MSc Business and Finance

What will I cover in this module?

In the current employment market, successful careers can no longer be built on educational qualifications alone. If you are looking to move into leadership and management positions, you must develop a portfolio of transferable skills at
a professional level.

The overall aim of this module is to enable you to use reflective and personal development planning processes (PDP) to identify, and provide evidence of, your learning and development. You will gain skills to help you identify your own weaknesses, opportunities and threats and find ways to address these.

This will prepare you for the ongoing demands of your career and the need to take control of your own continuing professional development.

How will I be assessed?

100% coursework

• 2,000 word in depth reflective statement on development during the m:odule with references to evidence within the portfolio of achievement
• Detailed personal SWOT analysis
• Current CV
• 12 month development plan.

How many credits is it worth?
15

What will I cover in this module?

Module description

The module is designed to extend your understanding and ability to apply mathematical and statistical techniques to financial market analysis beyond performance. You will acquire a critical understanding of the modern techniques used and an awareness of their application in practice in financial market analysis. Relevant statistical theory is covered before introducing the applications in financial market models from both a practical and a theoretical viewpoint. The module will prepare you to undertake financial market analysis but also to critically assess existing financial market analysis.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the module, you'll be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to use relevant mathematical techniques applied to issues arising in international financial markets.
2. Demonstrate ability to analyse and critically evaluate the outcomes of analysis of problems in financial markets using relevant theory, data and mathematical techniques.

Areas of study

Statistics and statistical techniques:
• Review of random variable theory: expectation, variance, correlation; properties of the Normal distribution, including the Central Limit Theorem.
• Lognormal stock prices, rate of return distribution, expected return and volatility.
• Correlation and Regression Analysis
• Estimation and Significance, Non-Parametric Statistics.

Financial Modelling and Analysis:
• Value at risk: by simulation and by modelling
• Numerical methods: Comparing Binomial trees and Finite difference methods
• Exotic options: non-standard and barrier options (Lookback, and Asian options).
• The Black-Scholes pricing formula and its properties. Pricing American options.
• Black-Scholes-Merton model. Risk neutral valuation and the Black-Scholes pricing formula revisited.

How will I be assessed?

100% coursework

Coursework 1 - 40% - Computer based test

Coursework 2 - 60% - Written report to show the results of an applied analysis (Max 2,500 words) of an issue of your choice using appropriate techniques and data.

Reading list

Core text

• D Levine, D Stephan, T Krehbiel, M Bernson (2008), Statistics for Managers, Pearson, Prentice Hall, ISBN13 9780132295451
• R.E. Bailey (2008) The Economics of Financial Markets, Cambridge University Press, ISBN13 9780521612l8077

Books and web based materials as directed in the module handbook.

How many credits is it worth?
15

What will I cover in this module?

As you become more senior in an organisation, it's likely that you will need to have the knowledge and skills to use financially based performance metrics at a more strategic level.

This module will help you confront any fears you may have about your understanding of accounting and finance! It follows on naturally from the Managing Organisational Information module, by providing you with a range of financial tools to help you gain the information you need and make a greater contribution to the overall performance of the organisation.

How will I be assessed?

100% coursework.

This will be based either, for part time students, on a critical analysis of a work based action based study, which will take the form of a written report of 3000 words.

Or, for full time students, assessment will use a company case study to produce a series of evaluative reports, with a total of 3000 words.

How many credits is it worth?
15

What will I cover in this module?

Module description

Independent Study normally forms a significant part of a master's programme. This is a major piece of independently researched work, providing an opportunity to carry out an in-depth investigation of a management problem or issue that should normally have a strategic dimension which addresses organisational issues and provides a process for solving management problems.

Independent study will provide you with the opportunity to use and enhance the knowledge and intellectual skills gained during the course, by means of an extensive investigation of a significant management area. The module provides an opportunity for those studying any of the specialist programmes to explore an in depth topic relevant to that programme. It also provides the opportunity for you to reflect on the research experience and use what you have learned to guide their future development via a reflective statement and development plan.

As a result of developing and applying an analytical framework based on a real management issue, participants will be able to enhance your own competencies for undertaking future management research and analysis, will be better able to evaluate the research analysis carried out by others and will be better able to plan their own development.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the module, you'll be able to:

1. Act autonomously in designing a research project that critically evaluates a management problem or issue to a professional standard. The topic should be relevant to the title of the programme and should meet the Universities ethical guidelines
2. Develop and work within an appropriate research methodology to investigate the problem or issue, reviewing pertinent literature and demonstrating strategic awareness within the discipline of the pathway.
3. Reflect on the process of undertaking a significant piece of independent research using the ideas and concepts from the course and plan their future development.

