FIN 508 - Financial Management
Current Schedule
Course Description
This graduate-level course covers the fundamental concepts in finance. These concepts include the time value of money, valuation of stocks and bonds, risk and return of investments, capital budgeting, portfolio theory, the capital asset pricing model, option pricing theory, cost of capital, capital structure of a firm, dividend policy, leasing, and investment analysis. The emphasis is on problem solving and decision-making.
Course Objectives & Methodology
Course Overview
The course presents a rigorous introduction to finance. By selecting suitable topics, the course focuses on the long-term financial management of a firm. By using analysis and simple mathematics, the course develops the tools necessary to make financial decisions at a corporation.
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
- Understand the option-pricing theory and the Black-Scholes Model
- Calculate the cost of capital of a firm
- Understand the effect of debt on the cost of capital, the valuation, and the optimal capital structure of a firm
- Analyze leases and investment opportunities for a firm
Course Methodology
Each week students are required to:
- Read selected sections of the textbook.
- Participate in the discussion forum.
- Complete practice exercises and check solutions.
- Complete and submit an assignment to be graded.
Required Resources:
Title: Analytical Techniques in Financial Management Author: Riaz Hussain Year/Ed: July 2012 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 11:00pm CST. You will prepare your assignment for submission as a Word document. You can cut and paste Maple or WolframAlpha instructions, or Excel output to a Word document with your typed comments.
Examinations
The course will have two examinations: a midterm test and a final examination. The midterm test will be given on the weekend of the fourth week, and the final examination on the weekend of the eighth week. Each exam will consist of 5 problems. Each problem will be worth 20 points. 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 exams will be timed (4 hours). You are, therefore, advised to study and review your materials ahead of time. You should have a calculator available for the exams
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, 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 1000 points.
Discussion Forums, 16 questions 160 points
Individual Assignments, 8 assignments, 8 problems each 640 points
Midterm Test, 5 problems 100 points
Final Exam, 5 problems 100 points
Total 1000 points
Percentage of Total Points Grade 950 - 1000 A 900 - 949 A- 850 - 899 B+ 800 - 849 B 750 - 799 B- 700 - 749 C+ 600 - 699 C Below 600 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