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Questions and Answers
What is the primary conflict of interest between shareholders and directors in a company?
What is the primary conflict of interest between shareholders and directors in a company?
The primary conflict is that directors are hired to run the company on behalf of shareholders, which can lead to decisions that may not align with shareholders' interests.
How can companies align the interests of managers with those of shareholders?
How can companies align the interests of managers with those of shareholders?
Companies can use reward schemes that incentivize managers to make decisions in the best interests of the company.
What is the purpose of corporate governance codes?
What is the purpose of corporate governance codes?
Corporate governance codes are designed to ensure directors make decisions that are in the best interests of the company and its shareholders.
Which categories are commonly used in ratio analysis for measuring business performance?
Which categories are commonly used in ratio analysis for measuring business performance?
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What is the primary objective of a not-for-profit organization?
What is the primary objective of a not-for-profit organization?
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What does the concept of Value for Money (VFM) assess in not-for-profit organizations?
What does the concept of Value for Money (VFM) assess in not-for-profit organizations?
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What role do Independent Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) play in corporate governance?
What role do Independent Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) play in corporate governance?
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Why is financial management important for not-for-profit organizations?
Why is financial management important for not-for-profit organizations?
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What is the primary objective of shareholder wealth maximization?
What is the primary objective of shareholder wealth maximization?
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Explain how profit maximization can conflict with shareholder wealth maximization.
Explain how profit maximization can conflict with shareholder wealth maximization.
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What factors can lead a company to have high profits but low cash flow?
What factors can lead a company to have high profits but low cash flow?
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What defines a stakeholder group in the context of a company?
What defines a stakeholder group in the context of a company?
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What does the Stakeholder View advocate regarding corporate responsibilities?
What does the Stakeholder View advocate regarding corporate responsibilities?
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Describe Agency Theory in the context of corporate governance.
Describe Agency Theory in the context of corporate governance.
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How can the quality of earnings affect shareholder perceptions?
How can the quality of earnings affect shareholder perceptions?
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What is a potential downside of maximizing short-term profits?
What is a potential downside of maximizing short-term profits?
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What is the primary purpose of financial management?
What is the primary purpose of financial management?
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How do financial management and financial accounting differ?
How do financial management and financial accounting differ?
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What are two key financial objectives organizations may pursue?
What are two key financial objectives organizations may pursue?
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What is agency theory in the context of financial management?
What is agency theory in the context of financial management?
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What impact does not-for-profit status have on financial objectives?
What impact does not-for-profit status have on financial objectives?
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Why is the dividend decision important for a company?
Why is the dividend decision important for a company?
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Describe the financing decision in financial management.
Describe the financing decision in financial management.
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What are managerial reward schemes designed to achieve?
What are managerial reward schemes designed to achieve?
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Study Notes
Financial Management Function
- Financial management involves explaining the nature and purpose of financial management, distinguishing between financial management and financial/management accounting, and discussing the relationship between financial objectives, corporate objectives, and corporate strategy.
- Various financial objectives include shareholder wealth maximization, profit maximization, and earnings per share growth.
- Stakeholders have different objectives and potential conflicts.
- Management plays a role in meeting stakeholder objectives using agency theory, managerial reward schemes, and regulatory requirements.
- Not-for-profit organizations focus on Value for Money, and measuring objective achievement is important.
Three Key Areas of Financial Management
- Financing decisions: Sources of finance, cost of capital, and capital structure are crucial.
- Investment decisions: Investment in non-current assets like investment appraisal (NCA) and working capital management are included.
- Dividend decisions: Business valuation, efficient markets, and the decisions involved in dividends.
Financial Management Function - Detailed
- For a business to succeed, it needs efficient working capital management. Managing liquidity, inventory levels, cash balances, and payables are key.
- Businesses need to identify and acquire appropriate financing (short/long-term) considering company requirements, investor expectations, and available funds.
- Dividend decisions involve returning profit to shareholders or reinvesting it for future growth.
Relationship Between Corporate Strategy and Financial Objectives
- Objectives/targets define what the organization seeks to achieve.
- Strategy outlines how the organization will achieve those objectives.
- A diagram illustrates how corporate strategy (top-level) flows down to detailed, operational strategies.
- Financial management decisions support these strategic goals in businesses.
Objectives and Strategies
- Financial and commercial objectives are cascaded down through the organization.
- Commercial objectives focus on the business's marketplace position.
- Financial objectives are tied to the overall goal of increasing shareholder value.
- Strategies are plans for achieving these objectives.
Financial Objectives of Financial Management
- Shareholder wealth maximization is a fundamental principle of financial management.
- Profit maximization is another significant objective.
- Growth, market share, and social responsibility are additional, but important objectives for companies.
- Earnings per share (EPS) growth is a widely used metric.
Stakeholder Objectives and Conflicts
- Stakeholders are groups with an interest in a company (employees, customers, suppliers).
- Conflicts of interest exist among stakeholders.
- Management must balance the needs and objectives of all stakeholders.
- Shareholders, for example, want high returns, while other stakeholders may focus on other aspects, such as employment, community, or the environment.
Agency Theory
- Agency theory deals with the relationship between principals (e.g., shareholders) and agents (e.g., managers) in companies.
- Potential conflicts of interest exist because agents may act in their own self-interest and not in the best interests of the principals.
- Directors, for example, may prioritize their own compensation or prestige over shareholder welfare.
Corporate Governance
- Issues like compensation (executive pay), director accountability, the role of non-executive directors (NEDs), and the separation of chairman and CEO roles are part of corporate governance.
- The company's reward scheme for its directors and executives is a crucial element of corporate governance.
Value for Money (VFM)
- VFM is a critical concept for not-for-profit organizations (NFPs).
- It balances desired outcomes (e.g., quality) with associated costs.
- Assessing VFM requires detailed analysis and measurement of inputs, processes, outputs, and outcomes.
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of financial management, including the distinction between financial management and accounting. It also covers financial objectives, stakeholder relationships, and key decision areas such as financing and investment. Test your knowledge on the essential elements and theories of financial management.