BUSINESS COMPETITIVENESS: MODEL OF COMPUTERIZED FINANCIAL PLANNING

摘要

The possibility of rapid growth or substantial reduction in sales in companies requires that executives pay greater attention to the financial planning of free cash flows. In Brazilian universities, there is a growing need to introduce tools and learning methodologies to improve financial decision making targeting not only students but also entrepreneurs. One of the major causes of mortality of small and medium-sized enterprises in Brazil is due to poor financial management or lack of working capital management. In this context, the management of working capital combined with technology for decision-making procedure can be a factor for survival and business competitiveness. Therefore, this article aims to evaluate a tool to support financial planning and decision-making in SME (small and medium enterprises). This research was conducted in stages: i) developing the theoretical framework based on the dynamic working capital model of financial analysis; ii) development and use of a computerized model for financial planning and analysis; iii) the application of the developed tool as freeware in a small Brazilian company in the textile sector; iv) analysis of balance sheets statements by the traditional method; v) data reclassification for dynamic analysis of working capital (Fleuriet Method). The main results by applying this framework are: a) ease of understanding of financial concepts with the use of technology; b) faster data analysis, urging students and managers to a more critical analysis of the financial variables; c) greater discipline in decision making by students and entrepreneurs for managing the working capital needs and cash (treasury) of the organizations.