ACC4009W - BCom (Honours) and Master's Degrees in Financial Management (Part-time)

Aims and Objectives

The broad aim of the programme is the preparation of participants for executive positions in financial management. The approach is interdisciplinary with the emphasis on the development of conceptual knowledge and problem solving ability in issues regarding Financial Management within the context of strategic management planning.

The objectives of the programme are as follows:

• focus on the underlying concepts in corporate finance within the context of strategic management, through the study of appropriate case studies and journal material;
• create the structure which affords the participants an opportunity to develop a decision focused approach to financial management
• provide opportunities for participants to explore and to discuss corporate finance and management and control issues in depth;
• develop the ability, given a particular financial situation within a business environment to:
  • identify key issues,
  • focus on relevant information,
  • rank issues in order of importance,
  • process required computations and undertake financial modelling,
  • suggest and debate alternative courses of action,
  •  select the most appropriate course of action,
  • develop the ability to present a motivated solution to a complex financial issue, given the possibility of alternative solutions, to small and large groups of participants,
  • develop the participant's oral and written communication skills.

Course Duration

The programme extends over four semesters (three semesters for the Honours programme). Semester 1 and 2, in the 2008 academic year comprises weekly class meetings, which are held on Tuesday evenings from 17h45 to about 20h15 in 6.14, Leslie Commerce Building as well as Saturdays, 09.00 – 11.30 in the same venue. In Semester 3 and 4, in the 2009 academic year, participants engage either in the preparation of a half-thesis (ACC5002) or undertake the structured 2nd year programme (ACC5021W) which consists of three modules and a research paper in order to complete the MCom degree. Alternatively, in order to complete the Honours degree, students will complete a Technical Report in the 3rd semester. Saturday mornings are used for additional lectures and tests and examinations.

The proposed programme is as follows, but may be subject to change:

• Semester 1 and 2: (2008 Academic Year)
• Semester 3 & 4: (2009 Academic Year)

Students are required to reregister at the beginning of the 3rd semester. Class, or individual sessions may be held to consider proposals for and/or discussions on Research Proposals. Staff will be available during this semester for assistance with Research Proposals. Students undertaking the 2nd year structured programme (ACC5021W) will undertake three modules on Capital Markets, Advanced Corporate Finance and Strategic Cost Management - until the middle of September and will then be required to complete the research paper component of the programme.

Students who register for the BCom (Hons) programme and achieve the required grade will be able to upgrade to the Masters programme in the second year.

Attendance at all sessions is an essential requirement for continued permission to remain on the course and for registration. We do understand that your work commitments are important. However, attendance on Tuesday and Saturday is a priority. If you are going to miss a class, please email me with an explanation and go the extra mile for your group. Non-attendance will not be accepted without a detailed reason for such absence.