UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Module Specification
1.
The title of the module
Business Financial Management (CB715)
2.
The School which will be responsible for management of the module
Kent Business School
3.
The start date of the Module
September 2013
4.
The number of students expected to take the module
20
5.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation
with other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
AC508 and AC502 (from Medway only)
6.
Level of the module (e.g. Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or Postgraduate
[M])
H
7.
The number of credits which the module represents
30
8.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn and Spring
9.
Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
CB365
Economics for Business 1
CB363
Economics for Business 2
CB362
Data Management for Business
10. The programme(s) of study to which the module contributes
BA (Hons) Accounting & Management
BA (Hons) Accounting & Management with a Year in Industry
11. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
11.1:
11.2:
11.3:
11.4:
11.5:
Knowledge and understanding of the business entity and the capital markets
contexts in which finance operates.
Knowledge and understanding of the concepts and principles that underlie the
investment and financing decision-making process, including the strengths and
weaknesses of quantitative techniques.
Ability to identify the nature of a problem and to make appropriate selection and
application of quantitative techniques. Recognition and measurement of relevant
cost/benefit data and presentation via appropriate financial documents.
Ability to structure, develop and defend complex arguments, and to be critical and
self-critical, orally and in writing.
Ability to analyse structured and unstructured problems
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
11.6:
11.7:
11.8:
Ability to record and summarise transactions and other economic events, including
decision analysis, discounted cash-flow analysis and the analysis of financial risk.
Knowledge and understanding of the financial aspects regarding the practical
implications of investing on the stock market
Ability to analyse, prepare and record projections regarding decisions on aspects
such as portfolio theory, capital structure, dividend policy
12. The intended generic learning outcomes
12.1:
12.2:
12.3:
12.4:
12.5
Ability to structure and develop appropriate and effective communications, critically
and self critically, orally and in writing. Appropriate formats are selected for
presentation of work, which includes the acknowledgement and reference of
sources.
Ability to plan, work independently and use relevant resources.
Ability to work in groups, listen, respond to different points of view and negotiate
outcomes.
Ability to receive and use criticism and advice
Ability to develop suitable written and communication skills using appropriate
formats.
13. A synopsis of the curriculum:
The course begins by looking at the ever important financial management function. It then
proceeds to cover key topics, including:
- investment appraisal techniques under certainty and uncertainty
- portfolio theory, CAPM, WACC and capital structure
- the efficient market hypothesis
- interaction of investment and financing decisions
- decomposition of risk
- options and pricing
- dividends and dividend valuation models.
The financial system within which business organisations operates is examined, followed by
the specific sources of long and short-term capital, including the management of fixed and
working capital.
14. Indicative Reading List:
Main Texts



Arnold, G. (2008), Corporate Financial Management. 4th or 5th edn. Harlow : Financial
Times/Prentice Hall
Brealey, R., Myers, S. and Allen, F. (2008) Principles of Corporate Finance. 9th
(international) edn. London : McGraw-Hill
McLaney, E. (2011). Business Finance Theory and Practice. 9th edn. Harlow : Financial
Times Prentice Hall
15. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours
and the total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to
achievement of the intended learning outcomes:
Teaching will be primarily by lectures and seminars. There will be two lectures and one
seminar per week. Each seminar group will be approximately 20 in number, which will
enable students to brainstorm key concepts and incorporate critical analysis.
It is the expectation that students will spend about 10 hours on each module each week on
average (including lectures and seminar attendance).
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Table 1: Learning & Teaching methods mapped to ILOs
Method
Hours
Subject-specific ILOs
Generic ILOs
Lecture
44
11.1 – 11.8
-
Seminar
21
11.1 – 11.8
12.1, 12.3 -12. 5
Preparation for seminars
30
11.1 – 11.8
12.2, 12.5
Preparation for exam
50
11.1 – 11.8
12.2, 12.5
Coursework preparation
100
11.1 – 11.8
12.2, 12.5
Independent study
55
11.1 – 11.8
12.2, 12.5
Total hours
300
16. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended
learning outcomes:
30% of the final grade will be based on coursework with a compulsory portfolio project
worth 20%. The remaining 10% is allocated to either an essay question or an in-class test
based on a computational question. Students can complete both the essay and in-class
test if they wish with the best mark counting towards their overall mark (this would mean
students would complete a minimum of 2 pieces of coursework and a maximum of 3). The
portfolio project is compulsory as it plays an important role in the course as a whole. The
computational questions are designed to allow students to demonstrate their ability to
employ financial theories and analyse structured and unstructured problems. The
discursive and essay questions are designed to allow students to demonstrate their ability
to understand financial theories and concepts in a non-computational aspect; critically
evaluate theories and show effective communication.
70% of the final grade will be based on a three hour written examination. The examination
consists of two sections: Section A, where students must answer one essay question from
three, and Section B, where students must answer two numerical questions from four.
Table 2: Assessments mapped to ILOs
Method
Weighting
Subject-specific ILOs
Generic ILOs
Essay Question
See above
11.1 – 11.8
12.1 – 12.2, 12.412.5
Computational Question
See above
11.1 – 11.3
12.1
11.6 – 11. 8
Portfolio Project
20%
11.7 – 11.8
12.1 – 12.5
Examination – 3 hour unseen
70%
11.1 – 11.8
12.1 – 12.2, 12.5
17. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
The school (at Medway only) will be withdrawing two 30 credit modules (AC508 and 502)
and introduce one 30 credit module instead. This would not require any additional
resources including staff, library, IT or space.
18. The School recognises and has embedded the expectations of current disability
equality legislation, and supports students with a declared disability or special
educational need in its teaching. Within this module we will make reasonable
adjustments wherever necessary, including additional or substitute materials,
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UNIVERSITY OF KENT
teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have declared and
discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared
disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the University’s
disability/dyslexia support service, and specialist support will be provided where
needed.
19. Campus(es) where module will be delivered :
Medway
Statement by the Director of Learning and Teaching: "I confirm I have been consulted on the
above module proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and required content of
module proposals"
................................................................
Director of Learning and Teaching
..............................................
Date
…………………………………………………
Print Name
Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction of the
module and, where the module is proposed by School staff, will be responsible for its resourcing"
.................................................................
Head of School
..............................................
Date
…………………………………………………….
Print Name
Module Specification Template
Last updated January 2013
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