MBA 503C: Finance Module

Instructor: Riaz Hussain

 Office Phone: 570-941-7497
Home Phone: 570-347-8077

Office Hours By Appointment

 External email: Send an email 

 
Course Description

This course introduces the student to the basic concepts in finance. The fundamental concepts include the time value of money, valuation of stocks and bonds, risk and return of investments, capital budgeting, portfolio theory, and the capital asset pricing model. The emphasis is on problem solving and decision making.

Course Objectives & Methodology

Course Overview

This course is an introduction to finance. By selecting suitable topics, the course sets the groundwork for students to take a graduate course in finance. By using analysis and simple mathematics, the course develops an understanding of the basic concepts in finance. The course covers the time value of money, valuation of stock and bonds, capital budgeting, and managing risk and return in a portfolio of investments.

Course Goals

After completing this course successfully, students will be able to:

  • Evaluate the present value or the future value of single payments or annuities.
  • Calculate the value of a bond and a share of stock.
  • Make an investment decision based on capital budgeting techniques.
  • Apply the concepts of risk and return in a portfolio of investments.
  • Use capital asset pricing model to find the risk of an investment.

Course Methodology

Each week students are required to:

  • Read selected sections of the textbook.
  • View the audio clips available on Angel.
  • Read suggested articles of current interest.
  • Complete practice exercises and check solutions.
  • Complete and submit an assignment to be graded.
  • Participate in the discussion forum.

Required Resources:

Title: Introduction to Finance: A Workbook
Author: Riaz Hussain
Year/Ed:

July 2013

Availability: For any questions regarding textbook availability and pricing please contact: Debra Parry, debra.parry@scranton.edu, (570) 941-4208.

Library Resources

The online resources of the University of Scranton's Weinberg Memorial Library may be accessed via the main homepage directly at: http://www.scranton.edu/library or, via the myScranton portal at: http://my.scranton.edu (once logged in, click on "Library" tab).

Distance Services for Online MBA students are available at:
(A one-time registration is required to enable Distance Services.)

Course Requirements

Discussion Forums

This course is designed to be a collaborative learning experience using Discussion Forums. Each week a discussion question will be assigned. To receive a minimum passing grade, you must make a posting by midweek and respond to at least one additional posting by the end of the week. The postings must be made on two separate days. Discussion forums are meant to replicate face-to-face classroom discussion. Please reference the Discussion Forum Grading Rubric below for more information. NOTE: Only discussion responses posted by 11:00pm CST Sunday of the week they are due will count for grading purposes.

Individual Assignments

Each week you will be required to complete and submit an assignment that will be graded. You should show sufficient detail in your work so that the instructor can gauge your understanding of the problem. Assignments will be due on Sunday 11:00 PM CST. A final exam administered on the final weekend of the course. You will prepare your assignment for submission as a Word document. You can write WolframAlpha instructions or embed an Excel table in a Word document with your typed comments.

Exam

A comprehensive final exam will be administered on the final weekend of the course. The exam will consist of 25 multiple choice questions worth 4 points each. The emphasis will be on problem solving and decision making. Although you will be able to use resources such as your textbook, graded assignments and practice exercises, the exam will be timed (2 hours). You are therefore advised to study and review your materials ahead of time. You should have a calculator available for the exam.

Course Policies

You are expected to access this course 3 to 5 times per week. By doing so you will have enough time to read the workbook and view audio clips on Angel, actively participate in Ask the Instructor and Discussion Forums, complete your assignments and access announcements in a timely manner. Assignments are to be submitted by the due date listed on the course schedule. Late assignments will be penalized.

Grading Criteria

This course has a total of 500 points.

Discussion Forums 80 points
Individual Assignments 320 points
Final Exam 100 points
Total 500 points

 
Percentage of Total Points Grade
475 - 500 A
450 - 474 A-
425 - 449 B+
400 - 424 B
375 - 399 B-
350 - 374 C+
300 - 349 C
Below 300 F

 

Points Discussion Forum Grading Rubric

10

 For ten points, a posting will thoughtfully consider and respond to the question using sound logic. It will contain virtually no grammatical errors or typos. Ideally, it will foster further discussion on the topic, perhaps exploring new lines of argument or different perspectives.

5

 The five-point posting reflects a less-than-adequate engagement with the subject or demonstrates a lack of understanding. It does little to advance the discussion underway.

0

 No posting or late posting.

 

Grading Scale

The University uses the following grade point system to evaluate student performance:

A

4.00

 Superior/outstanding

A-

3.67

 Excellent

B+

3.33

 Very good

B

3.00

 Good

B-

2.67

 Fair

C+

2.33

 Passing grade

C

2.00

 Minimal passing grade

F

0.00

 Failure

Academic Code of Honesty

All students are expected to adhere to the Academic Code of Honesty (see: Academic Code of Honesty)

Policy on Students with Disabilities

The University of Scranton complies with all applicable laws and regulations with respect to the provision of reasonable accommodation for students with disabilities as these terms are defined in the law. The University will provide reasonable accommodations so that students can fully participate in curricular and extracurricular activities. Students who have a physical or learning disability and need assistance to achieve successfully their academic or extracurricular goals should contact the Equity and Diversity Office at (570)941-6645.

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy

The University of Scranton admits students without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation or age to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation or age in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

Otherwise qualified persons are not subject to discrimination on the basis of handicap or disability.

If you believe you have been discriminated against because of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, or handicap or disability, please contact the Director of Equity and Diversity.

Last updated: May 2012

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