Students
MMBA8035 – Finance for Business Leaders: Steering Growth and Performance
2026 – Term 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, City
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Lindesay Brine
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to GradCertBusAdmin or GradDipBusAdmin or MMBA8040
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
Unlock the essential principles of financial management through the lens of a firm’s finance manager. This unit offers comprehensive insights into investment, financing, and dividend decisions, empowering you to navigate complex financial landscapes confidently. We will use finance theory to construct a robust framework for informed decision-making, supported by practical case studies and financial planning models that provide real-world context. Explore a range of methodologies for evaluating investment projects, assessing risk across competing initiatives, and conducting valuation and capital structure analyses. By mastering these strategic tools and techniques, you’ll be equipped to drive sustainable growth and optimise performance in any organisational setting. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Apply finance theory, frameworks and methods to form evidence-based and strategic investment solutions for a range of problems.
- ULO2: Evaluate and communicate the implications of a firm’s finance and investment decisions/strategies for stakeholders both as an individual and a group.
- ULO3: Analyse and employ models of business finance performance to measure and track the firm’s value creation across the firm’s operations both as an individual and a group.
General Assessment Information
Late Submission Penalties (written assessments)
If you submit your assessment late, 5% of the total possible marks will be deducted for each day (including weekends), up to 7 days. Submissions more than 7 days late will receive a mark of 0.
Example 1 (out of 100):
If you score 85/100 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 5 marks and receive 80/100.
Example 2 (out of 30):
If you score 27/30 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 1.5 marks and receive 25.5/30.
Extensions
Automatic short extension: Some assessments are eligible for automatic short extension. You can only apply for an automatic short extension before the due date. Special Consideration: If you need more time due to serious issues and for any assessments that are not eligible for Short Extension, you must apply for Special Consideration. Need help? Review the Special Consideration page for further details: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/assessment-exams/special-consideration’
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skills Development: Quiz and Reflection | 20% | No | 02/05/2026 | Individual | No | Open |
| Professional Practice: Company Valuation | 40% | No | 25/05/2026 | Individual and Group | No | Open |
| Formal and Observed Learning: Exam | 40% | No | Exam Period | Individual | No | Observed |
Skills Development: Quiz and Reflection
Assessment Type 1: Problem-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: 02/05/2026
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open
The purpose of this assessment is for you to understand key finance concepts and their application in practice.
You will solve a set of finance problems based on content covered in class and then reflect on how these concepts can apply to your personal and professional life.
Skills in focus:
- Discipline Knowledge
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Communication
Deliverable(s): Online Quiz (10%) and reflection [max. 750 words] (10%)
Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply finance theory, frameworks and methods to form evidence-based and strategic investment solutions for a range of problems.
- Evaluate and communicate the implications of a firm’s finance and investment decisions/strategies for stakeholders both as an individual and a group.
Professional Practice: Company Valuation
Assessment Type 1: Professional task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 25/05/2026
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Open
The purpose of this assessment is for you to work with peers to demonstrate your capability in valuing a company and communicating the recommendations based on that analysis.
You will create a complete financial model of a specified company and potential strategies, a company valuation and presentation of the recommendations and rationale.
Skills in focus:
- Work Readiness
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Collaboration
- Communication
Deliverable(s): Written Group report [max: 2,500 words - 20%] & Group Presentation [max: 3 mins per person marked individually 20%]
Individual and Group assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply finance theory, frameworks and methods to form evidence-based and strategic investment solutions for a range of problems.
- Evaluate and communicate the implications of a firm’s finance and investment decisions/strategies for stakeholders both as an individual and a group.
Formal and Observed Learning: Exam
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Exam Period
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed
The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate the expertise you have gained in this unit.
You will participate in a 2-hour online open-book exam held during the University Examination period, including an oral component. Important information about the exam will be made available on the unit iLearn page. You should also review the MQ Exams website for general tips.
Deliverable(s): Open-book online & oral exam
Individual assessment
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Apply finance theory, frameworks and methods to form evidence-based and strategic investment solutions for a range of problems.
- Evaluate and communicate the implications of a firm’s finance and investment decisions/strategies for stakeholders both as an individual and a group.
- Analyse and employ models of business finance performance to measure and track the firm’s value creation across the firm’s operations both as an individual and a group.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- Academic Success for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.
3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.
Delivery and Resources
This unit is delivered in person at the City Campus and online simultaneously.
Unit Schedule
All classes are held weekly from 6 pm until 9 pm each Thursday plus an additional 1 hour online session to be scheduled. Please check iLearn for details.
Week 1: Introduction/Time Value of Money
Week 2: Financial Mathematics
Week 3: Capital Budgeting and Investment Evaluation
Week 4: Capital Budgeting and Investment Evaluation (continued)
Week 5: Business Valuation: Part 1
Week 6: Business Valuation: Part 2
Week 7: Risk & Return
Week 8: Capital Structure Decisions
Week 9: Management of Equity: Dividend Decisions and Equity Buybacks
Week 10: Revision
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Academic Success
Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Unit information based on version 2026.04 of the Handbook