Strategic Financial Management
Mastering financial strategy for value creation, investment decision-making, and sustainable organisational growth
- Duration: 12 months (50 weeks)
- Online live training: 2 hours/week
Programme Overview
Strategic Financial Management provides comprehensive training in advanced financial decision-making appropriate for postgraduate-level study and senior professional practice. This module develops sophisticated financial capabilities essential for strategic leadership, corporate governance, and long-term value creation. Students learn to analyse complex financial information, evaluate strategic investment decisions, and align financial strategy with organisational objectives.
Capital investment appraisal receives substantial coverage, including net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), discounted cash flow techniques, and real options analysis. Students develop the ability to assess risk-adjusted returns, evaluate large-scale capital projects, and make evidence-based recommendations regarding resource allocation. Advanced approaches to cost of capital, capital structure optimisation, and dividend policy are examined in depth.
Financial performance analysis is explored comprehensively, recognising its central role in strategic control and decision-making. Topics include ratio analysis, cash flow analysis, value-based management, and financial forecasting. Students examine how organisations interpret financial statements to assess profitability, liquidity, solvency, and operational efficiency. Contemporary approaches to financial modelling and scenario analysis are introduced to support strategic planning under conditions of uncertainty.
Strategic risk management forms a core component of the module. Students evaluate financial risks including market risk, credit risk, liquidity risk, and foreign exchange exposure. Hedging strategies, derivatives, and portfolio diversification are analysed as tools for managing financial uncertainty. The module considers how organisations develop robust risk management frameworks aligned with regulatory requirements and corporate governance standards.
Corporate financial strategy is addressed in relation to mergers and acquisitions, international finance, and sustainable financial management. Students explore valuation techniques, synergy assessment, post-merger integration challenges, and cross-border investment considerations. Increasing emphasis is placed on environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors and their impact on long-term financial sustainability and stakeholder value.
Ethical financial leadership and regulatory compliance are emphasised throughout. Students examine professional standards, financial reporting requirements, and governance frameworks that underpin responsible financial management. The module integrates analytical rigour with strategic insight, ensuring participants develop the capability to contribute meaningfully to high-level financial decision-making within complex organisational environments.
Key Topics Covered
Investment Analysis
- Net Present Value
- Internal Rate of Return
- Payback Period
- Real Options Analysis
- Capital Budgeting
- Investment Risk
- Project Appraisal
Corporate Finance
- Capital Structure
- Cost of Capital
- Dividend Policy
- Equity Financing
- Debt Financing
- Leasing Decisions
- Financial Leverage
Valuation
- DCF Valuation
- Relative Valuation
- M&A Valuation
- Business Valuation
- Asset Valuation
- Option Pricing
- Value Drivers
Risk Management
- Financial Risk
- Currency Risk
- Interest Rate Risk
- Derivatives
- Hedging Strategies
- Portfolio Theory
- Risk Assessment
Skills & Competencies
- Financial Analysis
- Investment Appraisal
- Valuation Expertise
- Capital Structure
- Risk Management
- International Finance
- Performance Measurement
- Financial Strategy
- M&A Analysis
Practical & Professional Relevance
Real-World Application
Financial management capabilities are essential for senior management roles where capital allocation, financing strategy, and financial risk management represent core responsibilities. The financial analysis frameworks developed in this module enable professionals to evaluate investment opportunities, assess financial performance, and make value-creating decisions.
For professionals in financial roles including CFO, finance director, treasury, and corporate finance positions, the module’s strategic perspective ensures financial decisions align with organisational objectives. Understanding how financial strategy supports business strategy distinguishes strategic financial leaders from operational finance managers.
Investment banking, private equity, venture capital, and management consulting roles require sophisticated financial analysis capabilities. The module’s coverage of valuation, mergers and acquisitions, and capital structure prepares participants for financially-intensive advisory and investment roles.
Career Impact
Strategic financial management expertise enhances career prospects for CFO and finance director positions where financial strategy formulation represents a core responsibility. The ability to translate business strategy into financial objectives and resource allocation decisions distinguishes strategic financial leaders.
For general managers and business unit leaders, financial literacy supports effective decision-making. Understanding investment appraisal, financial risk, and value creation enables non-financial managers to make financially sound strategic decisions and communicate effectively with financial stakeholders.
The module prepares participants for board positions and non-executive director roles where financial governance, risk oversight, and strategic financial decisions require sophisticated financial understanding. Board members must understand financial statements, assess financial risks, and evaluate management’s financial proposals.
Interested in This Module?
Download the detailed syllabus or contact our admissions team to learn more about this module
Module Details
Subjects
- Strategic Environment Analysis
- Strategic Options Development
- Strategy Implementation Approaches
- Change Management in Strategy
- Monitoring and Evaluation of Strategy
Key Topics
- External influences on organisational strategy.
- Strategic options for organisations.
- Tools and approaches to strategy implementation.
- Strategic organisational change management.
- Monitoring and control of strategic plans.
Learning Outcomes
To apply the tools and techniques of cost accounting.
1.1 Critically evaluate the position of an organisation in it’s current market.
1.2 Critically analyse the effects of existing plans on an organisation.
To critically analyse the financial performance of businesses.
2.1 Critically explore the relationship between, corporate,
business and operational strategies.2.2 Apply strategic models and tools to develop strategic
options for an organisation.2.3 Evaluate strategic options for an organisation.
To evaluate the budgetary processes of organisations.
3.1 Create a relevant vision, mission and strategic goals for
an organisation.
3.2 Propose a suitable structure for an organisation that fits
a strategic plan.
3.3 Create a resourced strategy implementation plan.
To recommend effective long term and short-term sources of funding.
4.1 Apply force field analysis to effectively distinguish forces
of change.
4.2 Critically evaluate various change management models.
4.3 Identify relevant leadership and change agent skills to
implement a strategic change in an organisation.
To critically appraise investment options.
5.1 Develop a monitoring and control system for the
implementation of strategic plans.
5.2 Design key success indicators in order to monitor
the implementation of the strategic plan.
5.3 Distinguish potential risks during implementation.
5.4 Review the effectiveness of the strategic plan
KSBs
Knowledge
- Understanding of key financial and marketing metrics (ROI/ROMI, CAC, CLV, revenue, margin, break-even).
- Knowledge of data analysis methods (social/web analytics, competitor analysis, customer behaviour analysis, testing methodologies).
- Awareness of resource management principles (5 Ms, MarTech, allocation, audits, efficiency).
- Understanding of budgeting methods (sero-based, activity-based, incremental, flexible, top-down/bottom-up).
- Knowledge of forecasting techniques (predictive modelling, regression, time series, variance analysis).
- Awareness of how to build and present business cases (risks, benefits, stakeholders, ROMI, success factors).
Skills
- Ability to interpret financial and marketing data to uncover insights.
- Skill in measuring and monitoring performance with KPIs, dashboards, and analytics.
- Competence in applying forecasting and budgeting techniques to manage resources.
- Skill in prioritising activities and expenditure to achieve marketing objectives.
- Ability to use data-driven insights to support decision-making in acquisition, retention, and engagement.
- Skill in collaboration, communication, and presenting business cases to stakeholders.
Behaviours
- Acting with commercial awareness in resource allocation and decision-making.
- Demonstrating data-led, evidence-based thinking in marketing strategy.
- Commitment to continuous improvement through monitoring and feedback.
- Maintaining ethical and responsible use of resources.
- Displaying accountability and adaptability when managing budgets and resources.
