Executive Master in Strategic Finance and Business Leadership

Course Dates :

13/01/25

45

Course ID:

250113001004611LUEMT

Course Duration :

45 Studying Day/s

Course Location:

Course Category:

Executive Masters

Subcategories: Construction Safety, Health and Wellbeing, Environmental Sustainability, Risk Management, Technical Skills Development, Leadership and Communication, Quality Assurance

Course Certified By:

* LondonUni - Executive Management Training

* Executive Masters Certificate

Certification Will Be Issued From : From London, United Kingdom

Course Information

Introduction

The Executive Master in Strategic Finance and Business Leadership is a comprehensive program designed to equip senior professionals and aspiring executives with the strategic, analytical, and leadership skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern financial management and organizational leadership. This course combines a deep dive into advanced financial concepts with a strong focus on leadership, decision-making, and value creation, preparing participants to lead their organizations toward sustainable success.

Strategic finance is at the heart of every successful organization. It encompasses critical disciplines such as financial planning, analysis, and risk management, which are essential for driving growth and sustainability. This course emphasizes not only the technical aspects of finance but also the strategic mindset required to make impactful decisions. The program focuses on integrating financial acumen with business leadership, enabling participants to influence outcomes effectively and align financial goals with organizational objectives.

Leadership in finance requires the ability to balance short-term financial performance with long-term strategic goals. This program explores this balance through practical, real-world scenarios and case studies. Participants will learn to evaluate financial statements, assess investment opportunities, and manage risks while leading diverse teams and fostering innovation within their organizations.

This Executive Master program spans 40 days of intensive learning, followed by a dedicated 5-day thesis preparation period. During this time, participants will craft a final thesis of 25,000–30,000 words, consolidating their learning and presenting strategic solutions to complex financial and leadership challenges. This approach ensures that participants not only master the theoretical aspects of the subject but also gain practical insights that can be directly applied in their professional roles.

Course Structure

The program is structured into eight core modules, each designed to address a critical area of strategic finance and leadership:

Strategic Financial Management: Developing financial strategies aligned with organizational goals.
Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A): Enhancing budgeting and forecasting capabilities.
Valuation and Financial Metrics for Managers: Mastering valuation techniques and performance measurement.
Cost Management and Profitability Analysis: Driving efficiency and maximizing profitability.
Understanding and Analyzing Financial Statements: Interpreting key financial reports to inform decisions.
Financial Decision-Making and Risk Management: Assessing risks and making informed strategic choices.
Cash Flow Management and Working Capital: Optimizing cash flow for organizational health.
Capital Investment and Project Financial Evaluation: Evaluating investment opportunities for growth.

The final phase of the program involves preparing a detailed thesis, which serves as a capstone project to synthesize and apply the knowledge gained throughout the course.

Conclusion

The Executive Master in Strategic Finance and Business Leadership is more than just a learning experience; it is a transformative journey that empowers professionals to lead with confidence, clarity, and competence. By blending financial expertise with strategic leadership, this program enables participants to address real-world challenges and drive meaningful impact within their organizations.

Upon completing this program, participants will emerge with a robust toolkit for financial management, the ability to lead cross-functional teams, and a strategic perspective that sets them apart in their field. This unique combination of skills positions graduates to take on executive roles with enhanced responsibility and influence.

This program is designed for individuals with a strong background in finance or business, as well as those who demonstrate a keen interest in developing their leadership and strategic decision-making capabilities.

Objectives

The objectives are:

To develop advanced knowledge and skills in strategic finance and business leadership.
To enable participants to evaluate and interpret complex financial data for effective decision-making.
To enhance the ability to manage financial risks and drive organizational growth.
To foster leadership capabilities for managing teams and leading change initiatives.
To prepare participants for executive roles by equipping them with a strategic mindset and practical tools.

Who Should Attend?

This course aims at:

Senior managers and executives looking to advance their strategic financial management skills.
Finance professionals aspiring to take on leadership roles within their organizations.
Business leaders responsible for driving financial performance and organizational success.
Professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in decision-making, risk management, and value creation.
Aspiring executives preparing for higher responsibilities in strategic finance and leadership.

Training Method

• Pre-assessment
• Live group instruction
• Use of real-world examples, case studies and exercises
• Interactive participation and discussion
• Power point presentation, LCD and flip chart
• Group activities and tests
• Each participant receives a 7” Tablet containing a copy of the presentation, slides and handouts
• Post-assessment

Program Support

This program is supported by:
* Interactive discussions
* Role-play
* Case studies and highlight the techniques available to the participants.

