Financial Analysis for Business Performance

Syllabus

• Week 1

  Financial planning, budgeting and forecasting

  • Welcome to the course

    Introduction and welcome to the course.

  • Introduction to planning, budgeting and forecasting (PBF)

    This activity is an introduction to the fundamentals of financial planning, and will set the context for the rest of the course.

  • Fundamentals of effective budgeting

    In this activity we’ll learn about the fundamentals of effective budgeting.

  • Fundamentals of effective forecasting

    In this activity, we’ll explore the fundamentals of effective forecasting and provide you with an understanding of the role and function of forecasting, and types of organisational forecasts.

  • Effective planning, budgeting and forecasting in the digital age

    In this activity, you’ll learn about the key concepts for the success of effective planning, budgeting, and forecasting, and the most common techniques required to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the PBF process.

  • Technology driven success

    This activity introduces you to fintech, what it is, and why it has become prevalent. You’ll also learn about some cloud-based technologies for real-time reporting and continuous improvement.

  • Data-driven financial planning

    In this activity, you’ll discover how data drives financial planning. You’ll learn about data-driven forecasting and the key benefits and challenges of data-driven processes.

  • Week One Wrap-up

    To complete the week, let’s discuss and recap the learning outcomes for the week.

• Week 2

  Financial performance analysis

  • Welcome to Week Two

    Introduction to this week's content and learning outcomes.

  • What is financial analysis?

    In this activity, you will be introduced to financial analysis, its value, use, and common reporting mechanisms.

  • Types of financial analysis

    In this activity, you will learn in greater detail how to prepare different types of financial statements, conduct financial analysis using common size financial statements and financial ratios.

  • Set financial targets and performance metrics

    In this activity, we explore how to set financial targets and performance metrics which ensure that businesses meet their financial goals.

  • Week Two Wrap-up

    To complete the week, you are encouraged to complete the knowledge check and recap on the learning outcomes for the week.

• Week 3

  Performance monitoring and reporting

  • Welcome to Week Three

    This week you will broaden your knowledge of performance monitoring and reporting.

  • Performance monitoring and reporting processing

    In this activity, you will develop the ability to identify reporting needs and tailor organisational communication to achieve the required business objectives.

  • Create performance reports

    In this activity, we will explore the different aspects of creating performance reports.

  • Presenting performance reports

    In this activity, you will develop the ability to prepare tailored presentations to communicate critical insights to relevant business stakeholders.

  • Week Three Wrap-up

    Let's recap what you've learned this week.

• Week 4

  Cost management and decision-making

  • Welcome to Week Four

    Introduction to this week's content and learning outcomes.

  • Introduction to cost management

    This activity introduces cost management and associated costing factors that support decision-making and creating profit and shows how business elements are strategically weighed and accounted for.

  • Costing methods

    In this activity, you’ll learn various cost types can be calculated using different costing methods to give decision-makers insights into the progress of their company.

  • Standard costing and variance analysis

    In this activity, we’ll explore the fundamentals of standard costing and variance analysis that will provide you with an understanding of the role and function of operating leverage and its role in decision-making.

  • Week Four Wrap-up

    This is the last activity for the week 4 of your course. Well done!

• Week 5

  Improving financial performance

  • Welcome to Week Five

    Welcome to Improving Financial Performance. Get started by familiarising yourself with the course, what is expected of you, and the case study.

  • Levers to improve financial performance

    In this activity, we’ll cover the main cost control levels that drive financial performance, specifically value drivers and cash flow management.

  • Data-driven performance decisions

    In this activity, we’ll cover the key metrics to track business performance, best practices for presenting metrics, and how to use a decision tree.

  • Delivering actionable value

    In this activity, we’ll present an overview of the insight generation process and explain how to manage it. We’ll also discuss how to build a data-driven culture and the fundamentals of actionable insights.

  • Week Five Wrap-up

    Summary of this week's activities.

• Week 6

  Analytics and data-driven decision making

  • Welcome to Week Six

    Introduction to Week Six: Diagnostic Analytics. Familiarise yourself with the week’s topics and listen to this week’s case study.

  • Introduction to data analytics and data-driven decision making

    You will be introduced to data analytics and its importance for data-driven decision making. You will also explore the skills needed for an organisation to make data-driven financial decisions.

  • Types of data

    You will learn how to define data, identify various sources of data, and discuss some of the challenges of working with data for businesses and organisations.

  • Data-driven decision making

    You will learn why we make decisions with data, the types and value of business analytics, roles and responsibilities in data-driven organisations and creating a culture that values data-driven decision making

  • Week 6 wrap-up

    To complete the week, let’s recap the key points.

Who will you learn with?