Students

ECFS845 – Applied Portfolio Management

2017 – AFC Term 1 CBD

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor / Lecturer
Dan Daugaard
Contact via Email
Credit points Credit points
2
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(Admission to MAppFin or GradDipAppFin) and (AFCP801 or ECFS865)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit considers the practical issues of money management. It reviews the major trends currently occurring in the funds management industry and the opportunities observed in financial markets. A significant portion of the unit is devoted to syndicate-style case studies. This provides an opportunity to explore the strategies and techniques employed by successful investment managers.

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:

  • Understand and critically evaluate how investment techniques and industry trends impact and influence the activities of major industry players.
  • Identify the patterns of security prices and construct portfolios to benefit from these patterns.
  • Identify the attributes and comprehend the issues when implementing asset allocation and protection strategies
  • Understand the impact that investment choices have on optimal portfolio weights, return patterns and performance metrics.
  • Apply group work knowledge and skills for effective collaboration to achieve Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4.

General Assessment Information

To pass this unit (requires a Mark of 50 or better) the student must pass the final examination.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Assignment & Case Studies (2) 40% No Refer to iLearn
Final Exam 60% Yes Refer to Timetable

Assignment & Case Studies (2)

Due: Refer to iLearn
Weighting: 40%

Summary of Assessment Task

Individual / Group: Group

Due Date: Refer to iLearn

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

Submission Method: Group case study presentation delivered in class; and Group case study report and assignment handed in via Turnitin on the Unit's iLearn site.

Duration: Objectives and timing to be explained in class.

Extension Requests:

  • If you have extenuating circumstances that prevent you from submitting your assignment by the due date, please make arrangements with your Lecturer prior to the due   date.
  • Unless prior arrangements have been made, any late submission of the assignment will automatically be penalised. In the absence of special circumstances, the penalty will be 10% of the available marks for the assessment for each business day (or part thereof) they are late.

Other Information: Material for case studies are contained in the Unit notes. Additional materials will be distributed in class and the assignment and data will be placed on iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand and critically evaluate how investment techniques and industry trends impact and influence the activities of major industry players.
  • Identify the patterns of security prices and construct portfolios to benefit from these patterns.
  • Identify the attributes and comprehend the issues when implementing asset allocation and protection strategies
  • Understand the impact that investment choices have on optimal portfolio weights, return patterns and performance metrics.
  • Apply group work knowledge and skills for effective collaboration to achieve Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Final Exam

Due: Refer to Timetable
Weighting: 60%
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. 

Assessments: Different Class Groups have different deadlines. Students should find the timetable and dates relevant to their group at www.mafc.mq.edu.au

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

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

Duration: 2 hours plus 10 minutes reading time

Examination Conditions: 

  • All examinations are open book. Any material and aid is permitted.
  • Exam times and locations are noted in the unit timetable at www.mafc.mq.edu.au.
  • Refer to MAFC Program Rules & Procedures 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 special consideration has been approved by the Director of Studies under the University’s Disruption to Studies Policy.
  • Refer to MAFC Program Rules & Procedures at www.mafc.mq.edu.au for information on the University’s Disruption to Studies Policy or non-attendance at an examination.

On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Understand and critically evaluate how investment techniques and industry trends impact and influence the activities of major industry players.
  • Identify the patterns of security prices and construct portfolios to benefit from these patterns.
  • Identify the attributes and comprehend the issues when implementing asset allocation and protection strategies
  • Understand the impact that investment choices have on optimal portfolio weights, return patterns and performance metrics.

Delivery and Resources

CLASSES

Face-to-Face Teaching: Generally 20 hours

Timetable: Detailed timetable for classes are on the Centre’s web site 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

Suggested Text: Elton, Gruber, Brown & Goetzmann: Modern Portfolio Theory and Investment Analysis, Wiley.

Additional Readings: 

  • Additional readings are included in the Unit notes and will be placed on iLearn. 
  • Students should assume these readings are examinable unless otherwise advised.

Lecture Notes: Available in printed form and electronically via iLearn. 

Pre-Course Knowledge: 

The Gateway units of the Graduate Certificate in Finance represent the pre-course knowledge required to successfully study the advanced applied finance units of the Masters of Applied Finance and the Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance.  Please refer to the following page for instructions on reviewing the unit guides for the gateway units: http://mafcstudents.mq.edu.au/new-to-mafc/pre-course-materials/

Useful References: 

  • Bodie, Kane & Marcus; Investments, McGraw Hill.
  • Grinold & Kahn, Active Portfolio Management, McGraw Hill.
  • Stewart, Piros & Heisler, Running Money – Professional Portfolio Management
  • Kritzman: Asset Allocation for Institutional Investors, Irwin.
  • Kritzman: The Portable Financial Analyst, Irwin.
  • Solnik & McLeavey: Global Investments, Addison-Wesley

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: Mathematical content

  • Finance has a high level of numerate content.  Consequently this Unit is, in parts, mathematical and arithmetical.  As an indication of the level of algebra required, students should find the following problem easy to solve:

                                                                                            Solve for Z5: $1,000 = $681.20(1+Z5/2)10

  • Occasionally the Masters dips into the differential calculus.  As an indication of the level of calculus required, Students should be able to interpret the following equation:

                                                                                            D = - ((1+y) / P) (ΔP/Δy)

Assumed Access:

  • Access to a computer with word processing and spreadsheet capability is assumed, as is general student computer literacy.

TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

Unit iLearn Site: 

  • Found by logging on to iLearn ilearn.mq.edu.au, then clicking on Applied Portfolio Management.
  • This is where you will find links to forums, downloadable resources and other important pages.
  • Forums allow you to communicate with other students and lecturer(s) and may provide supplementary material.
  • You are requested to post questions to the 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 familiarize yourself with iLearn.
  • All students should check iLearn 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

SESSION I. INVESTMENT INDUSTRY OVERVIEW: INVENTIONS AND TRENDS

Topics: 

  • A review of Investment theories and techniques: Origins, MPT, MFM and BFT
  • Trends and Developments: post GFC, Absolute returns and information technology.
  • An overview of the major players

SESSION II. CAPTURING INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES: ASSET RETURN PATTERNS AND PORTFOLIO IMPLEMENTATION

Topics: 

  • The anomalies and behaviour of security prices.    
  • The equity risk premium.
  • Value and growth investing.
  • Smart Beta
  • How can we turn opinions into forecasts?
  • Constructing Portfolios.
  • Growth in ETFs
  • Case Study One Objectives.

SESSION III. ASSET ALLOCATION

Topics: 

  • The most important decision.
  • A surplus framework.
  • Derivative overlays.
  • Modern tactical asset allocation.
  • Adaptive strategies.
  • Criticisms of optimisation.
  • The fundamental law.

SESSION IV. PROTECTIVE STRATEGIES

Topics: 

  • Portfolio construction solutions - protecting the downside
  • Financial engineering approaches – buying options, replicating options, portfolio insurance

Case Studies: 

  • Case Study One Syndicate Presentations
  • Case Study Two Objectives

SESSION V. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

Topics: 

  • Review of performance measures.
  • Multiple factor performance evaluation.
  • Non symmetrical performance measures.

Case Studies and Assignment: 

  • Case Study Two Syndicate Presentations
  • Assignment Objectives 

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 semester. 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. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of 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/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, 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.

Students should also consult the MAFC Program Rules & Procedures found at http://www.mafc.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 enquiry service (MAFC-specific)

For all student enquires, please contact studentsupport@mafc.mq.edu.au

 

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.

Learning Skills

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.

  • Workshops
  • StudyWise
  • Academic Integrity Module for Students
  • Ask a Learning Adviser

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.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 - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative

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:

Learning outcomes

  • Understand and critically evaluate how investment techniques and industry trends impact and influence the activities of major industry players.
  • Identify the patterns of security prices and construct portfolios to benefit from these patterns.
  • Identify the attributes and comprehend the issues when implementing asset allocation and protection strategies
  • Understand the impact that investment choices have on optimal portfolio weights, return patterns and performance metrics.
  • Apply group work knowledge and skills for effective collaboration to achieve Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment & Case Studies (2)
  • Final Exam

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 outcome

  • Apply group work knowledge and skills for effective collaboration to achieve Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4.

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

  • Understand and critically evaluate how investment techniques and industry trends impact and influence the activities of major industry players.
  • Identify the patterns of security prices and construct portfolios to benefit from these patterns.
  • Identify the attributes and comprehend the issues when implementing asset allocation and protection strategies
  • Understand the impact that investment choices have on optimal portfolio weights, return patterns and performance metrics.
  • Apply group work knowledge and skills for effective collaboration to achieve Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment & Case Studies (2)
  • Final Exam

PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability

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:

Learning outcomes

  • Understand and critically evaluate how investment techniques and industry trends impact and influence the activities of major industry players.
  • Identify the patterns of security prices and construct portfolios to benefit from these patterns.
  • Identify the attributes and comprehend the issues when implementing asset allocation and protection strategies
  • Understand the impact that investment choices have on optimal portfolio weights, return patterns and performance metrics.
  • Apply group work knowledge and skills for effective collaboration to achieve Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment & Case Studies (2)
  • Final Exam

PG - Effective Communication

Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Apply group work knowledge and skills for effective collaboration to achieve Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4.

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

  • Understand and critically evaluate how investment techniques and industry trends impact and influence the activities of major industry players.
  • Identify the patterns of security prices and construct portfolios to benefit from these patterns.
  • Identify the attributes and comprehend the issues when implementing asset allocation and protection strategies
  • Understand the impact that investment choices have on optimal portfolio weights, return patterns and performance metrics.

Assessment tasks

  • Assignment & Case Studies (2)
  • Final Exam

Important Notice

This Unit Guide may be subject to change. The latest version is on the Centre’s web site www.mafc.mq.edu.au.

Students should read the Unit Guide carefully at the start of semester.  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 http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html. Your final result will include: 
    • A Grade ranging from Fail 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 (requires a Mark of 50 or better) the student must pass the final examination.
  • 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.
  • The core criteria used to assess student work in this unit are: 
    • Knowledge and understanding: Understanding key ideas, knowledge and use of concepts.
    • Application: Ability to apply theoretical ideas and frameworks in practice and in a critically reflective way. 
    • Reasoning and analysis: Ability to analyse, use critical reasoning and principles to formulate a position, balancing theory and personal reflection. 
    • Professional literacy and research: Understanding of professional factors (language and landscape) and ability to undertake appropriate research. 
    • Communication and presentation: Ability to communicate and present effectively (written and oral, as relevant).
    • Use of mathematical and statistical ideas: Ability to use mathematical and statistical ideas, methods and formulae appropriately. 
  • Performance in relation to each of these criteria are assessed against the University’s grading descriptors:
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.

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 & Procedures at http://www.mafc.mq.edu.au