LEAN Business Finance for Technical teams
Course Description
A one day workshop where participants use computer simulations and expertly facilitated activities to build practical financial skills through discovery learning and problem solving. Free access to our websites for continued practice and exploration after the workshop is provided. What every IT specialist and Engineer needs to know about finance in business AND only what they need to know! Adding the financial perspective to the core skills of technical staff (logic, analysis and problem- solving ) transforms the quality of business analysis, decision making and collaboration in business .
Duration: 1 days
Prerequisites
No knowledge of accountancy or finance is presumed, just a desire to cut through the fog of accounting language and use financial awareness to work smarter and collaborate more effectively.
With the Financial Perspective you
- Have mastered a core skill for business and requirements analysis
- Are able to understand and communicate the reasoning behind change and budgetary initiatives
- Can make smarter and more commercially-informed decisions
- Possess the framework to influence decision makers
- Break down “silo” mentalities and gain collaboration
- Just find it easier to understand and work in business
Unit 1- How much do you know already?
Examine the business model and the financial statements for REAL_E Ltd.
1. What are the strengths and weaknesses in this company?
2. What would you recommend the management do to improve their chances of survival/success?
Unit 2 – Adding the Financial Perspective
Explore key questions to establish the interaction between business and financial reports
1. Can you see the link between the name of the company and the elements of the business and financial models?
2. What is the difference between the two financial statements in terms of content and purpose?
3. What information can you extract from the Profit &Loss Account?
4. What information can you extract from the Balance Sheet ?
5. What are the ratios showing?
6. Can you identify key result areas common to all management teams?
7. Can you associate all this with any bits of financial jargon you have heard at work?
8. What happens to expenses/costs when we vary volume of output?
9. Why is the net profit position different to the net cash position?
Unit 3 - Closing the loop between business and finance
Now use the financial perspective and FaBLinker to assess REAL_E LTD and think it through to real business requirements
1. Revisit your assessment of and recommendations for REAL_ E Ltd.
2. What impact would your recommendations have in terms of the three key result areas identified in unit 2?
3. What would the business have to do – in terms of specific actions - to implement your suggestions?
4. How realistic are your recommendations in the light of these actions?
5. Are there any likely side effects (unintended consequences) to your recommendations
Unit 4 – How much have you learned so far?
A check on how much we have learned about:
Reading and interpreting financial reports (Information)
Using the financial perspective to make smart business decisions (Knowledge)
Understanding overall company goals and the accountants view of business (Collaboration)
Unit 5 – The follow-through
How can you use the financial perspective to make an impact in your day to day work?
How to use our website to practice and reinforce your financial skills