MSc in Corporate Finance

This course will provide a solid foundation in finance. This course covers the core theory, concepts, tools and skills in finance. An introduction to utility theory, arbitrage, behavioral finance, transaction costs, and ethics are covered.

This course provides the student with the grounding in finance theory necessary to understand the realm of financial concepts, skills and practices and how these integrate with the various branches of the subject of finance and financial management in general. The ethical principles section of the course is a key part of the contribution to the strengthening of ethics in the business sector in general and financing decisions in the region

This course focuses on the core valuation concepts, tools and skills in valuing a business and assets. The course covers the various methods of corporate valuation and provides a practical framework for valuing firms and businesses. Students will be introduced to modern investment vehicles including cryptocurrency and how they are utilized in bringing value to businesses. Corporate finance and valuation are the core of an advanced degree in finance. Designed to equip the senior finance student aspiring to become an investment professional or a CEO in any sphere of business with cutting edge skills and knowledge in valuation techniques for enhanced decision making in an ever- changing corporate environment.

This course covers the key aspects of corporate financial decision making, which is the focus of the programme. It will offer students the opportunity to discuss and analyze real-life decision-making problems in corporate finance.  The course prepares students to be model University of the West Indies graduates who are well rounded and globally aware through its emphasis on practical applications of real problems in the corporate sphere, both in the region and internationally.

This course is designed to give students an introduction to international finance and institutions. It deals with how optimal corporate decisions are made given the international environment. This is achieved through a thorough study of various exchange rate determination theories, international corporate finance and international portfolio diversification models.

This course in investment analysis covers topics related to the efficiency of capital markets and the pricing (valuation) and use of various financial securities. The financial instruments reviewed are stocks, bonds, call and put options; commodity futures contracts and swap instruments are also considered.

This course looks at several topics in Corporate Finance, building on the core courses of the MBA programme, particularly SBCO6140 and SBCO6380. SBFI6020 requires more extensive reading, the development and utilization of spreadsheets and a greater focus on emerging & developing financial markets using examples from around the world. Conceptual thinking, technical skill development and the development of various analytical/thinking tools are the three learning objectives. In other words, the development of intellectual capital and not just learning ‘what is’. Hence the emphasis is on the ability to think, to solve problems and make recommendations.

A healthy financial system is critical to economic growth. The course looks at the critical role that financial institutions and government play in ensuring a balanced financial system.

This course applies financial management techniques to the management of financial institutions, covering issues such as ownership and control, analysis of financial performance, risk and rewards and budgeting. The major risks facing these institutions are discussed and processes that are used to control risks are identified and explored.

Business analytics refers to the ways in which enterprises such as businesses, non-profits, and Governments can use data to gain insights and make better decisions. Business analytics is applied in operations, marketing, finance, and strategic planning among other functions. The ability to use data effectively to drive rapid, precise and profitable decisions has been a critical strategic advantage for a range of diverse companies (e.g., Wal-Mart, Google and Capital One). These companies have used sophisticated analytical capabilities for a wide range of tasks, for example, to match credit card offerings to customers more accurately than their competition; to update its inventory in a way that allows it to serve its customers at an exceptionally low cost. In addition, many organizations are now in need of the application of analytics to large databases.

With the increasing availability of broad and deep sources of information — so-called “Big Data”- business analytics are becoming an even more critical capability for enterprises of all types and all sizes

Quantitative and Statistical Techniques for Managerial Decision Making is a three (3) credit course that will be delivered in two complimentary modules.  The first of these is designed to introduce students to the principles of statistics and their application to managerial decision making, while the main objective of the second is to provide an introduction to a selection of quantitative techniques that are commonly used to structure and analyze business decision problems.  The content and conduct of each of the modules is described below.

In the broad coverage of the relevant theory for both modules, an emphasis will be placed on the application of the principles and techniques of the types of problems that graduates will encounter in the business environment.  Computer-based techniques are introduced and applied where relevant; with an emphasis on the use of MS-Excel.

The impact of the global financial crisis of 2007-2008 and that of the current Coronavirus pandemic have demonstrated the need for continuous and robust changes and reactions to the how risks are viewed, identified and managed in the global environment. Furthermore, it will seek to provide students with an understanding of the interplay between these factors and how they impact on the decision-making process. Much of the literature have focused on the ways in which these complex issues affect and are managed by Multinational Corporations (MNCs), with little to no attention or discussions around modern risk management practices and responses in the broader business community, especially those in the emerging markets who are often adversely affected by these changes. The course will bring to bear a global lens on the economic, institutional, legal and cultural forces within the business context which will then be applied by today’s business managers to address this dynamism.

This course examines the internal accounting systems and current practices of businesses to develop an understanding of the uses and limitations of accounting information in planning, control, decision making, performance evaluation and external reporting processes. It offers a balanced coverage of the concepts, methods, and uses of financial accounting information with a strong emphasis on analysis and reporting. Students of corporate finance must develop competencies in a range of managerial disciplines that give them the skills to analyze financial statements and make sound financial and business decisions.

The knowledge and skills gained in this course will contribute to well- rounded individuals who can apply these in their personal lives and in their respective careers. The material used in the course will be relevant to the regional and international context, which will allow graduates to function in the global business environment and contribute to the further development of the region.

Finance is widely seen as an obstacle to a better world. Principles of Sustainable Finance explains how the financial sector can be mobilized to counter this. Using finance as a means to achieve social goals we can divert the planet and its economy from its current path to a world that is sustainable for all. Throughout this course, you will learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals, how social and environmental factors should not be regarded as externalities, you will learn more about circular economy, Lifecycle Assessment and sustainable asset management, about effective engagement, sustainable scenario analysis and climate risk. According to the Finance Initiative of UN Environment (UNEP-FI) the capital needed to realize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development worldwide amounts to USD 5-7 trillion a year. More than 240 banks, insurers and investors with some USD 62 trillion in assets are committed to integrating sustainability into their operations. This integration is however, limited by lack of understanding of what sustainable investing is and the benefits it can achieve in comparison to traditional investments. The MSc in Corporate Finance therefor has a responsibility to provide graduates with better information and expertise on the topic to enhance the chances of bringing sustainable finance into the mainstream. The Course contributes to the overall mission to produce graduate with the skills to lead the development of the financial (services) sector in the OECS and the wider region.

Independent Study is a one-semester course that provides students with the opportunity to make a self-directed inquiry into a subject matter of interest or gain some practice in the field of Corporate Finance that would not have been possible during the normal course of their programme. The student will play a role in curating the course content relevant to their study under the supervision of a member of Faculty. The course will culminate in a final project which can take a range of physical or digital formats including a traditional project, podcast, mini-documentary or the development of a service-learning project. Students are also empowered to produce their own ideas about the composition of the final project, with the approval of the supervising faculty. 

The course will aid with the achievement of the programme goal of providing opportunities for students to be involved in the research process geared towards inculcating a culture of evidence-based decision-making within the business environment. Through its emphasis on self-directed research, students will be aware of the importance of and equipped to meaningfully contribute to the evolution of the research culture within their various organisations and within the society in general. This objective also aligns with that of the School of Business and Management and the university.