Open MBA Series - Finance

Financial Reporting & Analysis

Compact course: 12 x 1.5 h

Accounting is a collection of records and procedures - some call it a language - that is used to tell sometimes simple and other times complex financial stories. This course does intend to enable managers to appreciate, understand and use accounting information in decision-making. The other main objective follows from the fact that accounting data are often the most comprehensive set of records that an organization maintains. By learning what and where information is kept in the accounting records, managers can more efficiently request the information needed to operate the entity. A second major focus of the course is acquiring an understanding of the financial (external) reporting process. Financial reports are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP = GoB, Grundsätze ordnungsgemäßer Buchführung).

• Block I: April 19/20, 2013
• Block II: May 3/4, 2013
• Block III: May 17/18, 2013

Foundations of Finance

Compact course: 12 x 1.5 h 

This course focuses on understanding the fundamentals of finance. The objectives of the course are to familiarize the participants with valuating investment projects and making financial decisions for an enterprise. Certain business theories, conceptual models, practical tools, as well as analytical techniques for financial decisions and valuation within a corporation will be presented. Managerial decision rules and tools that have specifically been designed to be applied to the planning of investment funds will be examined and applied to, for example, the valuation of investment projects. The course continues by examining techniques for estimating the cost of capital. These techniques are subsequently applied to a broad range of valuation problems. Furthermore, a financial expert will serve as guest speaker during the course, strengthening the practical orientation of the materials covered.

• Block I: September 20/21, 2013
• Block II: October 4/5, 2013
• Block III: October 18/19, 2013

Corporate Finance

Compact course: 12 x 1.5 h 

The objectives of this course are to familiarize participants with key topics in finance that are relevant to effectively manage an enterprise. Certain business theories, conceptual models, practical tools, as well as analytical techniques for financial and management decisions within a corporation will be presented. Key topics are a firm’s capital structure, financial planning (long term and short term), and working capital management. In addition, selected finance and corporate finance topics, such as initial public offerings (IPOs), options, mergers and acquisitions, and international finance, will be covered. Furthermore, a financial expert will serve as guest speaker during the course, strengthening the practical orientation of the materials covered.

• Block I: November 15/16, 2013
• Block II: November 29/30, 2013
• Block III: December 13/14, 2013