Course Catalogue

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The course introduces students to the main types of private capital financing for firms, including venture capital investment and private equity buyouts.

Workshops: 11 weeks x 2 hours

Seminars: 2 weeks x 1 hour

Asynchronous learning activities will consist of a variety of activities, such as readings, case studies, models, and practice questions.

Normally a grade D3 or above in Finance 2 or equivalent.

Please refer to the current undergraduate prospectus at : https://www.gla.ac.uk/undergraduate/

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Reassessments are normally available for all courses, except those which contribute to the Honours classification. Where, exceptionally, reassessment on Honours courses is required to satisfy professional/accreditation requirements, only the overall course grade achieved at the first attempt will contribute to the Honours classification. For non-Honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions for this course are described below.

The course seeks to provide students with a thorough understanding of private equity and venture capital asset classes and the participants in these markets. The course introduces private equity and venture capital investors and how they operate throughout their lifecycle, placing an emphasis on the investment process, valuation, and transaction structures. Private equity investment strategies will be discussed, and empirical evidence on the effects of private equity ownership on target firms will be examined. Private equity fund structure and the economics of funds will then be introduced. Fund performance measurement will be explored, and popular methods of performance appraisal used in the private equity industry will be critically evaluated.

The course aims are:

■ Develop skills on data management and analysis, presentation, and statistical and financial analysis

■ Apply financial theory to real world problems in entrepreneurial and corporate finance

■ Understand and evaluate empirical evidence and research in finance

■ Analyse and evaluate current industry practice in the finance industry

By the end of this course students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a clear understanding of topics in applied corporate & entrepreneurial finance, and analyse and apply these to real-world situations

2. Apply data management and analysis skills

3. Demonstrate critical thinking through reports, discussions and exams

4. Evaluate industry practice in financial markets, and critically discuss relevant research

5. Manage uncertainty in the context of the evolving business environment

6. Communicate clearly and effectively in written format

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.