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This module is designed to address the importance of an organisation’s mergers and acquisitions decisions. Such decisions are highly valuable and to some extent can damage value in an organisation. This highly important decision cannot be made without the critical and incisive analysis by financial and business-analysts in the mergers and acquisitions. This is taken one step further with the consideration given to private equity investments and the similarity and conceptuality of how they achieve their strategies through mergers and acquisitions.

Participants initially will be exposed to the analysis of financial statements and data using both hypothetical and real-life data. This module is meant to crystallise such early formative learning using a more advanced level of analysis to analyse and value companies in a mergers and acquisitions scenario. As such, this module has been designed to embrace the above topical areas in mergers and acquisitions and private equity.

Competences

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

a) Discuss and evaluate the importance of an organisation’s mergers and acquisitions decisions.

b) Be able to demonstrate skills needed to act as analysts in a mergers and aquisitions scenario.

c) Identify and critically analyse the relative importance of different types of drivers of mergers and acquisitions and private equity.

d) Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the key milestones in the mergers and acquisitions process.

e) Identify different methods of structuring a business acquisition.

f) Be able to critically evaluate the relative importance of the key elements in successful M&A and Private Equity transactions.

Knowledge

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:

a) Identification and critical analysis of the relative importance of different types of drivers of mergers and acquisitions and private equity.

b) Identification of value creation and critical assessment of the success or otherwise of a range of merger and acquisitions transactions and private equity.

c) Analysis of current merger and acquisitions and private equity strategies of a selected global organisation and critical appraisal of suggestions for improvement of current practices.

d) Critical evaluation of the relative importance of the key elements in successful mergers and acquisitions and private equity transactions.

e) How to perform critical analysis of comparative issues in mergers and acquisitions and private equity.

Skills

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:

a) Ability to understand merger and acquisition activity including the relevance and importance of mergers and acquisitions as an activity in terms of volume, value, geographic and industry/sector spread.

b) Critical analysis of merger and acquisitions activity including the strategic importance of merger and acquisitions including that to not-for profit organisations.

c) Be able to discuss and evaluate merger and acquisitions activity including the key role process plays in merger and acquisitions.

d) Be able to appraise merger and acquisitions activity including the principles of valuation.

e) Measure merger and acquisitions activity including the role and impact of regulators and governments at national, international, regional (EU) and global levels.

f) A critical evaluation of merger and acquisitions activity including determining how acquisitions should be integrated and managed post-acquisition and the potential problems/pitfalls.

g) How to evaluate merger and acquisitions activity, including achieving post-acquisition success (or avoiding post acquisition failure).

h) The ability to appraise the impact of other key disciplines on merger and acquisitions including Economics, finance, and accounting.

i) Be able to demonstrate an understand the impact of other key disciplines on merger and acquisitions including human resource management.

j) How to evaluate the impact of other key disciplines on merger and acquisitions including operations and service operations management.

k) The ability to analyse merger and acquisitions transactions effectively and critically, using a variety of theoretical and practical techniques and from a range of disciplines from finance through to human resources.

Module-Specific Learner Skills

At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to

a) Appreciate the complex economic and other forces which create the conditions for merger activity

b) Recognise the important risks of merger activity from political and corporate perspectives

c) Advise on the appropriate ways of structuring a merger

d) Advise on the legal regulatory framework applicable to the merger form employed

e) Critically analyse corporate merger strategy and the role of professional advisors and regulatory agencies.

Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences

At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to:

a) Make effective use of communication and information technologies to present ideas, analyse problems and develop concise conclusions in the context of mergers and acquisitions.

b) Demonstrate professionalism in the use of a range oral communication techniques.

c) Demonstrate high level writing skills.

d) Evidence numeracy skills in interpreting both quantitative and qualitative data.

e) Demonstrate creative digital communication skills.

f) Possess data analysis skills, including digital data.

Total Learning Hours of this module	250 Hours
Total Contact Hours	50 Hours
Self Study Hours	175 Hours
Assessment Hours	25 Hours
Total Number of ECTS of this Module/Unit	10 ECTS
MQF/EQF Level	Level 6

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is a process to support participants’ academic development through tutor feedback and feedforward. This type of assessment is not graded but will assist participants to understand the requirements of their summative assessment. This formative support will help participants understand the summative assessment requirement and to improve their confidence with different assessment techniques. Participants will be given clear assessment criteria as part of the assessment brief and participants will be required to submit a single substantive formative assessment prior to the summative assessment. The formative opportunities are timed in such a way as to allow participants to reflect on any tutor feedback and feed forward prior to the summative event. The formative feedforward given by the tutor will relate specifically to how participants have gone about the learning process, how they have acquired knowledge and their understanding of how to apply their knowledge.

. Draft outlines for written summative assessed work.

Summative assessment

Summative assessment is the final marked work that will be required to be submitted on time. This type of assessment is a graded piece of work. Participants will receive an assessment brief at the beginning of the module that will clearly state the requirements of the assessment task and the assessment criteria used to mark their work. In preparing an assessment for submission participants should read the brief and the assessment criteria carefully to make sure that it is fully understood. Any points that are unclear should be raised with their tutor. The assessment criteria rubric will illustrate how the final mark has been determined.

Summative assessment will consist of two coursework components: First, a case study of a significant merger and/or acquisition (3000 words, weighting 50%). Second, a portfolio of evidence with a 500 commentary on a successful merger and/or acquisition (3000 words, weighting 50%)

Component number	Form of assessment	Assessment size	Weighting (%)
1	Case study	2500 words	50%
2	Portfolio of evidence and commentary	2500 words	50%

Global capital and investment professionals must have a working knowledge of advanced corporate finance and equity instruments to carry out insightful analysis for value creation. In this module participants will be taught with a practical hands-on approach, problem solving and investigative enquiry skills in Advanced corporate finance and equity instruments. Participants will carry out critical analysis and evaluation with a view to designing and undertaking critical investigations into value claims. The aim of this module is to examine a range of topics and issues in corporate finance including capital budgeting, capital structure, cost of capital, dividend policy, long-term financing, corporate governance, corporate restructuring, and short-term financial management to equip participants with tools and techniques to undertake independent and advanced investigations in corporate finance. Emphasis will be placed on how investment and financing decisions interact with each other and how those decisions have implications on capital structure, takeovers, and corporate bankruptcy.

This module also provides participants with the technical and cognitive skills for undertaking critical analysis and valuation of simple and complex Corporate Finance and Equity Instruments, required for strategic planning, control and decision-making.

Competences

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

a) Identify, explain, and analyse, how companies are valued in the context of Advanced Corporate Finance and Equity markets and instruments.

b) Apply relevant techniques to critically evaluate and analyse international investment and financing decisions.

c) Critically evaluate equity investments and instruments to synthesis innovative ways to produce value through advanced investment strategies.

d) Be able to justify equity valuation through the assessment of sensitivity of underlying variables.

