Students
AFCP8104 – Contemporary Issues in Applied Finance
2024 – Term 1, Online-scheduled-weekday
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Guy Schofield
Lead Lecturer
Brendon Harper
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(AFCP8101 or AFCP8004) and (AFCP8102 or AFCP8003) and (AFCP8103 or AFCP8005)
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit examines a range of topical real-world issues in applied finance. The issues will depend on current financial and economic market conditions. Potential areas of interest are to be drawn from the fields of investment management, the financial system, corporate financial strategy and risk management. The focus will be on current and likely future conditions, and will seek to combine underlying theory, research skills and a strong practical emphasis. Personal communication, negotiation and collaborative skills will be further developed. This Capstone unit will be undertaken towards the end of the program of study. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Synthesise knowledge of advance finance theories, models and concepts and recent research issues and apply it to a practical research-based project in applied finance.
- ULO2: Design and execute a major project that solves a current business challenge in applied finance, in a practical and well-justified manner.
- ULO3: Effectively communicate complex information, decisions and recommendations to a professional audience.
- ULO4: Reflect on skills and knowledge gained and recognise common preconceptions and assumptions within the finance profession.
General Assessment Information
Late Assessment Submission Penalty (written assessments)
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern.
For any late submissions of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1A: Proposal for Research Project | 15% | No | Refer to iLearn |
| Assessment 1B: Research Presentation | 15% | No | Refer to iLearn |
| Assessment 1C: Research Project | 40% | No | Refer to iLearn |
| Assessment 2: Reflection | 30% | No | Refer to iLearn |
Assessment 1A: Proposal for Research Project
Assessment Type 1: Plan
Indicative Time on Task 2: 0 hours
Due: Refer to iLearn
Weighting: 15%
Initial Proposal for Research Project. Prepared in class. Maximum of 1,000 words.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Synthesise knowledge of advance finance theories, models and concepts and recent research issues and apply it to a practical research-based project in applied finance.
- Design and execute a major project that solves a current business challenge in applied finance, in a practical and well-justified manner.
Assessment 1B: Research Presentation
Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 5 hours
Due: Refer to iLearn
Weighting: 15%
Presentation of Research Project. Approximately 2-3 minutes.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Design and execute a major project that solves a current business challenge in applied finance, in a practical and well-justified manner.
- Effectively communicate complex information, decisions and recommendations to a professional audience.
Assessment 1C: Research Project
Assessment Type 1: Professional writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 55 hours
Due: Refer to iLearn
Weighting: 40%
An individual assessment of up to 5,000 words on an agreed research topic.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Synthesise knowledge of advance finance theories, models and concepts and recent research issues and apply it to a practical research-based project in applied finance.
- Design and execute a major project that solves a current business challenge in applied finance, in a practical and well-justified manner.
- Effectively communicate complex information, decisions and recommendations to a professional audience.
Assessment 2: Reflection
Assessment Type 1: Reflective Writing
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Refer to iLearn
Weighting: 30%
Reflect on knowledge and skills gained and recognise common preconceptions and assumptions made within the finance profession. Group discussion and individual presentation.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Synthesise knowledge of advance finance theories, models and concepts and recent research issues and apply it to a practical research-based project in applied finance.
- Effectively communicate complex information, decisions and recommendations to a professional audience.
- Reflect on skills and knowledge gained and recognise common preconceptions and assumptions within the finance profession.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
Please refer to iLearn.
Unit Schedule
| Topic | Week | Week Cmmencing | Session | Time | ||
| 1. Bringing it all together and research topic | 1 | Monday, 8 January 2024 | Tuesday, 9 January 2024 | 6:30 - 8:00 pm | ||
| 2. Research methods and topic presentations | 2 | Monday, 15 January 2024 | Tuesday, 16 January 2024 | 6:30 - 8:00 pm | ||
| 3. Sustainable Development Goals and Applied Finance; group formation | 3 | Monday, 22 January 2024 | Tuesday, 23 January 2024 | 6:30 - 8:00 pm | ||
| 4. Problem solving, negotiations, communications and presentation skills | Weekend Session 1 | | 4 | Monday, 29 January 2024 | Saturday, 3 February 2024 | 10.00am -3pm | ||
| Sunday, 4 February 2024 | 10.00am -3pm | |||||
| 5. Finalise Group SDG Presentations | 5 | Monday, 5 February 2024 | Tuesday, 6 February 2024 | 6:30 - 8:00 pm | ||
| 6. Sustainable Development Goals presentations + Q&A | 6 | Monday, 12 February 2024 | Tuesday, 13 February 2024 | 6:30 - 8:00 pm | ||
| 7. Work on Research paper & presentations | 7 | Monday, 19 February 2024 | Tuesday, 20 February 2024 | 6:30 - 8:00 pm | ||
| 8. Research Presentations | Weekend Session 2 | 8 | Monday, 26 February 2024 | Saturday, 2 March 2024 | 10am -3pm | ||
| Sunday, 3 March 2024 | 10am -3pm | |||||
| 9. Tips and Guidance, Research Paper Q&A | 9 | Monday, 4 March 2024 | Tuesday, 5 March 2024 | 6:30 - 8:00 pm | ||
| 10. Finalise Research Papers | 10 | Monday, 11 March 2024 | Tuesday, 12 March 2024 | 6:30 - 8:00 pm |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
The Writing Centre
The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 01/03/2024 | . |
Unit information based on version 2024.02 of the Handbook