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Arshad Ahmad

In Value, you will explore the most powerful generator of value in the world – ideas. Ideas are the engines of productivity, both in the private and public sectors. You will learn about the universal frameworks that determine how ideas and money interact, leading to the allocation of financial resources. We will identify components of cash flow for any project, business or venture as the most essential ingredients of value. We also assess the investment techniques used to give life to some ideas while killing others. This course will help you understand pricing, diversification, uncertainty and even behavioural approaches to dealing with risk. Using Nobel Prize-winning insights, you will learn how to measure the size of the risk premium and build valuation models. We’ll even connect evidence-based science with common-sense analysis to give you better tools for understanding why values are what they are, and for positioning yourself more effectively to participate in financial markets. You will be immersed in case based learning to integrate some of the powerful frameworks introduced in Value.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Investment Techniques
Welcome! This first week will engage you in investigating how value is created, distributed and destroyed, and will enable you to utilize different techniques for assessing the value of existing or potential investments. You will make connections between Value and concepts in the prior two courses of this Specialization, share (potentially valuable!) good ideas with your fellow learners, and communicate your new insights with the world.
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Capital Investment Decisions
This week, we investigate cash flows! By week’s end, you will be able to explain its wide-ranging importance, employ critical assumptions to make decisions about potential investments, and utilize components used to analyze an existing or proposed idea. Furthermore, you will apply these skills to the first case of this Specialization and engage with your peers in discussion to collaboratively work through this scenario!
Market Efficiency & Risk
In week 3, you will begin to explore the big picture themes of market perfection and market correction. Within the context of these broad themes, you will contrast financial theory with financial practice, explain price convergence and divergence, and discern between the roles of risk and uncertainty in valuation. You will also take up the solution to the mini-case presented in week 2!
Market Inefficiency
In this final week of F4E: Value, you will continue exploring market perfection and correction. You will interpret financial data, determine your opinion on the possibility of an upcoming market correction, and identify strategies you can use to protect yourself from turbulence. You will also reexamine your big idea from week 1, share your biggest takeaways from the course, and look ahead to F4E: Debt.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores value, which is highly relevant in personal finance and business
Builds a strong foundation for learners new to finance
Develops pricing, diversification, uncertainty, and risk approaches, which are core skills for the finance industry

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Reviews summary

Engaging intro to finance

Learners say they appreciate this engaging introduction to finance. Students note that knowledgeable instructors convey excellent content in a way that is helpful for beginners. Positive student experiences are often mentioned in reviews.
Interactive course keeps students interested.
"Productive time spent by learning the course. A helpful course like the topic explains itself. "
"Very lucid explanations for complex ideas. Prof Ahmad have really made this course immensely interesting to revisit the topics."
Concepts explained well for novices.
"The pedagogy of the instructor is really compatible for a beginner and he knows how to deliver."
"The structure of the course has been set keeping the beginner in mind and no need of any previous knowledge to excel at this one."
Great foundational knowledge in finance.
"I have learned more concept by attending this course, it was useful to improve my knowledge in finanace"
"Really a good course, everyone have to acquire knowledge in this field"
Be ready for extensive math formulas.
"There is definitely some valuable information in the video lectures. However - despite the lecturers assurance that 'this is not about math' - the majority of the course is taken up by boards after boards of complicated math formulas."

