LEARNING OUTCOMES

This individual assignment assesses the following module learning outcomes (weighting 60%):

3. Critically evaluate approaches to planning, control, performance management and financial decision making.
6. Apply appropriate analytical techniques for planning, control and financial decision making to familiar and unfamiliar situations.
Coursework Brief
In the executive summary of CIMA’s recent study of the role of the finance function based on data collected from more than 4000 finance and senior managers worldwide, it is stated that
“the finance function and its members constitute a force for further development of the management support role. Implementing this change will be dependent on identifying and developing the appropriate personnel and demonstrating to business managers what and how the finance function can contribute to the organisation”.

(source: “Finance and organisational performance: shaping the future”. Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) https://secure.cimaglobal.com/Thought-leadership/Research-topics/Finance-transformation/Finance-and-organisational-performance-shaping-the-future/)
Required

Using relevant theoretical and empirical literatures, critically discuss the above statement. You discussion is expected to cover the following:

a) an assessment of the traditional roles of the finance function; (200 words)
b) an evaluation of the financial and non-financial challenges that have directly affected the finance function as a result of globalisation; (300 words)
c) how the finance function has tried to adapt to the challenges in order to serve management better; (1000 words)
d) working capital calculations and explanation for an organisation of your choice to illustrate how the finance function can support management. (500 words)
Total 2,000 words maximum

You are advised to:
• If possible, apply the assignment questions to your own organisation.
• You can however substitute with an organisation of your choice in either the public or private sector as long as the example can be documented.
• Make extensive use of relevant academic literature in answering each part of the question. You will need to provide a full list of references as part of your assessed work.
• Avoid just copying documents and appending them to the coursework.
• To pay close attention to the Assessment Criteria at the end of this document. These criteria will be used to assess and provide feedback on your marked assignment.

Word Limit 2,000 words (this is the upper limit and must not be exceeded), excluding reasonable references and appendices.
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