Reference no: EM133775922

Business Finance

ASSESSMENTS DESCRIPTION:

Assessment 1: Briefing Paper
Assessment Overview:
The objective of this assessment is for the student to conduct research on a current Business Finance issue and develop a briefing paper. The paper should encompass a summary of contextual business and economic factors, stakeholders involved, and the diverse range of information sources required when preparing a Policy Brief for the CEO or the chair of the board. Additionally, the student must include supporting material in the appendices and refer to it within the paper.
Assessment Criteria:
Research on a Current Business Finance Issue of any publicly listed company.
The student should select a relevant and current issue within the realm of Business Finance.
The chosen issue should be significant and have implications for decision-makers within a corporate setting.

Paper Content:
The briefing paper should provide a comprehensive overview of the chosen issue, including its background, key drivers, and potential impact on the organization. Contextual business and economic factors influencing the issue should be thoroughly analyzed and explained. Stakeholders relevant to the issue, including internal and external parties, should be identified and their interests and concerns addressed.

Assessment 2: Presentation and Written Report

Overview:
Assessment 2 comprises both a group presentation (10%) and a written report (30% of the total). Students will collaborate in groups of 3-4 to conduct a critical analysis of factors, issues, trends, and challenges aimed at developing an effective corporate financial decision-making framework within an organisation. The primary goal is to devise strategies that maximize the wealth of the firm's stakeholders, with a particular focus on shareholders.

Assessment Details:
Group Presentation (10%):
Duration: 10 minutes - maximum 10 slides
Each group will deliver a presentation summarizing their analysis and proposed decision-making framework.
Presentations should be clear, concise, and engaging, addressing key factors, trends, challenges, and proposed strategies.
Groups should demonstrate effective communication, teamwork, and presentation skills.
Written Report (30%):
Word Limit: 1500 words
The written report should provide a detailed analysis of factors influencing corporate financial decision-making.
Emphasis should be placed on identifying challenges and trends relevant to maximizing the wealth of the firm's stakeholders, particularly shareholders.
The report should propose a comprehensive framework for effective decision-making, supported by relevant theories, models, and practical examples.
Clear recommendations and strategies for implementation should be provided, considering the unique context of the organization.

Assessment: Business Report Assignment Overview:

Assessment 3 requires the preparation of a business report with a word limit of 2000 words. The report aims to analyze the financial position of a selected business. Students are tasked with conducting a comprehensive examination of the business's financial performance, including its financial statements, key ratios, and other relevant financial indicators.

Assessment Details:
Analysis of Financial Position:
The report should provide an in-depth analysis of the chosen business's financial position.
Key areas to be addressed include the business's profitability, liquidity, solvency, and efficiency.
Analysis should encompass an examination of financial statements, such as the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement.
Identification of Strengths and Weaknesses:
Students should identify the business's financial strengths and weaknesses based on the analysis conducted.
Strengths may include robust profitability, strong liquidity position, efficient use of resources, etc.
Weaknesses may include low profitability, high debt levels, liquidity challenges, etc.
Comparison and Benchmarking:
Where applicable, students should compare the business's financial performance to industry benchmarks or competitors.
Benchmarking can provide valuable insights into the business's relative performance and areas for improvement.
Financial Forecasting and Recommendations:
Based on the analysis conducted, students should provide financial forecasts and projections for the business's future performance.
Recommendations should be offered to address identified weaknesses and capitalize on strengths, aiming to improve the business's financial position over time.

Evaluate how businesses make financial decisions within the broader financial environment in which they operate.
Critically appraise and apply theories and models used in investment, financing and dividend decisions.
Generate problem solving methodologies and apply options and recommendations for financial decisions using a combination of theories, tools and models.

Apply capital structure theories and create dividend policies to solve problems involving various financial goals, dividends, risks, pricing, budgets, and policies.

Apply and communicate ethical principles to business including the execution of financial information reports, and the competing perspectives of the stakeholder and shareholder.