General provisions

Master programme course- track FIM.

Entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree equivalent to a Swedish degree of at least 180 credits (i.e. three years of full-time studies) with at least 90 credits in Business Studies including a bachelor's thesis of at least 10 credits. Proficiency in English. This is normally attested by means of an internationally recognised test such as TOEFL or IELTS.

Learning outcomes

This course enables participants to deepen their understanding of how companies are efficiently governed, and of how corporate governance affects financial decisions. In specific, participants will develop the following skills:

• A thorough understanding of how corporate governance systems vary between countries and regions.
• A deepened understanding of how owners can monitor and direct management in their financial decision-making.
• A good understanding of how various financial decisions relate to and are affected by corporate governance systems.
• A good understanding of how to read, interpret and summarise academic research articles. In addition, participants develop skills in presenting and leading academic discussions.

Content

The content of the course concerns the interplay between corporate governance systems and financial decisions made by the firm’s management. Topics that are dealt with include international variations in ownership and corporate governance systems, the role and function of incentive systems, as well as effects of the governance system on financial decisions.

A considerable portion of the learning is associated with seminars where participants discuss assigned readings and cases. Students are encouraged to develop a critical way of thinking in regards of how financial decisions are and ought to be made. A detailed study guide is available to participants prior to the course initiation.

Instruction

Teaching relies on lectures, seminars and project assignments. The language of instruction is English.

Assessment

Grades will be given in accordance with the Swedish grading system. The following grades will be used: VG (pass with distinction), G (pass), and U (fail).

The students will get one single grade, equivalent to 7.5 credits. Grading criteria will be presented in the study guide provided at the start of the course.

In addition, any remaining assignments or supplements must be completed and handed in at least within two weeks after the end of the course otherwise the course (all assignments included) has to be redone the following semester, provided there is space in the course.

Uppsala University takes cheating and plagiarism seriously, and disciplinary action will be taken against any student suspected of being involved in any sort of cheating and/or plagiarism. The disciplinary action takes the form of warnings or limited suspensions.

NOTE: Only completed courses can count toward a degree.

Transitional provisions

The course substitutes/overlaps among other courses International Financial Management, 2FE609, 8FE609, 2FE766 and Investments and Finance in the Multinational Corporation, 2FE832, 8FE832.