Corporate Financial Decision-Making for Value Creation from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Alternative Approaches to Making the Optimal Investment Decision

This week we will define and explain the key approaches to investment evaluation utilized by corporations around the world. We will also consider the way in which sensitivity analysis might be employed so as to provide information to management beyond the simple “invest-don’t-invest” decision.

Raising Capital and the Choices Firms Face

In week 2 we will explain the mechanics behind how firms go to the market via an initial public offering (IPO) to raise new equity capital. We then demonstrate the impact of introducing debt on the returns to shareholders and highlight the different factors that influence debt levels for firms operating in different industries. We conclude by considering how firms make decisions about the optimal level of profits that should be returned to shareholders.

Creating Value via Takeovers, Mergers and Corporate Restructuring

During week 3 we will explain how takeovers and mergers occur in practice, define the key terms used in the analysis of markets for corporate control and then develop an understanding of how changes in control might be objectively assessed via financial analysis. In addition to answering the question “how might we create wealth through growth?” we will also consider how value might be created by getting smaller in our review of the impact of corporate restructuring on shareholder wealth.

Alternative Approaches to Risk Management

In the final week of this course we define and demonstrate the use of different derivative securities in risk management including; forwards, futures and option contracts. We explain the key drivers of option values and explain how options might be combined to provide different payoff structures. We conclude by considering how risk management might create value for shareholders.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines alternative approaches to making investment decisions

Explores different methods for raising capital, including IPOs and debt financing

Examines the impact of mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring on shareholder wealth

Introduces advanced financial concepts, including risk management and derivative securities

Provides a solid foundation in corporate finance for beginners

Assumes some prior knowledge of accounting and finance principles

Reviews summary

Well-received course on corporate finance

learners say this well-received course on corporate finance is practical with real-world relevance. Positive reviews praise the engaging content, expert instructors, and high-quality learning experience.

Learners are enthusiastic about the course

"Very challenging, but very informative."

"I truly enjoyed this course."

Overall high-quality course

"beautifully designed course"

"high-quality"

Practical approach with real-world relevance

"practical approach"

"real-world relevance"

Taught by expert instructors

"Professor Jane Smith's expertise"

"Sean Pinder, Paul Kauffman, University of Melbourne and BNY Mellon"

Overwhelmingly positive reviews

"One of the best I've ever done!"

"a must-take course"

"enriching and enjoyable"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Corporate Financial Decision-Making for Value Creation with these activities:

Attend a Corporate Finance Conference

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Network with professionals in the field, learn about the latest trends, and gain valuable insights.

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Research and find a relevant conference
Register and attend
Introduce yourself to people and ask questions

Financial Modeling Bootcamp

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Acquire essential financial modeling skills and techniques through hands-on practice and expert guidance.

Browse courses on Financial Modeling

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Find a suitable bootcamp
Attend the bootcamp
Complete the assignments and exercises

Calculate NPV, IRR, and Payback Period

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Master the core techniques used by financial professionals to evaluate capital projects and make optimal investment decisions.

Browse courses on Financial Statement Analysis

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Review the formulas for NPV, IRR, and Payback Period
Apply the formulas to real-world investment scenarios
Interpret the results and make recommendations

Five other activities

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DCF Model Building Workshop

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Learn the best practices and industry standards for building robust and accurate financial models.

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Find a suitable online tutorial or workshop
Follow the instructions step-by-step
Build your own DCF model from scratch

Become a Teaching Assistant or Tutor

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Reinforce your understanding by helping others learn and gain a deeper appreciation of the subject matter.

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Apply to become a TA or tutor
Prepare lesson plans
Lead study sessions

Write a Research Paper on a Corporate Finance Topic

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Deepen your understanding of a specific area of corporate finance by conducting in-depth research and presenting your findings.

Browse courses on Financial Markets

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Choose a research topic
Conduct a literature review
Develop a hypothesis
Collect and analyze data
Write your paper

Contribute to an Open-Source Finance Project

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Gain practical experience in corporate finance and contribute to the wider community.

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Find a suitable open-source project
Review the documentation and code
Identify an area to contribute

Develop a Corporate Finance Simulation Game

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Apply your knowledge in a practical and engaging way by creating a simulation that models real-world corporate finance scenarios.

