Students
AFIN705 – Research in Finance
2017 – S2 Day
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor
Professor Gary Tian
Contact via Email
E4A 513
Refer to iLearn announcement.
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MRes
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit describes and analyses the methodology of contemporary research in banking and finance. It investigates research methods employed across a wide variety of current topics in banking and finance.
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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:
- Develop advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in finance theory and practice
- Acquire advanced cognitive, technical and communication skills in solving complex problems in finance
- Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, sound judgement and responsibility as a practitioner of finance
General Assessment Information
GradeBook
It is the responsibility of students to view their marks for each within session assessment on iLearn within 20 working days of posting. If there are any discrepancies, students must contact the unit convenor immediately. Failure to do so will mean that queries received after the release of final results regarding assessment marks (not including the final exam mark) will not be addressed.
Feedback Prior to the Census Date
Self-assessment exercise question(s) will be released in Week 3 for feedback prior to the census date. Its answer will be also provided before the census date in Week 4.
Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria for all assessment tasks will be provided on the unit iLearn site.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation | 25% | No | Weeks 5-12 |
| Written Assignment | 25% | No | Refer to iLearn Announcement |
| Final Exam | 50% | No | University examination period |
Presentation
Due: Weeks 5-12
Weighting: 25%
Written Assignment with Oral Presentation. Students are allocated to present critiques of existing research papers during class. Refer to iLearn for further details.
No extensions will be granted. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for disruption of studies is made and approved. No submission will be accepted after solutions have been posted.
Assignment must be submitted via iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in finance theory and practice
- Acquire advanced cognitive, technical and communication skills in solving complex problems in finance
- Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, sound judgement and responsibility as a practitioner of finance
Written Assignment
Due: Refer to iLearn Announcement
Weighting: 25%
Students will write a research proposal on an issue in corporate finance and banking and come up with new research questions and hypotheses in the area. Refer to iLearn for further details.
No extensions will be granted. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for disruption of studies is made and approved. No submission will be accepted after solutions have been posted.
Assignment must be submitted via both iLearn and email to Professor Gary Tian.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in finance theory and practice
- Acquire advanced cognitive, technical and communication skills in solving complex problems in finance
- Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, sound judgement and responsibility as a practitioner of finance
Final Exam
Due: University examination period
Weighting: 50%
The exam covers the entire unit. Refer to iLearn for further details.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in finance theory and practice
- Acquire advanced cognitive, technical and communication skills in solving complex problems in finance
- Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, sound judgement and responsibility as a practitioner of finance
Delivery and Resources
Classes
The weekly three hour class time for this unit consists of a two hour seminar and a one hour workshop. Students must thoroughly read all assigned articles before coming to the class so that they are fully prepared to discuss the key issues.
Timetables
All students are required to attend their timetabled classes. The timetable for classes can be found on the University web site http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/
Required Text
There is no prescribed textbook. Readings are taken from relevant academic books and journals. Refer to iLearn for further details.
Technology Used and Required
- Internet access
- Access to iLearn
- Software for producing presentations.
- Open-source software for reproducible research.
Unit Schedule
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Week |
Topic |
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1 |
Source of research questions |
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2 |
Developing a research question, hypothesis and model |
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3 |
Corporate governance |
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4 |
Ownership and control |
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5 |
CEO compensation |
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6 |
Capital structure |
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7 |
Initial public offerings |
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Mid session break |
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8 |
Bank lending |
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9 |
Informal finance |
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10 |
Cash holding policy |
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11 |
Mergers and acquisitions |
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12 |
Investment efficiency |
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13 |
Financial markets and asset pricing/Reveiw |
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Note: this topic list is subject to revision. Any changes will be posted to iLearn. |
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Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, 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.
Supplementary Exams
Further information regarding supplementary exams, including dates, is available here: http://www.businessandeconomics.mq.edu.au/current_students/undergraduate/how_do_i/special_consideration
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
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.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcome
- Develop advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in finance theory and practice
Assessment tasks
- Presentation
- Final Exam
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Develop advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in finance theory and practice
- Acquire advanced cognitive, technical and communication skills in solving complex problems in finance
- Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, sound judgement and responsibility as a practitioner of finance
Assessment tasks
- Written Assignment
- Final Exam
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Develop advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in finance theory and practice
- Acquire advanced cognitive, technical and communication skills in solving complex problems in finance
- Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, sound judgement and responsibility as a practitioner of finance
Assessment tasks
- Presentation
- Written Assignment
- Final Exam
Changes from Previous Offering
Some changes in the unit topics.
Research and Practice
- This unit uses research from external sources.
- This unit gives you practice in applying research findings in your assignments.
- This unit gives you opportunities to conduct your own research.