This course focuses on the analysis of financial information arising primarily from the financial reports of firms. Fundamental analysis techniques are examined in detail with particular emphasis on the application of these techniques in equity (share) valuation decisions. The techniques are applied both in class exercises and group projects; all involving listed companies. Topics considered include fundamental ratio analysis using reported and 'off-balance sheet' information, and analysis of accrual accounting and cash flows, the analysis of profitability, growth and valuation generation in a firm, determining the quality of financial reports, forecasting earnings and cash flows, use of pro-forma analysis for strategy and planning, analysis of risk, and a comparison of alternative valuation models. There is a specific focus on data analytics throughout the course.

Business Analysis and Valuation is a capstone course that brings together areas of financial accounting, finance and strategic management. This course is offered by the School of Accounting and is generally taken as an elective or Disciplinary Specialisation course in the Master of Commerce or Master of Professional Accounting degrees.

Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the course, this course aims to synthesize and apply what you learnt in previous courses, to further develop the graduate attributes, and to prepare you for the professional career. This course is a very useful preparatory course for the CPA, CA and CFA programs. Also due to the applied nature of the course, it is helpful to those contemplating careers in investment banking (particularly in equity research), security analysis, funds management, financial planning, business consulting, corporate finance and public accounting. The course also has wide application in personal investment activities.

Business Analysis and Valuation is a capstone course that brings together areas of financial accounting, finance and strategic management. This course is offered by the School of Accounting and is generally taken as an elective or Disciplinary Specialisation course in the Master of Commerce or Master of Professional Accounting degrees.

Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the course, this course aims to synthesize and apply what you learnt in previous courses, to further develop the graduate attributes, and to prepare you for the professional career. This course is a very useful preparatory course for the CPA, CA and CFA programs. Also due to the applied nature of the course, it is helpful to those contemplating careers in investment banking (particularly in equity research), security analysis, funds management, financial planning, business consulting, corporate finance and public accounting. The course also has wide application in personal investment activities.

This course helps you to apply the accounting knowledge and skills you acquired in previous courses to analyse and determine the value of a company in the real business world. We will explain basic techniques and principles of financial statement analysis in pre-recorded videos and in the live-streamed seminars. We will use case studies extensively to illustrate how to analyse and value a business. To gain most from this course, you are encouraged to think critically and participate actively in the class discussion. You also need to develop an appreciation of the link between qualitative and quantitative analysis. To achieve this, preparations before classes are essential. You also have a chance to analyse and value a real company, which requires you to take initiatives and work effectively in a group environment.

As a student at UNSW you are expected to display academic integrity in your work and interactions. Where a student breaches the UNSW Student Code with respect to academic integrity, the University may take disciplinary action under the Student Misconduct Procedure. To assure academic integrity, you may be required to demonstrate reasoning, research and the process of constructing work submitted for assessment.

To assist you in understanding what academic integrity means, and how to ensure that you do comply with the UNSW Student Code, it is strongly recommended that you complete the Working with Academic Integrity module before submitting your first assessment task. It is a free, online self-paced Moodle module that should take about one hour to complete.

You are expected to complete all assessment tasks for your courses in the School of Accounting, Auditing & Taxation. In some courses, there will be a minimum pass mark required on the final exam due to the need to assure individual mastery of specific course learning outcomes for accounting accreditation requirements. Where applicable this is explained in the assessment section of this course outline.

Further instructions on how to prepare for this exam will be provided to you during the term.

In order to pass this course, you must:

• achieve a composite mark of at least 50 out of 100;
• meet any additional requirements described in the Assessment Summary section.

You are expected to attempt all assessment requirements in the course.

Feedback is regularly sought from students and continual improvements are made based on this feedback. At the end of this course, you will be asked to complete the myExperience survey, which provides a key source of student evaluative feedback. Your input into this quality enhancement process is extremely valuable in assisting us to meet the needs of our students and provide an effective and enriching learning experience. The results of all surveys are carefully considered and do lead to action towards enhancing educational quality.

As a result of this feedback, we are increasing the focus on you undertaking practical applications of the course material during the weekly seminar times. This will involve extensive use of databases and excel to improve data analytic skills. Week 2 of the course will feature an externally facilitated workshop on developing excel competencies.