Write a 3- to 4-page formal analysis and critical review of Desai's 2008 article "The Finance Function of a Global Corporation."
Note: The assessments in this course build upon each other, so you are strongly encouraged to complete them in sequence.
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment objectives:
· Competency 1: Apply the theories, models, and practices of finance to the financial management of the firm.
o Analyze the validity of finance and value creation arguments.
o Assess the use of financial persuasion elements to support the arguments.
Competency 3: Evaluate alternative methods of financing a firm in diverse economic environments.
o Analyze the financial implications of an author's arguments.
Competency 4: Integrate financial analyses into general business management planning and decision making.
o Synthesize an analysis of the article and observations of the finance function at a workplace.
Competency 5: Communicate in a manner that is professional and consistent with expectations for members of the business professions.
o Communicate in a manner that is professional and consistent with expectations for members of the business professions.
Competency Map
Recently, we have seen a number of examples of unethical behavior in organizations, often tied to the organization's handling of finances.
To deepen your understanding, you are encouraged to consider the questions below and discuss them with a fellow learner, a work associate, an interested friend, or a member of the business community.
What ethical issues in financial matters may arise for the top leadership or financial managers in today's corporate environment?
What pressures might encourage unethical behavior, particularly pertaining to the organization's financial reporting or situation?
How might these pressures be mitigated? Consider recent examples or actions (suggested or taken) to help mitigate these instances.
Required Resources
The following article discusses the financial opportunities for global corporations and how they can be affected by institutional and managerial forces.
Desai, M. A. (2008). The finance function of a global corporation. Harvard Business Review, 86(7/8), 108–112.
Suggested Resources
The resources provided here are optional. You may use other resources of your choice to prepare for this assessment; However, you will need to ensure that they are appropriate, credible, and valid. They provide helpful information about the topics in this unit. The MBA-FP6016 – Finance and Value Creation Library Guide can help direct your research. The Supplemental Resources and Research Resources, both linked from the left navigation menu in your courseroom, provide additional resources to help support you.
Additional Resources for Further Exploration
The text is designed to assist learners to master core concepts, solve financial problems, and analyze results.
Ross, S. A., Westerfield, R. W., Jaffe, J. F., & Jordan, B. D. (2014). Corporate finance: Core principles and applications (4th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Available from the bookstore.
o Chapter 1 page 1-16
The text offers an introductory look at corporate finance.
Welch, I. (2014). Corporate finance (3rd ed.). Retrieved from http://book.ivo-welch.info/ed3/
o Chapter 1 Introduction page 1-5
Write a 3- to 4-page critique of Desai's 2008 article "The Finance Function of a Global Corporation," linked in the Resources under the Required Resources heading.
Note that a critique is not just a summary or opinion—it requires a formal analysis and critical review. Your critique should address what the author is saying and what arguments are being made. Be sure to examine whether the author's arguments are supported with facts or data. Address what implications the article may have. Consider what the author has omitted from the article.
In your analysis, address the following points:
Analyze the validity of finance and value creation arguments.
o What are the facts and data upon which those arguments rest?
o How do these facts validate or invalidate the author's arguments?
Assess the use of financial persuasion to support the arguments.
o What financial persuasion elements were present?
o Were any financial data or facts omitted?
Analyze the financial implications of the author's arguments.
o What does this mean for the organization?
o Are there implications for constituents and interested parties?
Synthesize your analysis of the article and your observation of the finance function at your workplace, or a major publicly rated corporation.
o What new or deeper understandings do you have about the finance function?
o What other insights do you have about the finance function? Use the arguments, facts, data, and financial persuasion elements from the article to support your understanding of the finance function.
Your paper should be written in a manner that is professional and consistent with expectations for members of the business professions.
Additional Requirements
Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
APA formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to current APA style and formatting.
Number of resources: Minimum of three references.
Length of paper: 3–4 typed, double-spaced pages.
Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
