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James Weston
This short course surveys all the major topics covered in a full semester MBA level finance course, but with a more intuitive approach on a very high conceptual level. The goal here is give you a roadmap and framework for how financial professional make decisions.
Read more
This short course surveys all the major topics covered in a full semester MBA level finance course, but with a more intuitive approach on a very high conceptual level. The goal here is give you a roadmap and framework for how financial professional make decisions.
Read more
This short course surveys all the major topics covered in a full semester MBA level finance course, but with a more intuitive approach on a very high conceptual level. The goal here is give you a roadmap and framework for how financial professional make decisions.
We will cover the basics of financial valuation, the time value of money, compounding returns, and discounting the future. You will understand discounted cash flow (DCF) valuation and how it compares to other methods. We also step inside the mind of a corporate financial manager and develop the basic tools of capital budgeting. We will survey the how, when, and where to spend money, make tradeoffs about investment, growth, dividends, and how to ensure sound fiscal discipline. Our journey then turns to a Wall Street or capital markets perspective of investments as we discuss the fundamental tradeoff between risk and return. We then synthesize our discussion of risk with our valuation framework and incorporate it into series of direct applications to practice.
This course requires no prior familiarity with finance. Rather, it is intended to be a first step for anyone who is curious about understanding stock markets, valuation, or corporate finance. We will walk through all of the tools and quantitative analysis together and develop a guide for understanding the seemingly complex decisions that finance professionals make.
By the end of the course, you will develop an understanding of the major conceptual levers that push and pull on financial decision making and how they relate to other areas of business. The course should also serve as a roadmap for where to further your finance education and it would be an excellent introduction of any students contemplating an MBA or Finance concentration, but who has little background in the area.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/rsvfa7/finance
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What's inside
Syllabus
Course Overview and Basic Principles of Financial Valuation Discounting
Welcome to Finance for Non-Finance Professionals! In this section you will find general information about the course and instructions on how to navigate the course. For the first week of lectures, we will be covering the basics of financial valuation. We will start with the basics of compounding and discounting rates of return over time. Using these tools we will then move on to valuation using the discounted cash flow method. Along the way, we will demonstrate our valuation tools with a variety of practical examples and compare our analysis with other valuation techniques.
Read more
Syllabus
Course Overview and Basic Principles of Financial Valuation Discounting
Welcome to Finance for Non-Finance Professionals! In this section you will find general information about the course and instructions on how to navigate the course. For the first week of lectures, we will be covering the basics of financial valuation. We will start with the basics of compounding and discounting rates of return over time. Using these tools we will then move on to valuation using the discounted cash flow method. Along the way, we will demonstrate our valuation tools with a variety of practical examples and compare our analysis with other valuation techniques.
Read more
Traffic lights
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Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Examines core finance concepts, giving students the tools to understand financial decision-making at high levels
Covers the entire breadth of foundational finance, making it ideal for those looking for a broad overview of the topic
Uses an intuitive approach to a highly technical subject, making it accessible to a wide audience
Provides a strong foundation for further study in finance, such as an MBA program
Requires no prior knowledge of finance, making it suitable for beginners
Led by James Weston, an experienced instructor in finance
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Reviews summary
Clear finance foundation for beginners
According to learners, this course offers a great foundation in finance for those without prior knowledge. Reviewers found the instructor effective in breaking down complex topics into simple terms. It provides a clear overview of core concepts like valuation and capital budgeting, acting as a valuable roadmap. While the course is high-level and doesn't go deep into specifics, students appreciated the practical applications and found it an excellent first step towards understanding finance.
Covers breadth, not depth of topics.
"It's very high-level, don't expect deep dives."
"Good overview but I need more detailed explanations now."
"Covers a lot but doesn't linger on any one topic."
"Left me wanting more detail on certain methods."
Concepts linked to real-world use cases.
"The examples made the concepts much clearer."
"The case study at the end helped tie everything together."
"Useful application of valuation methods."
"Appreciated the link between theory and practical use."
