...International Finance: A Course Overview Mihir A. Desai* Harvard University and NBER ABSTRACT This paper describes the International Finance course at Harvard Business School for instructors considering adopting the associated material. The paper begins by arguing that the forces of globalization have fundamentally changed the scope and activities of firms thereby altering the practice of finance within these firms. As a consequence of an increasing reliance on tightly-integrated foreign operations, a parallel world of finance has been opened within every multinational firm and this world has, heretofore, been overlooked. The course materials are designed to address the many aspects of financial decision making within global firms prompted by these changes that are not addressed in traditional materials. The paper provides an overview of the structure of the course and its seven modules with particular emphasis on the three modules that constitute the core of the course. The paper also describes an analytical framework that has been developed through the creation of the course materials to guide critical financial decisions on financing, investment, risk management and incentive management within a multinational firm. This framework emphasizes the need to reconcile conflicting forces in order for multinational firms to gain competitive advantage from their internal capital markets. The paper concludes with a discussion of the course's pedagogical approach and detailed descriptions...
Words: 25419 - Pages: 102
...What are the benefits of international financial reforting standards since thier adaption at the beginnng of the 21st? essay EXECUTIVE SUMMARY International Financial reporting Standards IFRS as a recent accounting phenomenon has drawn the attentions of Accountant, financial institutions and financial managers, multinational companies, government, financial regulatory institutions and in all the participants in capital market. This research is aim at examining the benefits of IFRS as against the present realities in the 21st century. In this work , review of literatures was carried out to ascertain the reasons for the adoption of IFRS, comparison were also made between existing US GAAP and IFRS using SWOT analysis in order to establish efficiency over other national GAAP. And from the report we can see that the usefulness of internationally recognized standard cannot be over emphasized as it cuts across all the spheres of the economy. Like the capital market, investors, globally etc. The research also established the improvement that IFRS upheld through its transparency, transactional cost reduction and reduction in complexity of financial statement. This is due to multiplicity of standards, although some weaknesses were encountered in the use of the standard. These include that the standard is principled based which makes it difficult to be compared with the other standards. We have also analysed the need for enforcement of the standard so that it will be same globally. There...
Words: 3931 - Pages: 16
...profits. It is important to know the threats surrounding a company in terms of investment. For that reason, the organisation of choice has a risk profile indicating its positioning when thinking of investing in a new strategy. Apparently, the company has the willingness to take head-on the risks that would come along with any investment form. There are several financial instruments for investing in a new plan. The company has hatched mitigation measures for risks that may affect the incorporation of the strategy. The company’s decision to invest using the new financial instruments can realise increased costs, or losses in terms of trading in the finances, but these are some of the risks the organisation is willing to take head-on. In addition, with the current instability found in the financial sector after the infamous global financial crisis, companies run the risk of being caught up again in the recession. However, the company has engaged with the insurance companies and also with the necessary financial institutions so that in the event of unfortunate occurrence, the company remains safe. One example of financial instrument for investment is the Exchange Traded Fund (ETF), just like any other source of investment; it does not come along without its risks. In other words, there is no investment that is free from risk; they are all likely in one way or the other to land an organisation in trouble. For instance, the ETF regulations are susceptible to different diversification...
Words: 2923 - Pages: 12
...Pamphlet Series No. 53 Governance of the IMF Decision Making, Institutional Oversight, Transparency, and Accountability Leo Van Houtven INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND 2002 Pamphlet Series No. 53 Governance of the IMF Decision Making, Institutional Oversight, Transparency, and Accountability Leo Van Houtven INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND Washington, D.C. 2002 ISBN 1-58906-130-6 ISSN 0538-8759 August 2002 The views expressed in this pamphlet, including any legal aspects, are those of the author and should not be attributed to Executive Directors of the IMF or their national authorities. Cover design and typesetting: IMF Graphics Section Please send orders to: International Monetary Fund, Publication Services 700 19th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20431, USA Tel.: (202) 623-7430 Telefax: (202) 623-7201 E-mail: publications@imf.org Internet: http://www.imf.org Contents Preface ............................................................................................... List of Abbreviations ........................................................................ I. II. Introduction ........................................................................... Quotas and Voting Power in the IMF: A System That Calls for Greater Equity ................................................... Role of Quotas and the Debate on the Quota Formula............ Further Work Toward Correcting Distortions and Enhancing Equity in Voting Power .....................