Knowledge

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:

a) An understanding and knowledge in corporate finance by examining a range of its relevant topics and issues, including capital budgeting, capital structure, cost of capital, dividend policy, long-tem financing, cororate governance, corporate aquisition & restructuring, and short-term finaicial management.

b) How to use appropriate analytical tools and decisional techniques to undertake independent and advances investigations in corporate finance topics and issues.

c) Enhancements to learner’s capability to critically evaluate methology, results, and implications of research findings in the discipline based on their familiarity with major empirical studies in corporate finance topics and issues.

Skills

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:

a) The ability to demonstrate knowledge of the investment planning process and designing an investment approach.

b) How to explain and critically appraise the relationship between risk and return, modern portfolio theory and asset pricing.

c) How to calculate and evaluate different styles of investment allocation and their risk management

d) The techniques required to measure and interpret different types of investment risks.

e) Explaining and critically appraising the performance of portfolios and evaluate the use of derivatives.

f) How to identify and explain the principles of efficient capital markets and empirical challenges to market efficiency.

g) Critically evaluations of fund management strategies and the relevance of findings from behavioural finance to investment design.

h) How to analyse the valuation and management of fixed income investments.

i) Knowledge and application of financial derivatives including options, futures, and swap contracts.

Module-Specific Learner Skills

At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to

a) Explain the general objectives of financial management, demonstrate the understanding of First Principles of Corporate Finance, and describe the financial-strategy process for a business (i.e., investment, financing, payout, corporate-governance, corporate-restructuring, and balance-sheet management strategies).

b) Describe the impact of financial markets and other external factors (e.g., government and society) on a business’s financial strategy (market efficiency and externalities), using examples to illustrate the impacts.

c) Identify in the business and financial environment factors (i.e., risk exposures) that may affect financing for investment in a different country (e.g., exchange rates, tax rates, and inflation rates).

d) Compare the features of different means of making returns to owners and lenders, explain their effects on the firm and its stakeholders, and recommend options in each scenario.

e) Calculate a firm’s future requirements for capital, considering current and planned activities referring to levels of uncertainty and making reasonable assumptions which are consistent with the situation.

Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences

At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to

a) Make effective use of communication and information technologies to present ideas, analyse problems and develop concise conclusions in the context of advanced corporate finance.

b) Demonstrate professionalism in the use of a range oral communication techniques.

c) Demonstrate high level writing skills.

d) Evidence numeracy skills in interpreting both quantitative and qualitative data.

e) Demonstrate creative digital communication skills.

f) Possess data analysis skills, including digital data.

Total Learning Hours of this module	250 Hours
Total Contact Hours	50 Hours
Self Study Hours	175 Hours
Assessment Hours	25 Hours
Total Number of ECTS of this Module/Unit	10 ECTS
MQF/EQF Level	Level 6

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is a process to support participants’ academic development through tutor feedback and feedforward. This type of assessment is not graded but will assist participants to understand the requirements of their summative assessment. This formative support will help participants understand the summative assessment requirement and to improve their confidence with different assessment techniques. Participants will be given clear assessment criteria as part of the assessment brief and participants will be required to submit a single substantive formative assessment prior to the summative assessment. The formative opportunities are timed in such a way as to allow participants to reflect on any tutor feedback and feed forward prior to the summative event. The formative feedforward given by the tutor will relate specifically to how participants have gone about the learning process, how they have acquired knowledge and their understanding of how to apply their knowledge.

. Draft outlines for written summative assessed work.

Summative assessment

Summative assessment is the final marked work that will be required to be submitted on time. This type of assessment is a graded piece of work. Participants will receive an assessment brief at the beginning of the module that will clearly state the requirements of the assessment task and the assessment criteria used to mark their work. In preparing an assessment for submission participants should read the brief and the assessment criteria carefully to make sure that it is fully understood. Any points that are unclear should be raised with their tutor. The assessment criteria rubric will illustrate how the final mark has been determined.

Summative assessment will consist of two coursework components: First, a case study of a significant merger and/or acquisition (3000 words, weighting 50%). Second, a portfolio of evidence with a 500 commentary on a successful merger and/or acquisition (3000 words, weighting 50%)

For the second assessment participants are asked to adopt the role of an investment analyst working as part of a team to prepare a pitch presentation on a proposed investment with an evaluation of the most appropriate strategy and based on this strategy a supporting individual investments report showing detailed analysis of valuations to justify the mix of instruments being proposed.

Component number	Form of assessment	Assessment size	Weighting (%)
1	Report	3500 words	75%
2	Group presentation	Individual poster presentation	25%

These are challenging times for the practising marketing manager. With economic uncertainties impacting marketing budgets and technological change outpacing managers’ capabilities in keeping up, there is a real need to re-evaluate the role of the modern marketing manager and to understand how to achieve efficiency, effectiveness and enhanced credibility in that role going forward.

This module engages participants in an active learning environment through exploring and examining contemporary marketing practices in organisations through interactive teaching sessions (for example, interactive lectures, team activities and workshops). Teaching sessions will include a number of marketing topics presented by academics, including practitioner guest speakers. Teaching sessions will engage participants in a series of advanced contemporary issues in marketing practices and related ethical considerations. Marketing ethics which will be discussed, and participants will critically reflect on their key learning, research and transferable employability skills. This module examines the typical remit of a contemporary marketing manager and the skills and competencies required of the job in today’s challenging environment. Using modern technology can help marketing managers better communicate with customers and make more and better-informed decisions.

Competences

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to: a) Carry out tasks related to the role of the modern marketing manager and to appreciate the challenges presented at the marketing / technology interface for such individuals. b) Deal with the role of power and influence in effectively discharging the marketing manager role and ethical marketing. c) Carry out task concerned with measuring the aspects of effectiveness and efficiency as these relate to the elements of the firm’s value proposition and communicating this through internal marketing activity. d) Produce scenarios in which modern technologies can help improve decision-making in marketing. e) Create examples demonstrating the benefits and limitations of digital technologies. f) Produce examples concerning ethical considerations that need to be taken into account when dealing with contemporary issues and practices g) Represent contemporary issues and practices in marketing to peer groups.

Knowledge

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:

a) Identifying, evaluating, and discussing contemporary marketing activities and processes with an understanding of key theories, models, and consumer culture.

b) Identifying key concepts of marketing and alternative business philosophies and their impact on strategic choices.

c) Critical evaluation of internal and external environments and, within the latter, the macro- and micro-environmental forces.

d) Critical discussion of special issues some marketing researchers face, including public policy and ethical issues.

e) Critical evaluation and discussion of contemporary issues as they relate to consumer behaviours.

f) Describing knowledge and understanding of relevant ethical and corporate social responsibility considerations, and the potential effects on marketing decisions.

g) Use a wide variety of theoretical and real-world approaches to understanding and resolving ethical issues in marketing.

h) Describing the role of ethics that goes beyond legal requirements in marketing and common ethical dilemmas in marketing.

