Essentials in Finance

Program Overview

Essentials in Finance is a self-paced, online program that equips non-finance professionals with fundamental financial knowledge. It covers key concepts like financial statements, cash flow management, and working capital optimization. Led by experienced professors, the program utilizes interactive learning formats and a simulation game to make learning engaging and practical.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Essentials in Finance is a 100% online, self-paced program exploring key financial concepts over eight modules. It aims to equip participants with the knowledge to understand and interpret company financials, even without a finance background. The objective is to enable informed business decisions and confident participation in finance-related discussions and projects within their organizations. The program is designed for professionals who lack a finance background, wish to enhance their fundamental finance knowledge, or seek greater confidence in business discussions. It's described as vital for anyone in business, regardless of their specific function (marketing, legal, HR, etc. ), to understand their company's numbers. The program takes approximately 10-12 hours to complete, spread over a maximum of three months, and can be started at any time. Previous participants have come from various companies.

Outline:

The program is structured into eight modules:

• Module 1: Finance and accounting simulation: This module explores the relationship between traditional business activities, financial transactions, and financial statements.
• Module 2 - 4: Financial statements: These modules delve into the details of the balance sheet, the income statement, and the cash flow statement.
• Module 6: Working capital management: This module explores how managing working capital ensures smooth organizational operations.
• Module 8: Wrap-up: This module involves evaluating what has been learned throughout the program and planning how to apply the new knowledge and skills.
The program utilizes various learning formats, including videos, simulations, exercises, quizzes, case studies, and real-life examples. Background reading and reflective questions are also included.

Teaching:

The program uses a variety of learning formats including videos, simulations, exercises, quizzes, case studies, and real-life examples. The teaching approach involves hands-on examples and a simulation game to make learning engaging and practical. The faculty includes Professor Wouter De Maeseneire and Professor Mathieu Luypaert, both Professors of Corporate Finance.

Other:

The program is offered by Vlerick Business School. The program is available in English. The program costs €695 (excluding 21% VAT). The program is self-paced and can be completed in 10-12 hours over a maximum of three months. It starts anytime. 508 former participants have rated the program 4.3/5 for learning impact.