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Foundational Finance for Strategic Decision Making Specialization

An engaging and insightful specialization that provides valuable knowledge and practical skills in finance, ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their financial decision-making capabilities.

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

What you will learn in Foundational Finance for Strategic Decision Making Specialization Course

  • Understand the core principles of finance, focusing on the time value of money (TVM).

  • Learn to evaluate alternatives and make informed financial decisions.

  • Apply financial concepts to real-world scenarios, enhancing personal and professional decision-making.

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  • Develop skills in financial analysis, planning, and problem-solving.

  • Gain proficiency in developing financial models and forecasts.​​

Program Overview

Introduction to Time Value of Money (TVM)
⏳   12 hours

  • Introduction to the concept of time value of money.
  • Learn to evaluate alternatives and make decisions based on TVM principles.
  • Skills gained: Financial Analysis, Planning, Financial Forecast, Decision Making, Problem Solving, Developing Financial Models, Finance.

Advanced Concepts in Time Value of Money (TVM)
⏳  14 hours

  • Explore advanced applications of TVM in financial planning and saving for college.
  • Learn about loans and apply TVM concepts to borrowing and lending.
  • Skills gained: Financial Analysis, Financial Planning (Business), Mathematics, Decision Making, Leadership and Management, Time Value of Money (TVM), Finance.

Stocks and Bonds
⏳  9 hours

  • Understand the pricing and trading of bonds and stocks.
  • Learn how companies are financed and why.
  • Skills gained: Critical Thinking, Strategy and Operations, Leadership and Management, Business Analysis, Accounting, Pricing Bonds, Trading in Financial Markets, Pricing Stocks, Finance.

Advanced Understanding of Stocks and Bonds
⏳  12 hours

  • Learn about stock valuation, growth, and different types of growth.
  • Understand different sources of risks in bonds and apply these concepts in practice assignments.
  • Skills gained: Critical Thinking, Strategy and Operations, Leadership and Management, Business Analysis, Accounting, Pricing Bonds, Trading in Financial Markets, Pricing Stocks, Finance.​​

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Job Outlook

  • Enhances financial analysis and decision-making skills for careers in finance, investment banking, and corporate management.

  • Provides foundational knowledge for advanced studies in financial analysis and corporate strategy.

  • Completing this specialization can bolster qualifications for roles requiring strong analytical and decision-making skills.

9.7Expert Score
Highly Recommended
The "Foundational Finance for Strategic Decision Making" specialization offers a comprehensive, structured approach to understanding core financial concepts and their strategic applications. Ideal for professionals looking to enhance their financial acumen.
Value
9
Price
9.2
Skills
9.6
Information
9.7
PROS
  • Taught by experienced instructors from the University of Michigan.
  • Includes interactive exercises and real-world case studies.
  • Applicable to both academic and professional pursuits.
CONS
  • Requires commitment to complete all modules for certification.
  • Some learners may seek more extensive coverage of advanced topics.

Specification: Foundational Finance for Strategic Decision Making Specialization

access

Lifetime

level

Beginner

certificate

Certificate of completion

language

English

FAQs

  • The course is structured to be accessible even for learners with no prior finance training.
  • It introduces foundational principles step by step, focusing on practical applications rather than heavy theoretical jargon.
  • Non-finance professionals such as managers, engineers, and entrepreneurs can easily grasp the content.
  • For learners already familiar with finance, it provides strategic frameworks that connect finance with organizational decision-making.
  • Overall, it bridges the gap between financial theory and real-world decision-making, making it suitable for diverse learners.
  • Managers and team leaders often make decisions involving budgets, investments, and resource allocation.
  • The course equips them with tools to evaluate trade-offs, risks, and returns effectively.
  • It helps in understanding the financial implications of strategic choices like expansion, hiring, or entering new markets.
  • By learning financial analysis, non-finance professionals can present stronger cases for their proposals.
  • Ultimately, it empowers decision-makers to align their strategies with organizational financial health.
  • Ability to read and interpret financial statements for better business insights.
  • Skills in cost-benefit analysis to assess the feasibility of projects.
  • Proficiency in capital budgeting methods like NPV (Net Present Value) and IRR (Internal Rate of Return).
  • Knowledge of risk management tools to evaluate uncertainty in financial decisions.
  • Capability to integrate financial data into strategic presentations for leadership discussions.
  • Senior roles often require making decisions with both strategic and financial implications.
  • This specialization enhances financial literacy, which is considered a critical executive skill.
  • Leaders gain the confidence to evaluate proposals, acquisitions, and long-term investments.
  • The course helps professionals communicate with CFOs, investors, and financial teams more effectively.
  • By strengthening financial decision-making, it positions learners for upward mobility in leadership roles.
  • The course shows how finance acts as the backbone of corporate planning.
  • It links financial health with growth strategies such as market expansion, mergers, and diversification.
  • Learners understand how capital allocation decisions shape long-term competitiveness.
  • It emphasizes aligning financial metrics with organizational vision and performance goals.
  • The course highlights how finance supports innovation, efficiency, and value creation in a strategic context.
Foundational Finance for Strategic Decision Making Specialization
Foundational Finance for Strategic Decision Making Specialization
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