Welcome to our comprehensive guide on passing the Corporate Finance WGU D362 at Western Governors University. This article is designed to be your one-stop resource for navigating through this challenging yet fascinating course. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to ace the final Objective Assessment (OA), we’ve got you covered. Understanding Corporate Finance can seem daunting at first, especially with the vast amount of mathematical calculation involved. However, with the right approach and resources, you can master the content and excel in your assessments.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key components of the module as below,
Our aim is to make the learning process as smooth and manageable as possible, ensuring that you gain a deep understanding of Corporate Finance and how it applies to real-world scenarios. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, don’t worry—we’re here to help you every step of the way. Let’s dive in and get you on the path to success!
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What is Module WGU D362📖
The Corporate Finance WGU D362 module is a crucial step for students aiming to understand the financial implications of business decisions. Building on the foundational knowledge from D076 – Finance Skills for Managers, this course delves deeper into how firms should raise funds, the principles of financial valuation and analysis, and the interrelation between investment and financing decisions. Students will enhance their theoretical understanding and apply practical techniques in corporate finance, preparing them for real-world financial management challenges.
In the course of the realization of the assignments, students will learn about the different types of businesses and the factors that may shape the decision of an owner to adopt a certain legal form of business. The corporate governance mechanisms of the company, the role of shareholders, the legal and regulatory framework, and managing the company functions are also explained comprehensively. The course also places a great concern on capital budgeting, particularly on the use of methods that incorporate the time value of money in the assessment of potential investment proposals.
There, students will find out how to calculate WACC or the cost of capital that takes a risk-return approach to determine financing through debt or equity. The module also discusses stock offerings and bonds as sources of funds, evaluating corporate bonds, and the risks involved in this process. A learner will be able to apply the methods of calculating stock returns using the CAPM or Gordon’s growth model and use various approaches to value a firm as an enterprise. This comprehensive strategy ensures that students leave the campus with adequate knowledge and skills in managing their financial affairs as well as enhancing the financial performance of their organizations.
By completing this module, you will acquire the below competencies. (The weightage of each competency is mentioned as a percentage)
Section 1: Explains Corporate Financial Entity Structure (25%)
Section 2: Applies Time Value of Money and Leverage Concepts for Corporations (45%)
Section 3: Computes Enterprise Financial Value (30%)
WGU D362 Study Guide to Ace the OA📝
Welcome to the most crucial section of our article. Here, you’ll find our detailed study guide, specifically designed to help you pass the exam with minimal effort. You can either follow these steps precisely as we’ve outlined them, or you can extract the necessary information from our guide and incorporate it into your own study plan. Either way, we’re confident that you’ll discover all the details, tips, and tricks you need for your studies in this section.
Step 1 – Acquire a calculator
As module D362 deals with mathematical formulas and calculations, you are required to equip yourself with a calculator in order to study the course content and pass the OA. So before delving into the subject matter of D362, let us acquire a calculator to assist us with the studies. To choose a calculator, WGU has provided some specific guidelines for the students. As the first course of action, contact the course instructors of module D362 and inquire about the guidelines document on calculators. Carefully read through this document to understand the allowed brands and models of the calculators and choose one as per your preference.
Our favorite choices for the calculators are the BA2 plus or TI84. We highly recommend using one of these models to utilize this module.
Step 2 – Read through the Textbook
The WGU-provided Textbook of module D362 will be our main study resource to gain the knowledge required to pass the final OA. The Textbook is easy to read and provides all the necessary knowledge in a structured format that even a beginner can understand easily. So navigate to the location mentioned below to find the Textbook and read through it from the beginning to the end.
- Log onto the Student Portal of WGU > Go to the module Corporate Finance WGU D362 > Click on “Go to course material”
In your studies, make sure to focus on the formulas and their uses. Your success in this module is highly dependent on your knowledge of these formulas and they will be highly tested on the OA. It is important that you memorize all the formulas and you should be able to recall them as per the scenarios given in the questions. To help you memorize them, attempt all the knowledge checks, unit quizzes, and module tests provided in the Textbook. Also, take short notes and make flashcards to help you revise the information when you are busy with other chores.
Other resources to help you with this task are the PowerPoint slides you can find in the course search section of this module. Utilize them as you prefer to commit the knowledge of the Textbook to your memory.
Step 3 – Get comfortable with using the formulas
Once you complete the Textbook, we will take more time to get more comfortable with the formulas of D362. Even though you might be able to memorize all the formulas at the end of step 2, you should also be able to use them and understand their uses to be able to pass the final OA. So we recommend you go through the quizzes and tests in the Textbook as many times as it requires you to be comfortable with all the formulas. You can also try rewriting the formulas from your memory to help you commit the formulas to your memory. To find the list of formulas you need to memorize, navigate to the below-mentioned location.
- Log onto the Student Portal of WGU > Go to the module Corporate Finance WGU D362 > Go to “Course Search” > Open the link “D362 Corporate Finance – Important Formulas”
The other important skill you need to pass the OA of module D362 is the skill to utilize the calculator to solve these formulas. So once you are competent with solving the formulas by hand, you should try to solve them again by using the calculator you have bought for this module. In the OA, you will be asked to solve TMV, NPV, IRR, and bond valuations by utilizing the calculator. To help you with getting acclimated to the calculator, browse video tutorials on YouTube.
Step 4 – Watch the recorded cohorts and PowerPoint slides
To help you better understand the course material and go through calculation tutorials with the course instructors, you can utilize the record cohorts of D362. These recordings are provided with accompanying PowerPoint slides to help you access the knowledge with ease. So follow the below given instructions and go through the recorded cohorts as well as the PowerPoint slides to strengthen your knowledge.