Skills

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:

a) To be able to participate in, contribute to, and lead discussions in group settings.

b) Making presentations and responding to questions and critical comments

c) Planning and organisational skills

d) Planning activities with others and effective team working

 

e) Be able to apply time management skills to meet deadlines

f) Creating strategies for using cognitive skills in problem solving and problem analysis

g) Demonstrating a critical understanding of contemporary issues in marketing practices and the role of ethics, from national and international perspectives.

h) Actively engage with current marketing practices, dynamics and supply demand, and reflect on contemporary issues, challenges, and practices in marketing.

Module-Specific Learner Skills

At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to

a) Critically review, synthesise, and develop knowledge relevant to contemporary issues in marketing and ethics.

b) Critically analyse, evaluate, and synthesise qualitative and quantitative data related to marketing.

c) Critically analyse contemporary thinking, research, and business practice in marketing.

d) Appropriately utilise relevant information sources to generate alternative decisions and solutions.

e) Demonstrate originality, insight and innovativeness in problem solving related to marketing practices.

f) Reflect on personal learning and career development.

Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences

At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to

a) Make effective use of communication and information technologies to present ideas, analyse problems and develop concise conclusions.

b) Demonstrate professionalism in the use of a range oral communication techniques.

c) Demonstrate report and project writing skills.

d) Evidence numeracy skills in interpreting quantitative and/or qualitative data, including digital data.

e) Possess creative digital communication skills.

Total Learning Hours of this module	250 Hours
Total Contact Hours	50 Hours
Self Study Hours	175 Hours
Assessment Hours	25 Hours
Total Number of ECTS of this Module/Unit	10 ECTS
MQF/EQF Level	Level 6

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is a process to support participants’ academic development through tutor feedback and feedforward. This type of assessment is not graded but will assist participants to understand the requirements of their summative assessment. This formative support will help participants understand the summative assessment requirement and to improve their confidence with different assessment techniques. Participants will be given clear assessment criteria as part of the assessment brief and participants will be required to submit a single substantive formative assessment prior to the summative assessment. The formative opportunities are timed in such a way as to allow participants to reflect on any tutor feedback and feed forward prior to the summative event. The formative feedforward given by the tutor will relate specifically to how participants have gone about the learning process, how they have acquired knowledge and their understanding of how to apply their knowledge.

. Draft outlines for written summative assessed work.

Summative assessment

Summative assessment is the final marked work that will be required to be submitted on time. This type of assessment is a graded piece of work. Participants will receive an assessment brief at the beginning of the module that will clearly state the requirements of the assessment task and the assessment criteria used to mark their work. In preparing an assessment for submission participants should read the brief and the assessment criteria carefully to make sure that it is fully understood. Any points that are unclear should be raised with their tutor. The assessment criteria rubric will illustrate how the final mark has been determined.

Summative assessment will consist of two coursework components: First, a case study of a significant merger and/or acquisition (3000 words, weighting 50%). Second, a portfolio of evidence with a 500 commentary on a successful merger and/or acquisition (3000 words, weighting 50%)

Component number	Form of assessment	Assessment size	Weighting (%)
1	Coursework: individual	2500 words	75%
Group Presentation	20 min/td>	25%

The Marketing Management module provides participants with a critical understanding of key contemporary theories and approaches of marketing management practice. This module will enable the building of knowledge together with the application of the tools and techniques required to analyse different markets and factors that affect them. Participants will identify target groups and formulate appropriate marketing mixes within the marketing planning framework. The module explores the functions which embrace developing, planning, and coordinating marketing decisions to reach marketing goals and objectives required to build competitive advantages. Additionally, participants will gain an in depth and critical understanding of marketing strategy development, marketing auditing, marketing planning, service marketing, marketing management and domestic and global marketing environments.

Competences

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

a) Produce a comprehensive critical understanding of issues in marketing management.

b) Describe principles, concepts, models, and theories of marketing and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.

c) Produce comprehensive critical evaluations of issues in strategic marketing management.

d) Implement tools and techniques used in marketing across a variety of marketplaces and organisational settings.

e) Ensure application of advanced conceptual and practical skills needed to successfully develop a professional strategic marketing plan.

Knowledge

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:

a) Identifying, evaluating, and demonstrating a critical approach to key marketing theories, models, processes, and tools.

b) Accurately describing appropriate tools and techniques required to undertake a marketing audit and analysis of current marketing performance and strategy.

c) Identifing the core principles and concepts underlying market segmentation, targeting, and positioning.

d) Critically analysing and recommend marketing mixes appropriate to target segments and markets.

e) Actively identifying, evaluating, and collecting appropriate research and present information on a company’s key marketing segments.

Skills

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:

a) Participating in, contributing to, and leading discussions in participant groups

b) Making presentations and responding to questions and critical comments

c) Preparing and processing information

d) Planning and organisational skills

e) Planning activities with others and team working

f) How to apply time management skills toward meeting deadlines

g) Creating strategies for using cognitive skills in problem solving and problem analysis.

h) Demonstrating a critical understanding of marketing practices and the importance of ethical considerations from national and international perspectives.

Module-Specific Learner Skills

At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to:

a) Critically review, synthesise, and develop knowledge relevant to marketing.

b) Critically analyse, evaluate, and synthesise qualitative and quantitative data related to marketing management.

c) Critically analyse contemporary thinking, research, and business practice in marketing

d) Appropriately utilise relevant information sources to generate alternative decisions and solutions.

e) Demonstrate originality, insight and innovativeness in problem solving related to marketing management.

f) Reflect on personal learning and career development.

Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences

At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to

a) Make effective use of communication and information technologies to present ideas, analyse problems and develop concise conclusions in the context of marketing management.

b) Demonstrate professionalism in the use of a range oral communication techniques.

c) Demonstrate high level writing skills.

d) Evidence numeracy skills in interpreting data.

e) Demonstrate creative digital communication skills.

f) Possess data analysis skills, including digital data.

Total Learning Hours of this module	250 Hours
Total Contact Hours	50 Hours
Self Study Hours	175 Hours
Assessment Hours	25 Hours
Total Number of ECTS of this Module/Unit	10 ECTS
MQF/EQF Level	Level 6

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is a process to support participants’ academic development through tutor feedback and feedforward. This type of assessment is not graded but will assist participants to understand the requirements of their summative assessment. This formative support will help participants understand the summative assessment requirement and to improve their confidence with different assessment techniques. Participants will be given clear assessment criteria as part of the assessment brief and participants will be required to submit a single substantive formative assessment prior to the summative assessment. The formative opportunities are timed in such a way as to allow participants to reflect on any tutor feedback and feed forward prior to the summative event. The formative feedforward given by the tutor will relate specifically to how participants have gone about the learning process, how they have acquired knowledge and their understanding of how to apply their knowledge.

. Draft outlines for written summative assessed work.

