Ateneo - UPO

Introduction to Financial Statements under Italian GAAP (OIC): Review of Key Concepts and Core Financial Statements
The Information Base for Financial Statement Analysis: Conceptual Framework
Competitive Environment Analysis
Strategic Analysis
Financial Equilibrium and Statement Balance: Conceptual Framework
Financial Statement Comparisons: Time-Series and Cross-Sectional Analysis
Balance Sheet Reclassification
Income Statement Reclassification
Ratio and Cash Flow Analysis
Financial Analysis

Mandatory Resources: Educational materials provided on the website and OIC principles
Optional/Further Reading: Giunta, F., & Pisani, M. (2016). L'analisi di bilancio. Maggioli Editore.

Understand the fundamental concepts and main documents of OIC financial statements.
Conceptualize the informational foundation for financial statement analysis.
Perform strategic analysis to assess competitive environments and strategies.
Grasp the conceptual framework of financial equilibrium.
Conduct financial statement comparisons over time and across different firms.
Reclassify balance sheets and income statements for better analysis.
Analyze financial performance using ratio and cash flow analysis.
Apply theoretical concepts through practical exercises.

To successfully attend this course, students are encouraged to have a foundational understanding of business administration and basic accounting principles, particularly concerning assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and the main financial statements (Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Statement of Cash Flows).
Familiarity with core operational activities and their general impact on business performance and financial balance is also beneficial.

Lecture
Practical exercises
Corporate testimonials

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse
e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities

Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Assessment consists of a written exam evaluating theoretical and practical knowledge, combined with the presentation of a project work at the end of the course. The final grade is awarded on a 30-point scale and calculated as the weighted average of both components, each accounting for 50%. The written test verifies comprehension of financial statement frameworks and accounting interpretation via exercises, multiple-choice and/or open-ended questions, while the project work assesses hands-on ability in reclassifications, financial ratio calculation, and critical analysis of business performance. The written exam assesses knowledge and understanding of accounting standards OIC and financial statement logic covered in the syllabus, whereas the project work assesses the ability to apply these concepts through financial statement reclassifications, ratio calculations, independent critical judgment, and effective professional reporting.
A passing grade (18/30) requires basic knowledge of accounting principles, correct setup of reclassified statements, and coherent presentation. Achieving excellence (28–30 with honors) demands complete theoretical command, rigorous analytical methodology, strong independent judgment in interpreting corporate data, and an impeccable use of specialized financial terminology

Introduction to OIC Financial Statements: Review of Key Concepts and Essential Documents We'll start by exploring the standards and fundamental principles of financial statements according to OIC (Italian Accounting Standards). We will analyze the purpose and structure of the main accounting documents, such as the Balance Sheet and Income Statement, highlighting the differences between Italian and international standards. This module provides a review of key concepts to ensure that all participants have a solid understanding. Information Basis for Financial Statement Analysis: Conceptual Framework A detailed analysis of the conceptual framework supporting financial decisions will be provided, focusing on the importance of financial information for stakeholders. Students will understand the main sources of financial data, learning how to assess the quality of information and how this can influence strategic decisions. Overview of Strategic Analysis: Competitive Environment Analysis This module introduces the key concepts of strategic analysis with a particular focus on the competitive environment. Using Porter's Five Forces model, participants will identify market dynamics and understand how external variables affect business profitability. Additionally, they will learn to assess the threats and opportunities arising from competitors, suppliers, and customers. Overview of Strategic Analysis: Strategy Analysis Continuing with strategic analysis, techniques will be introduced to identify, understand, and evaluate business strategies. We'll discuss the differences between corporate and competitive strategies and how these are reflected in financial results. Financial Statement Equilibrium: Conceptual Framework Financial equilibrium is essential for business sustainability. This module provides an overview of the concept, demonstrating how to identify imbalances and manage risk. We'll discuss the importance of managing the balance between revenue and expenses, working capital, liquidity, and investments. Financial Statement Comparisons: Comparisons Over Time and Space Learning to compare financial statements across periods and companies is crucial for effective evaluation. Students will be guided through the process of temporal comparison to identify trends in business performance. Spatial comparison methods will also be presented to evaluate a company against its competitors. Reclassification of the Balance Sheet This module will show how to reclassify the Balance Sheet for more effective analysis. Participants will learn how to reorganize asset and liability items to better highlight critical areas of financial management, such as liquidity, solvency, and working capital. Reclassification of the Income Statement We will analyze how to reclassify the Income Statement to emphasize the structure of costs and revenues. Understanding the different components of operating and financial expenses will help identify key areas that influence profitability. Ratio and Cash Flow Analysis Learning to use financial ratios is fundamental for evaluating business performance. Participants will analyze the main profitability, efficiency, liquidity, and solvency indicators, learning how to interpret them and apply them to real financial statements. Practical Exercises During the course, practical sessions will be organized where students will work on real-world case studies. Participants will learn solid methodologies for reclassifying documents.

Participants will be able to accurately interpret financial statements, understanding the key differences between OIC and international standards. They will comprehend the structure and purpose of essential documents such as the Balance Sheet and Income Statement. Students will understand the principles of financial equilibrium, identify imbalances, and propose strategic adjustments to ensure sustainable financial health in areas like working capital, liquidity, and investments. Participants will become proficient in comparing financial data across different periods and companies, reclassifying the Balance Sheet and Income Statement for a deeper analysis, applying these skills to their work or studies. Additionally, they will be able to compare the results obtained with the relevant competitive environment. Students will gain skills in ratio and cash flow analysis, learning to calculate, interpret, and leverage key profitability, liquidity, and solvency ratios to evaluate business performance and make informed financial decisions