Sample Answer
Assessment Methods Across Finance Modules
Every finance programme uses assessment methods to check how well students understand both the theory and the real practice of the subject. The structure of assessment shapes how students study, which skills they develop and how they apply financial knowledge in real scenarios. In this discussion, I look at the assessment methods for PAM004 Strategic Financial Management, PAM005 Strategic Performance Management, PAM100 Global Issues for the Finance Professional and PAM006 Strategic Financial Project. The aim is to explain what each method involves, why it is used and how the balance between coursework, exams and projects influences learning in the wider programme.
Strategic Financial Management (PAM004) uses a combination of coursework worth thirty percent and an examination worth seventy percent. The design pushes students to blend continuous learning with the intensity of an exam. Coursework in this module usually involves solving financial problems in a more open format. Students often explore valuation methods, capital structure decisions or investment analysis. Coursework is less time pressured, which allows students to justify decisions carefully and apply theory with evidence. The larger exam element tests core knowledge and the ability to make decisions quickly. Finance professionals often work under pressure, so this approach mirrors the need to make timely calculations and interpret results with accuracy. The split therefore aims to keep students grounded in both the detail of financial analysis and the speed of real decision making.
Strategic Performance Management (PAM005) also follows the thirty percent coursework and seventy percent exam structure. Even though the weighting is the same, the nature of the tasks is different because performance management is more qualitative and organisational. Coursework often focuses on applying performance frameworks such as Balanced Scorecard, value drivers or management control tools. It asks students to analyse real organisations, which builds critical thinking and improves the ability to evaluate the quality of performance systems. The exam then tests understanding of definitions, models and the links between measurement and strategy. Since performance management is strategic, the assessment mix helps students think across short term and long term needs. The exam checks knowledge, while coursework checks interpretation and judgement.
PAM100 Global Issues for the Finance Professional has an even split. Fifty percent is coursework and fifty percent is a project. This balance reflects the nature of global finance, which requires understanding of large scale issues as well as deep investigation of a chosen topic. Coursework usually focuses on current debates such as ethics, sustainability, regulation, financial crises or global capital flows. It encourages students to demonstrate awareness of the changing landscape of financial practice. The project builds research skills and challenges students to collect information, analyse trends and propose practical insights. Projects help students show independence and depth, which is an important skill for professional growth.
PAM006 Strategic Financial Project again uses a mix of coursework and a project, with thirty percent for coursework and seventy percent for the main project. This mirrors the final stage of many finance degrees where students must complete a large piece of analytical or research work. Coursework is often the proposal stage, which teaches students how to plan research properly. The large project then builds the ability to explore a financial issue in depth, use evidence critically and present conclusions in a structured and professional way. It prepares students for roles where they may need to evaluate strategic options, create financial models or report findings to decision makers.
Taken together, these assessment methods form a structured learning journey. Early modules use exams heavily because a strong knowledge base is needed before students can move on to deeper research work. The mix of coursework and exams also prepares students for different types of professional tasks. Exams reflect the pressure of making quick and accurate decisions. Coursework reflects the real world style of writing reports, evaluating company performance or explaining financial strategies. Project assessments towards the end of the programme allow students to develop independence, which is important for professional development and postgraduate study.
There are implications for how students approach their learning. Modules with heavy exam weightings require continuous revision. Students benefit from practising past questions, using time management skills and strengthening numerical techniques. Coursework based modules encourage reading, reflection and analysis of real cases. Project modules demand commitment over a long period, along with planning, research and writing skills. The variety of assessment methods means students cannot rely on a single learning style. Instead, they need to develop a balanced skill set that fits the wide demands of modern finance.
