EFN420 Data Analysis for Financial Managers
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: | EFN420 |
|---|---|
| Equivalent(s): | EFX420 |
| 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 | $4,416 |
| International unit fee | $4,944 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | EFN420 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | EFX420 |
| Coordinator: | Jerry Ho | jerry.ho@qut.edu.au |
Overview
The field of finance is broad and dynamic. It directly affects the lives of every person and every organisation, financial or non-financial, private or public, large or small, profit-maximising or not-for-profit. In order to make optimal financial decisions, some basic financial skills are necessary. This unit introduces students to key knowledge and skills necessary for financial managers functioning in an increasingly complex and demanding environment. Subsequent units will build on and extend the knowledge and skills gained in this unit.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply knowledge, technical, and analytical skills to assess statistical data
- Apply basic knowledge of key statistical concepts and demonstrate their application to financial decision making
- Apply knowledge of financial reports and use appropriate skills to analyse and interpret these for effective decision making
- Describe and explain key financial decision making conceptsRelates to: PG Business Capabilities: KS (1.1)
- Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaborationRelates to: PG Business Capabilities: TS (4.2)
Content
This unit covers three major areas pertaining to the study of financial management. The first results in students gaining knowledge of statistical processes that are commonly used in undertaking financial decisions. The second area relates to financial reports and involves constructing, reading, understanding, and analysing these reports. The third area involves spreadsheet skills for statistical and financial analyses.
The content of this unit includes:
- Probablity
- Probability Distributions and Descriptive Statistics
- Sampling and Estimation
- Correlation Analysis and Regression
- Hypothesis Testing
- Financial Reporting Quality and System
- Analysis of Principal Financial Statements (including Debt, Tax, Off-Balance-Sheet items, Inventories and Long-Lived Assets)
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
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 & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
Sessions will consist of a two hour lecture and a one hour of tutorial/workshop. The lecture will focus on providing the students with core theoretical and conceptual frameworks that are essential in the analysis of financial issues. The tutorial/workshop, on the other hand, will provide the students the opportunity to solve certain practical as well as theoretical questions which will test their understanding of the theories and concepts discussed during the previous week's lecture. The tutorial/workshop will also provide the students the opportunity to analyse situations that illustrate the application of finance theories to the real world.
This unit is provided in internal and external (online) modes. Internal students are expected to attend lectures and tutorials on campus each week, while external students are expected to view lecture recordings and attend online tutorials each week.
In accordance with QUT policy, all units are to be subject to Criterion Referenced Assessment (CRA). The unit coordinator will provide students with further details regarding CRA during the course of the semester during class and on the unit's Canvas site.
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 learning objectives for both Discipline Knowledge and Other Graduate Capabilities.
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); and
- 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: Mid-Semester Examination
Online multiple choice test.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1)
Assessment: Group Assignment
Group Project
The project involves applications of Excel spreadsheet and statistical skills to financial analysis of firms.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1), TS (4.2 )
Assessment: Final Examination
Written discussion and practical problem-solving questions.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1)
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
Recommended text(s)
While there is no compulsory prescribed textbook, a couple of books are highly recommended.
Highly Recommended Books
Block S., Hirt G., and Danielsen B. (2017). Foundations of Financial Management (16th edition), McGraw-Hill Education.
Selvanathan, E., Selvanathan, S., and Keller G. (2017). Business Statistics: Australia and New Zealand (7th edition), Cengage Learning.