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 Everyone: Value with these activities:
Read 'Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies'
Provides a comprehensive overview of valuation principles and practices, enhancing understanding of the course material.
Show steps
  • Read the book thoroughly and take notes on key concepts.
  • Identify sections that align with specific topics covered in the course.
  • Discuss the book's insights with classmates or the instructor.
Practice financial calculations
Strengthens foundational understanding of financial concepts and their practical application.
Browse courses on Financial Calculations
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  • Solve practice problems involving cash flow statements.
  • Calculate key financial ratios such as gross margin and return on assets.
  • Analyze financial statements and identify trends.
Review multivariable calculus
Reinforces concepts related to derivatives and functions with multiple variables that are essential for understanding key financial models.
Browse courses on Multivariable Calculus
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  • Revisit the concept of partial derivatives.
  • Practice finding partial derivatives of given functions.
  • Review the chain rule for partial derivatives.
  • Solve optimization problems using partial derivatives.
Five other activities
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Discuss case studies on valuation
Facilitates a deeper understanding of valuation techniques and their application in real-world scenarios.
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Show steps
  • Form study groups with peers.
  • Select case studies related to different industries or business models.
  • Analyze the case studies using valuation frameworks.
  • Present findings and engage in discussions with group members.
Develop a valuation presentation
Encourages students to synthesize their understanding of valuation concepts and effectively communicate their findings.
Browse courses on Financial Analysis
Show steps
  • Choose a company or industry for valuation.
  • Apply valuation techniques and analyze financial data.
  • Develop a presentation that clearly conveys the valuation methodology and results.
  • Practice presenting the valuation to an audience.
Explore advanced valuation models
Provides additional exposure to sophisticated valuation methodologies, enhancing understanding and expanding toolkit.
Browse courses on Valuation Models
Show steps
  • Identify different types of valuation models.
  • Follow online tutorials or webinars on advanced valuation techniques.
  • Practice applying these models to real-life companies.
  • Discuss the advantages and limitations of each model.
Contribute to a valuation open-source project
Provides exposure to real-world valuation applications and fosters collaboration, enhancing comprehension and practical skills.
Browse courses on Open-Source
Show steps
  • Identify open-source valuation projects on platforms like GitHub.
  • Review the project documentation and understand its goals.
  • Contribute to the project by adding features or improving existing functionality.
Assist at a financial advisory firm
Offers practical exposure to valuation techniques and insights into the industry, complementing theoretical learning.
Show steps
  • Identify and contact local financial advisory firms.
  • Inquire about volunteer opportunities or internships.
  • Assist with tasks such as data analysis, financial modeling, and presentation preparation.

Career center

Learners who complete Finance For Everyone: Value will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Financial Modeler
Financial modelers may use the ideas, concepts, and frameworks learned in this course in order to better build valuation models, interpret financial data, and advise clients on how to protect themselves from market turbulence. If you wish to find work as a financial modeler, this course "Finance For Everyone: Value" could be helpful as it teaches you about the most powerful generator of value in the world: ideas.
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative analysts may use the ideas, concepts, and frameworks learned in this course in order to better develop and implement quantitative models, analyze data, and make recommendations. If you wish to find work as a quantitative analyst, this course "Finance For Everyone: Value" could be helpful as it teaches you about the most powerful generator of value in the world: ideas.
Actuary
Actuaries may use the ideas, concepts, and frameworks learned in this course in order to better build valuation models, interpret financial data, and advise clients on how to protect themselves from market turbulence. If you wish to find work as an actuary, this course "Finance For Everyone: Value" could be helpful as it teaches you about the most powerful generator of value in the world: ideas.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts may use the ideas, concepts, and frameworks learned in this course in order to better allocate financial resources, evaluate investments, and make recommendations. If you wish to find work as a financial analyst, this course "Finance For Everyone: Value" could be helpful as it teaches you about the most powerful generator of value in the world: ideas.
Portfolio Manager
Portfolio managers may use the ideas, concepts, and frameworks learned in this course in order to better understand pricing, diversification, and how to measure risk. If you wish to find work as a portfolio manager, this course "Finance For Everyone: Value" could be helpful as it teaches you about the most powerful generator of value in the world: ideas.
Risk Manager
Risk managers may use the ideas, concepts, and frameworks learned in this course in order to better identify, assess, and mitigate risks. If you wish to find work as a risk manager, this course "Finance For Everyone: Value" could be helpful as it teaches you about the most powerful generator of value in the world: ideas.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Chief financial officers may use the ideas, concepts, and frameworks learned in this course in order to better understand the fundamentals of finance and make sound financial decisions. If you wish to find work as a chief financial officer, this course "Finance For Everyone: Value" could be helpful as it teaches you about the most powerful generator of value in the world: ideas.
Budget Director
Budget directors may use the ideas, concepts, and frameworks learned in this course in order to better understand the fundamentals of finance and make sound financial decisions. If you wish to find work as a budget director, this course "Finance For Everyone: Value" could be helpful as it teaches you about the most powerful generator of value in the world: ideas.
Investment Advisor
Investment advisors may use the ideas, concepts, and frameworks learned in this course in order to better understand the fundamentals of finance and make sound investment decisions. If you wish to find work as an investment advisor, this course "Finance For Everyone: Value" could be helpful as it teaches you about the most powerful generator of value in the world: ideas.
Venture Capitalist
Venture capitalists may use the ideas, concepts, and frameworks learned in this course in order to better understand the fundamentals of finance and make sound investment decisions. If you wish to find work as a venture capitalist, this course "Finance For Everyone: Value" could be helpful as it teaches you about the most powerful generator of value in the world: ideas.
Business Development Manager
Business development managers may use the ideas, concepts, and frameworks learned in this course in order to better understand the fundamentals of finance and make sound financial decisions. If you wish to find work as a business development manager, this course "Finance For Everyone: Value" could be helpful as it teaches you about the most powerful generator of value in the world: ideas.
Hedge Fund Manager
Hedge fund managers may use the ideas, concepts, and frameworks learned in this course in order to better understand the fundamentals of finance and make sound investment decisions. If you wish to find work as a hedge fund manager, this course "Finance For Everyone: Value" could be helpful as it teaches you about the most powerful generator of value in the world: ideas.
Investment Banker
Investment bankers may use the ideas, concepts, and frameworks learned in this course in order to better evaluate, execute, and close deals. If you wish to find work as an investment banker, this course "Finance For Everyone: Value" could be helpful as it teaches you about the most powerful generator of value in the world: ideas.
Financial Planner
Financial planners may use the ideas, concepts, and frameworks learned in this course in order to better understand the fundamentals of finance and make sound financial decisions. If you wish to find work as a financial planner, this course "Finance For Everyone: Value" could be helpful as it teaches you about the most powerful generator of value in the world: ideas.
Financial Consultant
Financial consultants may use the ideas, concepts, and frameworks learned in this course in order to better understand the fundamentals of finance and make sound financial decisions. If you wish to find work as a financial consultant, this course "Finance For Everyone: Value" could be helpful as it teaches you about the most powerful generator of value in the world: ideas.

