UCSB

Economics 191FM

Financial Management

Syllabus
 

Lectures

 

Instructor: Robert C. Lowes

Scope

Review of:

  • Financial Function Organization, Management Theories, and Development from Old to New Economic Corporations;
  • Financial Careers and Cross-Functional Relationships;
  • Issues and Challenges for the Future.

Course Objectives for Undergraduates

  • To provide a balanced functional review to help students put financial theories into corporate organizational context and practice.  The objective is increasingly important to finance students given the diversity of the various functional activities included under the broad umbrella of the finance function and the evolving role of Chief Financial Officers in today’s rapidly changing business environment.
  • To help develop their functional organizational awareness, career perspectives, and jump start their effectiveness, leadership, team management skills and success.

Course Segments

1.  Functional Structures, Organizational Theories, Development, Policies, and Careers.

 

Including:

Accounting, Audit, Operations, Planning, Treasury, Tax, Business Analysis, Strategic Planning, Information Systems, Mergers, and Acquisitions.

 

2.  Cross Functional Relationships, Processes, Evolution, and Issues.

 

From:

Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, Technology, Research & Development, Information Systems, International Mergers and Acquisitions.

 

3.  Issues – Challenges for the Future.

 

Such as, but not limited to:

Functional Leadership, Change Management, a Global Economy, Personal Development, Technology, Governance, Ethics, Financial Markets, Productivity, Terms, Consultants, Shareholders, Government Relations, and Communications.

Grading

The course will be primarily lectures and discussion, balanced with two short case study assignments and selected readings.  Depending on availability, CFO’s and Financial Managers will be invited to discuss specific areas and add to the discussion.

 Course Grades will be a function of: 

1.)    2 Exams – a Midterm & a Final ------------------- 70%

2.)    2 Homework Assignments based on

         Case Studies of a Start-up, Restructuring,

         or Acquisition. ---------------------------------- 30%

3.)    Class Attendance and Participation ----------------

 Prerequisites

Economics 134A, Economics 134B (Preferred)

or Consent of Instructor.

 Preliminary Readings

Haskins and Makela, The CFO’s Handbook.

Deep and Sussman, Smart Moves for People in Charge.

Drucker, Management Challenges for the 21st Century.

Katzenbach and Smith, The Wisdom of Teams.

 Additional Readings

Drucker, Managing in Turbulent Times.

Vos, What Every Manager Needs to Know About Finance.

Leigh and Maynard, Leading Your Team.