Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On completion of this subject students should be able to appreciate the role of computers in analysing the financial activities of a business and in decision support; appreciate the problems involved in the implementation of computerised financial models and spreadsheets; recognise the ways in which computer-based financial models may be used by management and researchers; evaluate commercially available financial modelling software; demonstrate `hands on' experience in designing, coding, testing and presenting financial decision models using Lotus 1-2-3.
Synopsis Corporate modelling theory; models as decision support tools; models and user types' uses of models; types and characteristics of models; benefits and limitations of models; spread sheets and financial modelling systems. Development of models including: why choose a spread sheet; package comparisons; effective spread sheet model design; planning and development of various financial models using an industry standard spread sheet; auditing existing spreadsheet models; advanced modelling techniques using spread sheets `macros'.
Assessment Report writing assignment/essay: 20% + Examination (3 hours): 80%