CIMA Paper 4: Fundamentals of Business Economics

CIMA Paper 4: Fundamentals of Business Economics

The CIMA Fundamentals of Business Economics course is the fourth part of the five-step progression to membership of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Internationally recognised, and highly regarded in business, CIMA membership demonstrates your advanced understanding of the strategic financial elements of business.

The CIMA Business Economics course will start by explaining the differing goals of profit-seeking organisations, not-for-profit organisations, and governmental organisations and how this affects decision-making.

You will also examine the market system and the competitive process, and how the nature of competition changes in different market structures. And you'll look at the factors leading to liquidity surpluses and deficits in households, firms and governments.

The Business Economics course will also look at the role of national and international governmental organisations in regulating and influencing the financial system. You'll also look at globalisation.


Entry Requirements

You don't need any previous experience or qualifications to enrol in our CIMA courses. That's because we believe in making home study - and a rewarding future - as accessible as possible. However, you will need a good standard of maths, and a solid grasp of English.

Where will I go from here?

With the skills you gain from the Fundamentals of Business Economics and other papers that make up this qualification, you will be able to provide accounting, management and finance skills from a variety of roles within business. You'll be in demand for positions as diverse as systems analyst, sales manager, Chief Financial Officer or consultant, depending on your particular interests. 

What will I gain?

On completion, you'll receive the CIMA Paper 4: Fundamentals of Business Economics qualification.

Completion of Papers 1 to 5 qualifies you for a CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting.

Awarding Body

CIMA is the world's largest and leading professional body of management accountants with 172,000 members and students in 165 countries. The papers we offer make up the Certificate in Business Accounting. It is the entry level accounting qualification for students with little or no accounting background and is a recognised qualification in its own right which is valued by employers.

Assessment

In order to complete the course, you'll need to undertake three formative assessments (set by ICS) during your course and one final exam (set by CIMA).

Formative Assessment 1

  • 10 multiple-choice questions and 4 scenario-based questions

Formative Assessment 2

  • 10 multiple-choice questions and 4 scenario-based questions

Formative Assessment 3

  • A mock exam

Final Exam

  • A computer-based exam consisting of 50 questions which must be completed within 2 hours

Notes

Scenario-based questions use hypothetical scenarios to test your application of knowledge. These questions are typically multi-part.

Generally, assessments can be sent to us online via the ICS Student Community: it's the fastest way to receive your results.

The format of the exam is subject to change. The details provided are intended only as a guide and should not be regarded as definitive.

Note that you will be required to register with CIMA to sit the exam.

What will I get?

Because we're experts in home learning, ICS knows about and offers all the support you need along the way.

You'll receive study materials that have been specially designed for distance learning by experts in your chosen field.

You'll receive CIMA approved study materials, including the CIMA Official Learning System (the only test written and endorsed by CIMA).

You'll have access to an experienced personal tutor both online and over the phone, ready to help you with guidance and motivation.

You'll also be part of the ICS Online Student Community, where you'll have access to library materials and your account information, as well as vital links with your fellow students, with the chance to discuss your work, ask questions and make new friends.

Study Period

12 months

Hours of study

130 hours

(That's equivalent to 2 ½ hours of study a week over the 12-month support period)

Support period

12 months

Course code

M03

Course cost

12 months

Additional fees

There are CIMA registration, exam and exemption fees that are additional to your course fees:

  • CIMA Registration Fee: £63
  • Exam fees: £45 per paper
  • Exemption fees: £45 per paper

Find out more information about arranging your examinations.

See your course content

Key Topics

The Goals and Decisions of Organisations

  • Understand the differing goals of profit-seeking organisations, not-for-profit organisations and governmental organisations. Examine the effects of long-run cost behaviour. Study shareholder wealth and the differing goals of management and shareholders. Learn the main mechanisms of improving corporate governance in profit-seeking organisations. Consider the impact of stakeholders on the goals of not-for-profit organisations.

The Market System and the Competitive Process

  • Examine consumer behaviour and demand, and consider the price elasticity of demand and the price elasticity of supply. Study market concentration and the factors giving rise to differing levels of concentration between markets. Consider market failures and their effects. Explore the different nature of competition in different market structures.

The Financial System

  • Consider the factors leading to liquidity surpluses and deficits in households, firms and governments. Examine the role of various financial assets, markets and institutions in assisting organisations to manage their liquidity position. Study the role of insurance markets. Consider the role of national and international governmental organisations in regulating and influencing the financial system.

The Macroeconomic Context of Business

  • Examine macroeconomic phenomena and the main measures and indicators of a country's economic performance. Study the different stages of the trade cycle. Consider the main principles of public finance and macroeconomic policy. Explore the conditions and policies necessary for economic growth. Examine globalisation and the major institutions promoting global trade and development.

 

 

You can either pay for your CIMA Fundamentals of Business Economics course in full or opt for a monthly payment plan.

Course fee: £229 (excluding discounts)

Or speak to one of our course advisors now for payment plans.

 

There are CIMA registration, exam and exemption fees that are additional to your course fees:

  • CIMA Registration Fee: £63
  • Exam fees: £45 per paper
  • Exemption fees: £45 per paper

Find out more information about arranging your examinations.