Department of Chemical Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
CE40128 Management 2 |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: EX 100% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: To provide an extended understanding of the business environment in which chemical engineering graduates work, supported by examples of key issues and case studies presented by practitioners.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this unit students will have acquired an understanding of the financial climate in which a business operates, maintaining a perspective of that activity relative to the overall trading activities of the country in which the business operates. They will be able to demonstrate with the aid of examples: (a) key issues that would face a new business venture; and (b) how to evaluate the performance of a company, or the attractiveness of a new project using a variety of analytical techniques. Skills: Where to look for information on the financial state of a company, and how to interpret that information in a critical manner. How to evaluate the attractiveness of a new project using a variety of financial techniques. These skills are taught/facilitated with the aid of worked examples, mini-problems set in the class, and assignments - finally they are assessed. The students also acquire teamwork skills, as they work in small groups and prepare a joint report and presentation - feedback provided to the groups in class sessions. Content: Financial state of the UK: e.g. trading balance between imports & exports; comparisons with other countries; main sectors of industry and their relative contribution to manufacturing and service sector trades; sources of tax revenue and expenditure; employment by sector; GDP; energy imports/exports; oil; interest rates. Practitioners perspectives: e.g. Entrepreneurship; Running a Small Business; Managing Risk; Development & Marketing of Pharmaceuticals; Patents; Construction of a Chemical Plant in Singapore. Financial analytical techniques: e.g. balance sheets; profit & loss account; cash flow; Annual Reports; capital investment decisions using discounted cash flow methods. |