Students

AFCP854 – Investment and Credit Analysis

2017 – AFC Term 3 CBD

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer
Paul Brunker
Contact via Email
Credit points Credit points
2
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(Admission to MAppFin or GradDipAppFin) and (AFCP801 or ECFS866)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit covers the use of advanced financial analysis and modelling techniques in corporate finance applications, and is designed for students interested in analyst roles in equity and credit analysis, banking or consulting environments. Building on concepts introduced in ECFS866, this unit complements other corporate finance electives. The unit will allow students to explore the linkage between a company's strategy and industry competitive structure, and financial performance. We will analyse financial performance by demonstrating financial analysis techniques, and assess the impact of accounting issues in analysing a company's financial results. The unit will explore how financial modelling can be used to assist in addressing these issues.

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:

  • The crux of this unit is for students to be able to determine the robustness of cashflow forecasts for a given industry or strategy.
  • Develop more advanced modelling and forecasting skills.
  • Students should be able to apply a range of credit risk metrics to a series of forecast financial results.

General Assessment Information

To pass this unit (requires a Mark of 50 or better) the student must pass the final examination.

 

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Pre course Assignment 15% No Week 1
Assignment 35% No Refer to iLearn
Final Exam 50% Yes Refer to Timetable

Pre course Assignment

Due: Week 1
Weighting: 15%

Summary of Assessment Task

Individual / Group: Individual

Due Date: First Class

Grading Method: Refer to 'Standards Required to Complete the Unit Satisfactorily' section

Submission Method: In class

Duration: Refer to Assignment Coversheet

Extension Requests: 

  • If you have extenuating circumstances that prevent you from submitting your assignment by the due date, please make arrangements with your lecturer prior to the due date.
  • Unless prior arrangements have been made, any late submission of assignments will automatically be penalised.  In the absence of special circumstances, the penalty will be 10% of the available marks for the assessment for each business day (or part thereof) they are late.

Other Information: Pre course assignment will involve review of material from prerequisite subjects and will be available in course notes and ilearn site


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • The crux of this unit is for students to be able to determine the robustness of cashflow forecasts for a given industry or strategy.
  • Develop more advanced modelling and forecasting skills.

Assignment

Due: Refer to iLearn
Weighting: 35%

Summary of Assessment Task

Individual / Group: Group

Due Date: Refer to iLearn

Grading Method: Refer to 'Standards Required to Complete the Unit Satisfactorily' section

Submission Method: Via Turnitin on iLearn

Duration: Refer to Assignment Coversheet

Extension Requests: 

  • If you have extenuating circumstances that prevent you from submitting your assignment by the due date, please make arrangements with your lecturer prior to the due date.
  • Unless prior arrangements have been made, any late submission of assignments will automatically be penalised.  In the absence of special circumstances, the penalty will be 10% of the available marks for the assessment for each business day (or part thereof) they are late.

Other Information: 

  • Case Study will be handed out in class, or placed on Course Web or Course Forum;
  • Generally is a detailed investment analysis report. Students will have opportunity to complete an analysis from equity or credit perspective.   

On successful completion you will be able to:
  • The crux of this unit is for students to be able to determine the robustness of cashflow forecasts for a given industry or strategy.
  • Develop more advanced modelling and forecasting skills.

Final Exam

Due: Refer to Timetable
Weighting: 50%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)

Summary of Assessment Task

Individual / Group: Individual

Due Date: Refer to Timetable. 

Assessments: Different Class Groups have different deadlines. Students should find the timetable and dates relevant to their group at www.mafc.mq.edu.au

Grading Method: Refer to 'Standards Required to Complete the Unit Satisfactorily' section

Submission Method: As per MAFC Program Rules & Procedures at www.mafc.mq.edu.au

Duration: 2 hours plus 10 minutes reading time

Examination Conditions: 

  • All examinations are closed book. However, permitted materials and aids are:
    • A study sheet, prepared by the Student (single, double-sided A4 page), with formulas and other material.
    • Calculators. Permitted calculators are noted under ‘Calculators’ below.
  • Exam times and locations are noted in the unit timetable at www.mafc.mq.edu.au.
  • Refer to MAFC Program Rules & Procedures at www.mafc.mq.edu.au.