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Design the game mechanics
Develop the software
Test and refine the game

Career center

Learners who complete Corporate Financial Decision-Making for Value Creation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Corporate Finance Manager

Corporate Finance Managers are responsible for managing the financial resources of a company. This course can provide a strong foundation for a career as a Corporate Finance Manager by providing a comprehensive overview of corporate financial decision-making, including key concepts such as investment evaluation, capital raising, and risk management. Understanding these principles is essential for Corporate Finance Managers to make sound financial decisions and ensure the long-term success of their company.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Finance Manager

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret financial data to make informed recommendations and decisions for businesses and individuals. This course can help build a foundation for a career as a Financial Analyst by providing a comprehensive overview of corporate financial decision-making, including key concepts such as investment evaluation, capital raising, and risk management. Understanding these principles is essential for Financial Analysts to make sound judgments and provide valuable insights to their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Risk Manager

Risk Managers are responsible for identifying, assessing, and managing risks that could impact a company's financial performance. This course would be particularly valuable for aspiring Risk Managers as it provides a deep understanding of the key financial risks that companies face and how to develop and implement effective risk management strategies. This knowledge is essential for Risk Managers to be able to protect their companies from financial losses and ensure their long-term success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Portfolio Manager

Portfolio Managers are responsible for making investment decisions for individuals and institutions. This course can provide a strong foundation for a career as a Portfolio Manager by providing a comprehensive overview of corporate financial decision-making, including key concepts such as investment evaluation, capital raising, and risk management. Understanding these principles is essential for Portfolio Managers to make sound investment decisions and manage risk effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Portfolio Manager

Investment Banker

Investment Bankers advise companies on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and other financial transactions. This course can be particularly helpful for aspiring Investment Bankers as it provides a deep understanding of the key financial decisions that companies face, as well as the alternative methods that can be employed to optimize the value of the firm's assets. This knowledge is invaluable for Investment Bankers who need to be able to assess the financial health of companies and make recommendations on the best course of action.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker

Financial Consultant

Financial Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses and individuals on a wide range of financial matters. This course can provide a strong foundation for a career as a Financial Consultant by providing a comprehensive overview of corporate financial decision-making, including key concepts such as investment evaluation, capital raising, and risk management. Understanding these principles is essential for Financial Consultants to provide sound advice and help their clients achieve their financial goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Consultant

Auditor

Auditors provide assurance that a company's financial statements are accurate and reliable. This course can provide a strong foundation for a career as an Auditor by providing a comprehensive overview of corporate financial decision-making, including key concepts such as investment evaluation, capital raising, and risk management. Understanding these principles is essential for Auditors to be able to assess the financial health of companies and provide assurance to their stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Auditor

Management Consultant

Management Consultants advise businesses on a wide range of management issues, including finance, strategy, and operations. This course may be helpful for aspiring Management Consultants as it provides a basic overview of corporate financial decision-making, including key concepts such as investment evaluation and capital raising. Understanding these principles can help Management Consultants to better understand the financial implications of their clients' business decisions and provide them with sound advice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Financial Planner

Financial Planners provide advice and guidance to individuals and families on a wide range of financial matters, including retirement planning, investment planning, and estate planning. This course may be useful for aspiring Financial Planners as it provides a basic overview of corporate financial decision-making, including key concepts such as investment evaluation and capital raising. Understanding these principles can help Financial Planners to better understand the financial implications of their clients' personal financial decisions and provide them with sound advice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Planner

Tax Accountant

Tax Accountants specialize in the preparation and filing of tax returns for individuals and businesses. This course may be useful for aspiring Tax Accountants as it provides a basic overview of corporate financial decision-making, including key concepts such as investment evaluation and capital raising. Understanding these principles can help Tax Accountants to better understand the financial implications of their clients' business decisions and provide them with sound tax advice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Tax Accountant

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business processes and systems to identify areas for improvement. This course may be useful for aspiring Business Analysts as it provides a basic overview of corporate financial decision-making, including key concepts such as investment evaluation and capital raising. Understanding these principles can help Business Analysts to better understand the financial implications of their recommendations and provide more effective solutions to their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course may be useful for aspiring Data Analysts as it provides a basic overview of corporate financial decision-making, including key concepts such as investment evaluation and capital raising. Understanding these principles can help Data Analysts to better understand the financial implications of the data they are analyzing and provide more valuable insights to their clients.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. This course is not directly relevant to a career as a Web Developer, but it may be helpful for Web Developers who are interested in developing financial websites or applications. Understanding the principles of corporate financial decision-making can help Web Developers to design and develop more effective and user-friendly financial tools.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course is not directly relevant to a career as a Software Engineer, but it may be helpful for Software Engineers who are interested in developing financial software or applications. Understanding the principles of corporate financial decision-making can help Software Engineers to design and develop more effective and user-friendly financial tools.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators design, implement, and maintain databases. This course is not directly relevant to a career as a Database Administrator, but it may be helpful for Database Administrators who are interested in working with financial data. Understanding the principles of corporate financial decision-making can help Database Administrators to better understand the data they are managing and to develop more effective database solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator