This course introduces students to the subject of finance. Core areas of finance will be examined with a view to provide students with knowledge that can be developed in the financial specialism in a degree programme.
Module aim
The aim of this module is to highlight to students the fundamental financial decisions that are faced by finance managers everyday; to provide basic knowledge and understanding of what constitutes finance and to engage students with the kind of decision making required of those who pursue a career in this area.
Introduction to Finance
Identify and explain the basic concepts of finance. The role of the financial manager in companies. Corporate objectives. How is shareholder wealth maximised? Agency theory. Corporate governance. Ethical Behaviour.
Financial Environment
Organising the Business - Individuals, Companies, Private Vs Public. The Financial Markets - Primary and Secondary; Understand the workings of the stock exchange.
Introduction to Banking and Financial Institutions
What is a bank? Why do banks exist? Merchant versus Commercial Banks. Pensions, Savings and Insurance. The role of the Irish Central Bank. European Central Bank. Overview of Regulation.
Capital Markets, Market Efficiency and Ratio Analysis
Sources of Business Finance. Capital Markets. Capital Market Efficiency. Assessing Financial Performance.
Introduction to long-term sources of finance. Debt and equity finance
The stock exchange. Equity finance, loan stock and debentures. . Rights issue. Preference shares.
Formal lectures will present the core of the learning and teaching strategy. Group discussions, case studies, handouts and videos will be used where applicable.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 70 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 30 |