Extension Requests: 

  • You are expected to present yourself for examination at the time and place designated in the relevant MAFC Timetable at www.mafc.mq.edu.au.
  • Deferral of an examination is not permitted, unless special consideration has been approved by the Director of Studies under the University’s Disruption to Studies Policy.
  • Refer to MAFC Program Rules & Procedures at www.mafc.mq.edu.au for information on the University’s Disruption to Studies Policy or non-attendance at an examination.

On successful completion you will be able to:
  • The crux of this unit is for students to be able to determine the robustness of cashflow forecasts for a given industry or strategy.
  • Develop more advanced modelling and forecasting skills.
  • Students should be able to apply a range of credit risk metrics to a series of forecast financial results.

Delivery and Resources

CLASSES

Face-to-Face Teaching: Generally 20 hours

Timetable: Detailed timetable for classes are on the Centre’s web site www.mafc.mq.edu.au

Class Changes: 

Students will only be permitted to change classes if authorised by the Applied Finance Centre.

Request for changes must be made:

  • By completion of a Change of Unit Form, available on the Centre’s web site at www.mafc.mq.edu.au; or
  • In person by going to reception at the relevant Applied Finance Centre location.

Consultation Times: 

Students who wish to contact any of the teaching staff may do so through:

  • The Unit’s iLearn site, in relation to general queries (so that all students may benefit); or 
  • Individual consultation with the lecturer by email in the first instance, if necessary.

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND/OR MATERIALS

Background Text:

  • Bodie, Kane & Marcus, Investments,  McGraw-Hill / Irwin, 9th edition ISBN 978-0-07-353070-3
  • Ross, Westerfield & Jaffe, Corporate Finance, McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 10th edition 2013 (ISBN 9780078034770)  (RWJ)
  • You are not required to buy latest editions of these books; whatever you used when you did the prerequisite will be sufficient

Additional Readings: 

  • The unit notes make reference to additional downloadable material on the iLearn. This is for students interested in following up particular aspects in greater detail. 
  • Students should assume these additional readings are not examinable unless otherwise advised.

Lecture Notes: Available in printed form and electronically via iLearn. 

Pre-Unit Materials: Information papers on statistics, regression, accounting and other material may be found at http://mafcstudents.mq.edu.au/new-to-mafc/pre-course-materials/. Students should work through this material prior to commencing the degree. The material will remain a useful reference as students progress through the program.

Useful References: Supplementary Not Required: Koller, Goedhart, Wessels (2010), Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies, Wiley, 5th Edition.

Calculators: 

  • A financial calculator that can handle time value of money calculations, logs and power functions is required.
  • The Hewlett Packard calculator hp17bII+ is recommended.
  • In examinations, hand held calculators are permitted. Mobile phones and computers are not permitted.

Assumed Knowledge: Mathematical content

  • This Unit relies heavily on present value techniques. Students should be able to use the general formula for calculating the present value of a series of cash flows, as shown below:

                                                                                  Present Value = Σt=0n ( (Cashflowt) / (1 + Kt )t )

         as well as alternate expressions for calculating the present value of a series of cash flows using perpetuities and annuities. You should review Chapter 4 of the textbook if you are not comfortable with this material.

Assumed Access:

  • Access to a computer with word processing and spreadsheet capability is assumed, as is general computer literacy.

TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

Unit iLearn Site: 

  • Found by logging on to iLearn ilearn.mq.edu.au, then clicking on Investment and Credit Analysis.
  • This is where you will find forums, downloadable resources and links to important pages. 
  • The forum allows you to communicate with other students and lecturer(s) and may provide supplementary material. 
  • You are requested to post your questions on the forums at least 24 hours prior to the assignment submission date or the examination date. Questions posted after that time may not be answered. Please try to not leave your questions to the last few days. 