Areas of study

The independent study represents a major learning experience for participant, providing an opportunity to pursue in considerable depth and with suitable academic rigour a specific area of management and/or strategy, building on the study of relevant concepts, models and paradigms.

Each study will be supervised by an Independent Studies Supervisor, appointed by the Business School. At the beginning, and as part of this module, a dissertation/project proposal will be individually negotiated and assessed. The proposal will form 10% of the overall assessment for the module and will have to demonstrate that the proposed research meets the Universities ethics guidelines.

The final work will comprise a dissertation, project or action-based study plus a reflective statement and development plan and will be independently assessed by two tutors, one of whom will be the Independent Study Supervisor. It may take the form of dissertation, project or individually based reports or an action based study. Collaborative arrangements are permitted whereby students participate in a joint group study. Where this happens, a means by which individual effort and contribution are to be assessed will be established and documented at the outset, with the supervisor.

The following lengths of the submitted work will be the norm:

Research Proposal - 2000 words
Dissertation - 12,000 - 15,000 words
Project - 6,000 - 8,000 words
Action-based study - 6,000 - 8,000 words
Reflective statement and development plan - 1000 - 1500 words

How will I be assessed?

100% coursework

Coursework 1 - 10% - Research proposal

Coursework 2 - 90% - Dissertation/Project report

How many credits is it worth?
45

What will I cover in this module?

This module seeks to integrate a wide range of business functions, concepts and theories. It provides you with a strategic perspective on the management of finance and its impact on the numerous strategic decisions companies have to undertake. The module provides you with an opportunity to pull together content from a range of disciplines and to analyse and appreciate it from a financial perspective. It introduces relevant theory and models, with a view to enhancing your knowledge and understanding of strategic financial management.

• The finance function
• Corporate finance, role of the finance manager, shareholder wealth, Agency theory, corporate governance, ethics in finance
• Mergers, acquisitions and corporate control
• The regulatory and legal framework surrounding mergers and acquisitions
• Corporate restructuring: combinations and divestitures
• International Financial Management
• Options, Risk management
• Financial Planning, planning the firms financing mix, capital structure theory
• Evaluating Financial Performance
• Managing for shareholder value
• Understanding Financial statements
• Investment appraisal with tax and inflation

On completion of the module you'll be able to critically evaluate and analyse a business situation from a strategically financial perspective, and also to make recommendations for a way forward in light of the company objectives.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is by 100% coursework, an assignment will be in the form of a management report of 3,000-3,500 words.

How many credits is it worth?
15

What will I cover in this module?

Module description

This module aims to equip you with an understanding of the processes and ways in which knowledge is developed, understood, and applied. As such the module initially focuses on the social and (social) scientific construction of knowledge from an ontological and epistemological perspective.

The module then focuses on methodological issues of a more applied nature in terms of different types of 'research', selection of research 'problems' and construction of aims, and fundamental methodological strategies such as qualitative versus quantitative data, deduction versus induction etc.

The evaluation of a range of research techniques and development of research skills in terms of data collection and analysis and the management of a research project are is the final element of the module.

The module will require you to design a research project and prepare a proposal so will provide experience in producing reports to professional standards.
Learning outcomes

On completion of the module, you'll be able to

1. Understand and critically evaluate the way in which knowledge is created.
2. Formulate appropriate research aims and objectives and devise an appropriate methodology and rigorous programme of research appropriate to the level of study
3. Understand and apply a range of research and analytical techniques

Areas of study

This module represents a major learning experience for the participant, providing an opportunity to not only develop a range of practical skills required to read, understand and critically evaluate academic literature; but also understand the foundations upon which knowledge is created and disseminated.

The content of the module is constructed around four key themes:

1. The ontological and epistemological foundations of management research (as part of the social science arena), and, hence, the different ontological foundations for the development of knowledge.
2. Methodology and research strategy in terms of research approach (inductive vs. deductive); types of data (qualitative vs. quantitative), access to data (e.g. sampling strategies), and quality of data (e.g. validity, generalisability, or situational).
3. Research methods - the tools and techniques used to identify data sources; capture data; record data; and analyse data.
4. Finally the module will draw all the themes together by way of evaluating the content of a research proposal.

How will I be assessed?

100% coursework

You will produce a comprehensive research proposal for a project at Masters level. You will be required to plan a programme of research, setting an overall aim with appropriate objectives derived from your ontological position, critically reviewing the relevant literature, devising an appropriate methodology including appropriate choice and use of research methods and techniques. 3,500 words

How many credits is it worth?
15

What will I cover in this module?

