Industrial and Financial Management

The course is included in the fourth semester of the Bachelor’s Programme in Business and Economics for students whose main field of study is business administration. It is not offered as a freestanding course. The course is open to incoming exchange students.

Department of Business Administration

To be eligible for the course 60 passed credits from the first three semesters of the Bachelor's Programme in Business and Economics or equivalent are required.

The course consists of two parts: Financial management and Industrial management The focus is on decision-making based on quantitative methods. This is especially relevant regarding efficient use of resources and value creating in firms and other organisations. Basic quantitative methods and models for decision making in the field of industrial and financial management will be used.

The financial management part covers the quantitative methods and models for capital budgeting and corporate finance. Value creation is contingent on profitable investments being distinguished and pursued, but the financing of investments is also an important part. Investment and financing are two sides of the same coin, where risk is an essential analysis parameter. Here, the emphasis is on the net present value method and related methods used for evaluating “real” and financial decisions in both the short and the long term.

The industrial management part covers quantitative methods and models in operations and supply chain management. Operating activities of firms and organisations create value by efficiently transforming inputs into goods and services. The emphasis is on forecasting methods, linear programming, capacity planning, quality management, project management, timetabling, inventory management, and general production planning.

Throughout the course, students are being trained in formulating and solving problems analytically, as well as using computerized software in the resolution of mathematical problems. In addition, the course includes case assignments training students to collect and manage data both systematically and ethically, use different types of information technology and apply widely used statistical tools and techniques. The case studies include elements that will strengthen students’ technology agility, and their ability to make ethical assessments in a critical manner.

On successful completion of the course the student shall be able to:

1. describe, explain, and use basic quantitative methods and models used in the field of industrial and financial management to facilitate decision-making in business firms and other organisations,
2. evaluate if, when and how quantitative methods are suitable for obtaining adequate decision support,
3. use computer support to solve standard problems in industrial and financial management,
4. show understanding for the role of technology in businesses and society, and demonstrate technology agility,
5. analyse unstructured decision problems in the field of industrial and financial management, as well as formulate and develop solutions by applying appropriate scientific quantitative and/or qualitative methods on relevant data collected.

Lectures and case assignments.

Language of instruction: English

The course will be assessed through written exams and through case assignments. Objective 1 and 2 are assessed through written exams (one in financial management and one in industrial management) Objective 3 and 4 are assessed through case assignments. Objective 5 is assessed through case assignments and written exams.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local Rules Regarding RIU Students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E) and Fail (F).

Passing grades are required on the written exams and assignments in financial management and industrial management, repectively. The final grade is determined by combining points from assignments and exams. Failed case assignment can be supplemented to a pass grade.

After completion of the course, a course evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the procedures established for the Bachelor's Programme in Business and Economics. The results of the evaluation, together with any resulting changes to the course, will be communicated to the students who participated in the evaluation as well as to those enrolled in the subsequent offering of the course.

The School of Business, Economics and Law has a policy regarding the use of generative AI and similar tools. The application of this policy, together with course-specific instructions for the course, is published on the course’s learning platform.