Reading list

We've selected 14 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 Everyone: Value.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the concept of value and how it can be applied in various aspects of life, including finance. It offers practical insights and examples that can be valuable for learners interested in understanding the principles of value creation and allocation.
This classic book is considered a must-read for investors and provides a solid foundation in investment principles. It emphasizes the importance of value investing and offers strategies for making informed investment decisions. While it may not cover specific topics discussed in the course, it provides valuable background knowledge.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of investment valuation techniques, covering various methods and approaches used to assess the value of assets. It valuable resource for learners seeking a deeper understanding of valuation principles.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of corporate finance, covering topics such as capital budgeting, financial analysis, and valuation. It valuable resource for learners seeking a broader understanding of finance beyond the specific concepts covered in the course.
This comprehensive textbook provides detailed insights into security analysis and valuation techniques. It is considered a standard reference for professionals and students in finance. While it may be more in-depth than the course syllabus, it offers valuable additional reading for those interested in delving deeper into the subject.
Explores the field of behavioral finance, examining how psychological factors influence financial decision-making. It provides insights into why investors often make irrational choices, which can be valuable knowledge for understanding market behavior and managing personal finances.
Explores the psychological and historical factors that contribute to market bubbles and irrational exuberance in financial markets. While it may not be directly covered in the syllabus, it offers valuable insights into market dynamics and can help learners understand the potential risks and rewards of investing.
Offers insights into the investment philosophy and strategies of Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors of all time. While it may not provide direct technical knowledge, it can be inspiring and provide valuable lessons for learners interested in value investing.
Offers insights into the investment philosophy and trading strategies of George Soros, a renowned hedge fund manager. While it may not provide direct technical knowledge, it can be inspiring and offer valuable lessons for learners interested in understanding the art of financial speculation.
This introductory book provides a simplified overview of value investing principles, making it a good starting point for those new to the concept. It offers practical advice and case studies to illustrate the application of value investing strategies.
Provides insights into the venture capital industry and the financing of innovation. While it may not directly align with the course syllabus, it can be a valuable reference for learners interested in understanding the role of venture capital in funding new ideas and businesses.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of money and financial systems. While it may not cover specific topics discussed in the course, it offers a valuable historical perspective on the evolution of finance and its impact on society.

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