General Information
An introduction to statistical techniques used in financial analysis and decision-making. Specific applications include capital budgeting, capital asset pricing model, arbitrage-pricing, portfolio modelling and the study of co-movements of different financial assets. The use of spreadsheets and related software tools is central to the learning experience of this subject to provide extensive opportunities to develop practical skills in financial analysis and modelling.
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Details
Academic unit: Bond Business School Subject code: FINC71-201 Subject title: Financial Applications and Analysis Subject level: Postgraduate Semester/Year: September 2023 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Standard Workload items: - Computer Lab: x12 (Total hours: 24) - Computer Lab 1
- Computer Lab: x12 (Total hours: 24) - Computer Lab 2
- Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 72) - Recommended study time & reviewing materials
Attendance and learning activities: Attendance at all class sessions is expected. Students are expected to notify the instructor of any absences with as much advance notice as possible. -
Resources
Prescribed resources: Books
- Simon Benninga,Tal Mofkadi (2017). Principles of Finance with Excel. 3rd, Oxford University Press, USA 792
Others
- Key Software/Platforms: Microsoft Excel, Bloomberg..
iLearn@Bond & Email: iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications.
Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student.
To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au
| Academic unit: | Bond Business School |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | FINC71-201 |
| Subject title: | Financial Applications and Analysis |
| Subject level: | Postgraduate |
| Semester/Year: | September 2023 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Standard |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: | Attendance at all class sessions is expected. Students are expected to notify the instructor of any absences with as much advance notice as possible. |
| Prescribed resources: | Books
Others
|
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Nil |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge. Assumed Prior Learning (or equivalent):
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| Restrictions: |
Nil |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Demonstrate the role and objective of financial management and compute key valuation metrics.
- Apply the concept of time value of money to complex problems using advanced techniques.
- Apply valuation models for sophisticated financial instruments.
- Create advanced models for cash flow analysis, evaluation techniques and capital budgeting.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
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Assessment details
Type Task % Timing* Outcomes assessed Computer-Aided Examination (Open) Comprehensive spreadsheet-based exam 40.00% Final Examination Period 1,2,3,4 Project Financial analysis project. 2 30.00% Week 12 2,3,4 Project Financial analysis project. 1 30.00% Ongoing 2,3,4 - * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
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Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
High Distinction 85-100 Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. Distinction 75-84 Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. Credit 65-74 Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. Pass 50-64 Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. Fail 0-49 Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer-Aided Examination (Open) | Comprehensive spreadsheet-based exam | 40.00% | Final Examination Period | 1,2,3,4 |
| Project | Financial analysis project. 2 | 30.00% | Week 12 | 2,3,4 |
| Project | Financial analysis project. 1 | 30.00% | Ongoing | 2,3,4 |
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A late penalty will be applied to all overdue assessment tasks unless an extension is granted by the subject coordinator. The standard penalty will be 10% of marks awarded to that assessment per day late with no assessment to be accepted seven days after the due date. Where a student is granted an extension, the penalty of 10% per day late starts from the new due date.
Academic Integrity
Bond University‘s Student Code of Conduct Policy , Student Charter, Academic Integrity Policy and our Graduate Attributes guide expectations regarding student behaviour, their rights and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on our Academic Integrity webpage recognising that academic integrity involves demonstrating the principles of integrity (honesty, fairness, trust, professionalism, courage, responsibility, and respect) in words and actions across all aspects of academic endeavour.
Staff are required to report suspected misconduct. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, fabrication or falsification of data/content or other misconduct relating to assessment such as the falsification of medical certificates for assessment extensions. The longer term personal, social and financial consequences of misconduct can be severe, so please ask for help if you are unsure.
If your work is subject to an inquiry, you will be given an opportunity to respond and appropriate support will be provided. Academic work under inquiry will not be marked until the process has concluded. Penalties for misconduct include a warning, reduced grade, a requirement to repeat the assessment, suspension or expulsion from the University.
Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students according to the requirements of the Assessment Procedure Schedule A - Assessment Communication Procedure.
Whilst in most cases feedback should be provided within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, the Procedure should be checked if the assessment is linked to others or if the subject is a non-standard (e.g., intensive) subject.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
Support is available to students where a physical, mental or neurological condition exists that would impact the student’s capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks. For effective support, special requirement needs should be arranged with the University in advance of or at the start of each semester, or, for acute conditions, as soon as practicable after the condition arises. Reasonable adjustments are not guaranteed where applications are submitted late in the semester (for example, when lodged just prior to critical assessment and examination dates).
As outlined in the Accessibility and Inclusion Policy, to qualify for support, students must meet certain criteria. Students are also required to meet with the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor who will ensure that reasonable adjustments are afforded to qualifying students.
For more information and to apply online, visit BondAbility.
Additional subject information
As part of the requirements for Business School quality accreditation, the Bond Business School employs an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Subject curriculum
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Introduction to Excel
Introduction to basic spreadsheets techniques including, but not limited to, formatting, navigation, absolute and relative referencing, formulas, and functions. Spreadsheet design will focus around the concepts of standardisation, versatility, and reusability in order to familiarise students with common spreadsheet design practices.
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Time Value of Money
Valuation of various cash flows including single payments, annuities, and perpetuities through the use of formulas, functions, and long-form spreadsheets. These techniques are then extended to the valuation of real world assets (e.g. stocks and bonds) with various cash flow patterns and assess overall investment performance.
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Bonds and Loans
Conditional statements and more advanced Excel functions (e.g VLOOKUP, Goal Seek) are used to introduce students to the concept of adaptive spreadsheets. Changes in parameters will not only require adjustments to values but techniques as well. With a focus on bonds and loans, students will be taught how to design spreadsheets that can react to the information provided by the user and adjust the process taken to achieve a set goal.
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Capital Budgeting Principles
Construction of detailed cash flow series given a project description and its exposure to sunk and opportunity costs, taxes, inflation, growth rates and other factors. Assessment of project performance is extended through break even and sensitivity analyses, which also aids in the identification of key performance parameters.
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Capital Budgeting Applications
Introduction to multiple financial performance techniques including, but not limited to, net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR) used to assess individual project cash flows. Advanced interest rate adjustment concepts are also introduced.
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More Capital Budgeting Applications
Use of new modelling techniques to identify ideal subsets of projects in order to maximise shareholder wealth. Apply various restrictions to the selection process including capital constraints and project relationships.
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Random Variables
Introduction of random variables, both discrete and continuous and their use in simulations. Simulation of simple events such as coin flips and die rolls.
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Simulation Applications
Simulation of more complex financial and portfolio models. Concepts such as capital budgeting and portfolio construction and forecasting are revisited to simulate results given a series of non-constant and unknown parameters (e.g. demand, returns, inflation etc.). Students are presented with various functions in Excel to handle non-uniform distributions.
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Expected Return, Risk, and Diversification
Calculation and understanding of various statistical metrics with a focus on interpretation and the relationships/patterns found among the results. Multiple return and risk measures are presented allowing us to explore the circumstances under which each measure can be used. These metrics are then considered in the context of modern portfolio theory and the portfolio construction process.
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CAPM Applications
Application of CAPM concepts to the portfolio construction process through the introduction of additional parameters (e.g. borrowing/lending rates). Performance assessment techniques (graphical and statistical) are introduced to allow for the comparison of portfolios/assets and identification of arbitrage opportunities. Diversification is further explored through the concepts of systematic and unsystematic risk.
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Portfolio Applications
An introduction to portfolio modelling. This topic will include the use of advanced problem-solving tools (e.g. Solver) applied to publicly available data to construct efficient portfolios given various investor requirements/restrictions.