Words: 31743 - Pages: 127
...AFX 5860 Assignment International Studies in Banking & Finance Visit 1: UN Food and Agricultural Organization [pic] Place: Rome Italy Brief Introduction: The Food and Agriculture Organizaiton of the United Nations (FAO) is a special agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO acts as a forum where all nations meet equally to negotiate agreements and debate policy, it also a source of knowledge and information which help developed and developing countries in transition modernize and improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices and ensure good nutrition for all (FAO, 2010). Rome Italy is head quarters. It has 191 member states as well as Europe Union and the Faroe Islands, which are associated members (FAO, 2010). FAO is composed of 8 different departments, the meeting is conducted by finance division. Relevant Key Points & Issues The fist half of the presentation briefly introduced the FAO’s role as UN’s agency, its structure, business environment and management. FAO’s mandate is contribute to the growth of world economy and to increase the level of nutrition, with the mission of helping build a food secure world. In order to achieve such mandates, they involves 4 activities which are putting information within reach, sharing policy expertise, providing a meeting place for nations and bringing knowledge to the field. It used result- based management which is an approach that integrates strategy, people,...
Words: 5165 - Pages: 21
...nation to another. Business involve into Multinational Corporation, so that they can capitalize on opportunities. The financial managers must be able to detect opportunities, asset exposure to risk and manage the risk. Definition of Multinational Companies (MNC’s): A corporation that has facilities and other assets in at least one country beside its home country is considered as Multinational Corporation. Such companies have offices and/or factories in different countries and usually have a centralized head office where they co-ordinate global management. Very large multinationals have budgets that exceed those of many small countries. A Multinational Company is referred to as a Multinational Business Enterprise (MBE) or a Transnational Company (TNC) or International Business (INB). Multinational Companies (MNCs) are defined as firms that engage in some form of international business. Their managers conduct international financial management, which involves international investing & financing decisions that are intended to maximize the value of MNC.” An enterprise operating in several countries but managed from one (home) country is called a multinational corporation. Generally, any company or group that derives a quarter of its revenue from operations outside of its home country is considered a multinational corporation. The International Labor Organization (ILO) has defined an MNC as a company that has its management headquarters in one country, known...
Words: 5524 - Pages: 23
...1930 and is among 5 percent of business schools worldwide to be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. Known for integrating disciplinary excellence with technological expertise and knowledge with practice, the University of Toledo College of Business and Innovation is highly regarded as a learning partner of choice for students and the business community alike. The MBA program consists of in-depth business courses, along with a comprehensive Strategic Management Capstone course in the final semester that uses guest speakers, case studies and simulations to weave together all aspects of the program. Courses • BUAD 6100 - Accounting for Decision Making • BUAD 6200 - Financial Systems • MKTG 6240 - Sales Force Leadership and Strategy* • BUAD 6300 - Strategic Marketing and Analysis • MKTG 6400 - International Marketing* • BUAD 6400 - Results-Based Management • BUAD 6500 - International Business • BUAD 6600 - Supply Chain Management • HURM 6700 - Human Resource Management* • BUAD 6800 - Information Technology and E-Business • BUAD 6900 - Strategic Management Capstone i The elective courses can change according to UT management Content BUAD 6100 - Accounting for Decision Making: Develops an appreciation for financial statements and their use in making decisions. The nature of costs, opportunity costs, responsibility accounting, budgeting, cost...
Words: 833 - Pages: 4
...www.ccsenet.org/ijbm International Journal of Business and Management Vol. 6, No. 8; August 2011 The Influence of Knowledge Management System (KMS) on Enhancing Decision Making Process (DMP) Wafa Mohammed College of Business and Finance, Ahlia University P.O. Box 10878, 1st Floor Gosi Complex Exhibitions Road, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Akram Jalal Management Information System Department College of Business and Finance, Ahlia University P.O. Box 10878, 1st Floor Gosi Complex Exhibitions Road, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain Tel: 973-3838-3411 E-mail: ajalal@ahliauniversity.edu.bh Received: February 25, 2011 Accepted: March 22, 2011 doi:10.5539/ijbm.v6n8p216 Abstract Recently, Knowledge Management System acquires high attention in all sectors, since it is a valuable instrument in improving performance. In this study, an explanatory research on evaluating knowledge management systems will be conducted for the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) based on a survey of decision makers working in the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB). It is our intention to evaluate the impact of implementing the knowledge management system on decision making by evaluating the impact of the knowledge key factors which are the information technology infrastructure, human resource, knowledge sharing and the culture of the organization. The study investigates the relationship between knowledge management and decision making. It reveals that the knowledge management factors are crucial indicators which need...
