Students can choose one of two options for completing this unit:

Option #1: Requires a student to identify an industry issue from the field of applied finance, critically analyse the current status of the issue, and present and critically evaluate possible responses. In addition to analysing the current state of industry practice, the project will require students to critically review not only academic, but also industry relevant, literature. Where appropriate, the research project should include a demonstration of possible responses by including a case study or pilot empirical analysis. Successful students will have the opportunity to further explore the topic by enrolling in Individual Research Project B, which will require more detailed investigation of the issue using quantitative analysis or resolution by developing an analytical or other solution.

Option #2: A student can produce a business case study and supporting explanatory note as a supervised research project. The case study writing option will require the presentation of an applied finance industry issue with a focus on an individual organisation affected by that issue. The case study will cover the current status of the issue, the implications for the organisation and be informed by reviewing relevant literature and interviewing industry practitioners. The supporting case study teaching note will provide a critical analysis of the issue drawing upon relevant academic literature and appropriately assess and respond to the issue. This option will not be recognised as a pre-requisite for enrolment in AFCF866 Individual Research Project B.

Assessment Tasks for Option #2 are described in an addendum to this Unit Guide.

General Unit Information

Prior to enrolling in the research project, students must have an agreed Supervisor, and an approved research topic and work plan. In the first instance, students interested in undertaking this unit should approach the lecturer in their chosen field of interest, or contact the relevant Stream Co-ordinator. Based on the nature of the project, a prospective supervisor(s) may be appointed, and specifications for the research project can be agreed. Only once a prospective Supervisor has agreed to a relevant research proposal can a student enrol in the subject.

Resources to assist in the preparation of the proposal are available on the unit iLearn site. Interested students should ask the relevant Stream Co-ordinator to arrange for access to the site.

To pass this unit (requires an aggregate mark of 50 or more) the student must pass the Research Project for Option #1, or the combination of the Business Case Study and the Explanatory Note for Option #2.

70 hours individual work; plus

5 hours face to face with supervisor.

Consultation Times: The student and appointed supervisor(s) should agree expectations for the role of the supervisor, especially in terms of provision of feedback and other support.

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND/OR MATERIALS

There are no general required texts or materials for this unit. Specific resources should be agreed with the supervisor as part of the approval process for undertaking the project. The iLearn site contains useful references to assist in the preparation of the research proposal, the preparation of the project and research methods which might be required. General references which may be useful to students are listed below.

Useful References:

• Chapter 1, “Framing the Problem” and Chapter 2, “Designing the Analysis”, in Ethan M. Rasiel and Paul N. Friga, The McKinsey Mind, McGrath Hill, 2002 [ebook available via library].
• Uma Sekaran and Roger Bougie, Research Methods for Business: A Skill- Building Approach, 6th ed, Wiley, 2013 [available as e-text].
• Alana Bryman & Emma Bell, Business Research Methods, 4th ed, Oxford, 2015 [available as e-text].
• Barbara Minto, The Pyramid Principle, Financial Times – Pitman Publishing, 1987.

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 Individual Research Project.
• This is where you will find links to forums, downloadable resources and other important pages.

Important Notice: 

• It is important that you familiarise yourself with the unit’s iLearn site.

The plan for completion of the project should be agreed with the Supervisor(s) prior to commencement of the project.

Assessment Tasks

Research Proposal

Due: Refer to iLearn

Weighting: 10%

The Research Proposal should clearly describe the research opportunity, and how it will achieve the stated learning outcomes for the unit. The proposal should demonstrate that the project is feasible, and include a schedule for completion of the project, and any resources, data, software or other material which are required to complete the project in the required time frame.

Students can refer to the iLearn site, which has links to the following article which may be of assistance in preparing a Research Proposal:

Robert, W. Faff, “A Simple template for pitching research”, Accounting and Finance, 55 (2015), 311 – 336.

Summary of Assessment Task

Individual / Group: Individual.

Due Date: Refer to iLearn.

Submission Method: Online via Turnitin on the unit's iLearn  site.

Length: 500 words

Extension Requests:

• Students who do not submit this task by the due date and time receive a result of zero. This penalty does not apply when an application for Special Consideration has been made and approved.
• Note: Applications for Special Consideration must be made within 5 (five) business days of the due date and time.
• Refer to MAFC Program Rules at www.mafc.mq.edu.au for information on the University’s Special Consideration Policy.

This Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:

• Ability to undertake independent original research, including critical analysis and the application of theory and practice.
• Demonstrated understanding of the issues involved in the research topic, the relevant academic literature, current debate as well as relevant principles taught in the MAF units.

Business Case Study

Due: As agreed with Supervisor(s)

Weighting: 45%

This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks).

The actual format of the project should be agreed with the Supervisor(s) as part of the approval of the project but, in general, should be in the form of a Business Case Study as published by Harvard Business School. Specific guidance will be provided throughout the term.

Summary of Assessment Task

Individual / Group: Individual.