Summative assessment

Summative assessment is the final marked work that will be required to be submitted on time. This type of assessment is a graded piece of work. Participants will receive an assessment brief at the beginning of the module that will clearly state the requirements of the assessment task and the assessment criteria used to mark their work. In preparing an assessment for submission participants should read the brief and the assessment criteria carefully to make sure that it is fully understood. Any points that are unclear should be raised with their tutor. The assessment criteria rubric will illustrate how the final mark has been determined.

Summative assessment will consist of two coursework components: First, a case study of a significant merger and/or acquisition (3000 words, weighting 50%). Second, a portfolio of evidence with a 500 commentary on a successful merger and/or acquisition (3000 words, weighting 50%)

For the second assessment participants are asked to adopt the role of an investment analyst working as part of a team to prepare a pitch presentation on a proposed investment with an evaluation of the most appropriate strategy and based on this strategy a supporting individual investments report showing detailed analysis of valuations to justify the mix of instruments being proposed.

Component number	Form of assessment	Assessment size	Weighting (%)
1	Coursework: Individual report	2500 words	50%
2	Individual: structured portfolio	2500 words	50%

This Procurement, Leading and Management Project Teams module allows participants to evaluate projects and develop proposals for project management in industries of interest or within their own industries. Participants will learn about the nature of project management along with appropriate approaches, skills, tools, and techniques that can be applied as a project manager. Participants will consider projects within the wider context of programmes and portfolio management and on the process aspect of the curriculum by evaluating these and formulating and presenting proposals for the application of theory and for managing a project. Participants will consider the people aspect of the curriculum by evaluating related factors and how to formulate an individual report considering a specific project scenario.

Competences

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

a) Be able to identify, evaluate, and determine the effects of the application of process (research based) methods on the delivery of a Project.

b) Critically analyse the conflicting objectives of a chosen project scenario and formulate a project management plan which defines the scope of the project and specifies key success criteria and the processes by which they will be monitored and reviewed throughout the project’s life cycle.

c) Critically analyse, and evaluate the composition of teams, the factors that lead to effective team performance and the stages in team development.

d) Investigate and evaluate the key factors that influence leadership and management and the significance of incorporating distinct styles in various situations.

e) Critically apply and integrate interpersonal communication, behaviour and the importance of motivation within the project environment.

f) Be able to demonstrate, assess, and analyse conflict within project teams and between organisations.

Knowledge

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:

a) Comprehensive appraisal of the principles of project management in the context of contemporary issues and the implementation process in the workplace.

b) Critically evaluation of contemporary roles and responsibilities of the project manager, together with the leadership and organisation skills essential to the discharge of this function in the workplace.

c) Selection of appropriate decision-making and information management tools for project planning and project control.

d) Identification, selection, and critical evaluation of appropriate research methodologies relevant to advanced study in the field of project management.

e) Critical appraisal of strategic techniques and solutions to project management scenarios and provide innovative solutions to workplace problems

f) A critical research-oriented approach to the investigation of the application of health and safety, environmental and quality management systems within project environments through review and evaluation of external factors and leading-edge research.

g) Selection and application of appropriate methods of data analysis to project management scenarios

h) Critical appraisal and evaluation of concepts of quality, time, and financial management to the process of management.

i) Application of appropriate theoretical concepts of project management to contemporary projects.

j) Review and evaluation of methodologies used in a range of research projects and justify the selection of methodologies appropriate to the theoretical perspective or conceptual framework employed in the research

k) Organisation of tasks to meet priorities and deadlines within a project environment.

l) Selection of appropriate research strategies and tools to undertake an in-depth research project conducted in the field of project management in a workplace situation.

m) Appraisal and evaluation of own performance and capabilities through reflective critical analysis.

Skills

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:

a) Be able to critically discuss of the key features of effective project management

b) Be able to critically examine the different approaches that may be adopted in design and implementation of projects

c) Demonstrating how projects interact with the wider managerial environment.

d) Be able to critically examine how organisations manage risk and uncertainty in projects.

e) Competency in applying techniques and tools to the management of their own projects.

Module-Specific Learner Skills

At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to

a) Critically appraise strategic techniques and solutions to project management scenarios and provide innovative solutions to workplace problems

b) Pursue a critical research-oriented approach to investigate the application of health and safety, environmental and quality management systems within project environments through review and evaluation of external factors and leading-edge research

.

c) Observe and reflect upon group interaction within simulated exercises.

d) Select and apply appropriate methods of data analysis to project management scenarios.

e) Critical appraise and evaluate concepts of quality, time, and financial management to the process of management.

f) Apply appropriate theoretical concepts of project management to contemporary projects.

g) Employ appropriate IT and other innovative tools and techniques of project management to contemporary project scenarios.

h) Review and evaluate methodologies used in a range of research projects and justify the selection of methodologies appropriate to the theoretical perspective or conceptual framework employed in the research.

Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences

At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to

a) Employ appropriate IT and other innovative tools and techniques of project management to contemporary project scenarios.

b) Make effective use of communication and information technologies to present ideas, analyse problems and develop concise conclusions in the context of leadership and organizational behaviour.

c) Demonstrate professionalism in the use of a range oral communication techniques.

d) Demonstrate high level writing skills.

e) Evidence numeracy skills in interpreting both quantitative and qualitative data.

f) Demonstrate creative digital communication skills.

g) Possess data analysis skills, including digital data.

Total Learning Hours of this module	250 Hours
Total Contact Hours	50 Hours
Self Study Hours	175 Hours
Assessment Hours	25 Hours
Total Number of ECTS of this Module/Unit	10 ECTS
MQF/EQF Level	Level 6

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is a process to support participants’ academic development through tutor feedback and feedforward. This type of assessment is not graded but will assist participants to understand the requirements of their summative assessment. This formative support will help participants understand the summative assessment requirement and to improve their confidence with different assessment techniques. Participants will be given clear assessment criteria as part of the assessment brief and participants will be required to submit a single substantive formative assessment prior to the summative assessment. The formative opportunities are timed in such a way as to allow participants to reflect on any tutor feedback and feed forward prior to the summative event. The formative feedforward given by the tutor will relate specifically to how participants have gone about the learning process, how they have acquired knowledge and their understanding of how to apply their knowledge.

. Draft outlines for written summative assessed work.

Summative assessment

Summative assessment is the final marked work that will be required to be submitted on time. This type of assessment is a graded piece of work. Participants will receive an assessment brief at the beginning of the module that will clearly state the requirements of the assessment task and the assessment criteria used to mark their work. In preparing an assessment for submission participants should read the brief and the assessment criteria carefully to make sure that it is fully understood. Any points that are unclear should be raised with their tutor. The assessment criteria rubric will illustrate how the final mark has been determined.

Summative assessment will consist of two coursework components: First, a case study of a significant merger and/or acquisition (3000 words, weighting 50%). Second, a portfolio of evidence with a 500 commentary on a successful merger and/or acquisition (3000 words, weighting 50%)

Component number	Form of assessment	Assessment size	Weighting (%)
1	Essay	2500 words	50%
Reflective learning log	2500 words	50%

The Executing, Controlling and Closing a Project module provides a comprehensive level of key skills used by project managers to manage projects successfully together with a critical understanding of project management. The module is not specific to any one industry but covers the core principles of project management that apply in all industries and to projects of varying sizes. Participants will consider the evaluation and application of appropriate strategies for the delivery and management of projects at intra- and inter-organisational levels. An important aspect of this module is the identification and evaluation of standards used in project management, together with an analysis of the importance of planning, controlling, and closing of projects in a particular environment. This will enable participants to identify practical applications of project monitoring, control systems, and the management of control issues, such as, scope creep, risk, quality, baseline changes in the context of project outsourcing, oversight, and contract closure.

Competences

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

a) Be able to diagnose projects in relation to the core governing principles of project management.

b) Be able to establish requirements for the integrated project delivery, recognise strategic measurable benefits for client organisations and thereby advise on the most appropriate project strategy.

c) Produce and conduct research and write up a detailed project plan.

d) Be able to recommend appropriate techniques for managing projects from conception through to completion.

Knowledge

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:

a) Examination of knowledge areas and processes applied in the execution and closing stages of the project management life cycle

b) Critical analyses of how the needs of stakeholders might change the priority of outputs from the execution and closing stages of the project management life cycle

c) Defining and justifying project event-driven and time-driven controls for a case study project

d) Defining and justifying audit, governance and termination reporting for a case study project.

Skills

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:

a) Be able to demonstrate a critical and systematic understanding of the current issues and challenges associated with the project management process in a variety of contexts.

b) Apply critical evaluations and assessments of various theoretical concepts and approaches to project management.

c) Construct a project plan whilst effectively communicating knowledge, ideas, and solutions within projects.

d) Be able to demonstrate critical evaluation of the risks associated with project management including financial and reputational risk.

e) Be able to provide recommendations on how to minimise risk in a particular industry and evaluate factors which influence project performance which leads to project success and failure.

Module-Specific Learner Skills

At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to

a) Assume responsibility, as a professional practitioner, for project management, applying project management principles and practices while maintaining high standards of practice, making ethical judgments and decisions in a respectful, and sustaining professional standing through a commitment to life-long learning.

b) Demonstrate effective use of written, verbal, and non-verbal communication, used in industry terminology, write a variety of Project Management documents and plans, apply processes required to manage the communications of a project (including appropriate and timely management of project information), and use technology appropriate to the task.

c) Practice interpersonal skills to manage the human resources of a project including organizing, managing, and leading the project team, using effective strategies to influence others, manage conflict, and leads teams to successful project completion.

d) Describe and discuss value and of the roles and influences of the project manager, sponsor, and customer.

e) Apply the generally recognized framework and good practices of project management within the frameworks of: the project management lexicon; organisational influences; operations; strategic planning; portfolios; programs; project life cycles; and project management cycles.

f) Manage projects effectively including the management of scope, time, costs, and quality, ensuring satisfying the needs for which the project was undertaken.

g) Strategically apply project management practices in a variety of organisational and international settings.

Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences

At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to:

a) Make effective use of communication and information technologies to present ideas, analyse problems and develop concise conclusions in the context of the different phases of project management.

b) Demonstrate professionalism in the use of a range oral communication techniques.

c) Demonstrate high level writing skills.

d) Evidence numeracy skills in interpreting quantitative and qualitative data.

e) Demonstrate creative digital communication skills.

f) Possess data analysis skills, including digital data.

Total Learning Hours of this module	250 Hours
Total Contact Hours	50 Hours
Self Study Hours	175 Hours
Assessment Hours	25 Hours
Total Number of ECTS of this Module/Unit	10 ECTS
MQF/EQF Level	Level 6

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is a process to support participants’ academic development through tutor feedback and feedforward. This type of assessment is not graded but will assist participants to understand the requirements of their summative assessment. This formative support will help participants understand the summative assessment requirement and to improve their confidence with different assessment techniques. Participants will be given clear assessment criteria as part of the assessment brief and participants will be required to submit a single substantive formative assessment prior to the summative assessment. The formative opportunities are timed in such a way as to allow participants to reflect on any tutor feedback and feed forward prior to the summative event. The formative feedforward given by the tutor will relate specifically to how participants have gone about the learning process, how they have acquired knowledge and their understanding of how to apply their knowledge.

. Draft outlines for written summative assessed work.

Summative assessment

Summative assessment is the final marked work that will be required to be submitted on time. This type of assessment is a graded piece of work. Participants will receive an assessment brief at the beginning of the module that will clearly state the requirements of the assessment task and the assessment criteria used to mark their work. In preparing an assessment for submission participants should read the brief and the assessment criteria carefully to make sure that it is fully understood. Any points that are unclear should be raised with their tutor. The assessment criteria rubric will illustrate how the final mark has been determined.

Summative assessment will consist of two coursework components: First, a case study of a significant merger and/or acquisition (3000 words, weighting 50%). Second, a portfolio of evidence with a 500 commentary on a successful merger and/or acquisition (3000 words, weighting 50%)

For the second assessment participants are asked to adopt the role of an investment analyst working as part of a team to prepare a pitch presentation on a proposed investment with an evaluation of the most appropriate strategy and based on this strategy a supporting individual investments report showing detailed analysis of valuations to justify the mix of instruments being proposed.

Component number	Form of assessment	Assessment size	Weighting (%)
1	Project plan with risk evaluation	2500 words	50%
2	Case study of real life project	2500 words	50%

Management and Practice of Consulting: Facts, Theories and Issues, and Lifecycle module is designed to explore the relationship between top management consultant teams and their clients. This module takes a wholistic view of management consulting ranging from both the private and public sectors, best-practice consulting at the sharp end of contemporary management across all management disciplines. The module will require participants to deconstruct and negotiate a new consultancy project task, apply a range of frameworks to structure analytical thinking, apply techniques to complete the required research, and demonstrate effective presentation skills in communicating the final results to their client. The principles of effective consultancy and project management will be introduced alongside the barriers to successful intervention and how consultants manage risk. Case studies will be used to explore unique business situations and how businesses overcome and respond to challenges and the unexpected lessons they learned. The case studies are embedded within an explanatory framework that draws out common themes, relates the case studies to generic models, and discusses how their approaches can be applied in other businesses.

Competences

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

a) Be able to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of consulting, clients and the consulting process, and theories associated with facilitating change in organisations.

b) Identify and critically evaluate intervention styles and client-centeredness.

c) Be able to demonstrate a theoretical knowledge of soft systems methodologies to help with structured thinking.

d) Systematically apply the principles and techniques of project management to plan, manage and complete a consulting project to a brief, budget, and timescale.

e) Conduct research into strategic marketing issues (including deciding on appropriate data collection methods, analysis and interpretation)

f) Carry out tasks to solve problems innovatively, and to manage in unpredictable situations and make sound judgements in the absence of complete data.

