Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2012

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

Rationale

This unit provides a base for students wishing to pursue research oriented post-graduate finance studies. The unit draws together the themes evident in earlier finance units, to provide students with a framework within which to test finance theories.

Aims

The main aim of this unit is to provide students with a foundation in empirical finance research.

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
At the end of this unit, students should:
1. Have a better appreciation of the challenges faced when testing important financial hypotheses;
2. Have a more highly developed set of analytical skills necessary so as to independently carry out elementary research in empirical finance; and
3. Be better able to decide whether they want to pursue a post-graduate research degree.

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 covers a range of important contemporary issues in empirical finance, which may include: asset pricing models, market efficiency, behavioural finance, beta estimation and volatility forecasting.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The lectures will deal with finance theory as applied in contemporary research. The class will meet for up to three hours each week. The basic format of the lecture will be to set the theoretical framework and then look at research that has been published covering the area. Each week the student should read the prescribed reading before the lecture this will assist in discussions of important issue in class.

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: Mid-Semester Examination
Description: The examination will test students understanding of contemporary finance theory and empirical research aimed at evaluating this theory. The exam is designed to encourage students to study the finance theory necessary to be able to address and provide answers to current areas of research interest in finance. Students will be required to read broadly in finance and then be able to draw these ideas together in a coherent manner to answer questions which will be rather broad in scope.
Length/Duration: 2 hours + 10 minutes perusal
Formative or Summative: Formative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 3 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1)
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 8 in lecture

Assessment name: Project
Description: Students will be required to submit a paper which analyses some recent research problem in finance. Five topics to choose from will be published on the unit's Blackboard site and the project must be on one of these topics. This project promotes critical thinking and encourages problem solving using available technology. A detailed project guideline will be provided which will allow students to understand the requirements of the project.
Length/Duration: 15 page limit
Formative or Summative: Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3 and AOL goals: KS (1.1, 1.2), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1)
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 12

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

There are no prescribed or suggested textbooks. All lecture notes and readings provided during the semester will be available online through 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: 21-May-2012