Periodicals
Students are encouraged to read periodicals such as:
Australian Financial Review
Business Review Weekly
Money Magazine
Asiamoney and Finance
The Economist
Financial Times
Wall Street Journal
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.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO3, Mid-Semester Examination, Group Assignment, Final Examination
KS (1.1): Discipline and Professional Practice Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Mid-Semester Examination, Group Assignment, Final Examination
KS (1.2): Technical, Technological and Research Skills
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Mid-Semester Examination, Group Assignment, Final Examination
TS (4.2): Teamwork Knowledge and Skills
Relates to: ULO5, Group Assignment
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS11 Master of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4 - Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3 - Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO3 - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Relates to: ULO5
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Online
| Unit code: | EFN420 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | EFX420 |
Overview
The field of finance is broad and dynamic. It directly affects the lives of every person and every organisation, financial or non-financial, private or public, large or small, profit-maximising or not-for-profit. In order to make optimal financial decisions, some basic financial skills are necessary. This unit introduces students to key knowledge and skills necessary for financial managers functioning in an increasingly complex and demanding environment. Subsequent units will build on and extend the knowledge and skills gained in this unit.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply knowledge, technical, and analytical skills to assess statistical data
- Apply basic knowledge of key statistical concepts and demonstrate their application to financial decision making
- Apply knowledge of financial reports and use appropriate skills to analyse and interpret these for effective decision making
- Describe and explain key financial decision making conceptsRelates to: PG Business Capabilities: KS (1.1)
- Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaborationRelates to: PG Business Capabilities: TS (4.2)
Content
This unit covers three major areas pertaining to the study of financial management. The first results in students gaining knowledge of statistical processes that are commonly used in undertaking financial decisions. The second area relates to financial reports and involves constructing, reading, understanding, and analysing these reports. The third area involves spreadsheet skills for statistical and financial analyses.
The content of this unit includes:
- Probablity
- Probability Distributions and Descriptive Statistics
- Sampling and Estimation
- Correlation Analysis and Regression
- Hypothesis Testing
- Financial Reporting Quality and System
- Analysis of Principal Financial Statements (including Debt, Tax, Off-Balance-Sheet items, Inventories and Long-Lived Assets)
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
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 & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
Sessions will consist of a two hour lecture and a one hour of tutorial/workshop. The lecture will focus on providing the students with core theoretical and conceptual frameworks that are essential in the analysis of financial issues. The tutorial/workshop, on the other hand, will provide the students the opportunity to solve certain practical as well as theoretical questions which will test their understanding of the theories and concepts discussed during the previous week's lecture. The tutorial/workshop will also provide the students the opportunity to analyse situations that illustrate the application of finance theories to the real world.
This unit is provided in internal and external (online) modes. Internal students are expected to attend lectures and tutorials on campus each week, while external students are expected to view lecture recordings and attend online tutorials each week.
In accordance with QUT policy, all units are to be subject to Criterion Referenced Assessment (CRA). The unit coordinator will provide students with further details regarding CRA during the course of the semester during class and on the unit's Canvas site.
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 learning objectives for both Discipline Knowledge and Other Graduate Capabilities.
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); and
- 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: Mid-Semester Examination
Online multiple choice test.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1)
Assessment: Group Assignment
Group Project
The project involves applications of Excel spreadsheet and statistical skills to financial analysis of firms.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1), TS (4.2 )
Assessment: Final Examination
Written discussion and practical problem-solving questions.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1)
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
Recommended text(s)
While there is no compulsory prescribed textbook, a couple of books are highly recommended.
Highly Recommended Books
Block S., Hirt G., and Danielsen B. (2017). Foundations of Financial Management (16th edition), McGraw-Hill Education.
Selvanathan, E., Selvanathan, S., and Keller G. (2017). Business Statistics: Australia and New Zealand (7th edition), Cengage Learning.
