Analyze Cases, Evaluate Models, Finance is an intermediate-to-advanced course for financial professionals who need to move beyond model creation to master the critical art of model auditing. In a world where a single flawed assumption can cost millions, this course equips you with a systematic framework to ensure financial models are accurate, defensible, and reliable.
Across three modules, you'll first deconstruct cases like WeWorks to pinpoint the red flags and flawed assumptions behind valuation disasters. Then, you'll get hands-on with a professional QA checklist, learning to audit a model’s structural integrity and logical consistency. Finally, you will synthesize these skills by performing a complete model revision and using data storytelling to present your findings persuasively. You'll prove your mastery in a final project, delivering a full critique and revision of a flawed retail-chain model to a professional standard.
This module immerses learners in the critical skill of financial investigation. By dissecting famous real-world financial disasters such as Enron and WeWork, learners will develop a sharp eye for detecting flawed assumptions and structural weaknesses. The focus is on building the analytical muscle needed to question the story a model is telling and understand how minor errors can lead to catastrophic valuation failures.
涵盖的内容
1个视频1篇阅读材料2个作业
显示有关单元内容的信息
1个视频•总计7分钟
Trace Errors: From Flawed Assumption to Failed Valuation•7分钟
1篇阅读材料•总计10分钟
Anatomy of a Flawed Model: Lessons from Enron•10分钟
2个作业•总计20分钟
Hands-On Learning: Practice Analysis: Quantifying the WeWork Flaw•15分钟
Knowledge Check: Principles of Model Deconstruction•5分钟
Mastering Model Quality: The Assurance Framework
第 2 单元•小时 后完成
单元详情
In this module, learners transition from diagnosing problems to using professional tools to solve them. The focus is on mastering a professional-grade quality assurance (QA) checklist to systematically audit a financial model for structural integrity, logical consistency, and documentation quality. This module is intensely practical, preparing learners for the comprehensive revision they will undertake in the final module.
涵盖的内容
2个视频1篇阅读材料2个作业
显示有关单元内容的信息
2个视频•总计10分钟
Why Checklists Matter: The Cost of "Good Enough"•5分钟
From Gut Feeling to Evidence: The Three Pillars of Model Auditing•5分钟
1篇阅读材料•总计10分钟
The QA Checklist in Practice: The LTCM Lesson•10分钟
2个作业•总计25分钟
Hands-On Learning: Practice Audit: Applying the QA Checklist•20分钟
Knowledge Check: First-Pass Audit•5分钟
Synthesizing the Solution and Telling the Story
第 3 单元•小时 后完成
单元详情
This module is about synthesis and communication. Learners will bring together the diagnostic skills and the QA framework to perform a complete audit and revision. Crucially, they will focus on the art of "data storytelling"—crafting a clear, defensible critique supported by visual evidence that justifies their revisions to stakeholders.
涵盖的内容
2个视频1篇阅读材料1个作业
显示有关单元内容的信息
2个视频•总计11分钟
From Analyst to Advisor: The Power of a Good Critique•5分钟
Final Project Walkthrough: From Audit to Submission•5分钟
1篇阅读材料•总计10分钟
How to Write and Visualize a Defensible Critique•10分钟
Coursera brings together a diverse network of subject matter experts who have demonstrated their expertise through professional industry experience or strong academic backgrounds. These instructors design and teach courses that make practical, career-relevant skills accessible to learners worldwide.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.