Students

AFCP611 – Case Studies in Applied Finance

2018 – AFC Term 4 Online

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor / Lecturer
Lindesay Brine
lindesay.brine@mafc.mq.edu.au
Contact via Email
Credit points Credit points
4
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to GradCertFin
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
AFCP611
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:

  • Explain and assess the role and contribution of the financial industry system in a modern economy.
  • Examine the roles and functions of participants in the finance industry.
  • Examine the forms of finance and their markets within the financial system.
  • Apply knowledge and skills to assess contemporary case studies in applied finance.
  • Examine the mechanics and management of financial transactions.
  • Demonstrate effective communication to diverse audiences across different industry sectors.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Online Participation 30% No In iLearn
Assessed Coursework 20% No In iLearn
Assignment 20% No In iLearn
Final Case Study 30% No In iLearn

Online Participation

Due: In iLearn
Weighting: 30%

Summary of Assessment Task

Individual / Group: Individual.

Due Dates: See iLearn for due dates.

Description: Online discussions forums will be conducted during the term. You are required to participate actively in these forums, and your contributions will be assessed.

Submission Method: Online via iLearn.

Extension Requests: 

  • No extensions will be granted. Students who have not submitted the task prior to the due date will be awarded a mark of zero for the task, except for cases in which an application for Special Consideration is made and approved.
  • If you have serious and unavoidable circumstances that prevent you from submitting an assessment task by the due date, you must apply for Special Consideration no later than five (5) working days after the assessment due date. 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:
  • Explain and assess the role and contribution of the financial industry system in a modern economy.
  • Examine the roles and functions of participants in the finance industry.
  • Apply knowledge and skills to assess contemporary case studies in applied finance.
  • Examine the mechanics and management of financial transactions.
  • Demonstrate effective communication to diverse audiences across different industry sectors.

Assessed Coursework

Due: In iLearn
Weighting: 20%

Summary of Assessment Task

Individual / Group: Individual.

Due Dates: In iLearn.

Description: You will be required to participate in assessment tasks and quizzes throughout the term. Details of the assessments can be found in iLearn.

Submission Method: Via iLearn.

Extension Requests: 

  • No extensions will be granted. Students who have not submitted the task prior to the due date will be awarded a mark of zero for the task, except for cases in which an application for Special Consideration is made and approved.
  • If you have serious and unavoidable circumstances that prevent you from submitting an assessment task by the due date, you must apply for Special Consideration no later than five (5) working days after the assessment due date. 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:
  • Examine the roles and functions of participants in the finance industry.
  • Apply knowledge and skills to assess contemporary case studies in applied finance.
  • Examine the mechanics and management of financial transactions.
  • Demonstrate effective communication to diverse audiences across different industry sectors.

Assignment

Due: In iLearn
Weighting: 20%

Summary of Assessment Task

Individual / Group: Individual.

Due Dates: See iLearn for the due date.

Submission Method: Via iLearn.

Extension Requests: 

  • No extensions will be granted. Students who have not submitted the task prior to the due date will be awarded a mark of zero for the task, except for cases in which an application for Special Consideration is made and approved.
  • If you have serious and unavoidable circumstances that prevent you from submitting an assessment task by the due date, you must apply for Special Consideration no later than five (5) working days after the assessment due date. 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:
  • Explain and assess the role and contribution of the financial industry system in a modern economy.
  • Examine the roles and functions of participants in the finance industry.
  • Examine the forms of finance and their markets within the financial system.
  • Examine the mechanics and management of financial transactions.
  • Demonstrate effective communication to diverse audiences across different industry sectors.

Final Case Study

Due: In iLearn
Weighting: 30%

Summary of Assessment Task

Individual / Group: Individual.

Due Date: See iLearn for due date.

Submission Method: Via iLearn.

Extension Requests: 

  • No extensions will be granted. Students who have not submitted the task prior to the due date will be awarded a mark of zero for the task, except for cases in which an application for Special Consideration is made and approved.
  • If you have serious and unavoidable circumstances that prevent you from submitting an assessment task by the due date, you must apply for Special Consideration no later than five (5) working days after the assessment due date. 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:
  • Explain and assess the role and contribution of the financial industry system in a modern economy.
  • Examine the roles and functions of participants 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.

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 forum allows 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 following schedule is a guide to the timing of each topic. Details of the required readings are provided in iLearn.

 

Week

Topic

Date when you should have started working on this topic

1

Topic 1: The financial system and its participants

16 September 2018

2

Topic 2: The role of intermediaries in the financial system

23 September 2018

3

Topic 3: Forms of finance and markets

30 September 2018

4

Topic 4: Asset classes: debt and equity

7 October 2018

5

Topic 4: Asset classes: debt and equity

14 October 2018

6

Topic 5: Asset classes: alternatives and commodities

21 October 2018

7

Topic 5: Asset classes: alternatives and commodities

28 October 2018

8

Topic 6: Payment mechanisms and foreign exchange

4 November 2018

9

Topic 7: The role of regulation

11 November 2018

10

Bringing it all together

18 November 2018

11

Final case study preparation

25 November 2018

Learning and Teaching Activities

Strategy

Programs in the Applied Finance Centre adopt 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 program 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, online activities, case studies, assignments, class discussions, etc and interaction via forums; and (b) Assessments, which enable the student to demonstrate his/her understanding of the learning objectives achieved through the continuous learning.

Student Participation

This is an online unit. Students participate in this unit by: (a) Actively engaging with the required readings of this unit; (b) Working systematically through and completing online activities; (c) Interacting in forums; and (d) Completing all assessment tasks.

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 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 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 enquiries, 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

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Explain and assess the role and contribution of the financial industry system in a modern economy.
  • Examine the forms of finance and their markets within the financial system.
  • Examine the mechanics and management of financial transactions.
  • Demonstrate effective communication to diverse audiences across different industry sectors.

Assessment tasks

  • Online Participation
  • Assessed Coursework
  • Assignment
  • Final Case Study

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Examine the forms of finance and their markets within the financial system.
  • Apply knowledge and skills to assess contemporary case studies in applied finance.
  • Examine the mechanics and management of financial transactions.

Assessment tasks

  • Online Participation
  • Assessed Coursework
  • Assignment
  • Final Case Study

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Explain and assess the role and contribution of the financial industry system in a modern economy.
  • Examine the roles and functions of participants in the finance industry.
  • Examine the forms of finance and their markets within the financial system.
  • Apply knowledge and skills to assess contemporary case studies in applied finance.

Assessment tasks

  • Online Participation
  • Assessed Coursework
  • Assignment
  • Final Case Study

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • Apply knowledge and skills to assess contemporary case studies in applied finance.

Assessment tasks

  • Online Participation
  • Assessed Coursework
  • Final Case Study

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Explain and assess the role and contribution of the financial industry system in a modern economy.
  • Examine the roles and functions of participants in the finance industry.
  • Demonstrate effective communication to diverse audiences across different industry sectors.

Assessment tasks

  • Online Participation
  • Assessed Coursework
  • Assignment
  • Final Case Study

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Apply knowledge and skills to assess contemporary case studies in applied finance.
  • Demonstrate effective communication to diverse audiences across different industry sectors.

Assessment tasks

  • Online Participation
  • Assessed Coursework
  • Assignment
  • Final Case Study

Important Notice

This Unit Guide 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 to High Distinction; and
    • A numerical Mark, which is a summation of the individual assessment components.
  • 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.

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.