Effective and clear teaching style.
"The instructor was engaging and easy to follow."
"Professor explained things very well."
"Enjoyed the teaching style."
"His lectures kept me interested."
Excellent starting point for beginners.
"Gave me a great roadmap of key finance concepts."
"Excellent foundation for someone with zero finance knowledge."
"This course is a perfect first step before diving deeper."
"Provides a broad overview of essential finance areas."
Complex concepts made easy to grasp.
"The instructor did a great job explaining difficult topics simply."
"Complex ideas were broken down into easy-to-understand parts."
"Finally feel like I grasp the basics of finance without getting lost."
"Simplified explanations make it accessible for non-finance background."
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 Finance for Non-Finance Professionals with these
activities:
Review high school level math concepts
Show steps
Reviewing these concepts will give you the best chance to succeed in this course.
Browse courses on
Algebra
Show steps
-
Review basic algebra and geometry concepts.
-
Make sure you have a solid foundation in trigonometry.
-
Refresh your knowledge of pre-calculus.
Go through online tutorials on discounted cash flow (DCF) valuation
Show steps
These tutorials will help you understand the basics of DCF valuation, which is a key concept in corporate finance.
Browse courses on
Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Valuation
Show steps
-
Find a reputable online tutorial provider.
-
Choose a tutorial that is appropriate for your level of knowledge.
-
Follow the tutorial step-by-step.
-
Complete the practice exercises.
Solve practice problems on capital budgeting
Show steps
Solving practice problems will help you develop the skills necessary to make sound capital budgeting decisions.
Browse courses on
Capital Budgeting
Show steps
-
Find a collection of practice problems.
-
Solve the problems step-by-step.
-
Check your answers against the provided solutions.
-
Review the problems you got wrong.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Develop a financial plan for a small business
Show steps
This project will give you hands-on experience in applying the concepts of finance to a real-world scenario.
Browse courses on
Financial Planning
Show steps
-
Choose a small business to develop a financial plan for.
-
Research the business and its industry.
-
Develop a financial forecast.
-
Identify potential risks and opportunities.
-
Write a financial plan report.
Attend a finance industry networking event
Show steps
Networking with professionals in the finance industry can help you learn about career opportunities and gain valuable insights.
Browse courses on
Networking
Show steps
-
Find a finance industry networking event.
-
Prepare an elevator pitch.
-
Attend the event and network with professionals.
-
Follow up with the people you met.
Review high school level math concepts
Show steps
Reviewing these concepts will give you the best chance to succeed in this course.
Browse courses on
Algebra
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review basic algebra and geometry concepts.
- Make sure you have a solid foundation in trigonometry.
- Refresh your knowledge of pre-calculus.
Go through online tutorials on discounted cash flow (DCF) valuation
Show steps
These tutorials will help you understand the basics of DCF valuation, which is a key concept in corporate finance.
Browse courses on
Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) Valuation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a reputable online tutorial provider.
- Choose a tutorial that is appropriate for your level of knowledge.
- Follow the tutorial step-by-step.
- Complete the practice exercises.
Solve practice problems on capital budgeting
Show steps
Solving practice problems will help you develop the skills necessary to make sound capital budgeting decisions.
Browse courses on
Capital Budgeting
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a collection of practice problems.
- Solve the problems step-by-step.
- Check your answers against the provided solutions.
- Review the problems you got wrong.
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Develop a financial plan for a small business
Show steps
This project will give you hands-on experience in applying the concepts of finance to a real-world scenario.
Browse courses on
Financial Planning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a small business to develop a financial plan for.
- Research the business and its industry.
- Develop a financial forecast.
- Identify potential risks and opportunities.
- Write a financial plan report.
Attend a finance industry networking event
Show steps
Networking with professionals in the finance industry can help you learn about career opportunities and gain valuable insights.
Browse courses on
Networking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a finance industry networking event.
- Prepare an elevator pitch.
- Attend the event and network with professionals.
- Follow up with the people you met.