Important Notice: 

  • It is important that you familiarise yourself with the Unit’s iLearn site. 
  • Students should check the Unit’s iLearn site regularly (minimum twice a week and prior to all lectures) and look for updates and distribution of materials (including case studies) related to the unit or assessments and, if relevant, participate in forum discussions. 

Unit Schedule

TOPIC 1: INDUSTRY AND STRATEGIC ANALYSIS

  • Koller, Goedhart, Wessels (2010), Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies, Wiley, 5th Edition, Ch4 Return on Invested Capital, p59-80. (Refer to as  KGW)
  • McGahan, How Industries Change, Harvard Business Review October 2004, p87-94.
  • Porter (1985), Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance, Free Press, 2004 Export Edition, pp4-12, 36-48, 67-70.
  • Smit and Trigeorgis (2004), Strategic Investments: Real Options and Games, Part 1, p3-33, and p39.
  • Chew, The New Corporate Finance: Where Theory Meets Practice, McGraw-Hill 2nd Edition, Section II. Corporate Strategy and Structure, p101-118, 127-139.
  • Grinblatt & Titman, Financial Markets and Corporate Strategy, McGraw-Hill International, 1998, Ch17, How Managerial Incentives Affect Financial Decisions, p605-615.

The financial performance of any business is inextricably linked to the strategic and operating decisions of management and the industry structure in which the firm exists.  This topic is designed to provide an overview of industry and corporate strategy.  The aim of this topic is to review several broad frameworks of strategic analysis in order to provide context to financial analysis and forecasting. 

  • A framework of how management decisions translate to financial performance and corporate value will be examined.
  • The subject will include an overview of Porter’s model of industry strategic analysis and Porter’s value chain analysis.  However, it is often difficult to translate a Porter analysis into a detailed investment analysis.
  • The subject will then review operation strategy within the context of broader industry position and how this translates into operational and financial performance.  A review of the Product/Process matrix will lead into the next topic, Financial Statement Analysis, by describing the nature of operating decisions given a company’s chosen strategy.

TOPIC 2: FINANCIAL STATEMENT ANALYSIS

  • Koller, Goedhart, Wessels (2010), Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies, Wiley, 5th Edition, Ch8 Analysing Performance (p165-173).
  • A. Damodaran, Leases, Debt and Value, Working Paper Stern School of Business (April 2009).
  • Sherman & Young, Tread Lightly Through these Accounting Minefields, Harvard Business Review, July-August 2001, p129-135.
  • Supplementary Reading: Ross, Westerfield & Jaffe, Corporate Finance, 9th Edition, Ch 2 Financial Statements and Cashflow (p20-34) and Ch 3 Financial Statement Analysis (p44-76).
    • NB. Students should possess this text from Corporate Finance where this Chapter was covered in CF Topic 4.
  • Sample Company Presentation - Western Digital Corporation.

Topic 2 will provide the basis for more detailed review of financial performance of an enterprise.  Students should re-familiarise themselves with the financial statement analysis conducted in Core Corporate Finance.  The topic will build on prior FSA skills to be applied across different settings in Topic 3. 

  • A brief overview of cashflow analysis and financial statements will be provided as a refresher.
  • A detailed review of the components of the income statement (breakdown of gross margin, COGS vs SG&A, fixed and variable costs) and working capital will be conducted.
  • A more detailed Du Pont review will be conducted including sensitivity of outputs to differences in operating strategy.
  • Note: Students are encouraged to source ratio definitions from several texts as terminology may vary.