Knowledge

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:

a) Analyses of the nature and characteristics of consulting and their implications for the delivery and management of consulting projects

b) The application of a range of research and analysis methodologies to identify, describe and explore business challenges to discern viable opportunities

c) The application of effective methods of creating, developing, extending, and transforming business enterprises.

d) Describing and applying project management methodologies to manage and effectively deliver consulting projects

e) The generation of solutions to business issues that take ethical considerations into account

Skills

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:

a) Be able to critically discuss of the key features of effective project management

b) Be able to critically examine the different approaches that may be adopted in design and implementation of projects

c) Demonstrating how projects interact with the wider managerial environment.

d) Be able to critically examine how organisations manage risk and uncertainty in projects.

e) Competency in applying techniques and tools to the management of their own projects.

Module-Specific Learner Skills

At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to

a) Apply evidence, creativity, and critical reasoning to solve business problems.

b) Communicate information clearly in a form appropriate for its audience.

c) Demonstrate an ability to work independently and with others as a member of a team to achieve an agreed goal.

d) Apply technical and professional skills to operate effectively in business.

e) Evidence intellectual rigour and innovative problem solving

f) Demonstrate professional and technical competence.

g) Engage with collaborative learning, problem solving, application of theory to practice, interpretation and analysis, critical thinking, synthesis of data and other information, evaluation of data and other information, accessing data and other information from a range of sources and receptiveness to alternative ideas.

Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences

At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to

a) Make effective use of communication and information technologies to present ideas, analyse problems and develop concise conclusions in the context of the management and practice of consulting.

b) Demonstrate professionalism in the use of a range oral communication techniques.

c) Demonstrate high level writing skills.

d)Evidence numeracy skills in interpreting both quantitative and qualitative data.

e) Demonstrate creative digital communication skills.

f) Possess data analysis skills, including digital data

Total Learning Hours of this module	250 Hours
Total Contact Hours	50 Hours
Self Study Hours	175 Hours
Assessment Hours	25 Hours
Total Number of ECTS of this Module/Unit	10 ECTS
MQF/EQF Level	Level 6

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is a process to support participants’ academic development through tutor feedback and feedforward. This type of assessment is not graded but will assist participants to understand the requirements of their summative assessment. This formative support will help participants understand the summative assessment requirement and to improve their confidence with different assessment techniques. Participants will be given clear assessment criteria as part of the assessment brief and participants will be required to submit a single substantive formative assessment prior to the summative assessment. The formative opportunities are timed in such a way as to allow participants to reflect on any tutor feedback and feed forward prior to the summative event. The formative feedforward given by the tutor will relate specifically to how participants have gone about the learning process, how they have acquired knowledge and their understanding of how to apply their knowledge.

. Draft outlines for written summative assessed work.

Summative assessment

Summative assessment is the final marked work that will be required to be submitted on time. This type of assessment is a graded piece of work. Participants will receive an assessment brief at the beginning of the module that will clearly state the requirements of the assessment task and the assessment criteria used to mark their work. In preparing an assessment for submission participants should read the brief and the assessment criteria carefully to make sure that it is fully understood. Any points that are unclear should be raised with their tutor. The assessment criteria rubric will illustrate how the final mark has been determined.

Summative assessment will consist of two coursework components: First, a case study of a significant merger and/or acquisition (3000 words, weighting 50%). Second, a portfolio of evidence with a 500 commentary on a successful merger and/or acquisition (3000 words, weighting 50%)

Component number	Form of assessment	Assessment size	Weighting (%)
1	Case study or management consulting problem	3500 words	75%
Group presentation	20 min	25%

As today’s business landscape becomes increasingly global, organisations need leaders who can operate effectively from anywhere in the world. Securing an international advantage requires executives capable of rapidly adapting to an ever-evolving, highly competitive global marketplace, mastering cross-cultural relationships and creating winning strategies that integrate both local and global perspectives. This Behavioural Strategy and Cross-Cultural Management module enables participants to gain a critical understanding of behavioural strategy in a complex, cross-border, multicultural environment. In this module culture is defined and reviewed in its various classifications in business (and to a lesser extent in areas such as anthropology, psychology and political science). This module also identifies and evaluates the role of culture in business theories, and discusses a variety of conceptual, methodological and practical issues relating to the measurement of culture at various levels (national, industry, corporate, individual). This module also considers the complex task of capturing and assessing the cultural encounter, presents empirical evidence, provides illustrations, and sample cultural combinations. Participants will explore the skillsets of successful global leaders and discover what it takes to build a cohesive global multi-cultural team, negotiate international deals and lead at scale.

Competences

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

a) Be able to demonstrate an advanced understanding of the impact of cultural differences in management

b) Critically appraise how managers operate and business is conducted in different societies

c) Be able to demonstrate understanding of how cultural misunderstanding can affect negotiations and the management of foreign operations

d) Critically assess and advise on how cultural differences should be recognised in policies on international management and the international transfer of management practices.

Knowledge

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:

a) Critical discussions, reviews and analyses of motivational theories and ethics across global organisations by assessing different contributors to cultural diversity in our society and attain a great understanding of human behaviour.

b) Developing skills to manage virtual teams and evaluate challenges and influences of culture on communication and management.

c) Examination of components and characteristics of cultural codes, structures and processes and enhance their ability to negotiate and motivate internationally.

d) Identification and critical analyses of cultural influences and how to develop strategies for working successfully across the world and effectively manage intercultural issues and conflicts.

Skills

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:

a) Be able to demonstrate a critical and systematic understanding of the current issues and challenges associated with the project management process in a variety of contexts.

b) Apply critical evaluations and assessments of various theoretical concepts and approaches to project management.

c) Construct a project plan whilst effectively communicating knowledge, ideas, and solutions within projects.

d) Be able to demonstrate critical evaluation of the risks associated with project management including financial and reputational risk.

e) Be able to provide recommendations on how to minimise risk in a particular industry and evaluate factors which influence project performance which leads to project success and failure.

Module-Specific Learner Skills

At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to

a) Discuss and evaluate the modern interpretation of the national culture and impact of culture to the major management process.

b) Describe and evaluate the main parameters characterizing the national cultures and the methodology of its measurement

c) Discuss major peculiarities of the cross-cultural management process and development of the skills based on cross-cultural differences application to the company’ management

d) Demonstrate skills in communication, team building, motivation leadership and negotiation in multicultural environment

e) Describe and discuss the cultural intelligence necessary for global managers

f) Apply knowledge of practical applicability of foreign experience in cross-cultural management

h) Know how to apply social and multicultural differences to solve problems in his/her professional and social activities.

Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences

At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to

a) Make effective use of communication and information technologies to present ideas, analyse problems and develop concise conclusions in the context of behavioural strategy and cross-cultural management.

b) Demonstrate a high degree of professionalism in the use of a range oral communication techniques.

c) Demonstrate high level writing skills.

d) Evidence numeracy skills in interpreting both quantitative and qualitative data.

e) Demonstrate creative digital communication skills.

f) Possess data analysis skills, including digital data.

