25410 Applied Financial Decision Making (Capstone)
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksRequisite(s): (25557 Applied Corporate Finance AND 25556 The Financial System AND 25503 Investment Analysis AND (25624 Financial Metrics for Decision Making OR 25622 Quantitative Business Analysis))
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses.
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject exposes students to the practical aspects of financial decision-making in a wide range of contexts. As the capstone subject in the Finance Major, the theory and knowledge from other subjects are integrated and put into practice, using case studies and practical examples. The subject adopts a hands-on approach, exposing students to real data and the imperfections of the real world. Students will hone their decision-making skills in personal wealth management, investment management, risk management, corporate investment, corporate financing, capital structure, executive remuneration, venture capital and ethics.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| 1. | identify the sources of risk in a financial decision |
|---|---|
| 2. | determine the cash flow implications of a financial decision |
| 3. | compare the financing alternatives for a business or project |
| 4. | discuss the roles of ethics and agency costs in financial decisions |
| 5. | assess a business proposal and recommend a course of action |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the following program learning objectives:
- Apply evidence, creativity and critical reasoning to solve business problems (1.1)
- Communicate information clearly in a form appropriate for its audience (2.1)
- Apply technical and professional skills to operate effectively in business (4.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The subject contributes to the aim of preparing students to commence a fulfilling and effective career in business, especially in finance professions. It draws on the learning outcomes from accounting, economics, finance and quantitative methods in its study of corporate financial statements and reports and their use in 'real world' financial analysis.
This subject contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes:
- Intellectual rigour and innovative problem solving
- Communication and collaboration
- Social responsibility and cultural awareness
- Professional and technical competence
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject uses a combination of learning strategies to achieve subject and program learning objectives.
Preparation for Learning in Advance of Weekly Seminar
The subject uses readings and pre-class videos tailored to each topic area each week where students are advised on pre-reading and revision in advance where the topics in the seminars are building on earlier material in the degree.
Seminars
Seminars are interactive and revise areas that have been taught in earlier parts of the degree and then are applied in new situations. Students answer questions during the class to gauge comprehension.
Active Learning During the Seminar and in Extra Optional Tutorial Discussions
Students are asked to prepare answers to numerical questions for class discussion in advance of the seminar. Extra optional tutorials provide tailored active learning about the answers and approach to answering.
Applied Situations in Assessments
Students are provided with hypothetical situations in assessments to develop professional responses to realistic situations and to develop critical thinking skills.
Online Discussions
Students are directed to use the online discussion board to lodge questions, provide suggested answers and debate solutions. This will provide the opportunity to engage in debate and develop confidence with the material.
Oral Presentations
Students prepare a video assessment to respond to a real-world question that they have to complete as a mock job interview submission. This situation simulates real-world video presentations and interview situations with feedback provided to improve communication and presentation skills in a digital environment.
Feedback
Feedback is provided for each assessment including the weekly assessments and the mock interview video assessment. Students will receive feedback from teachers and peers through the discussion board and during classes.
An aim of this subject is to help you develop academic and professional language and communication skills to succeed at university and in the workplace. During the course of this subject, you will complete a milestone assessment task that will, in addition to assessing your subject-specific learning objectives, assess your English language proficiency.
Content (topics)
- Financial information, disclosure regulation and market efficiency;
- Analysis of financial statements;
- Reliability and quality of financial information;
- Reformulation and reconstruction of financial statements;
- Financial analysis for credit and investment decisions;
- Valuation analysis for new and existing business;
- Risk analysis, debt rating and financial distress modelling.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: In-Class Assessments (Individual)*
| Objective(s): | This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 50% |
| Criteria: | *Note: Late submission of the assessment task will not be marked and awarded a mark of zero. |
Assessment task 2: Oral Presentation (Individual)*
| Objective(s): | This addresses subject learning objective(s): 5 This addresses program learning objectives(s): 2.1 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 10% |
| Criteria: | Grades will be determined through five criteria: level of preparation and research evident, quality of the content, how well the topic is addressed, oral communication skills and presentation style. *Note: Late submission of the assessment task will not be marked and awarded a mark of zero. |
Assessment task 3: Final Exam (Individual)
| Objective(s): | This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 This addresses program learning objectives(s): 1.1 and 4.1 |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 40% |
| Length: | 2 hours |
| Criteria: | Effectiveness of applying evidence, creativity and critical reasoning will be assessed in written questions. Ability to apply technical and professional skills will also be assessed in written questions. |
Minimum requirements
Students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks.
Required texts
All reading material will be provided on Canvas in pdf format or through links to UTS library via the Reading List provided on Canvas.
Other resources
Faculty of Business, Guide to Writing Assignments (available through Canvas or: www.uts.edu.au/node/50946 )