Students

AFIN8099 – Current Issues in Banking and Finance

2024 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Rachel Huang
rachel.huang@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(Admission to MFin and 40cp at 8000 level) or (admission to (MBkgFin or MCom) and 60cp at 8000 level)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

This unit provides students with the opportunity to integrate and advance their knowledge of banking and finance, with an international and future-focused emphasis. Contemporary topics in banking and finance will be covered; and students will examine the major challenges and impact brought about by these changes/topics. The unit's research and case-based topics approach will equip students to apply their analytical, critical and interpersonal skills to complex and contemporary real-world problems, which in turn will help develop and finesse their communication skills and professional judgment. The unit will provide the opportunity for students to engage with senior industry specialists, giving students the opportunity to connect with their topics in a meaningful way.

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: Synthesise financial theory with real-world practice
  • ULO2: Apply critical thinking to complex financial problems
  • ULO3: Demonstrate effective teamwork and communication skills
  • ULO4: Reflect on the impact of financial decisions on various stakeholders and the wider community
  • ULO5: Integrate technology and sustainability considerations into financial decision-making

General Assessment Information

Late Assessment Submission Penalty (written assessments) 

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of ‘0’ will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern.  

For any late submissions of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Industry Partner Project 40% No Week 5
Group Presentation 30% No Week 11 & 12
Final Report 30% No Week 13

Industry Partner Project

Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Week 5
Weighting: 40%

 

In collaboration with our industry partners, students will engage in a significant project that reflects the real-world challenges and practices of the finance industry.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Synthesise financial theory with real-world practice
  • Apply critical thinking to complex financial problems

Group Presentation

Assessment Type 1: Presentation
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Week 11 & 12
Weighting: 30%

 

Each group will present their project to the class, including a critical analysis of the process, strategies used, results achieved, and their reflections. The presentation should showcase the group's problem-solving skills, teamwork, and ability to communicate complex financial concepts and strategies effectively.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate effective teamwork and communication skills
  • Integrate technology and sustainability considerations into financial decision-making

Final Report

Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 25 hours
Due: Week 13
Weighting: 30%

 

At the end of the session, students are expected to submit a final report that critically evaluates the strategies employed and the project's outcomes. This report should display the students' understanding of the relevant financial concepts, critical evaluation of their application, and reflection on the learnings from the project.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Synthesise financial theory with real-world practice
  • Reflect on the impact of financial decisions on various stakeholders and the wider community

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

Seminars of this unit will be delivered by inudstry speakers and unit convenors. Students are expected to attend all seminars in person unless otherwise stated. The learning materials include lecture notes created by industry speakers and publicly available information from relevant regulatory and/or industry institutions. 

Unit Schedule

Week # Speaker/Lecturer Topic/Activity
1 Ms. Belinda Cheung, Director, FutureFund. Central bank balance sheet management
2 Ms. Belinda Cheung, Director, FutureFund. Central bank balance sheet management
3 UC Discussions related to the project, project Q&A, team-work activities, etc.
4 UC Discussions related to the project, project Q&A, team-work activities, etc.
5 UC Discussions related to the project, project Q&A, team-work activities, etc.
6 UC Presentation skills
7 Mr. Anthony Passe-de Silva, Founder &CEO, One2Solutions ESG-related issues in banking and fintechs
8 Mr. Anthony Passe-de Silva, Founder &CEO, One2Solutions ESG-related issues in banking and fintechs
9 UC Final report Q&A
10 UC Presentation practices
11 UC Group presentation and assessed Q&A
12 UC Group presentation and assessed Q&A
13 UC Final report Q&A

 

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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

The Writing Centre

The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

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.

Changes since First Published

Date Description
10/07/2024 The assessment due dates for the Final Report and Group presentation have been adjusted. Accordingly, the unit schedule has minor changes.

Unit information based on version 2024.03 of the Handbook