Periodicals
Students are encouraged to read periodicals such as:
Australian Financial Review
Business Review Weekly
Money Magazine
Asiamoney and Finance
The Economist
Financial Times
Wall Street Journal
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.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO3, Mid-Semester Examination, Group Assignment, Final Examination
KS (1.1): Discipline and Professional Practice Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Mid-Semester Examination, Group Assignment, Final Examination
KS (1.2): Technical, Technological and Research Skills
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Mid-Semester Examination, Group Assignment, Final Examination
TS (4.2): Teamwork Knowledge and Skills
Relates to: ULO5, Group Assignment
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS11 Master of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4 - Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3 - Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO3 - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Relates to: ULO5
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | EFN420 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | EFX420 |
| Coordinator: | Jerry Ho | jerry.ho@qut.edu.au |
Overview
The field of finance is broad and dynamic. It directly affects the lives of every person and every organisation, financial or non-financial, private or public, large or small, profit-maximising or not-for-profit. In order to make optimal financial decisions, some basic financial skills are necessary. This unit introduces students to key knowledge and skills necessary for financial managers functioning in an increasingly complex and demanding environment. Subsequent units will build on and extend the knowledge and skills gained in this unit.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply knowledge, technical, and analytical skills to assess statistical data
- Apply basic knowledge of key statistical concepts and demonstrate their application to financial decision making
- Apply knowledge of financial reports and use appropriate skills to analyse and interpret these for effective decision making
- Describe and explain key financial decision making conceptsRelates to: PG Business Capabilities: KS (1.1)
- Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaborationRelates to: PG Business Capabilities: TS (4.2)
Content
This unit covers three major areas pertaining to the study of financial management. The first results in students gaining knowledge of statistical processes that are commonly used in undertaking financial decisions. The second area relates to financial reports and involves constructing, reading, understanding, and analysing these reports. The third area involves spreadsheet skills for statistical and financial analyses.
The content of this unit includes:
- Probablity
- Probability Distributions and Descriptive Statistics
- Sampling and Estimation
- Correlation Analysis and Regression
- Hypothesis Testing
- Financial Reporting Quality and System
- Analysis of Principal Financial Statements (including Debt, Tax, Off-Balance-Sheet items, Inventories and Long-Lived Assets)
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
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 & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
Sessions will consist of a two hour lecture and a one hour of tutorial/workshop. The lecture will focus on providing the students with core theoretical and conceptual frameworks that are essential in the analysis of financial issues. The tutorial/workshop, on the other hand, will provide the students the opportunity to solve certain practical as well as theoretical questions which will test their understanding of the theories and concepts discussed during the previous week's lecture. The tutorial/workshop will also provide the students the opportunity to analyse situations that illustrate the application of finance theories to the real world.
This unit is provided in internal and external (online) modes. Internal students are expected to attend lectures and tutorials on campus each week, while external students are expected to view lecture recordings and attend online tutorials each week.
In accordance with QUT policy, all units are to be subject to Criterion Referenced Assessment (CRA). The unit coordinator will provide students with further details regarding CRA during the course of the semester during class and on the unit's Canvas site.
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 learning objectives for both Discipline Knowledge and Other Graduate Capabilities.
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); and
- 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: Mid-Semester Examination
Online multiple choice test.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1)
Assessment: Group Assignment
Group Project
The project involves applications of Excel spreadsheet and statistical skills to financial analysis of firms.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1), TS (4.2 )
Assessment: Final Examination
Written discussion and practical problem-solving questions.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1)
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
Recommended text(s)
While there is no compulsory prescribed textbook, a couple of books are highly recommended.
Highly Recommended Books
Block S., Hirt G., and Danielsen B. (2017). Foundations of Financial Management (16th edition), McGraw-Hill Education.
Selvanathan, E., Selvanathan, S., and Keller G. (2017). Business Statistics: Australia and New Zealand (7th edition), Cengage Learning.
