CIMA Paper 4: Fundamentals of Business Economics (Online)

CIMA Paper 4: Fundamentals of Business Economics (Online)

The CIMA Fundamentals of Business Economics course is the fourth part of the five-step progression to achieving the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting and 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.

There is an online demonstration available for this course. View demo

ICS offers the CIMAstudy online learning system, the only official online study resource that is reviewed and approved by CIMA. The online learning system takes you step-by-step through the CIMA qualification, with each course teaching you all of the theory you need to learn. Study topics are explained clearly using interactive cases, and there are tests and exercises at every stage that reinforce learning and allow you to test your knowledge.

In addition to the CIMAstudy online learning system ICS also provides every student with CIMA approved study materials, including the CIMA Exam Practice Kit and CIMA Exam Revision Cards. These paper-based study resources are there simply to compliment the online learning.

You will also have the support by telephone and email from a dedicated and qualified ICS tutor to answer any queries you have in relation to the content of the course. If you need technical help, this is provided directly by CIMAstudy.com, not ICS.

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.

Please note the following technical requirements needed in order to access and use the online course:

Microsoft Windows requirements:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 or higher
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer v6.0 or higher, or Mozilla Firefox v1.5 or higher
  • 256 Kbps or faster Internet connection
  • 128 MB or more RAM
  • Screen resolution of 1024 * 768 pixels
  • 32-bit (Truecolor) color depth/video display
  • Sound capabilities (sound card and speakers)
  • Adobe® Flash Player plug-in version 6.0 or higher

Macintosh requirements:

  • Mac OS X 10.3.0 or higher
  • Apple Safari v1.3 or higher
  • 256 Kbps or faster Internet connection
  • 128 MB or more of RAM
  • Screen resolution of 1024 * 768 pixels
  • 32-bit (Truecolor) Color Depth/Video Display
  • Sound capabilities (sound card and speakers)
  • Adobe® Flash Player plug-in version 6.0 or higher

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.

Assessment

As you progress through your online course there are end of unit questions and answers which are assessed and your scores recorded. In addition, at the end of the course there is a complete mock exam which is timed, assessed and scored as in the real CIMA Computer Based Assessment. This will determine your readiness for taking the final assessment set by CIMA and taken at a CBA exam centre.

Final CIMA Exam

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

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.

Please note that you will be required to register with CIMA to sit the exam. Exam fees are £45 but exam centres will also charge a fee which is determined by the centre and can vary across the UK.

What will I get?

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

Along with 12 months of access to the fully online CIMA learning tool, you'll also receive CIMA approved study materials, including the CIMA Exam Practice Kit and CIMA Exam Revision Cards. These paper-based study resources complement the online learning that contains everything you need to study this CIMA Paper.

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.

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

M29

Course cost

£300.00

Additional fees

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

  • CIMA Registration Fee: £63
  • Annual CIMA subscription fee: £90
  • Exam fees: £45 per paper (exam centres may charge administration fees in addition.)
  • 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: £300 (excluding discounts)

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

 

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

  • CIMA Registration Fee: £63
  • Annual CIMA subscription fee: £90
  • Exam fees: £45 per paper (exam centres may charge administration fees in addition.)
  • Exemption fees: £45 per paper

Find out more information about arranging your examinations.