NBS8003 : Financial Information Analysis
NBS8003 : Financial Information Analysis
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Zhijuan Wu
- Lecturer: Dr Yousry Ahmed
- Owning School: Newcastle University Business School
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
None
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| NBS8005 | Corporate Strategy and Valuation |
| NBS8006 | Accounting for Analysts |
Co Requisite Comment
NBS8005 – Corporate Strategy & Valuation
NBS8006 – Accounting for Analysts
Aims
1. To introduce students to the application of advanced investment appraisal analysis
2. To critically evaluate company projects and performance with the advanced models of financial information analysis
Outline Of Syllabus
1st semester
Market Efficiency: concepts, tests and empirical evidence
Market Anomalies
Behavioural Finance
Advanced investment appraisal methods I (static approach): profitability Index, sensitivity tests, scenario analysis, breakeven point analysis
Advanced investment appraisal methods II (dynamic approach): flexibility value, decision tree analysis and real option analysis
Advanced investment appraisal methods III: game theory
2nd semester
Drivers of profitability
Economic value added
Earnings forecast
Creditworthiness assessment
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
At the end of this module students should be able to:
- To elaborate and criticise the concepts of market efficiency, market anomalies, and behavioural finance theories, as well as contrast a variety of investment appraisal methods and choose an appropriate method for a particular context
- To justify appropriate methodologies to evaluate corporate performance and creditworthiness and make earnings forecast
Intended Skill Outcomes
At the end of this module students should be able to:
- To selectively apply and assess information in the company accounts and estimates to evaluate company projects and performance
- To critically comment and compare different market theories and investment appraisal methods, and communicate effectively in the written exam with time-pressure environment
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 60:00 | 60:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 16 | 2:00 | 32:00 | PIP (S1 7*2 hour + S2 9*2-hour) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | PIP (1*1-hr for S1) |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 1 | 50:00 | 50:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | PIP (S1 3*1-hour + S2 3*1-hour) |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 1 | 1:00 | 1:00 | PIP drop-in session (1*1-hr for S2) |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 50:00 | 50:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The lectures/lecture material are used to impart basic knowledge and understanding of finance-based and accounting-based information analysis, although lecture sessions will also involve some elements of discussion and workshop activities. The small group teaching provides students an opportunity to practise certain knowledge and skills and gain feedback thereon. The subject requires a good deal of additional reading to supplement the lecture materials and provide a greater depth of understanding, as well as increasing exposure to the research literature. The scheduled on-line discussion board and drop-in sessions provides further opportunity for students to ask questions and gain feedback and help students with examination preparation during the revision period.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 180 | 2 | A | 100 | N/A |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 1 | M | In-class exercises |
| Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | In-class/after-class exercises |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The written examination tests the understanding of theoretical ideas underpinning the analysis of financial data as well as some skills - for example, problem solving, written communication and numeracy.
In the case of an alternative semester 2 assessment (worth 100% of the overall module mark) being necessary due to circumstances, the module leader will in the first instance consult with the DPD as to the requirements of the professional accrediting body to discuss possible acceptable alternatives. In 2020/21 this alternative was a 24 hour take home exam delivered online, and it is envisioned that if circumstances do not allow a present-in-person timed exam at the end of semester 2, and the professional body agrees, then this may well be an example of the type of alternative assessment which could be put in place.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NBS8003's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- NBS8003's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.