TOPIC 3: MATCHING STRATEGY TO FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

  • B. Henderson, Cash Traps, The Boston Consulting Group, Perspectives Reprint No. 106.
  • B. Henderson, The Experience Curve, The Boston Consulting Group, Perspectives Reprint No. 124.
  • Sample blind financial statements and related ratios including one paired set from same industry

Topic 3 follows Industry Analysis and Competitive Strategy analysis from Topic 1.  A brief overview of Operating Strategy will be conducted followed by a series of blind case examples to match financial performance across various industry groupings and company strategies.

  • This topic will bridge financial performance and strategy
  • The product/process matrix and financial performance will be examined.
  • Industry case studies of FMCG, transport, industrial and other companies will be reviewed..

TOPIC 4: ROBUST FINANCIAL MODELLING

  • Beninga & Sarig, Corporate Finance: A Valuation Approach, McGraw-Hill 1997, Ch4-5, p109-132, 134-154.
  • Australian Bureau of Statistics, Statistical Language, http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/a3121120.nsf/home/statistical+language .
  • Fama & French, Forecasting Profitability and Earnings, Journal of Business Vol 73 No.2 (2000), p161-175.
  • Taleb, Fooled by Randomness, Random House 2nd Edition, p149-161.
  • Supplementary Revision: Ross, Westerfield & Jaffe, Corporate Finance, 9th Edition, Ch 4 DCF Valuation (p87-134).
    • NB. Students should possess this text from Corporate Finance Additional Recommended: Introductory text in econometrics or statistics

DCF modelling is an often underappreciated tool due to its dependency on key inputs. Modelling involves more than extrapolating past historical performance and financial relationships.  In addition to industry and strategic factors, advanced, reliable modelling requires identification of key value drivers and extrapolation of those relationships.  This topic is designed to take students beyond static modelling to encompass a more dynamic - realistic - industry and company environment.

Topic 4 will cover:

  • Advanced financial projections and modelling of key relationships
  • Macroeconomic top down forecasting
  • Understanding the modelling process and importance of the integrated financial model
  • Value Driver Trees
  • Improving the robustness of the model and reality checks

TOPIC 5: EQUITY VALUATION ANALYSIS

  • Chew, The New Corporate Finance, McGraw-Hill 2nd Edition, reprint of Stern Stewart Roundtable on Relationship Investing and Shareholder Communication, New York, p73-100.
  • Chen, Harford, and Lin, Do financial analysts play a monitoring role?  Evidence from Natural Experiments, Working Paper, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and University of Washington.
  • Gu and Wu, Earnings skewness and analyst forecast bias, Journal of Accounting and Economics 35, 5-29.
  • Muddy Waters Research, Sino-Forest Corporation Report, 2 June 2011.

DISCLAIMER: A number of equity broker reports will be used in this topic.  These are not to be construed as investment recommendations and are for illustrative purposes only.

This topic will look at the functions of an equity analyst with a focus on applying the checks and balances discussed in Topic 4 on a financial model.  The topic will review the components of actual analysts reports by way of example.

Students will:

  • Review components of an equity valuation analysis.
  • Link in use of DCF vs market multiples between short term trading and long term investment valuation focus.
  • Examine ROIC over time under sensitivity and scenario analysis. 
  • Discuss funding risks and link back to capital structure strategy from Corporate Finance.

TOPIC 6: RISK TO CASHFLOWS AND CREDIT ANALYSIS

  • Penman, Financial Statement Analysis and Security Valuation, 3rd Ed, p720-737.
  • M. Grinblatt & Sheridan Titman, Financial Markets and Corporate Strategy, McGraw-Hill International, 1998, Ch16, Capital Structure and Corporate Strategy, p577-597 and Ch17, How Managerial Incentives Affect Financial Decisions, p615-629.
  • Standard & Poors,  2008 Corporate Criteria: Analytical Methodology, April 15, 2008, 983195 | 301932338
  • Standard & Poors,  Methodology: Business Risk/Financial Risk Matrix Expanded, September 18 2012, 1012975 | 301932338.
  • Moody’s, Rating Methodology: Global Regulated Electric Utilities, March 2005, Report Number: 91730.
  • Moody’s, Rating Methodology: Global Manufacturing Industry, December 2010, Report Number: 129387.

