Corporate Finance (MSB309)

Content

The course is a Master level corporate finance class that emphasizes real-life decision-making. In order to make insightful financial decisions, it is important to comprehend the implications of various financial theories. Thus, the first half of the course covers important financial theories, corporate governance systems and mechanisms, the functioning of financial markets and risk assessments. Emphasis is placed on managerial financial decision-making and the roles of information asymmetries, economic incentives and behavioral biases.

This is then followed by more in-depth analyses of classic corporate finance decisions such as capital structure, payout policy and investment appraisals, before leading to more specialized decisions including various forms of corporate restructuring.

Course participants will learn to analyze and critically assess real-life problems and situations. The solutions will be presented and discussed in written and verbal formats in numerous seminars.

The course is taught in English.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: Upon completion of the course, students will have knowledge of

• The theories necessary to understand various financial decisions.
• The structuring and functioning of corporate governance systems used to control widely held companies.
• The functioning of financial markets, both local ad international, and how managers use them in financial decision-making.
• The key drivers of important financial policy decisions, including capital structure, payout, risk management, and investment decisions.
• The role of information asymmetries, economic incentives and behavioral biases for financial decision-making.
• Independently analyze and assess the financial and governance positions of real-life companies, including ethical and sustainability perspectives.

Skills: Upon completion of the course, students will have the ability to

• Analyze, assess and make suggestions of what are appropriate financials decisions of real-life companies, including capital structure, payout policy and capital allocation decisions.
• Present and discuss remedies for concrete financial problems and, in so doing, integrate different perspectives to produce a balanced overall decision.
• Solve problems through group work and present case solutions.
• Set up and use basic financial modelling tools.

Required prerequisite knowledge

Exam

Coursework requirements

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Course coordinator:

Study Program Director:

Method of work

Open for

Course assessment

Literature