Total Learning Hours of this module	250 Hours
Total Contact Hours	50 Hours
Self Study Hours	175 Hours
Assessment Hours	25 Hours
Total Number of ECTS of this Module/Unit	10 ECTS
MQF/EQF Level	Level 6

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is a process to support participants’ academic development through tutor feedback and feedforward. This type of assessment is not graded but will assist participants to understand the requirements of their summative assessment. This formative support will help participants understand the summative assessment requirement and to improve their confidence with different assessment techniques. Participants will be given clear assessment criteria as part of the assessment brief and participants will be required to submit a single substantive formative assessment prior to the summative assessment. The formative opportunities are timed in such a way as to allow participants to reflect on any tutor feedback and feed forward prior to the summative event. The formative feedforward given by the tutor will relate specifically to how participants have gone about the learning process, how they have acquired knowledge and their understanding of how to apply their knowledge.

. Draft outlines for written summative assessed work.

Summative assessment

Summative assessment is the final marked work that will be required to be submitted on time. This type of assessment is a graded piece of work. Participants will receive an assessment brief at the beginning of the module that will clearly state the requirements of the assessment task and the assessment criteria used to mark their work. In preparing an assessment for submission participants should read the brief and the assessment criteria carefully to make sure that it is fully understood. Any points that are unclear should be raised with their tutor. The assessment criteria rubric will illustrate how the final mark has been determined.

Summative assessment will consist of two coursework components: First, a case study of a significant merger and/or acquisition (3000 words, weighting 50%). Second, a portfolio of evidence with a 500 commentary on a successful merger and/or acquisition (3000 words, weighting 50%)

For the second assessment participants are asked to adopt the role of an investment analyst working as part of a team to prepare a pitch presentation on a proposed investment with an evaluation of the most appropriate strategy and based on this strategy a supporting individual investments report showing detailed analysis of valuations to justify the mix of instruments being proposed.

Component number	Form of assessment	Assessment size	Weighting (%)
1	Essay	2500 words	50%
2	Case study or management problem	2500 words	50%

The Managing Entrepreneurial Ventures module provides participants with an integrated strategy framework for entrepreneurs, knowledge on how to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and managing entrepreneurial ventures. This module identifies the skills and competences required for an effective entrepreneur and managing entrepreneurial ventures in dynamic environments. The module is structured around three areas: Strategic Planning and Management; Human Resource Management; and, Entrepreneurial Teams and Experience, Learning and Innovation. The building blocks put in place by this module will enable participants to develop management strategies based on SMEs and larger companies’ organisational and business requirements.

Competences

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

a) Produce a critical analysis of entrepreneurship, entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurial ventures.

b) Explain and appraise the main historical and current perspectives on managing entrepreneurial ventures.

c) Produce comprehensive knowledge and discussion of how individuals and organisations can identify entrepreneurial opportunities and explain the general approaches for exploiting such opportunities.

d) Critically appraise the mechanisms for growing and exiting from entrepreneurial ventures.

e) Critically evaluate the contribution that entrepreneurship and innovation make to broader organisational outcomes

f) Produce and analyse the information requirements that enable creative decisions to be taken and the ways that information is used.

Knowledge

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:

a) How to critically analyse and make strategic decisions and recommendations in entrepreneurial environments.

b) Identify, evaluate, and apply concepts and toolkit models to different strategic scenarios within SMEs organisations.

c) How to develop reports to examine entrepreneurial value and the investment and resources required to deploy it.

d) A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of how individuals and organisations can identify entrepreneurial opportunities and explain the general approaches for exploiting such opportunities.

e) How to critically appraise the mechanisms for growing and exiting from entrepreneurial ventures.

f) How to critically evaluate the contribution that entrepreneurship and innovation make to broader organisational outcomes

g) Describe and evaluate the choices based on strategic analysis of the SME and entrepreneurial organisational environment that will lead to effective information control and acquisition.

h) Identify and how to critically assess the SMEs organisational environments based on strategic tools and techniques and make appropriate recommendations.

Skills

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:

a) To be able to demonstrate and creatively and systematically synthesize, critically analyse and convert theory relating to creating and growing a new business venture into practice.

b) To be able to prepare and evaluate interesting business ideas to construct them into viable business opportunities.

c) Plan and carry out independent and original research/project work to assess the potential for a new business venture in a specific area.

d) To be able to think critically and creatively: organise thoughts, analyse, synthesise, critically appraise, including the ability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, detect false logic, define terms adequately and generalise appropriately.

e) To be able to solve problems and make decisions relating to new business ventures using appropriate theories, concepts and techniques. Think critically and work objectively and productively within teams to overcome challenges.

f) Operate in a variety of inter-personal and team roles and take leadership roles where appropriate. Communicate business opportunities effectively and succinctly to a professional audience.

g) Demonstrate skills as an independent learner.

h) Demonstrate skills in designing, managing, and executing a business idea.

i) The ability to identify risks of failure and learn to switch plans rather than escalating the failure.

j) To be able to select an entrepreneurial path that resonates with individual personal values and interests despite current trends.

Module-Specific Learner Skills

At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to

a) Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of how individuals and organisations can identify entrepreneurial opportunities and explain the general approaches for exploiting such opportunities.

b) Critically appraise the mechanisms for growing and exiting from entrepreneurial ventures.

c) Critically evaluate the contribution that entrepreneurship and innovation make to broader organisational outcomes.

d) Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of how individuals and organisations can identify entrepreneurial opportunities and explain the general approaches for exploiting such opportunities.

e) Critically appraise the mechanisms for growing and exiting from entrepreneurial ventures.

f) Critically evaluate the contribution that entrepreneurship and innovation make to broader organisational outcomes.

Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences

At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to

s) Make effective use of communication and information technologies to present ideas, analyse problems and develop concise conclusions.

t) Demonstrate professionalism in the use of a range oral communication techniques.

u) Demonstrate high level writing skills.

v) Evidence numeracy skills in interpreting data.

w) Demonstrate creative digital communication skills.

x) Possess data analysis skills, including digital data.

Total Learning Hours of this module	250 Hours
Total Contact Hours	50 Hours
Self Study Hours	175 Hours
Assessment Hours	25 Hours
Total Number of ECTS of this Module/Unit	10 ECTS
MQF/EQF Level	Level 6

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is a process to support participants’ academic development through tutor feedback and feedforward. This type of assessment is not graded but will assist participants to understand the requirements of their summative assessment. This formative support will help participants understand the summative assessment requirement and to improve their confidence with different assessment techniques. Participants will be given clear assessment criteria as part of the assessment brief and participants will be required to submit a single substantive formative assessment prior to the summative assessment. The formative opportunities are timed in such a way as to allow participants to reflect on any tutor feedback and feed forward prior to the summative event. The formative feedforward given by the tutor will relate specifically to how participants have gone about the learning process, how they have acquired knowledge and their understanding of how to apply their knowledge.

