Students
AFIN899 – Current Issues in Banking and Finance
2019 – S2 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Lurion De Mello
Contact via Email
E4A 515
Please refer to iLearn
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MBkgFin and 48cp at 600 level or above
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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 provides students with the opportunity to integrate and advance their knowledge of banking and finance with an international focus. The unit's research and case-based topics will equip students to apply their analytical, critical and interpersonal skills to complex and contemporary real world problems, and to develop their communication skills and professional judgment. The assessment tasks of this unit will enable students to further develop and reflect on the development of the graduate capabilities and how these have been achieved within their degree.
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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:
- Critically analyse the latest banking regulations and the tools necessary in managing bank liquidity
- Create awareness of the new era of Fintech and its impact on on financial and banking services.
- Become aware of the current tools and techniques used in the hedge fund industry and the quantitative methods used.
- Work as a team in applying risk management tools in fixed income and how strategies are developed using spreadsheets
- Apply financial modelling techniques relevant to the project finance industry.
General Assessment Information
Assessment criteria for all assessment tasks will be provided on the unit iLearn site.
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.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial Homework | 15% | No | See Task Description |
| Assignment | 20% | No | 5pm on 20th of Sept 2019 |
| In-Class Test | 25% | No | 6pm 2nd Oct 2019 |
| Final Exam | 40% | No | See Examination Timetable |
Tutorial Homework
Due: See Task Description
Weighting: 15%
This task will comprise of questions based on material covered in Week 1, Week 2 & Week 3 of the course. Each Week is worth 5% giving a total of 15% for the three weeks. The questions will be short answer type and some parts will require students to use MS Excel, and Thomson Reuters Eikon platform particularly it's Fixed Income module. Thomson Reuters is a data platform used in the industry and exposure to it will give you hands on experience that will add value to your skill set.
Due Date and Time:
Week 1 -9th Aug 2019 5pm
Week 2 - 16th Aug 2019 5pm
Week 3 - 23rd Aug 2019 5pm
Type of Collaboration: Individual Submission: via iLearn Format: Short Answer Questions Length: N/A Inherent Task Requirements:Ability to work in Microsoft Excel environment & completing Thomson Reuters Eikon training modules.
Late Submission: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 special consideration is made and approved. No submission will be accepted after solutions have been posted.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Become aware of the current tools and techniques used in the hedge fund industry and the quantitative methods used.
Assignment
Due: 5pm on 20th of Sept 2019
Weighting: 20%
This assessment targets the understanding of the operations of the Fixed Income Market. It comprises of analysing real market bond data obtained from the Thomson Reuters Eikon platform.An assignment document with further details along with a marking guide will be uploaded on the ilearn site.
“At least 50% of group work assessment shall be allocated to individual performance”
Type of Collaboration: Groups of 4-5 Submission: via iLearn Format: Please refer to the ilearn Unit page Length: No precise requirement Inherent Task Requirements:Ability to work in Microsoft Excel environment & in using Thomson Reuters Eikon.
Late Submission: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 special consideration is made and approved. No submission will be accepted after solutions have been posted.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Work as a team in applying risk management tools in fixed income and how strategies are developed using spreadsheets
In-Class Test
Due: 6pm 2nd Oct 2019
Weighting: 25%
This assessment is based on material covered from week 1 to 6 of the course. You are not permitted to bring in any notes or reference material to the test. Any essential formulas will be provided.
Type of Collaboration: Individual Submission: completed during class time Format: Please refer to the ilearn Unit page Length: 2 hrs Inherent Task Requirements:None
Late Submission:No extensions will be granted. Students who do not sit the test will be awarded a mark of 0 for the task, except for cases in which an application for Special Consideration is made and approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Critically analyse the latest banking regulations and the tools necessary in managing bank liquidity
Final Exam
Due: See Examination Timetable
Weighting: 40%
Task Description:
The final exam will be based on topics covered from Week 9 to Week 13. Further information will be communicated in week 12. It will be closed book.
