Teaching Methodologies
The classes have a theoretical-practical nature, encouraging active student participation through debates, analysis of real-world cases, and the development of individual and group assignments. The consolidation of knowledge aims not only at understanding the course content but also at developing individual skills, critical thinking, and the ability to anticipate. Additionally, the use of digital technologies is enhanced as tools to support both learning and teaching. The research component is encouraged, leveraging the knowledge acquired throughout the academic journey, as well as the extensive availability of economic and financial data and the analysis of the current macroeconomic framework.
Learning Results
The objective of this curricular unit is to equip master’s students with the skills necessary for the critical analysis of investment projects in the public sector, by providing them with both theoretical and practical knowledge of the main methodologies for assessing economic and financial viability, in contexts of both certainty and uncertainty, using appropriate analytical techniques and in accordance with legal frameworks and the principles of efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability.
At the end of this course, students should be able to:
1. Explain the fundamental principles and practices of financial management in public sector projects.
2.Apply techniques of budget planning, resource allocation, and financial control in government projects.
3.Identify and mitigate financial risks in public sector projects.
4.Analyze and evaluate the financial viability of public investment projects.
5.Develop practical financial management cases through the analysis of real-world case studies.
Program
1. Introduction to Financial Management of Public Sector Projects
1.1 Differences between financial management in the public and private sectors.
1.2 Definition and importance of financial management in public projects.
1.3 The life cycle of a public sector project.
2. Budget Planning and Resource Allocation
2.1 Preparation of project budgets in the public sector: concepts and methods.
2.2 Financial resource allocation: techniques and tools.
3. Financial Control of Projects
3.1 Cost variance analysis, cash flows.
3.2 Monitoring financial execution and reporting.
3.3 Financial performance indicators for public projects.
4. Financial Risk Management
4.1 Identification of financial risks in public projects.
4.2 Methods for mitigating financial risks: insurance, contractual clauses.
4.3 Financial scenario planning for adverse situations.
5. Evaluation of Public Projects
5.1 Analysis of financial viability of projects.
5.2 Impact assessment: cost-benefit analysis, return on investment.
6. Practical Examples and Case Study
Internship(s)
NAO
Bibliography
Principal
Cebola, A., (2017). Projetos de Investimento de PMEs, Lisboa,2ª edição, Ed. Sílabo.
Jacques, P. (2020). Sustainability: the basics. Routledge.
Matias, F., Baptista, C., Salsa, L., Coelho, L., Serrasqueiro, Z. ( 2023). Gestão Financeira-Edições Sílabo.
Robinson, T. (2020). International Financial Statement Analysis, John Wiley & Sons INC International Concepts.
Soares, I. Moreira, J.; Pinho, C. & Couto, J. (2015). Decisões de Investimento. Edições Sílabo (4ª edição, revista).
Complementar
Bodie Z., Kane, A. and Marcus A. (2012). Essentials of Investments, McGraw Hill, 9th Edition
Damodaran, A, (2012). Investment Valuation, University Edition.
Lawrence R; Daniel C; Bruce J.; Fred M; Soffer (2018), Financial Reporting and Analysis 7th Edition, McGraw-Hill.
Neves, J. C. (2012). Análise e Relato Financeiro, 5ª Edição, Texto Editores.
Robert, H. (2018). Analysis for Financial Management. 12th Edition, Macgraw-Hill
Ross, S.; Westerfield R. and Jaffe, J. (2016). Essentials of Corporate Finance, McGraw-Hill Education, 9ª edition.
Willem, S., Dirk, S., (2019). Principles Of Sustainable Finance, Oxford University Press