus on the application of concepts, techniques and methods.

A mandatory, online formative assessment provides students with further feedback to direct their self-study. Ongoing general and individual feedback will be provided throughout the subject via consultation sessions. A summative assessment provides feedback on students' comprehension and application of learning. Students also receive formal feedback on assessment tasks.

Content (topics)

  • Financial analysis and performance.
  • Forecasting and growth management.
  • Financing operations.
  • Investment and risk analysis

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Quizzes (Individual)*

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

1, 2 and 3

Weight: 45%
Criteria:
  • Ability to identify and appraise financial management techniques
  • Accuracy of the financial analysis and modelling
  • Soundness and accuracy of investment and risk management decisions made

*Note: Late submission of the assessment task will not be marked and awarded a mark of zero.

Assessment task 2: Scenario and case analysis (Individual)

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

1, 2 and 3

Weight: 55%
Criteria:
  • The suitability of the methodology used
  • The accuracy of the numerical, graphical, and verbal analysis
  • The critical interpretation of the results of this analysis
  • The structure of the report and clarity of presentation

Minimum requirements

Students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks.

Required texts

There is no required textbook. Resources will be made available through the learning management system.

References

Higgins, Robert C., Koski, Jennifer L., Mitton, Todd. Analysis for financial management, 12th edition, McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2019.

Ross, S., Westerfield, R., Jordan, B. Fundamentals of corporate finance, 11th edition, McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2015.

Brigham, E., Houston, J. Fundamentals of financial management, 14th edition, South-Western College Pub, 2015.

Benninga, S. Financial modelling, 4th edition, MIT Press, 2014