Students

AFCP863 – Strategic Bank Management

2019 – AFC Term 1 City

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Michael Cunningham
michael.m.cunningham@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
2
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(Admission to MAppFin or MAppFin(Adv) or GradDipAppFin) and ECFS868
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
The global financial crisis of 2007-08 highlighted the dependence of the real economy on the financial sector, and how subtle flaws in bank regulation can result in a failure of the financial system as a whole. One response to the crisis has been more restrictive banking regulation. The effectiveness of this regulation is yet to be seen, however it has made the task of generating returns for bank shareholders significantly more challenging, further compounded by a global economy that has still not fully recovered. This elective will allow students to navigate the new dynamics of the financial system and the objectives of the various stakeholders within that system, and to create management frameworks that work effectively within the complex regulatory constraints on financial firms. The unit investigates the inherent trade-offs in the design of incentives and risk-adjusted performance measures, and guides students to create bank business strategies that can be operationalised via credit concentration limits, delegated authorities, etc. This elective also requires students to think critically about the evolution of the banking sector, and how traditional banks might need to adapt to counter the threats posed by disruptive new entrants into the marketplace.

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:

  • Study and assess the major themes driving banking industry trends and developments.
  • Examine and critically evaluate the constraints and competing demands on banks’ balance sheets in the current environment.
  • Critically examine strategic risk management processes and product design in a range of risk settings.
  • Investigate and assess the banking landscape in the context of technical, social and ethical considerations.

General Assessment Information

To pass this unit the student needs to (1) Achieve an aggregate mark of 50 or more, and; (2) Pass the Final Exam.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
In Class Exercises 10% No Refer to Timetable
Case Study 50% No Refer to iLearn
Final Exam 40% Yes Refer to Timetable

In Class Exercises

Due: Refer to Timetable
Weighting: 10%

Summary of Assessment Task

Individual / Group: Individual

Due Date: Refer to Timetable.

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

Submission Method: In-class activities, refer to iLearn.

Duration: Refer to Assignment Coversheet.

Extension Requests: 

  • No extensions will be granted unless prior arrangements have been made with the lecturer.
  • In the absence of such arrangements, late submission will result in zero marks, unless an application for Special Consideration is made and approved. 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:
  • Study and assess the major themes driving banking industry trends and developments.
  • Examine and critically evaluate the constraints and competing demands on banks’ balance sheets in the current environment.
  • Critically examine strategic risk management processes and product design in a range of risk settings.
  • Investigate and assess the banking landscape in the context of technical, social and ethical considerations.

Case Study

Due: Refer to iLearn
Weighting: 50%

Summary of Assessment Task

Individual / Group: Individual.

Due Date: Refer to the unit's iLearn site; generally one week before final exam.

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

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

Extension Requests: 

  • No extensions will be granted unless an application for Special Consideration is made and approved. If you have extenuating circumstances that prevent you from submitting your assignment by the due date, you must apply for Special Consideration as soon as reasonably possible. Refer to MAFC Program Rules at www.mafc.mq.edu.au for information on the University’s Special Consideration Policy.
  • Unless such prior arrangements have been made, any late submission of assignments will automatically be penalised. 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).
  • No submissions will be accepted after solutions have been posted.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Examine and critically evaluate the constraints and competing demands on banks’ balance sheets in the current environment.
  • Critically examine strategic risk management processes and product design in a range of risk settings.
  • Investigate and assess the banking landscape in the context of technical, social and ethical considerations.

Final Exam

Due: Refer to Timetable
Weighting: 40%
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.

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

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

Duration: 2 hours plus 10 minutes reading time.

Examination Conditions: 

  • All examinations are closed book.
  • The exam will consist of 30% multiple choice questions and 30% short answer questions.
  • Exam times and locations are noted in the unit timetable at www.mafc.mq.edu.au.
  • Refer to MAFC Program Rules 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 an application for Special Consideration is made and approved.
  • Refer to MAFC Program Rules at www.mafc.mq.edu.au for information on the University’s Special Consideration Policy or non-attendance at an examination.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Study and assess the major themes driving banking industry trends and developments.
  • Examine and critically evaluate the constraints and competing demands on banks’ balance sheets in the current environment.
  • Critically examine strategic risk management processes and product design in a range of risk settings.
  • Investigate and assess the banking landscape in the context of technical, social and ethical considerations.

