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2024/2025  BA-BHAAV2483U  The Digital Finance Function

English Title
The Digital Finance Function

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Elective
Level Bachelor
Duration One Quarter
Start time of the course Third Quarter
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Max. participants 60
Study board
Study Board for BSc in Economics and Business Administration
Course coordinator
  • Nikola Kostic - Department of Accounting (AA)
Main academic disciplines
  • Information technology
  • Accounting
Teaching methods
  • Blended learning
Last updated on 09-02-2024

Relevant links
Learning objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a deep theoretical and practical understanding of digital finance and the traditional roles within the finance function, including their historical evolution, current trends, and future potential.
  • Demonstrate how course concepts and frameworks can be used to critically evaluate digital finance tools and technologies. Particular focus is on the application of selected digital finance tools and techniques and the necessary theoretical background to critically interpret the gained insights.
  • Apply a technological skillset in relevant digital finance tools within database reporting and RPA technology to create innovative solutions for real-world financial challenges and demonstrate the ability to bridge theory and practice.
  • Prepare for the classical processes in the finance function and transform them into data- driven, scalable, and future-proof systems.
  • Identify fragile and potential bottleneck scenarios in financial processes and apply relevant technology and business logic to create data-driven processes.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of governance models for integrating digital finance solutions across the organization and examine their implications, fostering responsible use of technology in financial decision-making.
Course prerequisites
Basic understanding of data handling.

Programming skills are not required.
Examination
The Digital Finance Function:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Oral exam based on written product

In order to participate in the oral exam, the written product must be handed in before the oral exam; by the set deadline. The grade is based on an overall assessment of the written product and the individual oral performance, see also the rules about examination forms in the programme regulations.
Individual or group exam Individual oral exam based on written group product
Number of people in the group 2-4
Size of written product Max. 10 pages
The student can choose to write the assignment alone and defend it alone. The written product should not exceed 10 pages for one person.
Assignment type Project
Release of assignment The Assignment is released in Digital Exam (DE) at exam start
Duration
Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
20 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) Internal examiner and second internal examiner
Exam period Summer
Make-up exam/re-exam Oral Exam
Duration: 20 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Preparation time: With the listed preparation time: 20 Minutes
Examiner(s): If it is an internal examination, there will be a second internal examiner at the re-exam. If it is an external examination, there will be an external examiner.
Aids: Open book: all written and electronic aids
The student is allowed to bring to the preparation room: Simple writing and drawing utensils, laptop/tablet as a reference book (NB: there are no electric outlets available), any calculator, books including translation dictionaries, compendiums, notes. PLEASE NOTE: Students are not allowed to communicate with others during the preparation time.
Description of the exam procedure
  • Students work in groups on a technical solution and write a 10-page report that they hand in as a group project
  • Students defend the project at an individual oral examination and then the evaluation can be a holistic evaluation of their written work and their individual oral performance.
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

The course is designed to impart knowledge of key concepts, methods, techniques, and tools related to the digital finance function in organizations from a practical perspective and the foundation in relevant academic research.

 

It will cover:

 

Introduction to Digital Finance models and exemplary cases .

Each topic will be introduced with a foundation in academic research and contemporary business practice, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the underlying principles of digital finance and their connection to the latest applications in recurring real-world scenarios relating to:

  • Financial Deliverables.
  • Data-Driven processes.
  • Governance and Organizational Collaboration.

 

 

Workshops and Real-World Applications : The course will utilize hands-on workshops and examples from contemporary industry practices to expose students to designing and building a digital finance solution. Tools and techniques that will be covered include:

  • Data Modelling.
  • Business Intelligence (BI) in Finance.
  • Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in Finance.

 

 

Guest Lectures and Industry Insights : Inviting industry experts and academics to provide guest lectures will bridge the gap between theory and practice, offering students diverse perspectives on the latest challenges within the digital finance function and the tools and processes used to overcome them.

 

Ethical Considerations in Digital Finance : Ethical dimensions of digital finance will be discussed in various contexts, emphasizing responsible and sustainable financial practices in contemporary organizations.
Description of the teaching methods
Teaching methods include:

Lectures: Aimed at developing practical skills enhanced with research insights and theoretical frameworks.

Workshops: Focus on applying theory to practice through hands-on activities.

Group Discussions: Facilitated to encourage critical analysis and debate on issues that occur in the finance function in organizations.

Student Presentations: Presentations based on workshops to deepen understanding and facilitate peer learning.
Feedback during the teaching period
The feedback process includes:

Collective feedback to hands-on exercises based on students' questions.

Use of a discussion board on Canvas for individual queries.

Q&A sessions regarding the final project in the final session and on the discussion board.

Individual consultations during office hours.
Student workload
Lectures 38 hours
Tool tutorials and workshops 12 hours
Lecture preparation and reading 60 hours
Workshop preparation 20 hours
Group exam project and individual oral examination 76 hours
Expected literature

Chang, H., CD Ittner, and MT Paz. 2014. The Multiple Roles of the Finance Organization: Determinants, Effectiveness, and the Moderating Influence of Information System Integration. Journal of Management Accounting Research 26(2):1-32.

 

Eulerich, M., N. Waddoups, M. Wagener, and DA Wood. 2023. The Dark Side of Robotic Process Automation (RPA): Understanding Risks and Challenges with RPA. Accounting Horizons (forthcoming)

 

Kogan, G., J. Kokina, A. Stampone, and DM Boyle. 2023. RPA in Accounting Risk and Internal Control: Insights from RPA Program Managers. Accounting Horizons (forthcoming)

 

Kokina J., R. Gilleran, S. Blanchette, and D. Stoddard. 2021. Accountant as Digital Innovator: Roles and Competencies in the Age of Automation. Accounting Horizons 35(1):153-184.

 

Rikhardsson, P., and O. Yigitbasioglu. 2018. Business intelligence & analytics in management accounting research: Status and future focus. International Journal of Accounting Information Systems 29:37-58.

 

ten Rouwelaar, H., F. Schaepkens, and SK Widener. 2021. Skills, Influence, and Effectiveness of Management Accountants. Journal of Management Accounting Research 33(2):211-235.
Last updated on 09-02-2024