Strategic financial management

The objective of this unit is to enable learners to apply relevant financial principles in a management context, including analytical techniques and managerial accounting theories/models, evaluating budgeting processes, recommending sources of financing, and assessing investment options.

Certificate included

Dr. Epaminondas Katsikas

Strategic financial management

Kent Business School, University of Kent, United Kingdom

Qualifications and Accreditations

Lecture Sessions

After each 20-minute lecture, 10 to 15 multiple-choice questions to assess understanding (total of 12 hours).

Workshops

24 Hours 
of face-to-face workshops

Study Materials

Main textbook: Saunders, M., Lewis, P., and Thornhill, A. (2010) Research Methods for Business Learners. Harlow: Prentice Hall.

Pre-recorded Lectures

24 hours of pre-recorded lectures, each lasting 20 minutes (with subtitles in English, Arabic, and various other languages).

Assessment

Research Proposal
2,500 words Correction and awarding of certificate

Courses that may interest you

The strategic financial management module within the MBA program at Ibis Business School provides a deep understanding of the role of financial strategies in achieving long-term corporate success and sustainability.
This module focuses on enabling learners to acquire the analytical skills and strategic vision needed to efficiently manage financial resources, optimize investment decisions, and maximize shareholder value. Learners will learn how financial planning, control, and financial decision-making contribute to supporting the overall strategy of the organization, ensuring that financial resources are directed towards achieving the company's goals and achieving sustainable profitability.

Definition

Strategic financial management refers to the effective management of the financial resources of an enterprise in order to achieve its main goals and long-term financial goals.
This practice focuses on maximizing shareholder value over time through balanced financial decisions that take into account risk, return and future growth.

What is strategic financial management?

Strategic financial management is the process of planning, organizing and controlling financial activities to ensure the sustainable success of an enterprise.
It requires a thorough understanding of the economic and financial environment to make informed decisions regarding investments, capital allocation and growth opportunities.

Unlike tactical management, which focuses on short-term opportunities, strategic financial management aims to achieve long-term performance, financial stability and sustainable value for the enterprise.

Main points

Strategic financial management focuses on achieving long-term profits and growth.

The primary goal is to maximize the return on investment (ROI) for shareholders and stakeholders.

It differs from tactical management, which aims to achieve short-term gains.

Strategic financial planning is proactive planning that focuses on future gains.

The mechanisms of strategic financial planning vary depending on the nature of the company, industry and economic sector.

Understanding Strategic Financial Management

Strategic financial management aims to improve financial performance by:

Manage financial risks efficiently.

Achieve profitability and constant financial stability.

Ensuring an adequate return on investment (ROI).

Aligning financial decisions with the strategic vision of the organization.

To achieve this, companies must first::

Set clear financial and operational goals.

Assessment of available and potential financial resources and possibilities.

Develop a comprehensive financial plan to allocate resources efficiently to serve strategic objectives.

Strategic financial management also includes the management and control of Assets, Liabilities and capital structure, as well as the follow-up of operational financial activities such as:

Manage expenses and income.

Accounts receivable and payable.

Cash flow and liquidity.

Profitability and risk assessment.

It is a continuous process of evaluation, planning and adaptation that ensures that the organization stays on track towards its long-term strategic goals, while dealing with short-term challenges in a way that does not affect its long-term vision.

Capital structure and long-term financial sustainability

The assessment and management of the capital structure is one of the fundamental elements of strategic financial management, as it involves balancing debt financing and equity financing.
This balance aims to ensure financial stability and flexibility and enable the company to adapt to economic changes while continuing to achieve growth and expansion goals.

1. Research Design (Research Design)

Learn about different research methodologies — quantitative, qualitative, and mixed — and learn how to choose the most appropriate design for your research objectives and questions.

2. تقنيات جمع البيانات (Data Collection Techniques)

Master data collection skills through various methods such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, experiments, and secondary data analysis to ensure comprehensive and reliable results.

3. Statistical and analytical Tools (Statistical and Analytical Tools)

Gain practical experience in using advanced analytical tools and statistical software to interpret data and draw conclusions that support strategic decisions.

4. Ethical Considerations (Ethical Considerations)

Explore the ethical dimensions of business research, focusing on the principles of integrity, transparency, data protection, and respect for participants.

5. Thesis Development (Thesis Development)

Apply the acquired concepts in preparing a research proposal and implementing a thesis project that addresses real business issues, demonstrating both academic rigor and practical application.

Upon completing this module, the learner will be able to:

Developing and implementing strategic financial plans aligned with the overall goals of the organization.

Analyzing and evaluating investment opportunities to maximize shareholder value.

Efficiently managing financial risks to ensure long-term sustainability.

Evaluating and improving the capital structure to achieve growth and financial balance.

Application of financial frameworks to support strategic decision-making and enhance institutional performance.

Understanding Strategic Financial Management

Strategic financial management aims to improve financial performance by efficiently managing financial risks, achieving continuous profitability and financial stability, ensuring an appropriate return on investment (ROI), and aligning financial decisions with the organization’s strategic vision. To achieve this, companies must first define clear financial and operational goals, assess the available and potential financial resources and capabilities, and develop a comprehensive financial plan to allocate resources efficiently in a way that serves the strategic objectives.

What is strategic financial management?

Strategic marketing refers to an integrated approach that links all marketing decisions to the organization's vision, mission, and long-term goals.
Unlike traditional marketing, which focuses on short-term results—such as seasonal campaigns or temporary promotions—strategic marketing aims to achieve sustainable growth and build long-term loyalty. While tactical marketing seeks immediate sales, strategic marketing focuses on building a solid foundation for future success by aligning every step with the core purpose of the brand and its long-term vision.

Main points

It differs from tactical management, which aims to achieve short-term gains.

The primary goal is to maximize the return on investment (ROI) for shareholders and stakeholders.

Strategic financial management focuses on achieving long-term profits and growth.

Main characteristics

  • تصميم البحث (Research Design)

    تعرّف على منهجيات البحث المختلفة — الكمية والنوعية والمختلطة — وتعلّم كيفية اختيار التصميم الأنسب لأهداف وأسئلة البحث الخاصة بك.

  • تقنيات جمع البيانات (Data Collection Techniques)

    أتقن مهارات جمع البيانات من خلال أساليب متنوعة مثل الاستبيانات، والمقابلات، والمجموعات البؤرية، والتجارب، وتحليل البيانات الثانوية، لضمان نتائج شاملة وموثوقة.

  • الأدوات الإحصائية والتحليلية (Statistical and Analytical Tools)

    احصل على خبرة عملية في استخدام أدوات التحليل المتقدمة والبرامج الإحصائية لتفسير البيانات واستخلاص النتائج التي تدعم القرارات الإستراتيجية.

  • الاعتبارات الأخلاقية (Ethical Considerations)

    استكشف الأبعاد الأخلاقية للبحث في مجال الأعمال، مع التركيز على مبادئ النزاهة، والشفافية، وحماية البيانات، واحترام المشاركين.

  • تطوير الأطروحة (Thesis Development)

    طبّق المفاهيم المكتسبة في إعداد مقترح بحثي وتنفيذ مشروع أطروحة يعالج قضايا أعمال حقيقية، ويُظهر الصرامة الأكاديمية والتطبيق العملي في آن واحد.

Learning Outcomes