Periodicals
Students are encouraged to read periodicals such as:
Australian Financial Review
Business Review Weekly
Money Magazine
Asiamoney and Finance
The Economist
Financial Times
Wall Street Journal
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.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO3, Mid-Semester Examination, Group Assignment, Final Examination
KS (1.1): Discipline and Professional Practice Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Mid-Semester Examination, Group Assignment, Final Examination
KS (1.2): Technical, Technological and Research Skills
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Mid-Semester Examination, Group Assignment, Final Examination
TS (4.2): Teamwork Knowledge and Skills
Relates to: ULO5, Group Assignment
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS11 Master of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4 - Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3 - Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO3 - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Relates to: ULO5
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Online
| Unit code: | EFN420 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | EFX420 |
Overview
The field of finance is broad and dynamic. It directly affects the lives of every person and every organisation, financial or non-financial, private or public, large or small, profit-maximising or not-for-profit. In order to make optimal financial decisions, some basic financial skills are necessary. This unit introduces students to key knowledge and skills necessary for financial managers functioning in an increasingly complex and demanding environment. Subsequent units will build on and extend the knowledge and skills gained in this unit.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Apply knowledge, technical, and analytical skills to assess statistical data
- Apply basic knowledge of key statistical concepts and demonstrate their application to financial decision making
- Apply knowledge of financial reports and use appropriate skills to analyse and interpret these for effective decision making
- Describe and explain key financial decision making conceptsRelates to: PG Business Capabilities: KS (1.1)
- Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaborationRelates to: PG Business Capabilities: TS (4.2)
Content
This unit covers three major areas pertaining to the study of financial management. The first results in students gaining knowledge of statistical processes that are commonly used in undertaking financial decisions. The second area relates to financial reports and involves constructing, reading, understanding, and analysing these reports. The third area involves spreadsheet skills for statistical and financial analyses.
The content of this unit includes:
- Probablity
- Probability Distributions and Descriptive Statistics
- Sampling and Estimation
- Correlation Analysis and Regression
- Hypothesis Testing
- Financial Reporting Quality and System
- Analysis of Principal Financial Statements (including Debt, Tax, Off-Balance-Sheet items, Inventories and Long-Lived Assets)
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
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 & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
Sessions will consist of a two hour lecture and a one hour of tutorial/workshop. The lecture will focus on providing the students with core theoretical and conceptual frameworks that are essential in the analysis of financial issues. The tutorial/workshop, on the other hand, will provide the students the opportunity to solve certain practical as well as theoretical questions which will test their understanding of the theories and concepts discussed during the previous week's lecture. The tutorial/workshop will also provide the students the opportunity to analyse situations that illustrate the application of finance theories to the real world.
This unit is provided in internal and external (online) modes. Internal students are expected to attend lectures and tutorials on campus each week, while external students are expected to view lecture recordings and attend online tutorials each week.
In accordance with QUT policy, all units are to be subject to Criterion Referenced Assessment (CRA). The unit coordinator will provide students with further details regarding CRA during the course of the semester during class and on the unit's Canvas site.
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 learning objectives for both Discipline Knowledge and Other Graduate Capabilities.
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); and
- 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: Mid-Semester Examination
Online multiple choice test.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1)
Assessment: Group Assignment
Group Project
The project involves applications of Excel spreadsheet and statistical skills to financial analysis of firms.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1), TS (4.2 )
Assessment: Final Examination
Written discussion and practical problem-solving questions.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1)
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
Recommended text(s)
While there is no compulsory prescribed textbook, a couple of books are highly recommended.
Highly Recommended Books
Block S., Hirt G., and Danielsen B. (2017). Foundations of Financial Management (16th edition), McGraw-Hill Education.
Selvanathan, E., Selvanathan, S., and Keller G. (2017). Business Statistics: Australia and New Zealand (7th edition), Cengage Learning.
Periodicals
Students are encouraged to read periodicals such as:
Australian Financial Review
Business Review Weekly
Money Magazine
Asiamoney and Finance
The Economist
Financial Times
Wall Street Journal
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.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
HO (2.1): Critical Analysis
Relates to: ULO3, Mid-Semester Examination, Group Assignment, Final Examination
KS (1.1): Discipline and Professional Practice Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Mid-Semester Examination, Group Assignment, Final Examination
KS (1.2): Technical, Technological and Research Skills
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, Mid-Semester Examination, Group Assignment, Final Examination
TS (4.2): Teamwork Knowledge and Skills
Relates to: ULO5, Group Assignment
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS11 Master of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4 - Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3 - Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
Relates to: ULO3 - Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Relates to: ULO5