Unit Guide

General Information

Unit convenor and teaching staff	Unit convenor and teaching staff Corporate Finance Stream Roland Winn roland.winn@mq.edu.au Contact via Email Risk Management Stream Elizabeth Sheedy elizabeth.sheedy@mafc.mq.edu.au Contact via Email Funds & Wealth Management Stream Dan Daugaard dan.daugaard@mafc.mq.edu.au Contact via Email Academic Director Rob Trevor rob.trevor@mq.edu.au Contact via Email
Credit points	Credit points 2
Prerequisites	Prerequisites Admission to (MAppFin or MAppFin(Adv)) and AFCP865 and permission by special approval
Corequisites	Corequisites
Co-badged status	Co-badged status
Unit description	Unit description In Individual Research Project A (Option #1), students will have identified and analysed, in depth, an industry issue. In this unit students will use problem solving research skills to resolve the issue(s) identified. The research skills can draw on quantitative or statistical techniques, qualitative techniques such as surveys, clinical methods such as case studies or analytical techniques. The research project requires a student to apply research skills, and creative problem solving skills, and consider the industry relevance of selected methods. Prior to commencing the research paper students should have an agreed Supervisor, and a work plan approved by the student's Supervisor. Enrolment in this unit is subject to approval by the Program Director for the Master of Applied Finance. This Research Paper is an alternative to a course-work elective.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://students.mq.edu.au/important-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

Critically analyse the application of theory and practice when undertaking independent original research.
Apply critical thinking and creative problem solving skills whilst employing quantitative, qualitative or analytical techniques to address and solve an issue in applied finance.
Analyse the issues involved in the research topic, the relevant academic literature and the current debate in the context of relevant principles taught in Applied Finance units.
Apply good academic research practice, including the ability to source and appropriately acknowledge sources and references.
Communicate to a diverse audience the nature of the research topic, its importance and issues involved in resolving or addressing the research topic.

General Assessment Information

To pass this unit an aggregate mark of 50 or more is required, in addition to a passing grade for the Research Paper assessment task.

General Unit Information

To enrol in the research project, students must have successfully completed AFCP865 Individual Research Project A (Option #1 only). Your work in this pre-requisite unit should be used as the basis for developing the research topic and work plan for this unit. Prior to enrolling in this unit, students must have an agreed Supervisor, and an approved research topic and work plan. 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.

Assessment Tasks

Name	Weighting	Hurdle	Due
Research Proposal	10%	No	Prior to term of project start
Progress Report	10%	No	As agreed with Supervisor(s)
Research Paper	60%	Yes	As agreed with Supervisor(s)
Presentation	20%	No	As agreed with Supervisor(s)

Research Proposal

Due: Prior to term of project start
Weighting: 10%

The Research Proposal should clearly describe the research project and objectives, how it builds on the work in Research Project A, 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: To be submitted one month prior to commencement of term in which Research Project will be undertaken (unless otherwise agreed).

Submission Method: Online via Turnitin on unit iLearn site.

Length: 500 words.

Extension Requests:

No extensions will be granted.
There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks for each 24 hour period or part thereof. This penalty does not apply for cases in which 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.
Note that any late submission of the Research Proposal may result in a delay of the commencement date of the Research Project.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Critically analyse the application of theory and practice when undertaking independent original research.
Analyse the issues involved in the research topic, the relevant academic literature and the current debate in the context of relevant principles taught in Applied Finance units.

Progress Report

Due: As agreed with Supervisor(s)
Weighting: 10%

The Progress Report should be in a form agreed with the Supervisor(s) at the commencement of the project. It should particularly identify any issues which may impact on the timely completion of the project.

Summary of Assessment Task

Individual / Group: Individual.

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

Submission Method: As agreed with Supervisor(s).

Duration: As agreed with Supervisor(s).

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.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Critically analyse the application of theory and practice when undertaking independent original research.
Analyse the issues involved in the research topic, the relevant academic literature and the current debate in the context of relevant principles taught in Applied Finance units.

Research Paper

Due: As agreed with Supervisor(s)
Weighting: 60%
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 article suitable for publication in an industry oriented journal such as JASSA. Specific guidelines are included in the iLearn site.

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 3,000 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.

On successful completion you will be able to:

Critically analyse the application of theory and practice when undertaking independent original research.
Apply critical thinking and creative problem solving skills whilst employing quantitative, qualitative or analytical techniques to address and solve an issue in applied finance.
Analyse the issues involved in the research topic, the relevant academic literature and the current debate in the context of relevant principles taught in Applied Finance units.
Apply good academic research practice, including the ability to source and appropriately acknowledge sources and references.
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: 20%

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: Due Date: As agreed with Supervisor(s).

Submission Method: As agreed with Supervisor(s).

Duration: Oral or visual, equivalent of 1,000 words or 15-20 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.

On successful completion you will be 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.

Delivery and Resources

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
References relating to the specific techniques used in the research project should be discussed with the Supervisor(s).

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.

Unit Schedule

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

Learning and Teaching Activities

Strategy

The Master of 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 term. 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. This unit complements those strategies by allowing students to explore a specific topic in depth, through an individual research project.

Student Participation

Students participate in this unit by undertaking an individual research project. On average, the unit will require students to complete approximately 75 hours private study.

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

Students should also consult the MAFC Program Rules 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 enquiries, please contact studentsupport@mafc.mq.edu.au

Student Enquiry Service

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

Equity 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

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 - 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 application of theory and practice when undertaking independent original research.
Apply critical thinking and creative problem solving skills whilst employing quantitative, qualitative or analytical techniques to address and solve an issue in applied finance.
Analyse the issues involved in the research topic, the relevant academic literature and the current debate in the context of relevant principles taught in Applied Finance units.
Apply good academic research practice, including the ability to source and appropriately acknowledge sources and references.
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
Progress Report
Research Paper
Presentation

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 application of theory and practice when undertaking independent original research.
Apply critical thinking and creative problem solving skills whilst employing quantitative, qualitative or analytical techniques to address and solve an issue in applied finance.
Analyse the issues involved in the research topic, the relevant academic literature and the current debate in the context of relevant principles taught in Applied Finance units.
Apply good academic research practice, including the ability to source and appropriately acknowledge sources and references.
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
Progress Report
Research Paper
Presentation

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

Critically analyse the application of theory and practice when undertaking independent original research.
Apply critical thinking and creative problem solving skills whilst employing quantitative, qualitative or analytical techniques to address and solve an issue in applied finance.
Analyse the issues involved in the research topic, the relevant academic literature and the current debate in the context of relevant principles taught in Applied Finance units.
Apply good academic research practice, including the ability to source and appropriately acknowledge sources and references.
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
Progress Report
Research Paper
Presentation

Important Notice

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.