Students

AFCX6017 – Case Studies in Applied Finance

2021 – Term 4, Fully online/virtual

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
Geoff Brianton
geoff.brianton@mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to GradCertFin (OUA)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

The unit provides an understanding of the finance industry and its integral role in the modern economy. The focus is on a high level, fully integrated overview of the major participants, their roles, interactions and the purpose they endeavour to fill for all stakeholders in the economy. The key structures of the finance system are examined, and how they usually work and sometimes do not work. Case studies of actual events and participants will be used to provide a sense of the application of finance in the real world - what actually happens as well as what should happen.

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: Identify and assess the functions of the financial system in modern economies.
  • ULO2: Critically examine participants and their markets in the finance industry.
  • ULO3: Apply knowledge and skills to assess contemporary case studies in applied finance.
  • ULO4: Demonstrate effective communication to diverse audiences across different industry sectors.

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
Online Participation 15% No Refer to the assessment summary in iLearn
Assignment 25% No Refer to the assessment summary in iLearn
Online Quizzes 10% No Refer to the assessment summary in iLearn
Short Exercises 15% No Refer to the assessment summary in iLearn
Final Case Study 35% No Refer to the assessment summary in iLearn

Online Participation

Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 32 hours
Due: Refer to the assessment summary in iLearn
Weighting: 15%

Participation in online discussion forums.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify and assess the functions of the financial system in modern economies.
  • Apply knowledge and skills to assess contemporary case studies in applied finance.

Assignment

Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Refer to the assessment summary in iLearn
Weighting: 25%

Analysis of an individual case study topic and presentation of conclusions via a paper of up to 2,500 words.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify and assess the functions of the financial system in modern economies.
  • Critically examine participants and their markets in the finance industry.
  • Apply knowledge and skills to assess contemporary case studies in applied finance.
  • Demonstrate effective communication to diverse audiences across different industry sectors.

Online Quizzes

Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 3 hours
Due: Refer to the assessment summary in iLearn
Weighting: 10%

A number of short online topic quizzes.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify and assess the functions of the financial system in modern economies.
  • Critically examine participants and their markets in the finance industry.

Short Exercises

Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: Refer to the assessment summary in iLearn
Weighting: 15%

Short analytical tasks on financial system topics involving modelling and/or case study analysis.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify and assess the functions of the financial system in modern economies.
  • Critically examine participants and their markets in the finance industry.

Final Case Study

Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: Refer to the assessment summary in iLearn
Weighting: 35%

Using a topical case study, analyse and interpret information for presentation to a varied audience.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Identify and assess the functions of the financial system in modern economies.
  • Critically examine participants and their markets in the finance industry.
  • Apply knowledge and skills to assess contemporary case studies in applied finance.
  • Demonstrate effective communication to diverse audiences across different industry sectors.

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

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND/OR MATERIALS

Required Text:

There is no required text. All readings are available in iLearn or accessible via iLearn.

Additional Readings:

  • Additional readings are included in iLearn.
  • Students should assume these readings are examinable unless otherwise advised.

Calculators:

  • No calculator is required for this course.

Assumed Access: Access to a computer with word processing and spreadsheet capability is assumed, as is general student computer literacy and ability to access the internet.

 

TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

This is an online unit which will make use of the University's iLearn system.

Unit's iLearn Site:

  • Found by logging on to iLearn ilearn.mq.edu.au, then clicking on Case Studies in Applied Finance.
  • This is where you will find forums, downloadable resources and links to important pages.
  • The forums allow you to communicate with other students and lecturer(s) and may provide supplementary material.
  • You are requested to post your questions on the forums 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.
  • All students should check iLearn regularly and look for updates and distribution of materials related to the unit or assessments and participate in forum discussions.

Unit Schedule

The Unit Schedule is available in iLearn, together with details of required readings and activities.

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:

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