208-276 Introduction to Business and Finance

Nil

Introduction to Business and Finance is designed to provide non-accounting specialists with the skills to make effective financial decisions and plans. It aims to develop the tools necessary for strategic business and personal decision making and planning. The unit develops basic skills in recording financial transactions, measuring profit, net cash flows, budgeting, evaluation and analysis of strategies as well as an understanding of the legal framework of businesses and taxation.

Topics include: Business structures; Control, recording and reporting systems; Accounting basics and preparation of financial statements; Cash flow statements and budgeting; Capital budgeting and planning methods; Sources of business finance; Taxation.

A 3-hour end-of-semester examination (50%), a mid-semester written test (25%) and a written assignment (25%).

• W Obst, et al, Agribusiness: Financial Management. The Federation Press, 1999.