Financial analysis and presentation (State-owned holding company)

About the client: 
Our company is a state-owned holding company that can be characterized as a sovereign wealth fund owned by the government of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Established in May 2006 with the transfer of the government’s portfolio of investments from The Department of Finance’s Investment Division, its role is to supervise the government’s investment portfolio while adding value.

What business challenge were they expecting?
The financial analysts at Investment Corporation of Dubai are supposed to conduct financial reviews and present them to their key stakeholders regularly. However, it was observed that although these analysts were technically sound but were not able to deliver consistent reports. Every analyst had a different way of conducting, formatting, and submitting the reports. This inconsistency added to the time taken in conducting the analysis, therefore creating bottlenecks.

Moreover, they were unable to communicate the findings of the analysis with a level of professional savviness which was expected by the senior management.

The client wanted a learning solution that would:
Ensure their analysts are aware of the current industry best practices for conducting financial analysis
Provide them with skills and tools they need to create a standardized reporting structure – starting from creation to the presentation of every financial report they create
Develop the stakeholder management skills of these analysts by boosting their behavioral confidence. Formally training them in the art of financial storytelling and improve their presentation skills
WHAT SOLUTION DID KAPLAN GENESIS PROVIDE?
A collaboratively customized Financial Analysis and Presentation Programme.

How did Kaplan genesis work with the client to develop the solution?
To develop the learning solution, Kaplan used the ‘collaborative customization’ approach
The course outline, the content, and the learning outcomes were developed by conducting multiple rounds of consultative interviews with key stakeholders of the organization and teams
It resulted in the creation of a highly bespoke program content where we blended technical aspects of financial analysis with behavioral skills of storytelling

How was the training delivered?  
The training was delivered face-to-face (F2F) over two days. It was interactive and included real-time business scenarios, MS Excel and MS Powerpoint training
We also deployed three hypothetical case studies around Aramex, FedEx, and UPS which were created in-house for the purpose of conducting financial analysis for the respective firms
Lastly, the participants were trained to present their findings to a panel and showcase their financial storytelling ability
Following was the break-down of the training agenda:
Day 1 (9.00 am to 5.00 pm) – MS Excel and Financial Analysis
Day 2 (9.00 am to 11.00 am) – MS Excel and Financial Analysis
Day 2 (11.00 am to 1.00 pm) – MS Powerpoint Skills
Day 2 (1.00 pm to 3.00 pm) – Art of Financial Storytelling (Bringing numbers to life)
Day 2 (3.00 pm to 5.00 pm) – Participants Presentation Session

What aspects were highly appreciated by the client?
Collaborative customization of program and content through a consultative approach
Industry experienced trainer, ex-financial modeler conducting the interactive delivery
Comparative case study approach based on regional as well as globally renowned brands
Comprehensive support material for the effective embedding of learning
Project management geared towards a well-executed program

What did the candidates think of the program?
“Lots of material covered at a good pace. I wasn’t overwhelmed with the content. Our facilitator was helpful & very knowledgeable about the course content. Provided many real-life examples throughout the training”

“The trainer was extremely knowledgeable & answered any questions raised comprehensively”

“The training content was very well structured!”