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Global Finance and Strategy - Othm Level 7 Diploma In Accounting And Finance

Code D/615/3238 - Level 7

Aim: The aim of this unit is to develop learners' understanding of the types of decisions that need to be taken when entering global markets. Learners will gain an understanding of why independence in solving financial issues within a specific period of time is vital for business success.

Learning Outcome 1: Understand the concept of globalisation.

Learning Outcome 2: Understand the impact of the global business environment on national and multinational business organisations.

Learning Outcome 3: Be able to construct strategies that will result in the enhancement of organisational value.

Learning Outcome 4: Be able to evaluate the financial consequences of strategic decisions.

Learning Outcome 5: Understand appropriate sources of finance.

Learning Outcome 6: Be able to assess techniques to manage global risk.

Learning Outcome 7: Be able to assess potential investment decisions and global strategies.

The case study below illustrates how Syngenta, a company created from the fusion of two agronomical divisions of two conglomerates, plans its investments with the help of analytical tools such as the Average Rate of Return (ARR) and the Payback Period.

Case study

Formed in 2000 by the merger of the agronomical divisions of Zeneca and Novartis, Syngenta is one of the world's leading suppliers of seeds and crop protection systems. A multinational company, Syngenta employs 26,000 people across 90 countries. In 2010, its sales exceeded $11 billion. Syngenta's mission is ‘bringing plant potential to life'. It uses the latest science and technology to develop products that help its customers improve crop productivity. Syngenta's products are used by farmers to protect crops against weeds, pests and fungal diseases. The company's herbicides, pesticides and fungicides are usually based on complex chemicals. To develop products that can improve farm output without damaging the natural environment requires intensive Research and Development (R&D). To protect its investment, Syngenta obtains patents for its new products.

In 2008, Syngenta was faced with a major investment decision. As the Amistar range of fungicides moved through its product life cycle, its maximum capacity was approached. Syngenta could not produce more Amistar without investing in its production facilities. A proposal was put forward to expand production through a £150 million investment at the Grangemouth site in Scotland. The company had to decide whether increasing production would be financially viable and a worthwhile investment.

The table below shows estimated cash flow for the Grange mouth expansion project.

Assessment Task 1 - Report
Prepare a report to include:

1. An explanation of the sources of finance, the Syngenta Company, could have used and an assessment of the risks involved in the identified sources.

2. A critical assessment of the costs involved in managing global risk.

3. An analysis of the potential investment decisions and strategies available to the Syngenta Company. Use the data provided to calculate the payback period and accounting rate of return.

4. An assessment of the global environment decisions and strategies affecting the Syngenta Company.

Referencing:
• Each section must reflect any supporting Harvard style citations.

Assessment Task 2 - Meeting Paper

You are required to choose a Public Limited Company on which to base your assignment. You are advised to check with your tutor that your choice of company is appropriate.

Prepare a meeting paper that can be used by Company Directors to assess their current Global Finance Strategies.
You must include the following in your meeting paper:

1. An analysis of concept of globalisation and global risks.

2. An assessment of the link between the concept of globalisation and the investment process

3. An explanation of the factors affecting the global business environment.

4. An assessment of the impact of identified factors on national and multinational business organisations

5. An explanation of the current value statement of your chosen business organisation.

6. An explanation of how your chosen business organisation achieves its values and a recommendation of strategies that they could use to enhance their value.

7. An analysis of the strategic decision of your chosen business organisation.

8. An evaluation of the financial consequences of a strategic decision made by your chosen business organisation.

9. An explanation of risk mitigation techniques and an assessment of the suitability of techniques used by a named business organisation to manage their global risk.