Business Management

Programme Aims and Objectives

Students who have completed the course should be able to confidently appraise investments, recognise good investments, quantify and minimise the tax consequences of such investment. They should be able to create accurate cash flow forecasts which can allow for various interest rate scenarios. They should be able to recognise and avoid scams and frauds. 

Programme Structure

The programme is delivered by Alan Moore who is widely known for his regular articles in The Sunday Business Post. Alan brings with him his 32 years experience in taxation, 13 of these with Revenue.  He advises high net worth individuals on tax and wealth planning matters – how to ensure that tax is minimised and transactions are structured in a manner that maximises the client’s wealth. He receives and evaluates numerous investment proposals on a daily basis (from start-up companies to mining ventures, property investments, investment in commodities, bonds, and life settlement solutions).

Programme Content

Investment Fundamentals
Income, assets, net worth, what is investment? Value investing, NPV, IRR, Payback, Rule of 72.
How Taxes affect your Wealth
Taxes on income, gains, gifts, estates and wealth.
Components of Investment Return
Cash flow, capital appreciation – strategy, leverage, finance; spreadsheets. Financial risk.
Frauds, Cons and Scams
Types and common features – How to recognise frauds and protect yourself – Principle-based behaviour – Ethics – Ensuring all deals are documented in writing.
Asset Classes
Property, shares, cash, bonds, alternative investments – portfolio theory and asset allocation – does it make sense? - Economic fundamentals: global trends – Brazil, Russia, India, China – emerging markets - trends in science and technology – bioscience – green energy - nonotechnology
Property
Becoming a landlord, property development – some simple rules
Property Valuation
5 bases of valuations; calculations
Private Equity
Cash-flow based share analysis techniques
Cash and Bonds – deposits and interest – Europe and the USA
Commodities; Life Settlement Solutions; Art
Hedge Funds – absolute return
Family Protection
Wealth structures – trusts - Stiftung
Passing Assets
Gift and wills - philanthropy

Assessment

To be awarded the Diploma in Wealth Management, students are required to submit an assignment (25%) and complete and end of term examination (75%).

Career Progression Opportunities

The course delivers lifelong benefits in that the principles learned can ensure proper personal financial planning and a secure financial future.

Student Profile

Typically, participants on the programme might include business owners, private investors, solicitors, accountants, and financial advisers.

Further Study Options

For students interested in further study at Degree level, DBS offers a range of Level 8 Honours Business Evening Degree programmes. The Diploma in Investment & Capital Markets and the Diploma in Taxation may also be of interest to students of this programme.