Career center
Learners who complete Finance for Non-Finance Professionals will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Stockbroker
Stockbroker
The Finance for Non-Finance Professionals course is a great way to learn the basics of financial valuation, which is a key skill for Stockbrokers. The course covers the basics of financial valuation, the time value of money, compounding returns, and discounting the future. This knowledge will help you to understand how to value stocks and make informed investment decisions.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
The syllabus for the Finance for Non-Finance Professionals course covers a variety of topics that are essential for Financial Analysts, such as financial valuation, capital budgeting, and risk management. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role.
Investment Banker
Investment Banker
The Finance for Non-Finance Professionals course provides a comprehensive overview of the major topics covered in a full semester MBA level finance course. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as an Investment Banker.
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio Manager
The Finance for Non-Finance Professionals course covers a variety of topics that are essential for Portfolio Managers, such as financial valuation, risk management, and investment analysis. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role.
Corporate Treasurer
Corporate Treasurer
The Finance for Non-Finance Professionals course covers a variety of topics that are essential for Corporate Treasurers, such as financial planning, capital budgeting, and risk management. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
The Finance for Non-Finance Professionals course covers a variety of topics that are essential for CFOs, such as financial planning, capital budgeting, and risk management. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role.
Venture Capitalist
Venture Capitalist
The Finance for Non-Finance Professionals course provides a comprehensive overview of the major topics covered in a full semester MBA level finance course. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a Venture Capitalist.
Hedge Fund Manager
Hedge Fund Manager
The Finance for Non-Finance Professionals course provides a comprehensive overview of the major topics covered in a full semester MBA level finance course. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a Hedge Fund Manager.
Financial Planner
Financial Planner
The Finance for Non-Finance Professionals course covers a variety of topics that are essential for Financial Planners, such as financial planning, investment analysis, and risk management. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role.
Financial Risk Manager
Financial Risk Manager
The Finance for Non-Finance Professionals course covers a variety of topics that are essential for Financial Risk Managers, such as risk management, financial modeling, and data analysis. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role.
Private Equity Investor
Private Equity Investor
The Finance for Non-Finance Professionals course provides a comprehensive overview of the major topics covered in a full semester MBA level finance course. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a Private Equity Investor.
Commercial Banker
Commercial Banker
The Finance for Non-Finance Professionals course covers a variety of topics that are essential for Commercial Bankers, such as financial analysis, lending, and risk management. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
The Finance for Non-Finance Professionals course covers a variety of topics that are essential for Business Analysts, such as financial analysis, data analysis, and problem-solving. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role.
Credit Analyst
Credit Analyst
The Finance for Non-Finance Professionals course covers a variety of topics that are essential for Credit Analysts, such as financial analysis, credit risk assessment, and lending. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role.
Accountant
Accountant
The Finance for Non-Finance Professionals course may be useful for Accountants who want to develop a better understanding of financial valuation, capital budgeting, and risk management. This course will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in this role.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/rsvfa7/finance
Reading list
We've selected 45 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
Finance for Non-Finance Professionals.
This classic textbook is widely used in MBA programs.
Save
This detailed and comprehensive account of the financial crisis of 2008 is very helpful for understanding the causes and consequences.
This collection of essays by Warren Buffett provides valuable insights into his investment philosophy.
Provides a detailed analysis of Warren Buffett's investment philosophy and strategies.
Provides a comprehensive overview of corporate finance, including topics such as financial analysis, capital budgeting, and risk management. It would be a useful reference for students who want to learn more about the financial decision-making process.
Save
This comprehensive textbook covers all the major topics in corporate finance. It is an excellent resource for students who want to learn more about the subject. The book provides a clear and concise explanation of the concepts and theories, and it is full of examples and case studies.
By legendary investor George Soros provides his unique perspective on the financial markets.
This comprehensive textbook covers a wide range of financial management topics.
This classic book provides a timeless approach to investing.
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of financial management, including financial planning, capital budgeting, and investment analysis. It is written in a clear and concise style, making it accessible to non-finance professionals.