- Log onto the Student Portal of WGU > Go to the module Corporate Finance WGU D362 > Go to “Course Search” > Open the link “D362 Corporate Finance Course Resources” > Scroll down on the web page until you find the table “D362 Cohort Session Recordings and Resource Files”
Step 5 – Attempt the Pre-A
Now that you have finished our studies on the course content, let us focus on overcoming the OA of D362. Instead of sitting for the OA head-on, first, we will test our knowledge to evaluate what we have learned and test if we are ready for the challenge. To achieve this objective, we will utilize the Pre-A of D362. This tool is a very valuable resource for us to practice for the OA. Even though the Pre-A is a mock assessment, treat it as the real OA and face it using the same techniques and logic you would use in the OA. So keep your notes aside and answer each question with the knowledge you have in your mind. Complete the Pre-A and try to achieve the best score possible.
Once you complete the Pre-A, a coaching report will be generated for you in the same location you attempted the Pre-A. By going through this report, you will be able to understand your weak points and where you need to develop to achieve a better score. So identify the areas you need to work on and revise the knowledge in these areas by going through the short notes you have taken. Once you are competent enough, retake the Pre-A and try your best to achieve a score of 85% or more. Repeat this step until you are able to achieve this goal.
Step 6 – Face the OA
At this step of our study guide, there is nothing left but to attempt the final exam. You have done all the hard work on this module by studying through the course content, so passing the OA should be easy. Here, we will list some points that you need to keep in mind while you attempt the exam to help you prepare for the challenge:
- Schedule the OA at a convenient time and date for you
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone.
- Follow the proctoring instructions and rules carefully.
- Use the same strategies and skills that you used for the Pre-A
- Relax and be confident in your abilities.
Good Luck!!
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Strategies to Use in Your OA👨🏻🏫
Preparing for the Objective Assessment (OA) in Corporate Finance WGU D362 requires strategic planning and a thorough understanding of both theoretical concepts and practical formulas. Here are some essential tips and tricks to help you excel:
Manage Your Time Effectively: Ensure that you allocate your time wisely to answer all the questions. Start with the questions you find easier to build confidence and save more challenging questions for later. Keep an eye on the clock and aim to leave a few minutes at the end to review your answers.
Utilize the Calculator Efficiently: Many questions will involve calculations, and using a calculator can save valuable time. Familiarize yourself with the calculator functions before the exam so you can quickly and accurately perform the necessary calculations.
Understand Key Non-Formula Concepts: You will be tested on important concepts such as business organizations, mission statements, the 1933 Securities Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Act, signaling theory, and pecking order theory. Make sure you have a solid grasp of these topics as they form the foundation of corporate finance principles.
Master the Formulas: Ensure you are comfortable with the critical formulas for operating margin, internal rate of return (IRR), accounting rate of return (ARR), net present value (NPV), bond pricing, time value of money (TVM), capital asset pricing model (CAPM), degree of operating leverage (DOL) and combined leverage (CFDOL), financial leverage, and after-tax cost of debt. Practice solving problems using these formulas until you can do so confidently and accurately.
Focus on Core Concepts: The assessment will also cover stock valuations, leverage, weighted average cost of capital (WACC), the constant growth model, and enterprise valuation. Make sure you can apply these concepts in various scenarios and understand their implications in corporate finance decision-making.
Practice Problem-Solving: Engage in regular practice sessions to solve problems related to key concepts. Use past exams, practice questions, and study groups to test your knowledge and improve your problem-solving speed.
By following these tips and focusing on both theoretical and practical aspects of corporate finance, you can approach the Objective Assessment with confidence and a strong foundation of knowledge. Good luck!
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External Resources to Study📂
- Quizlet to help with your studies #1 – Link
- Quizlet to help with your studies #2 – Link
- Tutorials to improve your calculator skills – Tutorial #1 , Tutorial#2
- Udemy course on Corporate Finance #1 Introduction & Financial Statements – Link
- YouTube playlist on Corporate Finance by Edspira – Link
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FAQ❓
Q: What are the prerequisites for Corporate Finance WGU D362?
A: Before taking Corporate Finance WGU D362, students should have completed D076 – Finance Skills for Managers. This foundational course provides the essential financial skills and knowledge needed to succeed in more advanced corporate finance topics.
Q: What are the expected outcomes of completing this module?
A: Upon completing this module, students will have a thorough understanding of corporate finance principles, including financial valuation, capital budgeting, and risk assessment. They will be proficient in techniques to manage and raise capital and capable of making strategic financial decisions.
Q: Are there any specific tools or software I need to use for this course?
A: The course primarily focuses on conceptual understanding and manual calculations. However, familiarity with financial calculators is an added advantage to calculate various formulas you will come across in the course content.
Q: Can I get help if I struggle with some of the concepts?
A: Yes, students can seek help from their instructors and take advantage of various resources provided by WGU, including tutoring services, study groups, and online forums where they can discuss concepts with peers.
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Conclusion 📄
Before you proceed on the journey that is Corporate Finance WGU D362, there are a few pointers that would make the journey more manageable and fruitful—all beginning with a structured study plan. The principles and recommendations provided in this post are aimed at guiding you through the process of learning about corporate finance as a concept of how businesses are structured and valued, and about capital expenditure and the management of risks. The effective incorporation of these study strategies will help improve your understanding of, and ability to apply the course content. Do not forget to use the extensive guide that has been prepared according to the requirements of the objective assessment so that you pass it successfully. This guide alongside the tips and study skills analyzed above shall arm you with the necessary skills in tackling the module. You want to be diligent and consistent in your studies, and with these attributes, you will be in a position to address any issue that may be thrown at you. Good luck as you start with the topic on Corporate Finance WGU D362. Embrace the process of learning, use the strategies effectively, and try to achieve the best. Your commitment and effort will not go unrewarded in this course and in any other future activities you will be undertaking.