Overview

This module seeks to examine the practical and academic issues in financial analysis, , covering financial accounting reports and the needs of the user. Building on the use of such statements as an information source, the module examines the problems associated with their use and enables students to develop an understanding of the place of such accounting analyses in the valuation of businesses. It will reflect on the importance of conventional statements, cash flow statements, current cost accounts and cash flow analysis in both a national and international context. The need for students to have an understanding of international reporting standards and their effect upon financial analysis is considered, with particular reference to comparative issues. The module will also consider various business valuation methods, with an emphasis on critical comparison and reflection on the usefulness and accuracy of the various methodologies.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold C- to C+ (50-59%): Satisfactory performance. No major omissions or inaccuracies in the deployment of information/skills. Some grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Integration of theory/practice/information present intermittently in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Knowledge of key areas/principles only. Weaknesses in understanding of some areas. Limited evidence of background study. Answer inadequately focused on task and with some irrelevant material and poor structure. Arguments presented but lack coherence. Minor factual/computational errors. Lacking original interpretation.

Good B- to B+ (60-69%): Good performance. Most of the relevant information accurately deployed. Good grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practical elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills. Understands most but not all concepts/issues. Evidence of background study. Focused answer with good structure. Arguments presented coherently. Mostly free of factual errors. Some limited original interpretation. Well known links between topics are described. Problems addressed by existing methods/approaches. Good presentation with accurate communication

Excellent standard: 70+ An outstanding performance, exceptionally able. The relevant information is accurately deployed. Excellent grasp of theoretical/conceptual/practice elements. Good integration of theory/practice/information in pursuit of the assessed work's objectives. Strong evidence of the use of creative and reflective skills.

Learning Outcomes

• Be able to apply appropriate ratio analyses to assess current performance and indicate future performance of a company

• Be able to apply financial analysis techniques to financial statements and to understand the strengths and limitations of such analyses

• To critically evaluate the major valuation techniques and their limitations and be able to apply these to real world scenarios

• To understand and apply the key theories of financial analysis to specific real world cases and reflect upon the value of the results of such analyses

• To understand and compare the major accounting system statements