Words: 7073 - Pages: 29
...FINANCE AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COURSE CONTENTS 1. Fundamentals of Finance 1.1. What is Corporate Finance? 1.2. The Financial Manager 1.3. Financial Management Decisions 1.4. The Goal of Financial Management 2. Basic Tools of Financial Analysis: Accounting Statements and Ratio Analysis 2.1. The Balance Sheet 2.2. The Income Statement 2.3. Cash Flow 2.4. Ratio Analysis 2.5. The Du Pont Identity 2.6. Using Financial Statement Information 2 COURSE CONTENTS 3. Financial Equilibrium 3.1. Current Asset Management 3.2. Short Term Financing 3.3. Working Capital Management 4. Financial Forecasting 4.1. Pro Forma Statements and Financial Planning 4.2. Cash Flow Forecasts 4.3. Cash Budgets 4.4. Cost of Capital 4.5. Capital Structure 4.6. Financial Planning 3 COURSE CONTENTS 5. Identification of Financial markets 5.1. Money Market 5.2. Capital Market 5.3. Foreign Exchange Market 5.4. Derivatives Market 6. Management of stocks, bonds, derivatives and other assets 6.1. Potfolio Theory and Asset Pricing 6.2. Common Stock Analysis and Equity Pricing Models 6.3. Fixed Income Analysis and Bond Pricing 6.4. Futures, Options and Other Derivatives 4 COURSE CONTENTS 7. Foreign exchange markets, currency derivative markets and Euromarkets 7.1. Function and structure of foreign exchange markets 7.2. Forecasting foreign exchange rates 7.3. Currency Futures and Options Markets 7.4. Eurodollar Interest Rate Futures Contracts 7.5. International Money Markets 7.6. Fixed...
Words: 549 - Pages: 3
...recordkeeping of financial statements became necessary as economic development became more complex and the rise capital markets became necessary to support economic growth. Financial information is the language businesses use to communicate their capabilities to potential investors, lenders and other users this information. However, for this information to be useful it needed to be reliable, relevant and comparable. These are some of the qualities used in the by the FASB and the IASB to create accounting standards. The FASB and the IASB are the two current bodies in charge of creating accounting standards. The FASB creates standards in the United States and the IASB creates international accounting standards accepted by many international economies. International standards became necessary as many national companies began to engage in international trade. The purpose of these standards was to increase harmonization of international accounting standards to support international economic growth by providing international investors with useful information. Both institutions have evolved throughout the years as financial transactions have become more complicated and new industries developed and evolve. The Financial Accounting Standard Board The FASB evolve from the APB (Accounting Principle Board) that evolved from the CAP (Committee on Accounting Procedures). These organizations developed accounting standards that corporations must follow when preparing financial statements. In...
Words: 1377 - Pages: 6
...Choosing Cost versus Fair Value: International Evidence from the European Real Estate Industry Upon Adoption of IFRS Karl A. Muller, III Pennsylvania State University Edward J. Riedl * Harvard Business School Thorsten Sellhorn Ruhr-Universität Bochum PRELIMINARY – PLEASE DO NOT QUOTE WITHOUT PERMISSION December 2007 ABSTRACT: We examine the determinants of investment property firms’ choice to use the cost or fair value model to account for their primary asset, real estate. Our examination exploits the European Union’s adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards, which require firms to make this choice under IAS 40 – Investment Property. We hypothesize and find evidence that firms are more likely to choose the fair value model when the firm’s pre-IFRS domestic standards permitted or required fair values on the balance sheet, and when the firm exhibits a greater commitment to reporting transparency. We also find limited evidence that firms are more likely to choose the fair value model when ownership is more dispersed, and when the property market in which they operate has higher liquidity. Overall, our results reveal both the occurrence and causes of variation in firms’ reporting choices when differing accounting treatments are permitted. Key Terms: Fair value, accounting choice, IFRS, real estate, investment property, IAS 40 JEL Classification: M41, G15, G38 Acknowledgements: We appreciate useful discussion and data assistance...