Due Date: Refer to the unit's iLearn site.

Submission Method: Online via Turnitin on iLearn site.

Duration: Up to 2,500 words

Extension Requests:

• 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 incurs a 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for Special Consideration is made and approved.
• Late submissions will be accepted up to 96 hours after the due date and time.
• Note: Applications for Special Consideration must be made within 5 (five) business days of the due date and time.
• Refer to MAFC Program Rules at www.mafc.mq.edu.au for information on the University’s Special Consideration Policy.

This Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:

• Ability to undertake independent original research, including critical analysis and the application of theory and practice;
• Demonstrated understanding of the issues involved in the research topic, the relevant academic literature, current debate as well as relevant principles taught in the MAF units;
• Application of good academic research practice, including ability to source and appropriately acknowledge sources and references;
• Able to communicate to a diverse audience the nature of the research topic, its importance and issues involved in resolving or addressing the research topic.

Explanatory Note

Due: As agreed with Supervisor(s)

Weighting: 30%

This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks).

The actual format of the project should be agreed with the Supervisor(s) as part of the approval of the project but, in general, should be in the form of an Explanatory Note as published by Harvard Business School. Specific guidance will be provided throughout the term.

Summary of Assessment Task

Individual / Group: Individual.

Due Date: Refer to the unit's iLearn site.

Submission Method: Online via Turnitin on the unit's iLearn site.

Duration: Up to 1,500 words.

Extension Requests:

• 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 incurs a 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for Special Consideration is made and approved.
• Late submissions will be accepted up to 96 hours after the due date and time.
• Note: Applications for Special Consideration must be made within 5 (five) business days of the due date and time.
• Refer to MAFC Program Rules at www.mafc.mq.edu.au for information on the University’s Special Consideration Policy.

This Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:

• Ability to undertake independent original research, including critical analysis and the application of theory and practice;
• Demonstrated understanding of the issues involved in the research topic, the relevant academic literature, current debate as well as relevant principles taught in the MAF units;
• Application of good academic research practice, including ability to source and appropriately acknowledge sources and references;
• Able to communicate to a diverse audience the nature of the research topic, its importance and issues involved in resolving or addressing the research topic.

Presentation

Due: As agreed with supervisor(s)

Weighting: 15%

The presentation is required to be made to a diverse audience, ideally comprising faculty from the Applied Finance Centre and industry representatives. The format should be agreed with the Supervisor(s). The presentation should demonstrate how the learning outcomes of this unit have been met. The student will be assessed both on the presentation delivery and their ability to respond to issues and questions raised by the audience.

Summary of Assessment Task

Individual / Group: Individual.

Due Date: As agreed with supervisor(s).

Submission Method: As agreed with supervisor(s).

Duration: Oral or visual, equivalent of 750 words or 20 minutes.

Extension Requests:

• Students who do not attend receive a mark of zero. This penalty does not apply in cases where an application for Special Consideration has been made and approved.
• Note: Applications for Special Consideration must be made within 5 (five) business days of the due date and time.
• Refer to MAFC Program at www.mafc.mq.edu.au for information on the University’s Special Consideration Policy.

This Assessment Task relates to the following Learning Outcomes:

• Able to communicate to a diverse audience the nature of the research topic, its importance and issues involved in resolving or addressing the research topic.

Graduate Capabilities

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

1. Ability to undertake independent original research, including critical analysis and the application of theory and practice;
2. Demonstrated understanding of the issues involved in the research topic, the relevant academic literature, current debate as well as relevant principles taught in the MAF units;
3. Application of good academic research practice, including ability to source and appropriately acknowledge sources and references;
4. Able to communicate to a diverse audience the nature of the research topic, its importance and issues involved in resolving or addressing the research topic.

Assessment tasks

• Research Proposal
• Business Case Study
• Explanatory Note

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

1. Ability to undertake independent original research, including critical analysis and the application of theory and practice;
2. Demonstrated understanding of the issues involved in the research topic, the relevant academic literature, current debate as well as relevant principles taught in the MAF units;
3. Application of good academic research practice, including ability to source and appropriately acknowledge sources and references;
4. Able to communicate to a diverse audience the nature of the research topic, its importance and issues involved in resolving or addressing the research topic.

Assessment tasks

• Research Proposal
• Business Case Study
• Explanatory Note

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

1. Ability to undertake independent original research, including critical analysis and the application of theory and practice;
2. Demonstrated understanding of the issues involved in the research topic, the relevant academic literature, current debate as well as relevant principles taught in the MAF units;
3. Application of good academic research practice, including ability to source and appropriately acknowledge sources and references;
4. Able to communicate to a diverse audience the nature of the research topic, its importance and issues involved in resolving or addressing the research topic.

Assessment tasks

• Research Proposal
• Business Case Study
• Explanatory Note

This Unit Guide may be subject to change. Students will be advised, via an "Announcement" on iLearn, if the Unit Guide is changed.

The latest version is available at https://unitguides.mq.edu.au/.

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