Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit develops students' critical thinking skills with the focus on critical analysis and application of finance theories and models in the study of financial market events. Students will develop an appreciation of the role of theories and models in attempting to explain and address real world events and will continue to practice and build on these skills in subsequent finance units.

Aims

This unit will explore the sources and uses of funds in domestic and international financial markets and the role of financial institutions, instruments and regulatory authorities in these markets. Students will consider key developments and the rapid pace of change in these markets and critically analyse the role of finance theories and models in helping to understand, explain and address key financial market events.

Objectives

Course Learning Goals (Undergraduate)
The QUT Business School has established the Assurance of Learning (AOL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:

Have knowledge and skills pertinent to a particular discipline (KS)
1.1 Integrate and apply disciplinary theory and skills to practical situations
1.2 Incorporate the use of technology appropriate to the discipline and context

Be critical thinkers and effective problem solvers (CTA)
2.1 Identify, research and critically analyse information relevant to a business problem or issue, be able to synthesise that information in order to evaluate potential solutions, make recommendations or otherwise effectively address the problem or issue

Be professional communicators in an intercultural context (PC)
3.1 Communicate effectively through written tasks appropriate to varied contexts and audiences
3.2 Communicate effectively through professional oral presentations appropriate to varied contexts and audiences

Be able to work effectively in a Team Environment (TW)
4.1 Demonstrate effective team skills in order to contribute appropriately to the production of a group output

Have a Social and Ethical Understanding (SEU)
5.1 Apply ethical reasoning, standards or codes of practice relevant to the discipline and make decisions that are informed by social and cultural understanding

Unit Objectives
Upon completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Identify and explain the functions by different components of financial markets and the market participants;
2. Identify the linkages between different components of financial markets in a global context;
3. Critically analyse the key developments in the global socio-economic and political environment and their impact on financial markets;
4. Evaluate the impact of regulatory changes on financial markets.

The specific course learning goals and unit objectives that apply to this unit are shown in the assessment section of this unit outline.

Content

This unit focuses on six different areas of the financial markets. These are government debt markets, financial institutions, equity markets, debt markets, foreign exchange markets and derivatives markets. All areas are covered from an Australian and international perspective.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit takes a critical approach to exploring financial theories and their relationship to real world events. Students will be introduced to diverse thinking and critical insights into financial market events and develop their own critical analysis skills drawing on texts, readings, online resources, guided discussions, interactive tutorials and practical exercises.

This unit has a formal class contact time in lectures and workshop of approximately three hours (lecture two hours, workshop one hour). The lectures will present material relevant to the understanding of domestic and international financial markets. In addition, recent developments in the Australian and global financial markets will be reviewed. This material is to be examined in conjunction with the required reading for the topic. Lectures and text readings are to be viewed as complementary educational tools rather than substitutes with examinable material presented in either of these mediums or both.

A series of interactive workshops is designed to reinforce students' knowledge and understanding of key concepts, in addition to enhancing their skills in critical analysis and in the effective structuring and communication of their thinking. Students will have opportunities to practise these skills using essential tools and approaches for critical analysis. They will also gain opportunities to explore their thinking with others, gain immediate feedback on their work, and prepare for assessment tasks in this unit.

Resources such as PowerPoint slides for each lecture topic and required readings are provided on the unit's Blackboard site. Important announcements in relation to the unit are also made available here. You will need your student number and password to access the Blackboard site.

Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:

Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation

Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary

Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation

Indirect: to the whole class

Assessment name: End of Semester Examination
Description: Closed book examination. You will need t complete three questions, each critically analysing a relevant issue. The questions will cover all unit materials from weeks 1 to 12.
Length/Duration: 2 hours
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1)
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam Period

Assessment name: Essay
Description: The assignment will require knowledge and understanding of unit materials from Weeks 1-7 and application of critical analysis skills. The topic will be released after the workshop on Friday 26th April. You will have one week to complete the assignment. It must be submitted to Assignment Minder Gardens Point by its close at 9.45pm on Friday 3rd May. There will be no lecture or workshop on Friday 3rd May.
Length/Duration: 1,200 words
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1,2,3,4, and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1)
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Friday 3rd May 2013

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Prescribed Text
Viney, C. (2011). Financial Market Essentials (1st Ed). McGraw Hill: Sydney.

Recommended Reading
Akerlof & Shiller. Animal Spirits: How Human Psychology Drives the Economy. Princeton University. Available at QUT Bookshop.

Other Resources
Additional references and resources, including lecture overheads, additional notes, weekly reading, assignments can be found at the unit's Blackboard site:< https://blackboard.qut.edu.au >

Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 13-Feb-2013