• The Open University
  • The Open University Business School

The Digital Economy: Finance for Business Growth

Learn how to develop a funding strategy for your business; explore different types of finance and learn when, and how, to use them

26,749 enrolled on this course

A graphic showing hands choosing between coins - a metaphor for making business funding decisions.
  • Duration

    4 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours

Evaluate how to fund your business investment

Every business needs cash to grow and develop. Some can find enough cash from their operations. Others might need external sources of finance, like a bank loan. So how does a business make robust decisions about borrowing?

Whether you are in a micro business, a small to medium-sized organisation, or a large firm, this online course will guide you through finance options.

You will consider traditional and alternative finance options; evaluate what type of funding is suitable for your business; and develop a financial statement and funding strategy, to make the right decision.

What topics will you cover?

  • Assess the role of cash management in business and the relationship between cash management and business performance
  • Consider the benefits and drawbacks of different sources of finance
  • Understand the relevance of liquidity and solvency when managing a business
  • Evaluate the role of cash flow forecasting and assess future cash requirements
  • Understand the risks, benefits and drawbacks of different types of funding
  • Decide on a suitable type of funding and assess risk-return issues
  • Assess how and why alternative finance activities, such as crowdfunding, have evolved
  • Assess the benefits and risks of alternative finance for business borrowers
  • Evaluate the use of equity funding, both private and public equity issues
  • Assess the role of private equity, and the benefits offered by different types of private equity for funding business growth
  • Explore behavioural finance issues in investment decision-making

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Assess borrowing requirements and develop a strategy for your business finance needs
  • Assess the risks, benefits and drawbacks of different types of debt
  • Assess and critique finance available to your business, both traditional and newer sources, such as crowd funding
  • Evaluate funding opportunities for business growth and development
  • Apply and consider the role of traditional sources of finance, i.e. debt and equity, as well as alternative finance options, such as crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending
  • Record and learn to use financial statements to assess the financial health of a business
  • Collect and learn to use a cash flow forecast to help you make decisions about managing business cash
  • Investigate and find out how you can develop a funding strategy and make the right decision about the type of borrowing for your business

Who is the course for?

This course is intended for those with an interest in developing their financial skills to make robust decisions when managing business finance. The course does not require any previous experience of this subject.

Find further information about OU registration, the assessment module and MBA in the entry requirements.

Academic credit
If you are aiming to use your study of courses in the Digital Economy program to obtain academic credit, please be aware that the final planned presentation of the Open University Assessment Course BXM871 Managing in the Digital Economy starts July 2020. Please ensure that you allow yourself enough time to obtain all four Certificates of Achievement from courses in the program before registering for the Assessment Course. The start dates of the relevant FutureLearn courses in 2019 and 2020 are available here.

What do people say about this course?

"The Digital Economy: Finance for Business Growth is one course by the Open University which l cherish very much, and which l will forever treasure. I have learnt a lot of terminologies under business and finance/accounting. Thanks to the lead educator and her team of facilitators."

Who will you learn with?

Dr Jane Hughes is a lecturer in accounting and finance at the Open University. She is a professional accountant, with over twenty years of business experience in both corporate and financial services.

Who developed the course?

The Open University

As the UK’s largest university, The Open University (OU) supports thousands of students to achieve their goals and ambitions via supported distance learning, helping to fit learning around professional and personal life commitments.

  • Established

    1969
  • Location

    Milton Keynes, UK
  • World ranking

    Top 510Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020

The Open University Business School

A pioneer in flexible learning for over 30 years, The Open University Business School delivers transformational, high quality business and management education which is quality assured.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

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