. Draft outlines for written summative assessed work.

Summative assessment

Summative assessment is the final marked work that will be required to be submitted on time. This type of assessment is a graded piece of work. Participants will receive an assessment brief at the beginning of the module that will clearly state the requirements of the assessment task and the assessment criteria used to mark their work. In preparing an assessment for submission participants should read the brief and the assessment criteria carefully to make sure that it is fully understood. Any points that are unclear should be raised with their tutor. The assessment criteria rubric will illustrate how the final mark has been determined.

Summative assessment will consist of two coursework components: First, a case study of a significant merger and/or acquisition (3000 words, weighting 50%). Second, a portfolio of evidence with a 500 commentary on a successful merger and/or acquisition (3000 words, weighting 50%)

Component number	Form of assessment	Assessment size	Weighting (%)
1	Case study or management consulting problem	3500 words	75%
Group presentation	20 min	25%

Entrepreneurial Finance module provides participants with knowledge and a critical understanding of the principles and concepts of private equity, venture finance, accounting and finance for managers working in an SME business or larger organisational environment. This module will provide a working understanding of how key financial statements are prepared, interpreted, and analysed for decision making, including points of weakness and their shortcomings. This module also aims to provide participants with a comprehensive critical appreciation of how management accounting can assist managers in financial planning, financial control and decision making.

Competences

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the responsibility and autonomy to:

a) Produce a critical evaluation of the importance of finance and financial data to the success of entrepreneurial firms.

b) Carry out tasks and describe different methods by which a company is valued, and issues linked to start-up/entrepreneurial firm valuation when raising funds.

c) Describe and appraise balance sheets, income statements, cash flows and other firm financial information and be able to analyse and critically evaluate these in the context of an entrepreneurial firm seeking investment.

d) Use real options as a tool to evaluate firm’s choice and value.

e) Carry out tasks involving analysis and comparison of possible sources of financing for an entrepreneurial firm including various types of private equity, debt financing and non-traditional sources.

f) Produce and appreciate some of the risks of failure of an entrepreneurial firm and consider how these can be prevented.

g) Create and evaluate exit strategies and explain the investment harvesting process

Knowledge

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have been exposed to the following:

a) A comprehensive analysis of the objectives of accounting and of the use of accounting/costing information as an aid to planning and controlling of business activities and decision making.

b) Describing and critically assessing procedures and problems involved in using control tools and in decision making within an organisation.

c) Investigating and assessing the environment in which corporate finance decisions are made and the financial consequences of strategic decisions.

d) How to develop competencies to adequately apply accounting concepts, techniques, and finance models to solve practical issues and problems effectively.

e) Identify, evaluate and interpreting accounting and financial information and use it in the decision-making process.

f) How to provide convincing, clear, and concise analysis in using accounting concepts, principles, techniques, and finance models in the context of the information provided.

Skills

At the end of the module/unit the learner will have acquired the following skills:

a) How to recognise the effects of decisions, transactions, and events on financial performance.

b) Demonstrate how to interpret published financial statements intelligently.

c) Application of financial information relevant to different business problems.

d) Be able to use financial information effectively for decision making, planning and control.

e) Recognise the main uses and limitation of financial information.

f) Prepare, interpret, and use cash flow statements and cash forecasts.

g) Be able to organise data for capital investment project appraisals and analyse the results.

h) Identification and evaluation relevant factors in key aspects of corporate financial management, such as borrowing and lending, dividend policy and capital structure.

i) Carry out simple valuations of companies, including cost of capital.

Be able to discuss the purpose and processes of budgeting.

 

j) Be able to develop an ability to apply techniques in the analysis of relevant financial and non-financial information required for strategic planning, control, and decision-making.

k) Be able to understand the regulatory environment and understand corporate finance and strategic decision-making.

Module-Specific Learner Skills

At the end of the module/unit the learner will be able to

a) Critically appraise venture capital funding and how it differs from other kinds of finance.

b) Identify and critically evaluate the structure of and trends in venture capital and private equity investment around the world.

c) Identify and appreciate agency relationships involved in venture capital funding and evaluate how contracts help to resolve the agency problems.

d) Analyse and evaluate reasons why venture capital investment is staged and often syndicated.

e) Identify and critically evaluate factors determining the exit strategy of a venture capitalised firm

f) Apply various valuation techniques in venture capital and private equity settings.

g) Evaluate short-term and long-term performance of venture capital-backed companies.

Module-Specific Digital Skills and Competences

At the end of the module/unit, the learner will be able to

m) Make effective use of communication and information technologies to present ideas, analyse problems and develop concise conclusions in the context of entrepreneurial finance.

n) Demonstrate professionalism in the use of a range oral communication techniques.

o) Demonstrate high level writing skills.

p) Evidence numeracy skills in interpreting both quantitative and qualitative data.

q) Demonstrate creative digital communication skills.

r) Possess data analysis skills, including digital data.

Total Learning Hours of this module	250 Hours
Total Contact Hours	50 Hours
Self Study Hours	175 Hours
Assessment Hours	25 Hours
Total Number of ECTS of this Module/Unit	10 ECTS
MQF/EQF Level	Level 6

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is a process to support participants’ academic development through tutor feedback and feedforward. This type of assessment is not graded but will assist participants to understand the requirements of their summative assessment. This formative support will help participants understand the summative assessment requirement and to improve their confidence with different assessment techniques. Participants will be given clear assessment criteria as part of the assessment brief and participants will be required to submit a single substantive formative assessment prior to the summative assessment. The formative opportunities are timed in such a way as to allow participants to reflect on any tutor feedback and feed forward prior to the summative event. The formative feedforward given by the tutor will relate specifically to how participants have gone about the learning process, how they have acquired knowledge and their understanding of how to apply their knowledge.

. Draft outlines for written summative assessed work.

Summative assessment

Summative assessment is the final marked work that will be required to be submitted on time. This type of assessment is a graded piece of work. Participants will receive an assessment brief at the beginning of the module that will clearly state the requirements of the assessment task and the assessment criteria used to mark their work. In preparing an assessment for submission participants should read the brief and the assessment criteria carefully to make sure that it is fully understood. Any points that are unclear should be raised with their tutor. The assessment criteria rubric will illustrate how the final mark has been determined.

Summative assessment will consist of two coursework components: First, a case study of a significant merger and/or acquisition (3000 words, weighting 50%). Second, a portfolio of evidence with a 500 commentary on a successful merger and/or acquisition (3000 words, weighting 50%)

For the second assessment participants are asked to adopt the role of an investment analyst working as part of a team to prepare a pitch presentation on a proposed investment with an evaluation of the most appropriate strategy and based on this strategy a supporting individual investments report showing detailed analysis of valuations to justify the mix of instruments being proposed.

Component number	Form of assessment	Assessment size	Weighting (%)
1	Coursework essay	2500 words	50%
2	Case study of entrepreneurial venture	2500 words	50%