Finance 317 at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, often titled “Corporate Financial Management,” is a foundational course designed to equip undergraduate business students with the core principles and practical tools necessary for making sound financial decisions within a corporate setting. It bridges the gap between theoretical financial concepts and their real-world application, preparing students for more advanced finance coursework and ultimately, successful careers in various finance-related roles.
The curriculum typically covers a broad range of essential topics. Key among these is the time value of money, which teaches students how to properly evaluate investments by considering the future value of present funds, and vice versa. This includes understanding concepts like present value, future value, annuities, and perpetuities, and using them to analyze investment opportunities.
Another crucial area of focus is capital budgeting. Students learn how to evaluate potential investment projects, deciding which projects a company should undertake to maximize shareholder value. This involves mastering techniques like Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Payback Period, as well as understanding the complexities of cash flow estimation and project risk assessment.
Risk and return are also central to Finance 317. Students explore the relationship between the risk associated with an investment and the expected return it should generate. The Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) is usually introduced as a framework for determining the required rate of return for a given asset, considering its systematic risk (beta) relative to the overall market.
Financial statement analysis is another critical component. Students learn to interpret financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows, to assess a company’s financial performance, health, and future prospects. This involves ratio analysis, which allows for comparisons of a company’s performance over time and relative to its competitors.
Furthermore, the course often delves into working capital management, covering strategies for managing a company’s current assets and liabilities, such as inventory, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. Effective working capital management is essential for maintaining liquidity and operational efficiency.
Finance 317 at Ross is not solely based on lectures and theoretical discussions. It emphasizes active learning through case studies, group projects, and real-world simulations. Students are often tasked with analyzing actual companies, developing financial models, and presenting their findings to the class. This hands-on approach allows them to solidify their understanding of the concepts and develop practical skills that are highly valued by employers.
Successful completion of Finance 317 provides a strong foundation for further studies in finance, such as investments, corporate finance, and financial modeling. It also equips students with the essential financial literacy needed to make informed personal financial decisions and navigate the complexities of the financial world.