Daily Agenda

Each course agenda will be as follows:
• Technical Session 08.30-10.00 am
• Coffee Break 10.00-10.15 am
• Technical Session 10.15-12.15 noon
• Coffee Break 12.15-12.45 pm
• Technical Session 12.45-02.30 pm
• Course Ends 02.30 pm

Part 2 / 9

Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)

Day 1:
Foundations of FP&A

Overview of FP&A: Definition, scope, and significance in modern business.
Key components of financial statements and their interrelationships.
Introduction to budgeting frameworks and best practices.
Tools and technologies transforming FP&A workflows.


Day 2:
Budgeting and Forecasting Techniques

Step-by-step guide to creating zero-based budgets.
Rolling forecasts vs. static budgets: Pros and cons.
Leveraging Excel for advanced financial modeling.
Case study: Building a three-year financial forecast.


Day 3:
Performance Measurement and Variance Analysis

Understanding KPIs and their role in performance evaluation.
Conducting variance analysis to identify deviations and root causes.
Linking operational metrics to financial outcomes.
Group exercise: Diagnosing variances in a simulated business scenario.


Day 4:
Risk Management and Scenario Planning

Identifying and quantifying financial risks in uncertain environments.
Developing contingency plans through scenario analysis.
Sensitivity analysis techniques to assess impact variables.
Real-world example: Navigating supply chain disruptions during a pandemic.


Day 5:
Strategic Reporting and Communication

Crafting impactful financial dashboards and visualizations.
Communicating complex financial data to non-technical audiences.
Integrating ESG considerations into financial strategy.
Final project: Presenting a comprehensive FP&A report to peers and instructors.

Part 3 / 9

Valuation and Financial Metrics for Managers

Day 1:

Foundations of Valuation and Financial Metrics

--*-- Introduction to valuation concepts and financial metrics.
--*-- Overview of financial statements and their components.
--*-- Understanding discounted cash flow (DCF) and net present value (NPV).
--*-- Identifying and interpreting key financial ratios.

Day 2:

Valuation Techniques and Models

--*-- Comparable company analysis and its applications.
--*-- Asset-based valuation methods.
--*-- Earnings-based valuation and price-to-earnings ratio analysis.
--*-- Evaluating intangible assets and intellectual property valuation.

Day 3:

Financial Metrics for Decision-Making

--*-- Developing and using key performance indicators (KPIs).
--*-- Assessing profitability, liquidity, and solvency through metrics.
--*-- Introduction to economic value-added (EVA) and market value-added (MVA).
--*-- Analyzing financial trends and forecasting future performance.

Day 4:

Risk Assessment and Strategic Financial Decisions

--*-- Identifying and managing financial risks.
--*-- Scenario planning and sensitivity analysis in valuation.
--*-- Integrating risk management into financial decision-making.
--*-- Ethical considerations in valuation and financial reporting.

Day 5:

Practical Application and Case Studies

--*-- Case study: Applying valuation techniques to a real-world scenario.
--*-- Developing actionable financial strategies based on valuation insights.
--*-- Communicating financial data and recommendations to stakeholders.
--*-- Final review and participant presentations.

Part 4 / 9

Cost Management and Profitability Analysis

Day 1:

Foundations of Cost Management

Introduction to cost management principles and frameworks.
Understanding cost behavior and cost allocation techniques.
Overview of fixed, variable, and mixed costs in business operations.
Exploring the role of cost management in decision-making and strategy formulation.

Day 2:
Advanced Costing Techniques

Activity-Based Costing (ABC): Concepts, applications, and benefits.
Cost-Volume-Profit (CVP) analysis for strategic decision-making.
Standard costing and variance analysis for performance evaluation.
Using marginal costing for pricing and profitability decisions.

Day 3:
Profitability Analysis Frameworks

Introduction to profitability analysis: Key concepts and methodologies.
Analyzing profitability across products, services, and business units.
Identifying and addressing underperforming areas using financial data.
Benchmarking profitability metrics and aligning with industry standards.

Day 4:
Strategic Integration of Cost and Profitability Management

Linking cost management practices to organizational goals.
Developing financial strategies to enhance competitive positioning.
Utilizing digital tools and predictive analytics for advanced profitability analysis.
Case studies: Successful cost and profitability management initiatives.

Day 5:
Practical Applications and Continuous Improvement

Developing cost management action plans tailored to organizational needs.
Monitoring and evaluating cost management and profitability initiatives.
Creating a culture of continuous improvement in cost efficiency.
Final review and group discussions to solidify learning outcomes.

Part 5 / 9

Understanding and Analyzing Financial Statements

Day 1:

Introduction to Financial Statements

Overview of financial statements and their importance in decision-making.
Understanding the structure and components of the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.
Key accounting principles and concepts that influence financial reporting.
Introduction to financial reporting standards and compliance requirements.

Day 2:

Analyzing the Balance Sheet

Evaluating assets, liabilities, and equity to assess financial position.
Analyzing liquidity and solvency through working capital and debt ratios.
Identifying trends and patterns in asset and liability management.
Practical exercises: Interpreting real-world balance sheets.