Comprehensive textbook on financial management that covers a wide range of topics, including financial planning, capital budgeting, and investment analysis. It would be a useful resource for students who want to learn more about the theory and practice of financial management.
This classic memoir of a legendary stock trader provides valuable insights into the psychology of investing
Save
This gripping book tells the story of the financial crisis of 2008.
This comprehensive textbook covers a wide range of investment topics
This entertaining book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the world of investment banking.
Is the classic corporate finance textbook. It's been designed to complement the material in the classroom, and it's included with most finance course materials at universities. This book aims to provide insight into the real-world practice, not simply an enumeration of theories.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of investments, including investment analysis, portfolio management, and risk management. It is written in a clear and concise style, making it accessible to non-finance professionals.
Save
This sweeping history of finance provides a broad perspective on the role of money and finance in human civilization.
Save
Classic textbook on corporate finance that has been used by generations of students. It provides a clear and concise overview of the financial decision-making process, and it valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the theory and practice of corporate finance.
Comprehensive textbook on investments that covers a wide range of topics, including asset pricing, portfolio management, and risk management. It would be a useful resource for students who want to learn more about the theory and practice of investment management.
This advanced textbook is good for further supplemental readings on finance.
This advanced textbook is good for further supplemental readings on investments.
Save
Practical guide to venture capital. It provides a clear and concise overview of the venture capital process. The book is full of insights and practical advice from two experienced venture capitalists.
Classic guide to value investing. It provides a clear and concise overview of the principles of value investing, and it valuable resource for students who want to learn more about how to invest wisely.
This classic book provides a comprehensive overview of security analysis, including how to analyze financial statements, how to value stocks, and how to make investment decisions.
Save
Classic textbook on security analysis. It provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of security analysis, and it valuable resource for students who want to learn more about how to analyze stocks and bonds.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of accounting principles, including how to prepare financial statements, how to analyze financial ratios, and how to make investment decisions.
Practical guide to building a successful startup. It provides a step-by-step process for developing and validating a business idea. The book is full of insights and practical advice from a successful entrepreneur.
Collection of interviews with successful traders. The book provides insights into the minds of some of the world's most successful traders. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about trading.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of financial economics, including the theory of asset pricing, the theory of portfolio choice, and the theory of financial markets.
Provides a clear and concise overview of financial statement analysis. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about how to analyze financial statements.
Practical guide to personal finance. It provides a clear and concise overview of the principles of personal finance. The book is full of insights and practical advice from a successful investor.
Study of the habits of millionaires. The book provides insights into the financial habits of successful people. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about personal finance.
Save
Provides a clear and concise overview of the principles of common sense investing. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about how to invest wisely.
Save
Personal finance book that provides insights into the financial habits of successful people.
Save
Personal finance book that provides insights into the financial habits of successful people.
Personal finance book that provides insights into the financial habits of successful people.
Personal finance book that provides insights into the financial habits of successful people.
Comprehensive handbook on finance that covers a wide range of topics, including financial theory, financial markets, and financial institutions. It would be a useful reference for students who want to learn more about the theory and practice of finance.
Comprehensive encyclopedia of finance that covers a wide range of topics, including financial theory, financial markets, and financial institutions. It would be a useful reference for students who want to learn more about the theory and practice of finance.
Comprehensive dictionary of finance and investment terms. It would be a useful reference for students who want to learn more about the language of finance.
Save
Provides a clear and concise overview of the financial markets. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about how the financial markets work.
Provides a clear and concise overview of the financial markets. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about how the financial markets work.
Provides a clear and concise overview of corporate finance for non-financial professionals. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the theory and practice of corporate finance.
Provides a clear and concise overview of financial intelligence for non-financial managers. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about how to understand financial statements and make sound financial decisions.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/rsvfa7/finance
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Rating
4.8
Effort
Approx. 13 hours
Level
Introductory
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Rice University
Instructor
James Weston
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English
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