Topic 6 examines analysis of risk to cashflows.  The topic examines particular ratios related to debt covenants and measures of potential credit risk or default.  A review of rating agency methodology and credit protection mechanisms will be provided.  A discussion on the balance between equity and credit demands, and the impact on strategy and industry structure will round out the topic.

  • Financial ratios, default prediction and credit scores and ratings.
  • Credit related concept of risk and calculation of credit specific ratios. 
  • Role and background of rating agencies.
  • Discuss some of the protections to debt capital.
  • Linkages between credit risk, strategy and industry framework.

Learning and Teaching Activities

Strategy

The Master in Applied Finance degree adopts a deep teaching and learning strategy, in which Students acquire and retain knowledge and also are able to make sense of the issues and concepts and apply them in the “real world”. The degree relies heavily on student engagement and participation by: (a) Continuous learning throughout the semester. This is encouraged through a combination of students undertaking prescribed reading throughout the units and / or completion of practice problems, case studies, assignments, class presentations etc and interaction via forums in the unit’s iLearn site; and (b) Assessments, which enable the student to demonstrate his / her understanding of the learning objectives achieved through the continuous learning.

Student Participation

Students participate in this unit by: (a) Attending lectures and participating in class discussion; (b) Before each class, completing the recommended readings of notes and text, and working systematically through suggested problem sets; (c) Interacting on the unit’s iLearn site; and (d) Completing all assessment tasks and exams. On average the unit will require students to complete, for every hour of class time, approximately 3 hours private study.

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.

Students should also consult the MAFC Program Rules & Procedures found at http://www.mafc.mq.edu.au

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 enquiry service (MAFC-specific)

For all student enquires, please contact studentsupport@mafc.mq.edu.au

 

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.

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (http://www.students.mq.edu.au/support/learning_skills/) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

  • Workshops
  • StudyWise
  • Academic Integrity Module for Students
  • Ask a Learning Adviser

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 - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • The crux of this unit is for students to be able to determine the robustness of cashflow forecasts for a given industry or strategy.
  • Develop more advanced modelling and forecasting skills.
  • Students should be able to apply a range of credit risk metrics to a series of forecast financial results.

Assessment tasks

  • Pre course Assignment
  • Assignment
  • 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

  • The crux of this unit is for students to be able to determine the robustness of cashflow forecasts for a given industry or strategy.
  • Develop more advanced modelling and forecasting skills.
  • Students should be able to apply a range of credit risk metrics to a series of forecast financial results.

Assessment tasks

  • Pre course Assignment
  • 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

  • The crux of this unit is for students to be able to determine the robustness of cashflow forecasts for a given industry or strategy.
  • Develop more advanced modelling and forecasting skills.
  • Students should be able to apply a range of credit risk metrics to a series of forecast financial results.

Assessment tasks

  • Pre course Assignment
  • Assignment
  • Final Exam

PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens

Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • The crux of this unit is for students to be able to determine the robustness of cashflow forecasts for a given industry or strategy.
  • Develop more advanced modelling and forecasting skills.
  • Students should be able to apply a range of credit risk metrics to a series of forecast financial results.

Assessment tasks

  • Pre course Assignment
  • Assignment
  • Final Exam

Changes from Previous Offering

The learning outcomes section of the unit guide was updated in March 2016.

Fail Hurdle grade added to grading descriptors table.

Important Notice

This Unit Guide may be subject to change. The latest version is on the Centre’s web site www.mafc.mq.edu.au.

Students should read the Unit Guide carefully at the start of semester.  It contains important information about the unit.  If anything is unclear, please consult one of the unit lecturers.  

