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CIMA E1 · Operational Level

E. Finance interacting with the organisation

This section examines how the finance function collaborates across operations, marketing, HR, and IT departments to support organisational objectives and deliver sustainable value. Students explore cross-functional relationships, management information systems, and the strategic role of finance in coordinating integrated business delivery.

  • 34 lessons
  • 4 modules
  • 5.7h of video
  • ~20% of the exam
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What you'll learn

By the end of E. Finance interacting with the organisation.

  • Explain the role of the operations function and how finance supports efficient delivery of products and services
  • Describe the marketing environment and marketing mix, and identify how finance interacts with marketing to drive business performance
  • Analyse the role of the HR function in organisational success and evaluate how finance supports recruitment, selection, and employee development
  • Explain the purpose and components of management information systems and identify how IT enables the finance function
  • Evaluate the strategic role of finance in coordinating cross-functional relationships to deliver integrated business outcomes
  • Identify how finance contributes to change management and organisational sustainability across all functions

The lessons

34 lessons, module by module.

The finance function and operations

8 lessons
  1. 1 The role of operations 11m
  2. 2 Operations management and efficient delivery - part 1 12m
  3. 3 Operations management and efficient delivery - part 2 8m
  4. 4 Introducing supply chain management 9m
  5. 5 Methods of managing supply chain relationships - part 1 10m
  6. 6 Methods of managing supply chain relationships - part 2 11m
  7. 7 Methods of managing supply chain relationships - part 3 13m
  8. 8 Business partnering and KPIs 7m

The finance function and sales and marketing

7 lessons
  1. 1 The marketing function 16m
  2. 2 The marketing environment 13m
  3. 3 The marketing mix 9m
  4. 4 Sales and marketing techniques - part 1 10m
  5. 5 Sales and marketing techniques - part 2 14m
  6. 6 Sales and marketing techniques - part 3 16m
  7. 7 Sales and marketing techniques - part 4 6m

The finance function and human resources

10 lessons
  1. 1 Introducing the HR function 8m
  2. 2 Recruitment and selection 11m
  3. 3 Development and training - part 1 11m
  4. 4 Development and training - part 2 10m
  5. 5 Development and training - part 3 13m
  6. 6 Performance and appraisal 12m
  7. 7 Motivation - part 1 10m
  8. 8 Motivation - part 2 8m
  9. 9 Rewards and incentives 7m
  10. 10 Business partnering and HR KPIs 7m

The finance function and IT

9 lessons
  1. 1 Introducing the IT function 5m
  2. 2 Management information systems - part 1 9m
  3. 3 Management information systems - part 2 9m
  4. 4 The role of IT in change 6m
  5. 5 IT and virtual organisations 16m
  6. 6 Costs and benefits of information systems 7m
  7. 7 Data security 8m
  8. 8 System architecture and big data 10m
  9. 9 KPIs for the IT function 7m

Questions

About E. Finance interacting with the organisation.

What does the 'Finance Interacting with the Organisation' section cover?

This section examines how the finance function collaborates with operations, marketing, HR, and IT to support organisational objectives and deliver sustainable value. It covers cross-functional relationships, management information systems, and the strategic role of finance in coordinating integrated business delivery across all major business functions.

Is this section important for the E1 exam?

Yes, Section E1 is a core component of the CIMA Operational Level E1 examination. The exam tests your understanding of how finance functions within the broader organisational context, making this section essential for developing the cross-functional awareness required to pass.

Why do I need to learn about operations, marketing, HR, and IT as a finance student?

Finance professionals must understand how other departments operate to provide relevant management information, support strategic decision-making, and deliver value across the organisation. This integrated knowledge enables you to communicate effectively with stakeholders, align financial decisions with business objectives, and support sustainable organisational performance.

What are management information systems and why are they important to finance?

Management information systems (MIS) are integrated systems that collect, process, and disseminate information to support decision-making across the organisation. For finance, MIS is critical because it provides accurate, timely data for financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning.

Will this section prepare me for more advanced CIMA studies?

Yes, this section provides foundational knowledge of cross-functional business operations that is essential for CIMA Professional Level studies. Understanding how finance integrates with other functions prepares you for more advanced topics in strategic management accounting and organisational strategy.

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