Conceptual Seassion

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Value, Risk, and Time: The Core Triad of Financial Thinking

Brian Hart Course Instructor

About This Class

Explore the deeper logic of financial systems — where strategy meets uncertainty, and numbers tell human stories.

This course takes a conceptual and strategic approach to understanding modern finance. Going beyond technical formulas, students will explore the foundational principles that govern financial decision-making in real-world contexts — including the dynamics of value creation, the psychology of risk, and the ethical dilemmas inherent in capital markets.

INSTRUCTION

This course uses Principles of Corporate Finance by Brealey, Myers, and Allen. Students need a financial calculator and basic Excel skills. Materials and assignments will be available on the course platform. Instruction includes lectures, case studies, projects, and guest speakers. Assessment consists of quizzes, exams, and group work.

Guiding Questions for Students:

Foundations:
- What are the traditional objectives of corporate finance?
- What does ‘maximizing shareholder value’ mean in practical terms?
Challenging Assumptions:
- What are the criticisms of shareholder primacy?
- How do ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles challenge traditional finance paradigms?
Real-world Applications:
- Can you identify companies that have shifted toward stakeholder-oriented finance? How have they performed?
- What financial tools or models help incorporate social impact or sustainability?
Future Outlook:
- How might AI, blockchain, or decentralized finance change the role of finance in society?
- What skills and ethical considerations should the next generation of finance professionals prioritize?

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