In this course, participants will learn about the key financial decisions modern corporations face, as well as the alternative methods that can be employed to optimize the value of the firm’s assets. This is part of a Specialization in corporate finance created in partnership between the University of Melbourne and Bank of New York Mellon (BNY Mellon).
This course is part of the Essentials of Corporate Finance Specialization
Offered By
Essentials of Corporate Finance SpecializationThe University of MelbourneAbout this Course
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Learner Career Outcomes
50%
started a new career after completing these courses
25%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 3 of 5 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Approx. 11 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: French, Portuguese (Brazilian), Korean, Russian, English, Spanish
Learner Career Outcomes
50%
started a new career after completing these courses
25%
got a tangible career benefit from this course
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Course 3 of 5 in the
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Approx. 11 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: French, Portuguese (Brazilian), Korean, Russian, English, Spanish
Offered by
The University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is an internationally recognised research intensive University with a strong tradition of excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. Established in 1853, it is Australia's second oldest University.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
3 hours to complete
Alternative Approaches to Making the Optimal Investment Decision
This week we will define and explain the key approaches to investment evaluation utilized by corporations around the world. We will also consider the way in which sensitivity analysis might be employed so as to provide information to management beyond the simple “invest-don’t-invest” decision.
3 hours to complete
7 videos (Total 56 min), 7 readings, 2 quizzes
7 videos
1.0 Welcome and Introduction4m
1.1 Discounted Cash Flow Analysis8m
1.2 Net Present Value Analysis9m
1.3 Internal Rate of Return Analysis11m
1.4 Alternatives to DCF Techniques8m
1.5 Sensitivity Analysis11m
7 readings
Course Syllabus10m
Your Teaching Team10m
Week 1 Outline10m
Start of Course Survey10m
Resources10m
Social Media10m
Study Tools and Tips10m
2 practice exercises
Week 1 practice quiz - This quiz does not contribute to your final grade30m
Week 1 graded quiz - This quiz contributes 10% towards your final grade30m
2 hours to complete
Raising Capital and the Choices Firms Face
In week 2 we will explain the mechanics behind how firms go to the market via an initial public offering (IPO) to raise new equity capital. We then demonstrate the impact of introducing debt on the returns to shareholders and highlight the different factors that influence debt levels for firms operating in different industries. We conclude by considering how firms make decisions about the optimal level of profits that should be returned to shareholders.
2 hours to complete
8 videos (Total 57 min), 1 reading, 2 quizzes
8 videos
2.1 Raising Equity Capital 1: The IPO Process6m
2.2 Raising Equity Capital 2: IPO Underpricing7m
2.3 Raising Debt Capital 1: Introducing Financial Risk5m
2.4 Raising Debt Capital 2: Explaining Differences in Debt Levels14m
2.5 The Payout Decision12m
BNY Mid Course Check-in7m
Mid Course Check-in with Sean Pinder1m
1 reading
Week 2 Outline10m
2 practice exercises
Week 2 practice quiz - This quiz does not contribute to your final grade30m
Week 2 graded quiz - This quiz contributes 10% towards your final grade30m
2 hours to complete
Creating Value via Takeovers, Mergers and Corporate Restructuring
During week 3 we will explain how takeovers and mergers occur in practice, define the key terms used in the analysis of markets for corporate control and then develop an understanding of how changes in control might be objectively assessed via financial analysis. In addition to answering the question “how might we create wealth through growth?” we will also consider how value might be created by getting smaller in our review of the impact of corporate restructuring on shareholder wealth.
2 hours to complete
6 videos (Total 58 min), 1 reading, 2 quizzes
6 videos
3.1 The Anatomy of an Acquisition7m
3.2 The Financial Evaluation of a Takeover12m
3.3 Establishing the Economic Rationale for Takeover Activity12m
3.4 Corporate Restructuring via Spinoffs, Divestitures and Equity Carve-outs8m
3.5 Empirical Evidence of the Wealth Impact of Mergers, Acquisitions and Corporate Restructuring10m
1 reading
Week 3 Outline10m
2 practice exercises
Week 3 practice quiz - This quiz does not contribute to your final grade30m
Week 3 graded quiz - This quiz contributes 10% towards your final grade30m
4 hours to complete
Alternative Approaches to Risk Management
In the final week of this course we define and demonstrate the use of different derivative securities in risk management including; forwards, futures and option contracts. We explain the key drivers of option values and explain how options might be combined to provide different payoff structures. We conclude by considering how risk management might create value for shareholders.
4 hours to complete
6 videos (Total 50 min), 4 readings, 4 quizzes
6 videos
4.1 Using Forwards and Futures to Manage Risk9m
4.2 Introducing Options11m
4.3 The Drivers of Option Values11m
4.4 Caps, Floors and Collars3m
4.5 Why Manage Risk?10m
4 readings
Week 4 Outline10m
Academic Integrity10m
Where To From Here? The Next Step.10m
End of Course Survey10m
3 practice exercises
Week 4 practice quiz - This quiz does not contribute to your final grade30m
Week 4 graded quiz - This quiz contributes 10% towards your final grade30m
Course Final Exam - This quiz contributes 40% towards your final grade30m
Reviews
TOP REVIEWS FROM CORPORATE FINANCIAL DECISION-MAKING FOR VALUE CREATION
by EBOct 15, 2020
It was very nice to join this course. The most important point for all sector is to give financial decision at this very volatile market. This course will give good insight to approach this target.
by MGSep 14, 2018
Amazing course, appreciated the structure and contents. The industry examples are well tied with the concepts and help gain a deeper insight into their practical applications.
by MSMay 4, 2018
The course is structured well to give in depth knowledge about derivatives and the process of mergers and acquisitions, which are the two major topic discussed in the course.
by EPFeb 21, 2016
Excellent course. I thought it was very much informative about the subject matter. I need to view the videos a few more times to gain more expertise over the subject matter.
About the Essentials of Corporate Finance Specialization
You will gain a firm understanding of corporate finance, including accounting principles and financial analysis, how value is created by global markets, the choices firms face when making financial decisions and defining attitudes towards risk. The Specialization concludes with a Capstone project that allows you to apply the skills you've learned throughout the courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
- The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
- The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, Coursera provides financial aid to learners who cannot afford the fee. Apply for it by clicking on the Financial Aid link beneath the "Enroll" button on the left. You'll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. You'll need to complete this step for each course in the Specialization, including the Capstone Project. Learn more.
More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.
