Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is intended for those with an interest in developing their financial skills to make robust decisions when managing business finance. The course does not require any previous experience of this subject. Find further information about OU registration, the assessment module and MBA in the entry requirements . Academic credit If you are aiming to use your study of courses in the Digital Economy program to obtain academic credit, please be aware that the final planned presentation of the Open University Assessment Course BXM871 Managing in the Digital Economy starts July 2020. Please ensure that you allow yourself enough time to obtain all four Certificates of Achievement from courses in the program before registering for the Assessment Course. The start dates of the relevant FutureLearn courses in 2019 and 2020 are available here .

Topics Covered

• Assess the role of cash management in business and the relationship between cash management and business performance
• Consider the benefits and drawbacks of different sources of finance
• Understand the relevance of liquidity and solvency when managing a business
• Evaluate the role of cash flow forecasting and assess future cash requirements
• Understand the risks, benefits and drawbacks of different types of funding
• Decide on a suitable type of funding and assess risk-return issues
• Assess how and why alternative finance activities, such as crowdfunding, have evolved
• Assess the benefits and risks of alternative finance for business borrowers
• Evaluate the use of equity funding, both private and public equity issues
• Assess the role of private equity, and the benefits offered by different types of private equity for funding business growth
• Explore behavioural finance issues in investment decision-making