Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Corporate Finance Stream
Roland Winn
Contact via Email
Risk Management Stream
Elizabeth Sheedy
Contact via Email
Funds & Wealth Management Stream
Dan Daugaard
Contact via Email
Academic Director
Rob Trevor
Contact via Email
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Credit points |
Credit points
2
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Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to (MAppFin or MAppFin(Adv)) and AFCP865 and permission by special approval
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Corequisites |
Corequisites
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Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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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.
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Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
To pass this unit an aggregate mark of 50 or better is required, in addition to a passing grade for the Research Paper assessment task.
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.
Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
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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) |
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).
Grading Method: Refer to 'Standards Required to Complete the Unit Satisfactorily' section.
Submission Method: Online via Turnitin on unit iLearn site.
Length: 500 words.
Extension Requests:
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.
Grading Method: Refer to 'Standards Required to Complete the Unit Satisfactorily' section
Submission Method: As agreed with Supervisor(s).
Duration: As agreed with Supervisor(s).
Extension Requests:
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.
Grading Method: Refer to 'Standards Required to Complete the Unit Satisfactorily' section.
Submission Method: Online via Turnitin on iLearn site.
Duration: Up to 3,000 words.
Extension Requests:
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).
Grading Method: Refer to 'Standards Required to Complete the Unit Satisfactorily' section.
Submission Method: As agreed with Supervisor(s).
Duration: Oral or visual, equivalent of 1,000 words or 15-20 minutes.
Extension Requests:
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.
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:
Assumed Access:
Access to a computer with word processing and spreadsheet capability is assumed, as is general computer literacy.
Unit iLearn Site:
Important Notice:
The plan for completion of the project should be agreed with the Supervisor(s) prior to commencement of the project.
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:
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).
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 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
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
For all student enquiries, please contact studentsupport@mafc.mq.edu.au
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 (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.
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
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.
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:
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:
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:
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.
University Policy on Grading:
Specific Unit Grading:
Grade | Expectation |
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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: