EFB335 Investments
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | EFB335 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | EFB201 and EFB210 |
| Equivalent(s): | EFX335 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $2,124 |
| Pre-2021 CSP student contribution | $1,663 The pre-2021 commonwealth supported place (CSP) contribution amount only applies to students enrolled in a course prior to 2021. To learn more, visit our Understanding your fees page. |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,204 |
| International unit fee | $4,512 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | EFB335 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | EFB201 and EFB210 |
| Equivalent: | EFX335 |
| Coordinator: | Katherine Uylangco | katherine.uylangco@qut.edu.au |
Overview
In this unit, students will apply finance knowledge acquired in earlier units to develop investment decision making skills essential for their personal and professional lives. The unit advances understanding of how investment decisions are made, what securities to invest in, how they fit in a portfolio, the impact of transaction costs, the risks associated with investing and performance evaluation of the investment process. Securities and analytical tools investment managers employ when managing equity and fixed income portfolios will be critically examined and applied to real world contexts, including the use of Excel. By applying higher level knowledge and skills and considering issues from the investment manager's perspective, this unit provides insight into an industry that controls trillions of dollars of assets both domestically and internationally.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate, analyse and apply knowledge of equity and fixed income securities, and of the theories and practices related to analysis and evaluation of these securities by portfolio managers. [KS 1.1, 1.2]
- Apply technical, technological and critical analysis skills to demonstrate effective planning, problem solving and ethically informed decision making in response to the practices of investment management. [HO 2.1, 2.2]
- Demonstrate information literacy and written and oral communication skills to effectively structure, present and explain financial data, information, theories and ideas. [PC 3.1, 3.2]
- Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective performance. [TS 4.2]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: TS (4.2)
- Apply knowledge of ethical and regulatory principles and practices in analysing business issues. [5.1]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: SE (5.1)
Content
This unit has three distinct parts. The first part of the course examines equity portfolio management through modern portfolio theory, asset pricing models. The second part focuses on market efficiency and equity and fixed income valuation, analysis and management. The use of derivative securities in investment management is also examined. The third part looks at the wider aspects of portfolio management including performance evaluations, management styles and strategies, and ethics.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
1.2 Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
3.2 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Teamwork and Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Social, Ethical and Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit consists of a weekly two hour lecture and one hour tutorial with tutorials providing the opportunity to discuss and apply the materials presented in the lecture. To provide a perspective of the decisions and challenges faced by investment managers, the subject is taught using actual financial securities and data, with a focus on contemporaneous market and economic conditions. It also provides the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills to assessment items that mimic tasks typically performed by investment managers. Teamwork, written communication and oral presentation skills are also key elements of this unit.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit aims to support your achievement of the unit learning outcomes and course assurance of learning goals. The assessment has been designed in order to allow you to:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment)
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment)
Students may be required to attend campus or an assessment centre for the purposes of assessment, regardless of the attendance mode for the unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Internal Investment Briefing
This assessment simulates a workplace scenario.
Your direct manager requires urgent financial information for a client they are meeting in three hours.
You are required to:
- perform calculations relating to an investment and interpret the analysis
- present your results in a clear, concise manner to your manager. This will include the EXCEL spreadsheet used to perform your calculations and a short supporting briefing note (both to be submitted via CANVAS).
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1)
This assessment item is not eligible for assignment extensions.
