Executive Development - Business Finance

Programme Overview
The economic uncertainties of today's world make it imperative for non-financial managers to have a firm grasp of the financial consequences of business decisions. With volatility in financial markets and margins narrowing from highly competitive trading conditions, mid- to senior-level executives need to be aware of how investment and funding decisions can affect the value of an organisation.

Designed to equip participants with the necessary tools and knowledge to understand the financial consequences of business decisions, 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.

This diploma 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.

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.

Attendance
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
Module 2 The Financing Landscape
Module 3 Revenue and Cost Analysis
Module 4 Key Financial Decisions
Module 5 International Financing
Module 6 Corporate Financing Issues

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.

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.

Leah Moore
Business Development Manager
To apply for this programme, please contact Leah Moore who would be delighted to discuss the application procedure with you further.

leah.moore@ucd.ie
+353 1 716 8080

Application Procedure
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.

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.