Business Management
Welcome to Stellenbosch University

Financial Management (Undergraduate)

This focal area provides students with key skills required by employers in various industries. To prepare our students to function effectively in a dynamic and volatile business environment, particular focus is placed on the development of critical thinking, problem solving and research skills. An essential feature embedded in all our modules is the ability to analyse fundamental financial management questions by identifying and applying relevant theories, interpreting the findings obtained, and confidently communicating the implications thereof.

Financial management focusses on the following topics:

  • Financial statement analysis
  • Valuation
  • Financial planning and control
  • Capital budgeting
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Behavioural finance
  • Financial management research

Financial management focusses on the following topics:

A central theme running across our academic offering is that of value(s)-based management. The emphasis on value(s) (plural) rather than value (singular) reflects our approach towards promoting long-term, sustainable value creation.

All financial management decisions, whether they deal with capital structure or capital budgeting considerations, should create value for shareholders and key stakeholders. Focus is therefore placed on integrating ethical and ESG (environmental, social and governance) considerations into conventional decision-making models. The consequences of behavioural biases are also highlighted.

Our team of colleagues consists of several dedicated researchers, whose areas of specialisation extend across some of the most pertinent topics in financial management. These include prominent researchers in the fields of corporate valuation, ESG integration and behavioural finance. As such, we ensure that cutting edge research and practical examples are continuously shared with our students by enthusiastic lecturers who are passionate about their subject.

Career possibilities:

  • Financial analyst
  • Financial consultant
  • Financial manager
  • Credit manager
  • Supply chain finance analyst
  • Performance analyst
  • Risk manager
  • Financial controller

Undergraduate subjects offered in Financial Management:

  • Introduction to Financial Management 214

    Compiling of the statement of financial position, the statement of comprehensive income and the statement of cash flow; the measurement and evaluation of financial performance with reference to profitability, liquidity and solvency analysis; case studies about financial analysis; introduction to the investment decision; the financing decision; sources of finance; the dividend decision; financial planning and the management of working capital with specific reference to cash, trade receivables and inventory control; financial failures; international financial management.

  • Corporate Financial Management 244

    The evaluation and interpretation of corporate financial performance by means of detailed ratio analyses; extensive analysis of the statement of cash flows; basic share and bond valuation; discussion of the influence of dividend policy on corporate valuations; the influence of financing policy on a firm’s value; evaluation of working capital management by means of the cash conversion cycle.

  • Financial Planning and Control 314

    Calculation of the weighted average cost of capital, as well as the costs associated with the different capital components; financial valuation of enterprises; financial forecasting.

  • Capital Investments 332

    Estimation of the relevant cash flow values for capital investment projects; the application of the following financial selection measures on large capital projects: payback period method, method of the equivalent uniform annual cost, net present value method and the internal rate of return method; priority determination for multiple mutually exclusive projects.

  • Financial Management Research 352

    Identification and formulation of financial management problems and/or opportunities; setting financial research objectives; identifying appropriate research designs; conducting secondary and/or primary research; conducting financial data analysis to achieve research objectives.

  • Mergers and Acquisitions 354

    Types of mergers and acquisitions; strategic motives for undertaking mergers and acquisitions; legal aspects; the valuation of target companies; deal structuring; accounting treatment of mergers and acquisitions and post-integration analysis.

  • Co-requisite modules
    • Financal Management 214
    • Financial Management 244, or
    • Investment Management 254

For Financial Management subjects in the Honours programme, please refer to the Honours page.

More details

  • Programme brochure: The brochure contains a table with all the modules covered by this degree. Download the department’s brochure here.
  • Programme information: See the Department of Business Management’s undergraduate programmes here.
  • See the Calendar of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at https://www.sun.ac.za/english/faculty/economy/students.
  • Closing date for applications: 30 June 2022
  • Contact person for enquiries about this programme: Morné Daniels on +27 (0)21 808 2392 or at mmd@sun.ac.za
  • Where to apply: https://student.sun.ac.za/signup/