Assessment: Group Project
Students of each group will develop and implement an investment strategy. They will discuss different aspects of the investment strategy and test it in an out-of-sample environment. Students will write a report and give a presentation summarising their analysis and findings.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.2), PC (3.1, 3.2), TS (4.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Final Examination
A mix of problems and short essay questions. It focuses on material from Topics 5 to 10 and may rely on information from Topics 1 to 4.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), SE (5.1)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Other
References
Reilly, F., Brown, K. and Leeds, S. (2024) Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management (12 Ed.), Cengage
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer
3: Professional and Personal Attributes
Relates to: Group Project
Relates to: Final Examination
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO2, Internal Investment Briefing, Final Examination
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, Group Project, Final Examination
KS (1.1): Discipline Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project
PC (3.2): Professional Communication (Oral)
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO5, Final Examination
TS (4.2): Teamwork Knowledge and Skills
Relates to: ULO4, Group Project
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Internal Investment Briefing, Final Examination - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Group Project, Final Examination - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Group Project - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO5, Final Examination
BS06 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Internal Investment Briefing, Final Examination - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Group Project, Final Examination - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Group Project - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO5, Final Examination
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Internal Investment Briefing, Final Examination - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Group Project, Final Examination - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Group Project - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO5, Final Examination
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Online
| Unit code: | EFB335 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | EFB201 and EFB210 |
| Equivalent: | EFX335 |
Overview
In this unit, students will apply finance knowledge acquired in earlier units to develop investment decision making skills essential for their personal and professional lives. The unit advances understanding of how investment decisions are made, what securities to invest in, how they fit in a portfolio, the impact of transaction costs, the risks associated with investing and performance evaluation of the investment process. Securities and analytical tools investment managers employ when managing equity and fixed income portfolios will be critically examined and applied to real world contexts, including the use of Excel. By applying higher level knowledge and skills and considering issues from the investment manager's perspective, this unit provides insight into an industry that controls trillions of dollars of assets both domestically and internationally.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate, analyse and apply knowledge of equity and fixed income securities, and of the theories and practices related to analysis and evaluation of these securities by portfolio managers. [KS 1.1, 1.2]
- Apply technical, technological and critical analysis skills to demonstrate effective planning, problem solving and ethically informed decision making in response to the practices of investment management. [HO 2.1, 2.2]
- Demonstrate information literacy and written and oral communication skills to effectively structure, present and explain financial data, information, theories and ideas. [PC 3.1, 3.2]
- Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective performance. [TS 4.2]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: TS (4.2)
- Apply knowledge of ethical and regulatory principles and practices in analysing business issues. [5.1]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: SE (5.1)
Content
This unit has three distinct parts. The first part of the course examines equity portfolio management through modern portfolio theory, asset pricing models. The second part focuses on market efficiency and equity and fixed income valuation, analysis and management. The use of derivative securities in investment management is also examined. The third part looks at the wider aspects of portfolio management including performance evaluations, management styles and strategies, and ethics.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
1.2 Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
3.2 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Teamwork and Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Social, Ethical and Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit consists of a weekly two hour lecture and one hour tutorial with tutorials providing the opportunity to discuss and apply the materials presented in the lecture. To provide a perspective of the decisions and challenges faced by investment managers, the subject is taught using actual financial securities and data, with a focus on contemporaneous market and economic conditions. It also provides the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills to assessment items that mimic tasks typically performed by investment managers. Teamwork, written communication and oral presentation skills are also key elements of this unit.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit aims to support your achievement of the unit learning outcomes and course assurance of learning goals. The assessment has been designed in order to allow you to:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment)
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment)
Students may be required to attend campus or an assessment centre for the purposes of assessment, regardless of the attendance mode for the unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Internal Investment Briefing
This assessment simulates a workplace scenario.
Your direct manager requires urgent financial information for a client they are meeting in three hours.
You are required to:
- perform calculations relating to an investment and interpret the analysis
- present your results in a clear, concise manner to your manager. This will include the EXCEL spreadsheet used to perform your calculations and a short supporting briefing note (both to be submitted via CANVAS).
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1)
This assessment item is not eligible for assignment extensions.
