Key facts

UNE unit code: AFM322

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - Online
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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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 1Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Restrictions
AFM522
Combined units

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Subba Yarram
Subba YarramAssociate Professor - Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law; UNE Business School

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. 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;
  2. 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;
  3. work independently to plan and execute tasks to enhance professional knowledge and skills; and
  4. 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.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Assignment 1Yes10%All offerings

Essay.

No. Words: 1500

Assignment 2Yes30%All offerings

Essay with analysis.

No. Words: 2500

Final Examination - Assurance TaskYes60%All offerings

There is a supervised exam during the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit.

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

Note: This is also available as a E-book (9781118691649)

Text refers to: All offerings

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