Decision Making Using Financial Models

Decision Making Using Financial Models (C301) is a one-day practical course that teaches how to use financial models developed by others to make critical investment / lending decisions. It features Financial Mechanics’ TRUE Analysis methodology.

TRUE analysis is an effective and time-efficient approach because it focuses on:

TOP-DOWN method - to organize the chaos of complexity

RESULTS - so analytical effort is decision-led

UNCERTAINTY - as understanding its impact is key

EXPLANATORY graphics - a mandatory analytical and presentation tool

Decision Making Using Financial Models (C301) is designed for anyone who needs to understand and use cash flow models to assist with decision-making purposes: senior managers and directors of development or funding companies, originators, credit analysts, bid managers, portfolio managers, advisors and government officials.

Decision Making Using Financial Models (C301) is a hands-on course, where participants are led by the instructor through the structured analysis of three simplified case-study models typical of project and acquisition finance structures together with a case study involving a full scale cash flow model.

Participants will recap on FAST modeling skills and discuss the purpose of examining cash flow models. The course is organized into four sessions:

1. Is the model fit for your purpose?
   • What are the signs of an unreliable or unhelpful model and how to spot them
2. What is the Base Case story?
   • How to organize your analysis of a model effectively and efficiently.
   • How to present your findings with impact.
3. What is the effect of uncertainty?
   • How to flex a model to show the impact of uncertainty and present your conclusions effectively.
4. Structured Full-scale model Case Study
   • An opportunity for structured, hands-on practice in applying the concepts and craft of model analysis learned earlier in the day, using a real life full scale model that has been specially treated to present a worthy analytical challenge to participants

Attendees will gain maximum benefit from Decision Making Using Financial Models (C301) if they have previously learned the Concepts and Craft taught in the new preparatory C Series Courses, Introduction to TRUE Analysis (C101) and Unwrapping the Cash Flow Model (C201).

Attendees will need to bring a laptop with them, ideally one they are accustomed to using, with a Microsoft Windows operating system and a recent version of MS Excel. Laptops may be rented from Financial Mechanics for an additional charge.