Module Catalogue 2024/25

NBS8005 : Corporate Strategy and Valuation

NBS8005 : Corporate Strategy and Valuation

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Zhijuan Wu
  • Lecturer: Professor David Higgins
  • 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
NBS8003Financial Information Analysis
NBS8006Accounting for Analysts
Co Requisite Comment

NBS8003 – Financial Information Analysis.
NBS8006 – Accounting for Analysts

Aims

To develop students understanding of corporate behaviour in different market structures and corporate equity valuation.

Outline Of Syllabus

Semester 1:
Demand Analysis; Production Analysis; Models of market structure and firm conduct
Market structure: Perfect Competition; Monopoly
Market structure: Oligopoly
Pricing strategies: Price Discrimination and barriers to entry
Models of non-price competition: Advertising and research and development
Other strategies: Diversification and mergers and acquisitions
Alternative managerial theories of the firm

Semester 2:
Equity Valuation: Application and Processes
Return Concepts
Discounted Dividend Valuation
Free Cash Flow Valuation
Residual Income Valuation
Relative Valuation: Multiples

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of this module students will be able to:

1. Evaluate the behaviour of corporations in different market structures, develop an appreciation of how the use of strategic variables such as price and product differentiation affect this behaviour, and appraise the impact of external forces, such as government policy and the market for corporate control, on company behaviour.

2. Have an appreciation of valuation process and apply appropriate techniques to corporate equity valuation.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of this module students should be able to:

1. Think critically and use information and knowledge to solve complex problems and make decisions related to corporate behaviour and equity valuation.

2. Demonstrate quantitative and qualitative skills through the written examination.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion160:0060:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture12:002:00PIP lecture for S1 to cover the fundamental maths for Economics
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture11:001:00PIP revision lecture for the S1 content
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture172:0034:00PIP lectures (S1 8*2-hour + S2 9*2-hour)
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading148:0048:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching61:006:00PIP seminars (S1 3*1-hour + S2 3*1-hour)
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery11:001:00PIP drop-in session for the S2 content
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study148:0048:00N/A
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures/lecture material are used to impart basic knowledge and understanding of corporate strategy and valuation, 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 drop-in sessions are scheduled during revision period to help with examination preparation.

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 Examination1802A100N/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 exercises1MIn-class questions provided
Prob solv exercises2MIn-class questions provided
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The written examination will test the knowledge and understanding of the material covered, as well as specific technical skills in valuation of companies. It will also test communication, analytical skills 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

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.

You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.

Disclaimer

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.