Day 3:

Interpreting the Income Statement

Assessing revenue, expenses, and profitability metrics.
Understanding cost structures and their impact on profit margins.
Analyzing operating and non-operating activities for a holistic view.
Case study: Evaluating the profitability of a real-world organization.

Day 4:

Understanding the Cash Flow Statement

Differentiating between operating, investing, and financing activities.
Analyzing cash flow trends to evaluate liquidity and financial stability.
The significance of free cash flow in organizational decision-making.
Workshop: Practical application of cash flow statement analysis.

Day 5:

Advanced Financial Analysis and Strategic Insights

Using financial ratios to measure efficiency, profitability, and solvency.
Benchmarking financial performance against industry standards.
Developing actionable recommendations based on financial analysis.
Final project: Presenting a comprehensive financial statement analysis.

Part 6 / 9

Financial Decision-Making and Risk Management

Day 1:

Foundations of Financial Decision-Making

Understanding the principles of financial management.
Analyzing financial statements and performance metrics.
Identifying key drivers of business success and sustainability.
Introduction to decision-making frameworks and tools.

Day 2:

Strategic Financial Planning

Budgeting techniques and forecasting methods.
Evaluating investment opportunities and financial metrics.
Developing comprehensive financial plans.
Balancing growth and liquidity in decision-making.

Day 3:

Risk Identification and Assessment

Types of financial risks and their impact on organizations.
Risk identification methods and tools.
Conducting qualitative and quantitative risk assessments.
Integrating risk analysis into financial decision-making.

Day 4:

Mitigating and Managing Financial Risks

Designing effective risk mitigation strategies.
Utilizing insurance, hedging, and diversification tools.
Monitoring and adapting to dynamic risk environments.
Case studies on successful risk management practices.

Day 5:

Financial Decision-Making in Practice

Applying financial tools to solve real-world problems.
Communicating financial decisions to stakeholders.
Evaluating outcomes and adjusting strategies.
Final group project: Building a comprehensive financial and risk management plan.

Part 7 / 9

Cash Flow Management and Working Capital

Day 1:

Fundamentals of Cash Flow Management

Understanding the principles of cash flow and its significance in financial planning.
Analyzing cash flow statements and identifying critical metrics.
Exploring cash flow cycles and their impact on business operations.
The role of liquidity in sustaining organizational stability and growth.

Day 2:

Working Capital Components and Optimization

Breaking down the components of working capital: receivables, payables, and inventory.
Strategies for optimizing the cash conversion cycle.
Effective management of accounts receivable and payable.
Techniques for improving inventory turnover and minimizing holding costs.

Day 3:

Cash Flow Forecasting and Risk Management

Developing short-term and long-term cash flow forecasts.
Using scenario analysis to predict and mitigate cash flow risks.
Addressing seasonal fluctuations and unexpected financial challenges.
Designing contingency plans for liquidity crises.

Day 4:

Leveraging Technology and Best Practices

Exploring financial tools and software for cash flow monitoring.
Automation in cash flow and working capital management processes.
Case studies of successful working capital strategies across industries.
Best practices for aligning working capital management with business objectives.

Day 5:

Implementing Strategic Frameworks

Designing tailored cash flow and working capital strategies for organizations.
Creating policies for credit, collections, and supplier payments.
Continuous improvement approaches for sustainable financial practices.
Final review, participant presentations, and action planning for workplace implementation.

Part 8 / 9

Capital Investment and Project Financial Evaluation

Day 1: Introduction to Capital Investment

Overview of Capital Investment and Project Evaluation.
Key Financial Concepts and Terminology.
Importance of Strategic Alignment in Investment Decisions.
The Role of Capital Budgeting in Financial Planning.

Day 2: Financial Evaluation Tools and Techniques

Understanding Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR).
Payback Period and Profitability Index – Practical Applications.
Cost of Capital and Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC).
Introduction to Sensitivity and Scenario Analysis.

Day 3: Risk Assessment and Management

Identifying and Mitigating Financial Risks in Investments.
Conducting Risk-Adjusted Cost-Benefit Analysis.
Diversification and Portfolio Management Principles.
Decision-Making under Uncertainty – Real Options Analysis.

Day 4: Project Feasibility and Optimization

Assessing Technical and Economic Feasibility.
Developing and Evaluating Cash Flow Projections.
Resource Allocation and Project Prioritization Techniques.
Advanced Techniques for Maximizing ROI.

Day 5: Reporting and Stakeholder Communication

Preparing and Presenting Financial Evaluation Reports.
Effective Communication of Financial Insights to Stakeholders.
Case Studies on Successful Capital Investments.
Wrap-Up: Integrating Knowledge into Practice.

Executive Masters
Thesis

Final Paper: 25000 - 30000 Words