BUS 306 — Financial Planning and Business Decision-Making
Quarter: Fall
Instructor(s): Markus Lipp
Date(s): Sep 22—Nov 10
Class Recording Available: Yes
Class Meeting Day: Tuesdays
Class Meeting Time: 7:00—8:30 pm (PT)
Tuition: $590
Refund Deadline: Sep 24
Unit(s): 1
Status: Registration opens Aug 17, 8:30 am (PT)
Quarter: Fall
Day: Tuesdays
Duration: 8 weeks
Time: 7:00—8:30 pm (PT)
Date(s): Sep 22—Nov 10
Unit(s): 1
Tuition: $590
Refund Deadline: Sep 24
Instructor(s): Markus Lipp
Recording Available: Yes
Status: Registration opens Aug 17, 8:30 am (PT)
Business leaders often must make high-stakes decisions in conditions of uncertainty, balancing financial realities, market dynamics, and long-term strategic goals. Building on the foundations of financial literacy, this course equips managers and leaders with the tools to plan ahead, model uncertainty, and make better-informed decisions. After a brief review of core financial concepts, students move on to the practical work of forecasting, budgeting, and scenario analysis, learning to translate financial data into forward-looking business plans.
Through case examples and hands-on exercises, students develop operating budgets, build multi-year forecasts, and assess how changing assumptions affect business outcomes. The course explores revenue and cost modeling, sensitivity analysis, and the communication of business plans to stakeholders with clarity and confidence. Students will leave better prepared to navigate uncertainty, defend strategic assumptions, and support sound decision-making in changing business environments.
Through case examples and hands-on exercises, students develop operating budgets, build multi-year forecasts, and assess how changing assumptions affect business outcomes. The course explores revenue and cost modeling, sensitivity analysis, and the communication of business plans to stakeholders with clarity and confidence. Students will leave better prepared to navigate uncertainty, defend strategic assumptions, and support sound decision-making in changing business environments.
MARKUS LIPP
Finance Executive, Consultant, and Investor
Markus Lipp has more than 25 years of finance and media experience, including more than 15 years in management. He is the CFO of Series Entertainment and was previously the CEO and CFO of gaming developer and publisher Kongregate. He is a consultant in the media and gaming industry, helping startups to build and grow their finance and HR operations. He was on the board at Ninja Kiwi Games, and he was the CFO of InnoGames, 7Travel, and ProSiebenSat.1 Games. Textbooks for this course:
There are no required textbooks; however, some fee-based online readings may be assigned.