Business Finance

This diploma will enable non-financial managers to communicate effectively with those in senior accounting and finance positions ensuring that all of the organisation's functions are better integrated, significantly boosting the firm's overall value. It will provide participants with a renewed ability to integrate a financial approach into their business decision-making. In doing so, they will contribute to ensuring a sound financial basis for implementing all of their organisation's strategic plans and decisions.

This standalone diploma also forms part of the optional MSc in Business (Leadership & Management Practice) Pathway. The pathway framework is comprised of 10 diploma programmes. If participants successfully complete any three of these ten diplomas within a recommended 5-year timeframe, they are awarded with the MSc in Business (Leadership & Management Practice).

Key Benefits
Our portfolio of pathway diplomas build on your existing skill set and add relevant value to your business needs. From corporate governance to leadership development, our diplomas deepen your understanding of contemporary business issues and will help you become a stronger leader who can deal with complex issues in rapidly-changing environments. Our unique teaching method, immersive learning environment and world-class faculty combine to produce an educational experience like no other.

The majority of our diploma programmes are delivered over a series of 6 two-day workshops within a 10-12 month period. Workshops are typically held on Fridays and Saturdays to minimise interference with busy work schedules. The majority of our diploma programmes are assessed on a module-by-module basis through a variety of practical assignments. There are no examinations (excluding the Diploma in Corporate Governance).

Who is it For?
Managers with a minimum of 5 years' management experience
High-potential mid-level executives ready to assume greater responsibilities;
Experienced functional or technical specialists currently transitioning towards general management;
General managers, country managers or business unit heads;
Managers of large/complex projects across teams, functions or borders

Programme Benefits
Upon completion of this programme, participants will have acquired a deeper understanding of how to interpret and use financial reports to make better business decisions and obtain a broader understanding of corporate finance to better assess the value of strategic decisions, including investment projects and acquisitions.

Specifically, the programme will help participants:

Understand how the economic outcomes of business decisions are reflected in an organisation's financial reports;
Communicate more effectively with their CFO and financial executives;
Understand business valuation techniques;
Hone the ability to assess the strengths and weaknesses of competitors by analysing their financial statements;
Improve their ability to use financial information in managerial decision-making
Assess the desirability and value of investment projects, corporate assets, and whole companies (acquisitions) ;
Understand the impact of operating decisions on financial performance.

Programme Structure
This programme is delivered over a series of 6 two-day workshops within a 10–month period. Workshops are held on Fridays and Saturdays to minimise interference with busy work schedules. The programme structure is designed in order to facilitate busy work/lifestyles and to assist participants with incorporating study into their working lives while enhancing their contribution as a member of the management team.

The diploma programme is demanding and participants should be free of other responsibilities on the days of the workshops. 100% attendance is required.

We would encourage you to check the module dates listed on the overview page to ensure your availability. If you do miss a module due to unexpected circumstances, there is no longer an option to take that module with another intake of the programme. You will be required to complete an additional assignment as well as the module assignment. Full details on the module assignment as well as the additional assignment will be shared with the participant.

Content

Module 1: Understanding Financial Statements SBUS42030

Module 2: The Financing Landscape SBUS42020

Module 3: Performance Management SBUS42000

Module 4: Key Financial Decisions SBUS41990

Module 5: International Financing SBUS42010

Module 6: Mergers and Acquisitions SBUS42040

Please note - 100% attendance is required at all modules. Should you miss a module due to unexpected circumstances, there is no longer an option to take that module with another intake of the programme – visit www.smurfitschool.ie/executivedevelopment/contactus/faqs/ for full details.

Timing: Thursdays and Fridays 9.00am to 5.00pm and Saturdays 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Participants should have at least 5 years management experience and hold a primary degree or equivalent professional qualification. Consideration will also be given to applicants who do not hold a primary degree but whose depth of industry/organisational experience, deems them suitable participants.

A completed application form, digital photograph and copy of transcripts for all university-level degrees (if applicable and excluding those taken at UCD) will be required. A telephone interview with the Programme Director will form part of the application process. The interview helps determine whether the programme is the most appropriate educational solution for the applicant.

In-person programme - This Autumn 2022, our suite of Professional Diplomas will be delivered in-person at Smurfit Executive Development on UCD's Smurfit School Blackrock campus to facilitate the best learning experience for participants. Participants are required to attend in person. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to facilitate an alternative delivery option but each request will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis by our Programme Director & Programme Management Team

9 months part-time. 6 x 2 day modules.

Timing: Thursdays/Fridays 9.00am to 5.00pm and Saturdays 8.30am to 4.30pm.

A completed application form, digital photograph and copy of transcripts for all university-level degrees (if applicable and excluding those taken at UCD) will be required. A telephone interview with the Programme Director will form part of the application process. The interview helps determine whether the programme is the most appropriate educational solution for the applicant.

Pathway to a Master's Degree
As Ireland's premier provider of executive development open programmes, we can help you master the right skills for the most complex global business challenges with our unique and flexible MSc pathway. If you're an experienced professional who wants to continue in your chosen career while undertaking part-time study, then this is flexible MSc pathway option will offer you the very best learning experience and a world-class qualification.

What is the MSc Pathway?
Our MSc in Business (Leadership & Management Practice) is based around a framework of 10 selected diploma programmes. By completing any 3 of these 10 diplomas, within a recommended 5-year timeframe, you will earn 90 credits (the national standard for a Masters Qualification) and will be conferred with the qualification of MSc Business (Leadership & Management Practice) accredited and awarded by UCD at NFQ Level 9.