Course Outline

FIN310 Investment Analysis

Course Coordinator:Sajid Anwar (sanwar@usc.edu.au) School:School of Business and Creative Industries

2024Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course provides an in-depth exploration of direct and indirect investments, encompassing securities, managed funds, and derivatives. Through this course, you will develop proficiency in applying investment and portfolio management theories to effectively construct portfolios. Moreover, this course considers the impact of foreign exchange risk and taxation in constructing a portfolio that best aligns with your investment objectives. By the end of the course, you will have acquired the necessary skills to construct an investment portfolio that meets your desired goals.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Interactive online learning activities. 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Scheduled face to face workshops. 2hrs Week 1 11 times
Online
Learning materials – Interactive online learning activities. 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Scheduled online workshops (Recorded). 2hrs Week 1 11 times

Course Topics

The role and scope of investments

Investment environment and market transactions

Investment return and risk

Modern portfolio concepts

Share investments and share valuation

Market Efficiency

Bond investments and bond valuation

Derivative securities: Options and futures contracts

Managed funds investment

Evaluating the portfolio performance

What level is this course?

300 Level (Graduate)

Demonstrating coherence and breadth or depth of knowledge and skills. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Meeting professional requirements and AQF descriptors for the degree. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory or developing knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally undertaken in the third or fourth full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
1 Use analytical thinking to identify and evaluate investment related problems. Creative and critical thinker
Ethical
PC3, PC3.1, PC6
2 Exhibit initiative and apply innovation and strategic thinking to make investment decisions. Empowered
PC3, PC6, PC6.2
3 Work effectively with teams from diverse backgrounds, display effective leadership behaviours and effectively communicate to a range of stakeholders. Engaged
PC2, PC2.1
4 Interpret and analyse financial information and apply relevant concepts to suggest innovative solutions. Knowledgeable
PC1.1, PC6.2

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
PC1.1 Written Communication
PC2 Collaboration
PC2.1 Teamwork
PC3 Creative and Critical Thinking
PC3.1 Problem Solving
PC6 Career-ready
PC6.2 Discipline Knowledge

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

ACC211

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Practice quiz will be made available to students in week 3.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Plan Individual 20%
800 words
Week 5 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 2 Case Study Group 30%
2,000 words
Week 10 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All 3 Written Piece Individual 50%
1,500 words
Week 13 Online Assignment Submission with plagiarism check
All - Assessment Task 1:Investment Plan
Goal:
Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the role of investments, investment market transactions, investment risk and return.
Product: Plan
Format:
This is an individual assessment, which focuses on contents covered in modules 1 to 4. For detailed information, please see the instruction sheet for Task 1 on Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Demonstrate knowledge of investment theory and types of investments.
1
2
Appropriate and accurate calculations.
2
Generic Skills:
Problem solving, Applying technologies
All - Assessment Task 2:Group report
Goal:
Collaborate in a team to solve a real-life investment problem.
Product: Case Study
Format:
This is a group assessment. Prepare a formal written report in groups of 3-4 students.

This task is being used for measuring assurance of learning towards Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation. The following Program Competency will be assessed: 

PC2.1: Demonstrate an understanding of effectively managing and working in teams in a business context

Details are provided in the assessment area in Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
PC2.1: Knowledge and application of effective group processes
3
2
Use of interpersonal skills when engaging with team member
2
3
Acknowledgement and facilitation of strengths and skills of team members
2 3
4
Individual contribution to the group task
1
5
Analysis and evaluation of the key issues
4
6
Presentation and communication style, and appropriate referencing
2
Generic Skills:
Communication, Collaboration, Problem solving
All - Assessment Task 3:Written Piece
Goal:
Demonstrate knowledge and application of the main areas of investment management.
Product: Written Piece
Format:
This is an individual assessment. Written responses to 5 compulsory questions will be required. The questions will involve a mix of calculations and discussion on content covered throughout the course. Details will be provided via Canvas.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
demonstrate knowledge and application of investment management theory.
1 4
2
Accuracy of interpretation and analysis of financial information.
4
Generic Skills:
Communication, Problem solving

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Recommended Scott B. Smart,Chad J. Zutter 2020 Fundamentals of Investing, Global Edition 14th Pearson
Recommended Lawrence J. Gitman,Michael Joehnk,Roger H. Juchau,Brett Wheldon,Sue Wright 2011 Fundamentals of Investing 3 Pearson

Specific requirements

Not applicable

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au