Words: 9584 - Pages: 39
...of the implementation of International Accounting Standards Theodosia Leventi Department of Business Administration, T.E.I. of Larissa, Greece leventi@teilar.gr Abstract This paper belongs to the category of literature review. In this descriptive article we take a brief look at the impacts of the implementation of International Accounting Standards. The continued globalization of business has led to the development of internationally applicable standards and codes of practice. The remarkable expansion of international trade and business, the international co-operation among countries and the breaking down of national barriers led to new challenges and new problems too. Problems in the analysis and comparison of financial reports and differences in auditing and taxation practices among countries made necessary the application of International Accounting Standards. Harmonization of this practice in order to get closer to a universal accounting language is affected by many factors such as: economic, financial, social, legal, cultural, political and others. Moreover, the level of preparedness for each country is significantly associated with many other factors. This process, as every new measure, had both positive and negative effects. So, this study highlights the advantages and disadvantages of adopting a uniform set of International Accounting Standards worldwide and also examines their volatility effects. Keywords: International Accounting Standards, Adoption...
Words: 3123 - Pages: 13
...Chapter 1 The Canadian Financial Reporting Environment Prepared by: Dragan Stojanovic, CA Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto The Canadian Financial Reporting Environment Role of Financial Reporting • Financial statements and financial reporting • Accounting and capital allocation •Stakeholders Objective of Financial Reporting •Management bias •Users’ needs Standard Setting • Need to develop standards • Parties involved in standard setting • Standard setting in a political environment GAAP • GAAP hierarchy •Professional judgement • Role of ethics Challenges Facing Financial Reporting • Globalization of companies and capital markets • Impact of technology • Changing nature of the economy • Increased requirement for accountability 2 The Canadian Financial Reporting Environment Role of Financial Reporting • Financial statements and financial reporting • Accounting and capital allocation •Stakeholders Objective of Financial Reporting •Management bias •Users’ needs Standard Setting • Need to develop standards • Parties involved in standard setting • Standard setting in a political environment GAAP • GAAP hierarchy •Professional judgement • Role of ethics Challenges Facing Financial Reporting • Globalization of companies and capital markets • Impact of technology • Changing nature of the economy • Increased requirement for accountability 3 Characteristics of Accounting 1. Identification, measurement, and communication of financial information about; 2...
Words: 2259 - Pages: 10
...Efficient Securities Markets and International Financial Reporting Standards Efficient Securities Markets and International Financial Reporting Standards Introduction As of January 2011 Canada’s publicly accountable enterprises (PAEs) will have to adopt International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as their accounting framework under which financial statements are prepared. This means the accounting standards Canada had been using generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) will no longer apply. What will this mean for PAEs and their investors? Will there be more or less decision useful information and will securities markets become more efficient with Canada’s adoption of IFRS or is it the same business, just different accounting? Executive Summary Comparing financial statements internationally has become difficult as accounting rules and standards have evolved differently depending on the country due to history, culture, political influence and economics. That is why the IFRS have been created and currently there is almost 100 countries that adhere to IFRS standards. Canada too has decided it must join and in 2011 all Canadian PAE’s will report under IFRS. There are both pros and cons for investors who will be relying on financial information from companies that are using IFRS’s foundation. The adoptions of IFRS will likely cause recognition, measurement and presentation differences in a company’s financial statements. Although IFRS’s...
Words: 2948 - Pages: 12
...Executive Board’s consideration on November 30, 2015. Two Staff Supplements titled Review of the Method of Valuation of the SDR— Weighting Formula and SDR Interest Rate and Review of the Method of Valuation of the SDR—Revised Proposed Decision and Illustrative Currency Amounts. The following documents have been or will be separately released: A Press Release summarizing the views of the Executive Board as expressed during its November 30, 2015 consideration of the staff report. The Executive Board, in its formal meeting on the review on November 30, 2015, adopted the revised proposed decisions contained in the supplement Review of the Method of Valuation of the SDR—Revised Proposed Decision and Illustrative Currency Amounts. These decisions will govern the weights of currencies in the SDR currency basket effective October 1, 2016. The IMF’s transparency policy allows for the deletion of market-sensitive information and premature disclosure of the authorities’ policy intentions in published staff reports and other documents. Electronic copies of IMF Policy Papers are available to the public from http://www.imf.org/external/pp/ppindex.aspx International Monetary Fund Washington, D.C. © 20[xx] International Monetary Fund November 13, 2015 REVIEW OF THE METHOD OF VALUATION OF THE SDR EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This paper provides the basis for the quinquennial review of the method of valuation of the Special Drawing Right (SDR). The review...
Words: 42879 - Pages: 172
