Specialisation Financial Management

Module content

In the Financial Statement Analysis & Valuation module, you will acquire in-depth knowledge of company analysis and business model valuation. The initial focus is on key financial indicators that provide information about asset structure, investments and short- and long-term financial stability. These include return on equity, return on assets, return on sales and cash flow indicators. You will also learn how to evaluate results using absolute and adjusted performance indicators and interpret the significance of international financial statements in accordance with IFRS and US GAAP. Another focus is on company valuation: you will compare different methods and apply key concepts such as the income approach, the discounted cash flow method and multiplier approaches. The combination of theoretical foundations and practical application will enable you to critically analyse annual financial statements and determine the value of companies using sound methodology.

Acquired competences

After completing the module, you will be able to evaluate complex financial reports and derive insights relevant to decision-making. You will be able to calculate and interpret key figures from annual financial statements and classify a company's development in multi-year comparisons. In addition, you will acquire the ability to determine the company value using common valuation methods and to present the differences between the methods in a comprehensible manner. Methodologically, you will train yourself in the targeted use of company data and develop a feel for the scope for manoeuvre in accounting policy. You will be able to present your findings in a structured manner, both in internal decision-making situations and to external stakeholders. At the same time, you will strengthen your professionalism by independently working on financial analysis issues and placing them in the context of strategic corporate decisions. In addition, you will improve your communication skills by discussing financial developments with management and specialist departments across disciplines and actively participating in valuation processes.

Module content

The Mergers & Acquisitions module provides you with comprehensive insight into the complex aspects of company takeovers and mergers. You will examine the motives for acquisitions, typical success and failure factors, and the psychological influences in M&A processes. Step by step, you will learn about the individual phases of a transaction – from strategic analysis and due diligence to post-merger integration. Special attention will be paid to the roles and interests of the various institutions and actors involved in a transaction, as well as the strategic considerations of the buyer and seller. Another focus is on corporate culture: you will reflect on how cultural factors influence the success of a takeover and how integration strategies and synergy management can be designed. The module is rounded off by looking at intervention measures and projects in the context of post-merger integration to ensure cultural change and sustainable integration success.

Acquired competences

After completing the module, you will be able to understand M&A processes holistically, accompany them critically and help shape them responsibly. You will be able to classify the reasons and motives for company acquisitions, identify key players and assess them in a practical manner. In addition, you will be able to structure the individual phases of an M&A process, evaluate relevant information and derive well-founded decisions. In doing so, you will develop an awareness of the importance of corporate culture and be able to derive measures to avoid typical integration problems. Your methodological skills will enable you to actively support due diligence reviews, assess the acquisition of target companies and take critical success factors into account during the integration phase. At the same time, you will strengthen your professional self-image by taking on responsibility in complex transactions and making fact-based decisions. Finally, you will expand your communication skills: you will be able to interact purposefully with employees, managers, consultants and auditors, present results convincingly and contribute to the success of an M&A transaction through trusting cooperation.

Module content

In the Alternative Financing module, you will learn about the wide range of modern forms of financing that go beyond traditional bank loans. First, the market for alternative financing will be introduced and the role of various capital providers will be analysed. You will gain an overview of the development of traditional credit financing and how it is complemented by innovative models. One focus is on mezzanine financing, where you will learn to distinguish between typical and atypical silent partnerships as well as forms of debt and equity mezzanine. In addition, you will examine other financing instruments, including venture capital, business angels and forms of capital market financing such as asset-backed securities (ABS) and mortgage-backed securities (MBS). By combining theoretical principles with practical examples, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities, risks and possible applications of alternative sources of financing, which can be particularly crucial for growth-oriented or innovative companies.

Acquired competences

After completing the module, you will be able to explain the main alternatives to bank financing and assess their suitability for different business situations. You will be able to describe the special features of mezzanine financing, differentiate between equity-like and debt-like structures, and classify the specific requirements of capital market instruments. Methodologically, you will be able to develop your own ideas for optimal financing, draw up a capital requirements plan that includes alternative forms of financing, and prepare the necessary documents for investors. In addition, you will expand your professional self-image by actively supporting financing agreements, keeping an eye on market trends and critically questioning new options. In the area of communication, you will train in targeted exchange with investors, be able to represent the company's position convincingly and build trust in negotiations. This will strengthen your ability to act in an increasingly diverse and dynamic financing environment.