Assessment: Group Project
Students of each group will develop and implement an investment strategy. They will discuss different aspects of the investment strategy and test it in an out-of-sample environment. Students will write a report and give a presentation summarising their analysis and findings.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.2), PC (3.1, 3.2), TS (4.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Final Examination
A mix of problems and short essay questions. It focuses on material from Topics 5 to 10 and may rely on information from Topics 1 to 4.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), SE (5.1)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Other
References
Reilly, F., Brown, K. and Leeds, S. (2024) Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management (12 Ed.), Cengage
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer
3: Professional and Personal Attributes
Relates to: Group Project
Relates to: Final Examination
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO2, Internal Investment Briefing, Final Examination
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, Group Project, Final Examination
KS (1.1): Discipline Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project
PC (3.2): Professional Communication (Oral)
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO5, Final Examination
TS (4.2): Teamwork Knowledge and Skills
Relates to: ULO4, Group Project
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Internal Investment Briefing, Final Examination - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Group Project, Final Examination - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Group Project - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO5, Final Examination
BS06 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Internal Investment Briefing, Final Examination - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Group Project, Final Examination - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Group Project - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO5, Final Examination
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Internal Investment Briefing, Final Examination - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Group Project, Final Examination - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Group Project - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO5, Final Examination
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | EFB335 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | EFB201 and EFB210 |
| Equivalent: | EFX335 |
| Coordinator: | Katherine Uylangco | katherine.uylangco@qut.edu.au |
Overview
In this unit, students will apply finance knowledge acquired in earlier units to develop investment decision making skills essential for their personal and professional lives. The unit advances understanding of how investment decisions are made, what securities to invest in, how they fit in a portfolio, the impact of transaction costs, the risks associated with investing and performance evaluation of the investment process. Securities and analytical tools investment managers employ when managing equity and fixed income portfolios will be critically examined and applied to real world contexts, including the use of Excel. By applying higher level knowledge and skills and considering issues from the investment manager's perspective, this unit provides insight into an industry that controls trillions of dollars of assets both domestically and internationally.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate, analyse and apply knowledge of equity and fixed income securities, and of the theories and practices related to analysis and evaluation of these securities by portfolio managers. [KS 1.1, 1.2]
- Apply technical, technological and critical analysis skills to demonstrate effective planning, problem solving and ethically informed decision making in response to the practices of investment management. [HO 2.1, 2.2]
- Demonstrate information literacy and written and oral communication skills to effectively structure, present and explain financial data, information, theories and ideas. [PC 3.1, 3.2]
- Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective performance. [TS 4.2]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: TS (4.2)
- Apply knowledge of ethical and regulatory principles and practices in analysing business issues. [5.1]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: SE (5.1)
Content
This unit has three distinct parts. The first part of the course examines equity portfolio management through modern portfolio theory, asset pricing models. The second part focuses on market efficiency and equity and fixed income valuation, analysis and management. The use of derivative securities in investment management is also examined. The third part looks at the wider aspects of portfolio management including performance evaluations, management styles and strategies, and ethics.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
1.2 Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
3.2 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Teamwork and Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Social, Ethical and Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit consists of a weekly two hour lecture and one hour tutorial with tutorials providing the opportunity to discuss and apply the materials presented in the lecture. To provide a perspective of the decisions and challenges faced by investment managers, the subject is taught using actual financial securities and data, with a focus on contemporaneous market and economic conditions. It also provides the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills to assessment items that mimic tasks typically performed by investment managers. Teamwork, written communication and oral presentation skills are also key elements of this unit.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit aims to support your achievement of the unit learning outcomes and course assurance of learning goals. The assessment has been designed in order to allow you to:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment)
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment)
Students may be required to attend campus or an assessment centre for the purposes of assessment, regardless of the attendance mode for the unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Internal Investment Briefing
This assessment simulates a workplace scenario.
Your direct manager requires urgent financial information for a client they are meeting in three hours.
You are required to:
- perform calculations relating to an investment and interpret the analysis
- present your results in a clear, concise manner to your manager. This will include the EXCEL spreadsheet used to perform your calculations and a short supporting briefing note (both to be submitted via CANVAS).
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1)
This assessment item is not eligible for assignment extensions.
Assessment: Group Project
Students of each group will develop and implement an investment strategy. They will discuss different aspects of the investment strategy and test it in an out-of-sample environment. Students will write a report and give a presentation summarising their analysis and findings.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.2), PC (3.1, 3.2), TS (4.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Final Examination
A mix of problems and short essay questions. It focuses on material from Topics 5 to 10 and may rely on information from Topics 1 to 4.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), SE (5.1)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Other
References
Reilly, F., Brown, K. and Leeds, S. (2024) Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management (12 Ed.), Cengage
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer
3: Professional and Personal Attributes
Relates to: Group Project
Relates to: Final Examination
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO2, Internal Investment Briefing, Final Examination
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, Group Project, Final Examination
KS (1.1): Discipline Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project
PC (3.2): Professional Communication (Oral)
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO5, Final Examination
TS (4.2): Teamwork Knowledge and Skills
Relates to: ULO4, Group Project
