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Product Cost and Investment Cash Flow Analysis

This course discusses costs and business practices to establish the cost of a product. The concept of time value of money (TVM) is developed to determine the present and future values of a series of cash flows. TVM principles are then applied to personal finances and retirement planning. This is a practical course that uses spreadsheets to better prepare learners in engineering and science for a career in industry.

This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s Master of Engineering in Engineering Management (ME-EM) degree offered on the Coursera platform. The ME-EM is designed to help engineers, scientists, and technical professionals move into leadership and management roles in the engineering and technical sectors. With performance-based admissions and no application process, the ME-EM is ideal for individuals with a broad range of undergraduate education and/or professional experience. Learn more about the ME-EM program at https://www.coursera.org/degrees/me-engineering-management-boulder.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Financial Principles

Overview of the course and introduction to key financial principles.

Costs and Cost Estimation Methods

Introduces types of costs and the break-even analysis; describes approaches to cost modeling and important cost estimation techniques.

Product Cost Analysis

Introduces types of inventory and how product cost is determined using the Job Cost and Activity-Based Cost methods.

Time Value of Money (TVM)

Introduces the concept of time value of money (TVM) as it applies to investment decisions; develops and demonstrates the expressions for the future value of an investment based on initial investments, compounding interest rates, and periods of time; uses analytical and spreadsheet models to solve for a variety of investment situations.

Application to Personal Finances

Applies the principles of finance and time value of money (TVM) to one’s personal finances. Investments such as stocks, bonds, and funds are introduced, along with the concept of price volatility and its relationship to risk. Asset allocation theory is described in the context of creating an investment portfolio. These principles are then put into practice through constructing a personal retirement plan spreadsheet and retirement plan portfolio.

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Designed for engineering and science professionals transitioning to leadership roles in those sectors

Covers the fundamentals of financial principles, cost estimation, and time value of money (TVM)

Instructors are from the University of Colorado Boulder, known for its engineering and science programs

Provides practical applications of financial principles to personal finances and retirement planning

Uses spreadsheets to enhance learners' understanding and preparation for industry

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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 Product Cost and Investment Cash Flow Analysis with these activities:

Read 'Financial Management: Theory and Practice' by Eugene F. Brigham

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Gain insights into financial management principles and practices by reading a comprehensive book on the subject.

View Intermediate Financial Management on Amazon

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Read through the chapters on cost analysis, time value of money, and investment principles.
Take notes and highlight key concepts.
Discuss the book's content with classmates or colleagues.

Review basic accounting principles

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Review the basic principles of accounting to strengthen your understanding of financial concepts.

Browse courses on Financial Accounting

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Read through textbooks or online resources on accounting fundamentals.
Work through practice problems and exercises.
Attend a workshop or tutorial on accounting basics.

Follow online tutorials on time value of money (TVM)

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Enhance your understanding of TVM and its applications by following guided tutorials.

Browse courses on Time Value of Money

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Search for reputable online tutorials on TVM.
Follow the tutorials and work through the examples.
Apply the concepts to your own personal finance or investment decisions.

Four other activities

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Solve practice problems on calculating present and future values using TVM

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Reinforce your understanding of TVM by solving practice problems.

Browse courses on Present Value

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Find practice problems in textbooks or online resources.
Calculate the present and future values using TVM formulas.
Review your solutions for accuracy.

Participate in study groups or discussions on engineering management

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Engage with your peers to exchange knowledge, ideas, and perspectives on engineering management.

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Find or create study groups or discussion forums.
Actively participate in discussions.
Share your insights and experiences.

Attend industry workshops on financial modeling or investment strategies

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Gain hands-on experience and insights by attending workshops related to financial modeling or investment strategies.

Browse courses on Financial Modeling

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Research and identify relevant industry workshops.
Register and attend the workshops.
Actively participate in the discussions and exercises.

Develop a personal retirement plan using TVM principles

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Apply TVM principles to plan for your financial future by developing a personal retirement plan.

Browse courses on Retirement Planning

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Determine your current financial situation and retirement goals.
Estimate your future retirement expenses and income sources.
Create a spreadsheet or financial model to calculate your target retirement savings using TVM.