This module seeks to challenge the notions of strategic thinking within the global market place. The predications inherent within this seasoned, achievable, strategic plan and their implementation must be viewed within the context of the challenges posed to industries by globalisation and changes in the production and consumption of services. These changing concepts also bring into question the tensions between the academic fixation with historic step stage modelling including the adaption of the classically rigid business paradigms and post modern hedonistic consumer. Strategic choices are the accumulation of functional management developments, and the machinations of the external environment, combined with an ability to be able to predict and be reflective to rapid changes in consumption trends. In a sense strategic directions is an oxymoron.

On successful completion of this module you will be able to provide a critical evaluation of current business strategic thinking within the service sector.

Areas of study:

• the end of the process modelling strategic planning function
• the identification and analysis of operational issues that often conflict with traditional strategic modelling
• The choices inherent within Marketing, HR and Growth Strategies and the factoring of risk and scenario analysis.
• The impossibility of identifying real strategic trends within the market and providing responses to the changing needs and expectations of the consumer
• The ethical dimension of strategic planning and implementation
• The ethnocentric debate within the industry in terms of people management and consumer trends
• Metaphors of strategy and images of people within organisations
• The S.I.L.K road approach to organic strategies

How will I be assessed?

100% coursework

Review classic and current modules and assess strategies in line with both these approaches and review fitness for purpose in 2010. Have the models changed? Can the models adapt to current external and internal pressures? Do the current time frames for the decision making process allow for the reflective nature implied in the term 'strategy'? You will choose an area/strategy that relates to your area of study.  This will be in the nature of a report or essay, maximum 4,000 words.

How many credits is it worth?
15

What will I cover in this module?

This module provides you with a holistic view of how different organisations manage the development of strategy and policy, in order to respond to changes and develop sustainable competitive advantage. We will also explore the differing theories about this topic among academics and business professionals.

We will cover the latest thinking and practices in this area, touching upon issues such as:

• globalisation
• innovation and creativity
• performance management and financial control
• markets, hierarchies and networks
• transformational change
• knowledge management.

You will learn different methods of analysing and bringing together information, critically evaluating and selecting a number of strategic options, and then recommending how these should be implemented.

You will also develop a wider international perspective; increase your awareness of organisational, industrial and cultural diversity and develop your analytical, problem-solving and decisionmaking skills.

How will I be assessed?

100% coursework.

This includes an in-depth application of key strategy themes and constructs to an organisation or complex (organisation or industry) case scenario. You will be required to submit a 3500 word paper, which takes the form of a professional management report.

Reading list

Core text

McGee, Thomas and Wilson (2005) 'Strategy - Analysis and Practice', McGraw-Hill

How many credits is it worth?
15

What will I cover in this module?

In this module we will consider how organisations must deliver superior and sustainable customer value to achieve long term competitive advantage.

You will learn to critically evaluate and justify, how customer value can be maximised, and recommend improvements to customer services, products and/or processes which help achieve this.

How will I be assessed?

100% coursework - Individual time constrained assessment or an individual written assignment (3000-3500 words)

How many credits is it worth?
15

What will I cover in this module?

This module considers sustainable management systems and reviews BS 8900 as the management framework to improve the sustainable practices. The concepts of sustainability will be debated and sustainability strategies from a variety of sectors will be critically analysed. The module will re-examine mission, vision and values and will explore the strategic issues facing industry today. Increasingly the market is asking for a more corporate approach to managing sustainability and business ethics, therefore this module re-examines the methodology laid out in BS8900:2007 "Guidance for Managing Sustainable Development". The module will explore business ethics, corporate responsibility and corporate governance using a combination of empirical studies and theoretical constructs.

On completion of this module you will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate the theories and concepts of sustainable development relevant to corporate responsibility.
2. Critically analyse the sustainable management system of a corporate organisation.

Areas of study

• Theories and concepts of sustainable development
• Corporate responsibility and business ethics
• Business and environmental justice
• Integration of sustainability into the strategic planning process
• Critical appraisal of strategic planning tools including process mapping, SWOT/STEEPV analysis and balanced scorecards within a sustainability context
• Stakeholder engagement and determining sustainability issue significance
• Making strategic choices, determining business imperatives, policies, objectives and targets and selecting choices, determining business imperatives, policies, objectives and targets and selecting appropriate key performance indicators - using case studies.
• Evaluate the business case for sustainability
• Critical review of regulartory requirements
• Analysis of corporate reporting and accountability systems
• Evaluating management system certification

How will I be assessed?

100% course work

The assignment will be constructed during the course of the module to develop a sustainable management system with an industry context. Presentation will depend on the format of the management system.

How many credits is it worth?
15