Overview

This module is no longer open for new registrations and has been replaced by Assessing Financial Performance. 

All enterprises need to set, and monitor their achievement of, objectives in the core areas of their business. At a corporate (or business unit) level, these objectives will frequently be expressed in financial terms. However, it is likely that objectives will also be expressed in non-financial terms - particularly at a business unit or individual level.

The module commences with an overview of the 'balanced scorecard' approach to measuring performance. Thereafter, the unit looks initially at financial performance information. It does this by introducing the contents of financial statements, and then examining approaches to the interpretation and evaluation of the information contained in such financial statements.

The module then goes on to examine the use of performance indicators in the non-financial elements of the balanced scorecard approach. The unit concludes with a review of the budgetary process in organisations, recognising that operational performance targets are most commonly promulgated and monitored via this process. This review explicitly acknowledges that while many budgets are expressed in financial terms, it is equally important to have budgets/targets based on key operational measures and regularly monitor actual levels of achievement against those targets.

Covers:

• The balanced scorecard
• The underpinning principles of financial reporting
• The primary financial statements
• Interpreting financial statements
• Non-financial measures of performance
• Performance indicators and budgets

Course details

Cost

The cost of this module depends on the study method you choose:

Distance learning

£735.00

Flexible learning (incl 3 workshops)
£895.00

Approved Provider costs are arranged on an individual basis with the academic centre. Please contact Admissions, Academic Management and Student Services Office on +44 (0) 1227 829499 to discuss.

Next course start date

1 May 2012

Programme application deadline 1 March 2012 (new students)

Module registration deadline 2 April 2012 (existing students)

Credits

30 credits

Studying for this module

The course of study lasts 24 weeks and the overall study time for the module is 300 hours (approximately 12 hours per week), including assessment preparation time. You will be guided through your studies by the learning materials and supported by your associate lecturer.

Learning support

There are a number of study methods available, allowing you to select the approach that is best suited to your support needs. Choose from:

• Distance learning: a more flexible approach to studying, which allows you to fit your learning around your job and other commitments. You will be supported by a subject associate lecturer who can provide guidance on how to study and answer any questions you have about the course content.
• Approved provider: the ifs School of Finance has an international network of approved academic centres that provide tuition and support to students. As a student at an approved centre you will have regular tutorials led by an ifs approved associate lecturer. You will benefit from access to the learning resources of the academic centre, as well as meeting regularly with your student colleagues.
• Flexible learning: allows you to fit your studies around your life but still benefit from face-to-face contact with an associate lecturer. A series of 3 1-day workshops, run by specialist associate lecturers, are scheduled at regular intervals throughout the course of study. Workshops cover specific module topics and are an opportunity to ask questions and meet other students.

Learning resources

For each module you will receive a core text, written by industry experts and updated regularly to reflect the fast-changing nature of the financial services industry. ifs learning materials are developed specifically around each module syllabus and learning outcomes.

Through the ifs secure website you will have access to the following additional resources:

• student induction materials that provide guidance study skills and tips on preparing for assessment
• our e-library, ifs KnowledgeBank, which contains a wide range of current research and management data to help you with your studies. It gives you the opportunity to access a wealth of study material, which includes textbooks, financial glossaries and articles from leading journals. ifs KnowledgeBank is an important tool in enabling you to expand your knowledge and read around particular subject areas 
• module discussion forums – you can use these to post questions to a web tutor, raise a query with the ifs or chat to other students
• electronic copies of learning materials giving you greater flexibility to choose when and where you study
• specimen assessment material.

Assessment

This module has 3 assessment components:

1. A 1-hour multiple-choice examination (30%)
2. Coursework (20%)
3. End of Course Assignment (50%)

Further details

View the Measuring Performance summary syllabus.

View the full-length Measuring Performance module specification, which includes the syllabus for the Professional Certificate in Banking.

View the Measuring Performance module specification for the Professional and Applied Diplomas (please note these qualifications are being phased out and are no longer open to registration, for further information please see the transitional arrangements).

If you are already registered for this module you should refer to your course website to view the module specification that relates to your session of study. You will need to log on to my ifslearning to access the course website for your module.

Click to view the objective test, coursework and end of course assignment sample assessments.

View other FHEQ Level 4 modules.