Fluent in Finance
Learn the basics of business acumen with this interactive self-paced finance course.
A Comprehensive Business Acumen Primer for Nonfinancial Managers
Your organization’s success rests on the performance of your managers. Great managers and leaders make financially sound decisions. They communicate effectively up and down the chain of command and across business units and functional areas. They speak the language of business. They are fluent in finance.
Fluent in Finance™ is an 8- to 16-hour introductory-level online course in business finance that combines the convenience and best practices of online delivery with rich interactive media and business simulations.
The course laid out the content very well. Very good mix of conceptual information and practical exercises.
Participant, Southwest Airlines
The Structure
Multimedia case studies frame each chapter and ask learners to solve realistic business problems by applying financial concepts presented in the chapter. Interactive tutorials make financial concepts more concrete and intuitive. A variety of exercises spanning a wide range of business scenarios allow learners to further hone their skills and verify understanding.
Fluent in Finance focuses on the financial topics most relevant to business managers. The program has six chapters of rich media tutorials and case studies that learners can access on demand.
The material was presented in a way such that I am finally able to interpret the implications of a financial statement.
Participant, GE
Chapter 1: Welcome to Fluent in Finance
Understand why finance matters.
Chapter 2: Back to Business Basics
Analyze the cost structure of a company. Calculate the breakeven point of investments.
Chapter 3: Reading Financial Statements
Interpret income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Distinguish between profits and cash flows.
Chapter 4: From Business Idea to Budget
Build cash flow projections for business projects. Understand the cost of capital.
Chapter 5: Discounted Cash Flow Analysis
Calculate the value of a project using the net present value. Calculate the value of a project using the internal rate of return.
Chapter 6: Conclusion
Turn concepts into concrete next steps.
Key Learning Objectives
Case Study
Business Acumen for Leaders
Southwest Airlines invests significantly in leadership development through a variety of learning experiences. Business acumen is an imperative concept for leaders to develop as they focus on meeting the company’s fiscal and operational goals. Recognizing this, Southwest identified the need to include a module on financial acumen in their high-potential leadership development program.
