Key facts
UNE unit code: AFM322
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) differ in several ways from large firms, including the sources of finance available to them and the exit strategies open to their owners.
Access to finance can be a major setback to small business survival and growth. Furthermore, it may take considerable time for an owner to exit an SME, and they may end up with lower capital returns than anticipated if they have not followed a systematic long-term exit strategy.
This unit will equip you with knowledge of the unique characteristics of SMEs that affect their access to finance. You will learn about the sources of equity and debt funding available to SMEs at various stages of their growth. You will also develop skills for valuing an SME for sale and understand the various exit strategies open to these enterprises.
You will also explore the legal options for SMEs facing liquidation and bankruptcy.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of the motivations and characteristics of small business owners and apply this understanding to solving problems faced by small businesses;
- use a range of cognitive and communication skills to review, analyse and reflect critically on the applicability of finance and economic theories to small business;
- work independently to plan and execute tasks to enhance professional knowledge and skills; and
- engage with a range of data sources, practitioner resources and academic literature relevant to the field of small business finance.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assignment 1 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Essay. No. Words: 1500 |
Assignment 2 | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Essay with analysis. No. Words: 2500 |
Final Examination | Yes | 60% | All offerings | Students must obtain at least 50% in the examination (and at least 50% overall) to receive a pass (or better) in the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Entrepreneurial Finance: Fundamentals of Financial Planning and Management for Small Business
ISBN: 9781118691519
Alhabeeb., M,. J,., Wiley 2015
Text refers to: All offerings
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