ULMS Electronic Module Catalogue
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Fundamentals of Finance and Supply Chain
Code ACFI240
Coordinator Professor C Florakis
Finance and Accounting
C.Florackis@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2024-25 Level 5 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:
 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 24

 6

         30
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 120
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Assessment 1: Written Unseen Examination Assessment Type: Written Exam, managed by SAS Duration: 2 hours Weighting: 70% Reassessment Opportunity: Yes Penalty for Late Submission: Standard UoL   2    70       
Assessment 2: Multiple Choice Questions Test Assessment Type: Written Unseen Examination, not managed by SAS Duration: 1 hour Weighting: 30% Reassessment Opportunity: Yes Penalty for Late Submi  1    30       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             

Aims

The module aims to:
Provide a framework to understand the role of financial managers in the business and how financial management can support the decision-making process of these managers;

Provide an understanding of the basic principles of financial management and corporate financial policy;

Provide an understanding of the fundamentals of the financial markets and supply chain finance

Provide a unified framework that establishes a connection between financial management, financial markets, and the complex dynamics of supply chains.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will be able to demonstrate understanding of the fundamental concepts of corporate finance.

(LO2) Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of methods and applications of quantitative techniques relating to essential issues in finance.

(LO3) Students will be able to understand the relationship between these fundamental concepts and decision-making by practitioners and participants in financial markets.

(LO4) Students will be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of the risk-return trade-off and acquire the ability to calculate the weighted average cost of capital for a business and assess its usefulness when making investment decisions; calculate the degree of financial gearing for a business and explain its significance; evaluate different capital structure options available to a business.

(LO5) Students will be able to demonstrate important insight into how organizations determine their capital structure and other important financial policies.

(LO6) Students will be able to demonstrate the intersection of finance with supply chain dynamics, learning how to optimize working capital and enhance supply chain efficiency.

(LO7) Students will be able to make informed financial decisions in the context of supply chain operations, contributing to cost reduction and profitability.

(LO8) Students will be able to demonstrate a familiarity with the application of modern financial instruments to tackle supply chain finance issues and enhance innovation within firms.

(S1) Global citizenship - Relevant economic/political understanding

(S2) Problem-solving skills

(S3) Commercial awareness

(S4) Organisational skills

(S5) Communication skills

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1: Lecture
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 24
Description:
Attendance Recorded: No

Teaching Method 2: Seminar
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 6
Description: One-hour long bi-weekly session
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Self-Directed Learning Hours: 120

Description: Students are advised to follow the lecture notes and develop the contents by reading the textbooks assigned for the module. Workshop questions and problems must be attempted before attending the tutorial sessions. Suggested outline answers and solutions will be provided after all groups have done the tutorials.

Skills Mapping

Skill: Global citizenship - Relevant economic/political understanding
How is it developed: Understanding the role of the corporation and its interactions within its internal governance structure and within external markets/stakeholders
How is it assessed (if applicable):

Skill: Problem-solving skills
How is it d eveloped: Capital Budgeting & Investment Appraisal
How is it assessed (if applicable): MCQ and Unseen Examination

Skill: Commercial awareness
How is it developed: Cost of Equity Capital; short term & long term financing options
How is it assessed (if applicable): MCQ and Unseen Examination

Skill: Organisational skills
How is it developed: Understanding the role of financial managers in business and how financial management can support capital structure & dividend policies
How is it assessed (if applicable): MCQ and Unseen Examination

Skill: Communication skills
How is it developed: Reporting and explaining results, theories, etc.
How is it assessed (if applicable): MCQ and Unseen Examination

Syllabus
 

An introduction to the foundations of corporate finance & principles of financial markets
The appraisal of investment opportunities
Bond and stock valuation
Introduction to the risk-return trade-off and the cost of capital
Capital structure and dividend policies
Introducing non-financial stakeholders: The complexities of the supply chain and the role of supply chain finance
Supply chain structure & basics
Working capital management
Supply chain finance for cost optimization
Supply chain finance instruments and how they enhance firm innovation

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.