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Internal Investment Briefing, Final Examination - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Group Project, Final Examination - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Group Project - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO5, Final Examination
BS06 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Internal Investment Briefing, Final Examination - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Group Project, Final Examination - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Group Project - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO5, Final Examination
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Internal Investment Briefing, Final Examination - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Group Project, Final Examination - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Group Project - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO5, Final Examination
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Online
| Unit code: | EFB335 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | EFB201 and EFB210 |
| Equivalent: | EFX335 |
Overview
In this unit, students will apply finance knowledge acquired in earlier units to develop investment decision making skills essential for their personal and professional lives. The unit advances understanding of how investment decisions are made, what securities to invest in, how they fit in a portfolio, the impact of transaction costs, the risks associated with investing and performance evaluation of the investment process. Securities and analytical tools investment managers employ when managing equity and fixed income portfolios will be critically examined and applied to real world contexts, including the use of Excel. By applying higher level knowledge and skills and considering issues from the investment manager's perspective, this unit provides insight into an industry that controls trillions of dollars of assets both domestically and internationally.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate, analyse and apply knowledge of equity and fixed income securities, and of the theories and practices related to analysis and evaluation of these securities by portfolio managers. [KS 1.1, 1.2]
- Apply technical, technological and critical analysis skills to demonstrate effective planning, problem solving and ethically informed decision making in response to the practices of investment management. [HO 2.1, 2.2]
- Demonstrate information literacy and written and oral communication skills to effectively structure, present and explain financial data, information, theories and ideas. [PC 3.1, 3.2]
- Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective performance. [TS 4.2]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: TS (4.2)
- Apply knowledge of ethical and regulatory principles and practices in analysing business issues. [5.1]Relates to: UG Business Capabilities: SE (5.1)
Content
This unit has three distinct parts. The first part of the course examines equity portfolio management through modern portfolio theory, asset pricing models. The second part focuses on market efficiency and equity and fixed income valuation, analysis and management. The use of derivative securities in investment management is also examined. The third part looks at the wider aspects of portfolio management including performance evaluations, management styles and strategies, and ethics.
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
1.2 Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
3.2 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Teamwork and Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection, responsibility and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Social, Ethical and Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
This unit consists of a weekly two hour lecture and one hour tutorial with tutorials providing the opportunity to discuss and apply the materials presented in the lecture. To provide a perspective of the decisions and challenges faced by investment managers, the subject is taught using actual financial securities and data, with a focus on contemporaneous market and economic conditions. It also provides the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills to assessment items that mimic tasks typically performed by investment managers. Teamwork, written communication and oral presentation skills are also key elements of this unit.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit aims to support your achievement of the unit learning outcomes and course assurance of learning goals. The assessment has been designed in order to allow you to:
- receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment)
- demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment)
Students may be required to attend campus or an assessment centre for the purposes of assessment, regardless of the attendance mode for the unit.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Internal Investment Briefing
This assessment simulates a workplace scenario.
Your direct manager requires urgent financial information for a client they are meeting in three hours.
You are required to:
- perform calculations relating to an investment and interpret the analysis
- present your results in a clear, concise manner to your manager. This will include the EXCEL spreadsheet used to perform your calculations and a short supporting briefing note (both to be submitted via CANVAS).
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1)
This assessment item is not eligible for assignment extensions.
Assessment: Group Project
Students of each group will develop and implement an investment strategy. They will discuss different aspects of the investment strategy and test it in an out-of-sample environment. Students will write a report and give a presentation summarising their analysis and findings.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.2), PC (3.1, 3.2), TS (4.2)
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Final Examination
A mix of problems and short essay questions. It focuses on material from Topics 5 to 10 and may rely on information from Topics 1 to 4.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), SE (5.1)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Other
References
Reilly, F., Brown, K. and Leeds, S. (2024) Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management (12 Ed.), Cengage
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standard for Professional Engineer
3: Professional and Personal Attributes
Relates to: Group Project
Relates to: Final Examination
QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO2, Internal Investment Briefing, Final Examination
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, Group Project, Final Examination
KS (1.1): Discipline Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination
KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project
PC (3.2): Professional Communication (Oral)
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO5, Final Examination
TS (4.2): Teamwork Knowledge and Skills
Relates to: ULO4, Group Project
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS05 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Internal Investment Briefing, Final Examination - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Group Project, Final Examination - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Group Project - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO5, Final Examination
BS06 Bachelor of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Internal Investment Briefing, Final Examination - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Group Project, Final Examination - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Group Project - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO5, Final Examination
BS08 Bachelor of Business - International
- Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO1, Internal Investment Briefing, Group Project, Final Examination - Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO2, Internal Investment Briefing, Final Examination - Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
Relates to: ULO2, Group Project, Final Examination - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO3, Group Project - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.
Relates to: ULO4, Group Project - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
Relates to: ULO5, Final Examination