Skip to main content

Module

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

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

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion160:0060:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture162:0032:00PIP (S1 7*2 hour + S2 9*2-hour)
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture11:001:00PIP (1*1-hr for S1)
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading150:0050:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching61:006:00PIP (S1 3*1-hour + S2 3*1-hour)
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery11:001:00PIP drop-in session (1*1-hr for S2)
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study150:0050:00N/A
Total200:00
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.

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 exercises
Prob solv exercises2MIn-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.

Reading Lists

Timetable