Delivery and Resources

CLASSES

Face-to-Face Teaching: Generally 20 hours.

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

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

Text: None.

Additional Readings: 

  • Additional readings are included in the unit notes. Spreadsheets critical to the unit are available on iLearn.
  • Students should assume these readings and spreadsheets are examinable unless otherwise advised.

Lecture Notes: Available on iLearn.

Study Problems: 

  • Students are required to work systematically through the practice problems. These problems will not be collected but they will help you prepare for the exams.
  • Answers to the numerical practice problems are included in the unit notes or on iLearn.

Pre-unit Materials: Information papers on statistics, regression, accounting and other material may be found at 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.

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:

  • The mathematical difficulty of this unit is not greater than in ECFS868 Financial Risk Management.
  • Students are advised to review the Financial Risk Management notes before beginning this unit, as knowledge of the credit material from that unit will be assumed, with limited revision.

Assumed Access:

  • Access to a computer with word processing and spreadsheet capability and internet access are assumed, as is general student computer literacy.
  • There is some Excel modelling work in the unit.

TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

Unit iLearn Site: 

  • Found by logging on to iLearn ilearn.mq.edu.au, then clicking AFCP863 Strategic Bank Management.
  • This is where you will find forums, downloadable resources and links to important pages. 
  • Forums allow you to communicate with other students and lecturer(s) and may provide supplementary material.
  • Please post questions to a forum 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 0. OVERVIEW AND STRUCTURE OF THE UNIT

  • Navigation of the unit, and linkages between core concepts

TOPIC 1. INTRODUCTION

  • What is strategy, and how does it differ from effectiveness?
  • How do banks generate returns for their shareholders?
  • The role of the banking system in the economy (details in Topic 2)
  • Why regulation is important, and difficult (details in Topic 3)

TOPIC 2. BANKING, MONEY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

  • What is money, and why does the money supply matter for the economy?
  • How has money developed through different forms?
  • What does a central bank do?
  • What is the relationship between commercial banks and the money supply?

TOPIC 3. BANK REGULATION

  • The Regulatory Landscape
  • Pillar 1: Prudential Regulation
  • Pillar 1: Liquidity Regulation
  • Pillar 2
  • Other Regulation

TOPIC 4. MANDATED RISK MANAGEMENT TOOLS

  • Pillar 2 Supervisory Review Process
  • Risk Management Framework (RMF)
  • Risk Appetite Statement (RAS)
  • Internal Capital / Liquidity Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP/ILAAP)
  • Stress Testing (ST)
  • Recovery and Resolution Plans (RRP)

TOPIC 5. DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION

  • Reinventing banks
  • Shadow banking
  • Peer-to-peer finance
  • Bitcoin and re-inventing money
  • (How) can banks respond?

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.

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 (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).

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

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

  • Study and assess the major themes driving banking industry trends and developments.
  • Examine and critically evaluate the constraints and competing demands on banks’ balance sheets in the current environment.
  • Investigate and assess the banking landscape in the context of technical, social and ethical considerations.

Assessment tasks

  • In Class Exercises
  • Case Study
  • 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

  • Study and assess the major themes driving banking industry trends and developments.
  • Examine and critically evaluate the constraints and competing demands on banks’ balance sheets in the current environment.
  • Critically examine strategic risk management processes and product design in a range of risk settings.
  • Investigate and assess the banking landscape in the context of technical, social and ethical considerations.

Assessment tasks

  • In Class Exercises
  • Case Study
  • 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

  • Study and assess the major themes driving banking industry trends and developments.
  • Critically examine strategic risk management processes and product design in a range of risk settings.
  • Investigate and assess the banking landscape in the context of technical, social and ethical considerations.

Assessment tasks

  • Case Study
  • Final Exam

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.

Standards Required to Complete the Unit Satisfactorily

University Policy on Grading:

  • Macquarie University’s Academic Senate has established a Grading Policy available at https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/assessment. 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 the student needs to (1) Achieve an aggregate mark of 50 or more, and; (2) Pass the Final Exam.
    • 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 a Fail Hurdle 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.
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 at http://www.mafc.mq.edu.au.