Financial Management Capstone from Coursera

The Financial Management capstone will provide a learning experience that integrates across all the courses within this specialization. You will analyze a situation taking the vantage point of a company and develop a financial management plan (for instance, a global company working in a specific geography chosen by students’ region or country of residence, or other consideration). You will design a deliverable to create value from the perspective of potential employers while achieving pedagogical and experiential goals.

This course is part of the iMBA offered by the University of Illinois, a flexible, fully-accredited online MBA at an incredibly competitive price. For more information, please see the Resource page in this course and onlinemba.illinois.edu.

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1 - Welcome and Course Overview

This Capstone course includes six modules. As you go through the modules, you will learn more about the case scenarios, and will have the opportunity to apply your learning from the Financial Management Specialization in support of practical business needs.

Module 2 - Business Story Assignment

In this module you will apply what you learned in the Financial Management Specialization to describe business outcomes over a specific time frame through publicly available financial data. You will complete the Business Story Assignment and review the work of three of your peers.

Module 3 - An Acquisition Opportunity

In this module you will be introduced to an acquisition scenario and begin acquiring the information needed to complete the Acquisition Assignment in Module 4.

Module 4 - Acquisition Assignment

In this module you will apply what you learned in the Financial Management Specialization to analyze a potential acquisition of Lululemon Atheletica, Inc. (LULU) by Walmart. You will complete the Acquisition Assignment and review the work of three of your peers.

Module 5 - Investment Options and Investment Assignment

In this module you will apply what you learned in the Financial Management Specialization to model investment options based on the potential acquisition of Lululemon Athletica, Inc. (LULU) by Walmart.

Module 6 - Course Reflection

In this module you will reflect on what you have applied from the Financial Management Specialization to the scenarios in this capstone course.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops financial management plans and investment options which are core skills for management

Applies financial management principles to practical business needs

Provides a learning experience that integrates across all the courses within this specialization

Reviews summary

Thrilling capstone for finance skills

Learners say Financial Management Capstone is an excellent course to enhance and apply their financial knowledge. The capstone project is well-received and interactive, integrating skills from all courses. The course is recommended to those interested in corporate finance and accountancy.

Develop skills as a financial analyst

"I do like the learning of acting as the financial analyst."

"This allowed me to thoroughly review the Financial Statements."

Well-received capstone project

"The professor created a thoughtful capstone project that utilized skills across all the courses."

"I do like the learning of acting as the financial analyst.This allowed me to thoroughly review the Financial Statements."

"good capstone project, that conclude all the course embedded in the course."

Course can be lengthy

"Too wordy"

Final certificate may not reflect specialization

"final certificate does not say financial management specialization"

Career center

Learners who complete Financial Management Capstone will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Investment Banker

Investment Bankers are business professionals who help companies raise money by issuing securities. Roles such as these may include advising companies on mergers and acquisitions and helping them to prepare for initial public offerings (IPOs). This course may be useful for Investment Bankers because it teaches how to analyze a potential acquisition and model investment options.

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Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) are business professionals who are responsible for the overall leadership of an organization. Roles like these may include developing corporate strategy, setting organizational goals, and managing financial resources. This course may be useful for CEOs because it teaches how to analyze a situation taking the vantage point of a company and develop a financial management plan.

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Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) are business professionals who are responsible for the overall financial health of an organization. Roles like these may include developing financial strategies, managing financial risks, and overseeing financial operations. This course may be useful for CFOs because it teaches how to analyze a situation taking the vantage point of a company and develop a financial management plan.

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Risk Manager

Risk Managers are business professionals who identify and mitigate risks for organizations. Roles like these may include developing risk management plans and implementing risk management policies. This course may be useful for Risk Managers because it teaches how to analyze a situation taking the vantage point of a company and develop a financial management plan.

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Financial Planner

Financial Planners are business professionals who help individuals and families plan for their financial futures. Roles like these may include developing retirement plans, saving for college, and managing investments. This course may be useful for Financial Planners because it teaches how to analyze a situation taking the vantage point of a company and develop a financial management plan.

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Credit Analyst

Credit Analysts are business professionals who assess the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses. Roles such as these may include making recommendations on whether or not to approve loans and setting credit limits. This course may be useful for Credit Analysts because it teaches how to analyze a situation taking the vantage point of a company and develop a financial management plan.

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Auditor

Auditors are business professionals who examine an organization's financial records to ensure that they are accurate and compliant with regulations. Roles like these may include conducting financial audits, operational audits, and IT audits. This course may be useful for Auditors because it teaches how to analyze a situation taking the vantage point of a company and develop a financial management plan.

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Tax Accountant

Tax Accountants are business professionals who prepare and file tax returns for individuals and businesses. Roles such as these may include advising clients on tax laws and regulations and representing clients before tax authorities. This course may be useful for Tax Accountants because it teaches how to analyze a situation taking the vantage point of a company and develop a financial management plan.

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Financial Controller

Financial Controllers are business professionals who oversee the financial operations of an organization. Roles such as these may include preparing financial statements, managing cash flow, and developing financial policies. This course may be useful for Financial Controllers because it teaches how to analyze a situation taking the vantage point of a company and develop a financial management plan.

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Forensic Accountant

Forensic Accountants are business professionals who investigate financial fraud and other financial crimes. Roles like these may include conducting financial investigations, preparing expert witness reports, and testifying in court. This course may be useful for Forensic Accountants because it teaches how to analyze a situation taking the vantage point of a company and develop a financial management plan.

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Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs are business professionals who start and run their own businesses. Roles such as these may include developing business plans, raising capital, and managing financial resources. This course may be useful for Entrepreneurs because it teaches how to analyze a situation taking the vantage point of a company and develop a financial management plan.

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Management Consultant

Management Consultants are business professionals who help organizations improve their performance. Roles such as these may include developing business strategies, improving operational efficiency, and implementing new technologies. This course may be useful for Management Consultants because it teaches how to analyze a situation taking the vantage point of a company and develop a financial management plan.

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Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Chief Operating Officers (COOs) are business professionals who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of an organization. Roles such as these may include managing production, marketing, and human resources. This course may be useful for COOs because it teaches how to analyze a situation taking the vantage point of a company and develop a financial management plan.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts are business professionals who analyze how money can be managed to meet business goals. Roles like these may include making recommendations regarding investments, budgeting, and cash-flow management. This course may be useful for Financial Analysts because it teaches how to analyze a situation taking the vantage point of a company and develop a financial management plan.

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Portfolio Manager

Portfolio Managers are business professionals who manage investments for individuals and institutions. Roles like these typically involve making investment decisions based on financial analysis and market research. This course may be useful for Portfolio Managers because it teaches how to analyze a situation taking the vantage point of a company and develop a financial management plan.

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