Career center

Learners who complete Product Cost and Investment Cash Flow Analysis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts typically analyze financial data and create models to predict future financial performance. A background in cost analysis such as what is taught in the Product Cost and Investment Cash Flow Analysis course is often beneficial, as this role is responsible for making a range of investment decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Commercial Banker

Commercial Bankers help businesses secure loans and other financing options. A background in both cost analysis and financial analysis is beneficial for this role, as this role must evaluate a business's financial situation, including profitability, solvency, and cash flow.

See salaries and explore the career path for Commercial Banker

Cost Accountant

Cost Accountants collect, analyze, and report on the costs of a company's products and services. A background in cost analysis including cost estimation and modeling, which are both covered in the Product Cost and Investment Cash Flow Analysis course, is required for this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cost Accountant

Investment Banker

Investment Bankers provide financial advice to corporations and governments, and help them raise capital. A background in financial analysis is required for this role, and the Product Cost and Investment Cash Flow Analysis course may be useful as this role also conducts extensive research on investment opportunities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker

Budget Analyst

Budget Analysts help organizations prepare and manage their budgets. A background in cost analysis is often beneficial for this role, as they must have a strong understanding of financial management principles and accounting practices. The Product Cost and Investment Cash Flow Analysis course may be useful for learning these principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Budget Analyst

Financial Risk Manager

Financial Risk Managers identify and manage financial risks for organizations. A background in financial analysis is beneficial for this role, and the Product Cost and Investment Cash Flow Analysis course may be useful as this role conducts research on investment opportunities and develops strategies to manage risk.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Risk Manager

Management Accountant

Management Accountants provide financial analysis and advice to help managers make informed decisions. A background in both cost analysis and financial analysis is required for this role, and the Product Cost and Investment Cash Flow Analysis course may be useful as this role requires a broad understanding of financial principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Accountant

Financial Planner

Financial Planners help individuals and families manage their finances and plan for their financial futures. A background in financial analysis is required for this role, and the Product Cost and Investment Cash Flow Analysis course may be useful as this role creates financial plans and investment portfolios.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Planner

Financial Auditor

Financial Auditors examine financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with laws and regulations. A background in financial analysis is required for this role, and the Product Cost and Investment Cash Flow Analysis course may be useful as this role must understand financial reporting standards and have a strong working knowledge of accounting principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Auditor

Actuary

Actuaries use mathematics and statistics to assess and manage financial risks for insurance companies and other financial institutions. A background in financial analysis is required for this role, and the Product Cost and Investment Cash Flow Analysis course may be useful as this role must also have a strong understanding of financial mathematics, including probability and statistics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Tax Accountant

Tax Accountants prepare tax returns and advise clients on tax laws and regulations. A background in financial analysis is beneficial for this role, and the Product Cost and Investment Cash Flow Analysis course may be useful as this role requires a strong understanding of tax accounting principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Tax Accountant

Forensic Accountant

Forensic Accountants investigate financial crimes, such as fraud and embezzlement. A background in financial analysis is required for this role, and the Product Cost and Investment Cash Flow Analysis course may be useful as this role requires a detailed understanding of accounting principles and auditing procedures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Accountant

Marketing Analyst

Marketing Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret marketing data to improve marketing campaigns. A background in financial analysis may be beneficial for this role, and the Product Cost and Investment Cash Flow Analysis course could provide a foundation in data analysis techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Analyst

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. A background in financial analysis may be beneficial for this role, and the Product Cost and Investment Cash Flow Analysis course could provide a foundation in data analysis techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business processes and identify opportunities for improvement. A background in financial analysis may be beneficial for this role, and the Product Cost and Investment Cash Flow Analysis course could provide a foundation in financial management principles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Product Cost and Investment Cash Flow Analysis .

Fundamentals of Corporate Finance

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This classic textbook on corporate finance provides a rigorous and comprehensive treatment of the subject, including topics such as capital structure, dividend policy, and mergers and acquisitions.

Product Cost and Investment Cash Flow Analysis

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Syllabus

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Activities

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