Students
AFIN8017 – Digital Finance
2021 – Session 2, Special circumstances
Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Rui Xue
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
The digital technology revolution is rapidly transforming the financial industry and the use of digital technologies is becoming the norm. Disruptive technologies are impacting not only the way financial intermediaries operate, but also the way payment system works. Such technologies enable you to monetize almost anything. This unit covers the fundamentals of the innovative financial intermediaries such as peer to peer lending, crowdfunding and digital payment technologies. This unit also provides an overview of digital payment schemes and how digital payment system integrates with traditional payment technologies. |
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:
- ULO1: Understand the fundamentals of digital payment systems and digital financial services.
- ULO2: Explore innovative financial intermediaries such as peer to peer lending, crowdfunding and other new emerging systems.
- ULO3: Evaluate the impacts and the challenges of new digital finance on financial institutions and business.
- ULO4: Work productively in a group to assess the adoption and impacts of digital financial services to financial institutions and business.
General Assessment Information
Assessment criteria (including information about late submissions and extensions) for all assessment tasks will be provided on the unit iLearn site.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Study | 30% | No | Week 7 |
| Data Analysis Project | 30% | No | Week 12 - Week 13 |
| Research Proposal | 40% | No | University Examination Period |
Case Study
Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 7
Weighting: 30%
Students will work in groups to conduct a case study analysis on a digital finance challenge. Students will produce a group report that should not exceed 1,800 words and make a presentation (each student will be required to present the findings individually).
50% of the marks will be based on individual contribution to the report and individual presentation.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand the fundamentals of digital payment systems and digital financial services.
- Explore innovative financial intermediaries such as peer to peer lending, crowdfunding and other new emerging systems.
- Evaluate the impacts and the challenges of new digital finance on financial institutions and business.
- Work productively in a group to assess the adoption and impacts of digital financial services to financial institutions and business.
Data Analysis Project
Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 12 - Week 13
Weighting: 30%
Students will conduct a data analysis on a particular project and write a report regarding the findings of their analysis. The report should not exceed 1,200 words.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand the fundamentals of digital payment systems and digital financial services.
- Explore innovative financial intermediaries such as peer to peer lending, crowdfunding and other new emerging systems.
- Evaluate the impacts and the challenges of new digital finance on financial institutions and business.
Research Proposal
Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 40%
Students will produce a research proposal based on research into contemporary digital finance platforms, its range of services and challenges. The research proposal should not exceed 1,500 words.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand the fundamentals of digital payment systems and digital financial services.
- Explore innovative financial intermediaries such as peer to peer lending, crowdfunding and other new emerging systems.
- Evaluate the impacts and the challenges of new digital finance on financial institutions and business.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
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Required Text: |
There is no prescribed textbook. Readings (where applicable) are taken from relevant academic books and journals. Refer to iLearn for further details. |
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Unit Web Page: |
Access to iLearn |
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Technology Used and Required: |
MS Excel and Word, scientific or business calculator, and internet access |
Unit Schedule
Please refer to iLearn
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). 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
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/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 help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
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.
Unit information based on version 2021.03 of the Handbook