 

Standards Required to Complete the Unit Satisfactorily

University Policy on Grading:

  • Macquarie University’s Academic Senate has established a Grading Policy available at http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html. Your final result will include: 
    • A Grade ranging from Fail Hurdle to High Distinction; and
    • A numerical Mark, which is a summation of the individual assessment components, providing the examination component is passed.
  • It is important to note:
    • The Policy does not require that a minimum or maximum number of students are to be failed in any unit; 
    • Grades will not be allocated to fit a predetermined distribution; and
    • Grades for all individual assessment items will be released to students, but Marks may not necessarily be released.

Specific Unit Grading: 

  • To pass this unit (requires a Mark of 50 or better) the student must pass the final examination.
    • Students who have attained a total raw mark of 50% or greater in a unit, but have failed the Unit’s exam requirement and who have demonstrated “sufficient effort” in the exam, will be granted a single opportunity to sit a Supplementary Exam which will be graded on a pass/fail basis. The unit mark and grade for students who pass this examination will be those corresponding to the original total raw mark of all their assessment tasks, including the original exam. That is, the Supplementary Hurdle Exam only determines the meeting of the hurdle requirement. Students who have attained a raw mark of 50% or greater in a unit, yet failed all attempts at the requirement, will be awarded an FH grade with a final mark of 49.
  • All final Marks and Grades in the Applied Finance Centre are determined by a grading committee and are not the sole responsibility of the unit convenor.
  • The core criteria used to assess student work in this unit are: 
    • Knowledge and understanding: Understanding key ideas, knowledge and use of concepts.
    • Application: Ability to apply theoretical ideas and frameworks in practice and in a critically reflective way. 
    • Reasoning and analysis: Ability to analyse, use critical reasoning and principles to formulate a position, balancing theory and personal reflection. 
    • Professional literacy and research: Understanding of professional factors (language and landscape) and ability to undertake appropriate research. 
    • Communication and presentation: Ability to communicate and present effectively (written and oral, as relevant).
    • Use of mathematical and statistical ideas: Ability to use mathematical and statistical ideas, methods and formulae appropriately. 
  • Performance in relation to each of these criteria are assessed against the University’s grading descriptors:
Grade Expectation
High Distinction Provides consistent evidence of deep and critical understanding in relation to the learning outcomes. There is substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critical evaluation of problems, their solutions and their implications; creativity in application as appropriate to the discipline.
Distinction Provides evidence of integration and evaluation of critical ideas, principles and theories, distinctive insight and ability in applying relevant skills and concepts in relation to learning outcomes. There is demonstration of frequent originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and providing solutions; and the use of means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience.
Credit Provides evidence of learning that goes beyond replication of content knowledge or skills relevant to the learning outcomes. There is demonstration of substantial understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of study and the ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; convincing argumentation with appropriate coherent justification; communication of ideas fluently and clearly in terms of the conventions of the discipline.
Pass Provides sufficient evidence of the achievement of learning outcomes. There is demonstration of understanding and application of fundamental concepts of the field of study; routine argumentation with acceptable justification; communication of information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. The learning attainment is considered satisfactory or adequate or competent or capable in relation to the specified outcomes.
Fail Does not provide evidence of attainment of learning outcomes. There is missing or partial or superficial or faulty understanding and application of the fundamental concepts in the field of study; missing, undeveloped, inappropriate or confusing argumentation; incomplete, confusing or lacking communication of ideas in ways that give little attention to the conventions of the discipline.
Fail Hurdle Student has obtained a raw mark over 50, yet failed all available attempts of at least one hurdle assessment.

Review of Grade and final examination Script viewing:

  • A student who has been awarded a final grade for a unit and who does not believe it is an accurate reflection of their performance, and has grounds for such a claim and can demonstrate those grounds, may apply to have their grade reviewed. 
  • For information on requesting a review of grade and/or viewing your final exam script, please refer to the University’s Grade Appeal Policy at http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html and MAFC Program Rules & Procedures at http://www.mafc.mq.edu.au