Type of Collaboration: Individual Submission: At Exam Venue Format: Please refer to the ilearn Unit page Length: 2hrs and 30 minutes Inherent Task Requirements:None
Late Submission:No extensions will be granted. Students who do not sit the exam will be awarded a mark of 0 for the task, except for cases in which an application for Special Consideration is made and approved.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Create awareness of the new era of Fintech and its impact on on financial and banking services.
- Become aware of the current tools and techniques used in the hedge fund industry and the quantitative methods used.
- Apply financial modelling techniques relevant to the project finance industry.
Delivery and Resources
Classes
Lecture timings: See timetable https://timetables.mq.edu.au/2019/
The campus map is downloadable from https://www.mq.edu.au/about/contacts-and-maps/maps
Classes in AFIN899 are composed of a three-hour seminar. Unit materials are learnt by attending lectures, interactions with practitioners and through independent learning.
Students please note that due to confidentiality the lecture recordings will not be available to students so it is highly recommended that you attend class each week. Lecture slides will be distributed either prior or after the class and are at the discretion of the guest lecturer.
Required and Recommended Texts and Materials
There are no required or recommended texts for AFIN899. Notes for each of the topics will be made available via iLearn.
Technology Used and Required
Non-programmable calculators with no text-retrieval functionality are permitted. Calculators that have a full alphabet on the keyboard are not permitted. Graphics calculators are not permitted. Calculators need the following minimum functionality: xy or ^, 1/x and log or ln functions, and a memory. Non-programmable financial calculators are permitted but it is not a requirement to use a financial calculator.
iLearn is an online program available at https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/login/MQ/ through which students will be able to access resources such as lecture notes and ilectures to assist them throughout the semester. The discussion forum environment will be extensively used to allow students to interact with each other.
Unit Web Page
Course material is available on the learning management system at http://ilearn.mq.edu.au
You are strongly encouraged to visit the website regularly and use it as a resource centre to assist with your learning.
If you are unable to access the internet site because you are not aware of or have forgotten your username and password, please contact the IT helpdesk. All information is available at http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/
With regards to assistance in using iLearn, please visit the following link.
http://www.mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/index.htm
You can follow the tabs on the left, i.e., “Getting Started” and “Access iLearn.”
Please remember to logout when you have finished using iLearn. Failure to do so could result in unauthorised access to your iLearn account.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). 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
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy (Note: The Special Consideration Policy is effective from 4 December 2017 and replaces the Disruption to Studies Policy.)
Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/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
Supplementary exams
Information regarding supplementary exams, including dates, is available at: 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
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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 outcomes
- Critically analyse the latest banking regulations and the tools necessary in managing bank liquidity
- Create awareness of the new era of Fintech and its impact on on financial and banking services.
- Become aware of the current tools and techniques used in the hedge fund industry and the quantitative methods used.
- Work as a team in applying risk management tools in fixed income and how strategies are developed using spreadsheets
- Apply financial modelling techniques relevant to the project finance industry.
Assessment tasks
- Tutorial Homework
- Assignment
- In-Class Test
- 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
- Critically analyse the latest banking regulations and the tools necessary in managing bank liquidity
- Create awareness of the new era of Fintech and its impact on on financial and banking services.
- Become aware of the current tools and techniques used in the hedge fund industry and the quantitative methods used.
- Work as a team in applying risk management tools in fixed income and how strategies are developed using spreadsheets
- Apply financial modelling techniques relevant to the project finance industry.
Assessment tasks
- Tutorial Homework
- Assignment
- In-Class Test
- 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
- Critically analyse the latest banking regulations and the tools necessary in managing bank liquidity
- Create awareness of the new era of Fintech and its impact on on financial and banking services.
- Work as a team in applying risk management tools in fixed income and how strategies are developed using spreadsheets
Assessment tasks
- Tutorial Homework
- Assignment
Changes from Previous Offering
There are no major changes from the previous offering.
Research and Practice
Students are exposed to practitioners who provide examples of some of the work that is undertaken in the industry. It provides students with opportunity to further investigate and research some of the material covered in the class. Students are made aware of some of the reference and research material used by the practitioners which adds further value in addition to the academic literature and industry reports available via the Macquarie University library.