The Digital Economy: Finance for Business Growth from FutureLearn

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

Reviews summary

Finance for digital business growth

According to learners, this course offers a highly practical and clear introduction to finance for business growth, especially within the context of the digital economy. Many found the content on cash management, alternative finance like crowdfunding, and equity funding particularly relevant and applicable to their work or small businesses. The instructors explain complex topics in an accessible way, making it an excellent foundation for non-finance professionals. However, some reviewers with prior finance experience felt that initial modules were quite basic, and while strong, not every section felt specifically tailored to the digital economy.

Provides an excellent foundational understanding for newcomers.

"My only minor gripe is that some topics felt a bit rushed towards the end, but overall, highly recommend for professionals new to finance."

"I think it's particularly good for non-finance professionals looking to gain a foundational understanding."

"I found it very useful for understanding how finance drives growth in digital businesses, even without a prior finance background."

Covers current and specific finance aspects of the digital economy.

"I particularly enjoyed the sections on crowdfunding and alternative finance, which felt very current."

"The module on alternative finance was particularly strong and relevant to today's market."

"The coverage of equity funding and private equity was very detailed, and I feel much more confident in analyzing investment opportunities."

Complex financial topics are explained in an understandable manner.

"The lectures were clear and the concepts well-explained. I particularly enjoyed the sections on crowdfunding and alternative finance..."

"The instructors explained complex topics in an accessible way. The depth provided on different funding types, including private equity, was impressive for an online course."

"I appreciate the effort put into making complex topics understandable. I think it's particularly good for non-finance professionals looking to gain a foundational understanding."

Provides highly practical strategies for business finance.

"The content on cash flow forecasting and liquidity was incredibly practical and I've already applied some of the strategies in my work."

"As a small business owner, I needed to get a grip on managing finances for growth, and this course delivered. The emphasis on practical application... was exactly what I needed."

"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."

Some beginners found the pace fast and depth insufficient.

"Disappointed with this course. While it covers a lot of ground, I found the pace too fast for a beginner, and some explanations lacked sufficient depth."

"I struggled with the financial terminology. I think more real-world case studies would have helped illustrate the points better."

"As a complete beginner, I sometimes felt overwhelmed by the pace and wished for more in-depth explanations on certain complex topics."

Some modules felt more general finance than digital economy specific.

"The course is okay. It provides a general introduction to finance, but I wouldn't say it's specifically 'digital economy' focused enough in every module."

"It felt like a standard finance course with a few modern examples thrown in. The content on behavioral finance was a nice touch, but could have been integrated better."

"While the course is titled 'Digital Economy', I found some parts more aligned with general business finance rather than unique digital challenges."

May be too basic for those with an existing finance background.

"As someone with a finance background, I was hoping for more advanced insights into the digital economy's unique financial challenges."

"I felt some of the information was quite basic, especially the initial modules on fundamental finance."

"Overall, it didn't push my knowledge much further as someone already familiar with finance concepts. Good for absolute beginners though."

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