EFB308 Financial Modelling and Coding


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Unit Outline: Semester 2 2025, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:EFB308
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite:EFB210
Coordinator:Adam Clements | a.clements@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

In recent years, large volumes of big complex data have become available to investors. This unit provides an opportunity for students to develop computer coding skills and an understanding of modelling techniques and tools for analysing such complex financial data. The analysis skills students develop in this unit are commonly used to inform investment and managerial decision making.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Apply foundational knowledge and skills in computer programming to understand and address real-world financial problems and contexts
  2. Use knowledge of modelling techniques and computer programming principles to develop strategies for analysing financial problems.
  3. Implement a range of modelling techniequs to analyse complex financial data and inform investment decision making.
  4. Professionally communiate findings and recommendations arising from analysis of financial data to diverse audiences.

Content

Principles of computer programming
Optimisation
Regression
Portfolio construction
Simulation techniques
Option Pricing

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

The first part of the semester will be solely computer based to build up programming skills. After that period, weekly lectures will cover the different financial modelling techniques and applications to real financial data. It is expected that students will practice programming outside of class time.

COVID-19 restrictions may require changes to the planned Learning Approaches described here.  Students should refer to the unit Canvas site for the latest information.

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

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Programming Project 1

Name: Risk Management and Portfolio Construction

Description: Students will be required to develop computer code to estimate and predict ris and construction optional porftolio and hedging positions. Conclusions will be drawn from the output to address the specified financial problems. 

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative

Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), PC (3.1)

Weight: 30
Length: 20 pages
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 7
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

Assessment: Programming Project 2

Name: Simulation Techniques and Option Pricing

Description: Students will be required to develop computer code to simulate stock prices for pricing options.

This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.

Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative

Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2), PC (3.1)

Weight: 30
Length: 20 pages
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 12
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

Assessment: Final Examination

Students will be required to address a range of theoretical questions regarding the modelling techniques covered in the unit along with questions relating to basic programming principles.

Formative or Summative: Summative

Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2)

Weight: 40
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): During central examination period
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3

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

Required References: Weekly reading materials available on Canvas.

Matlab (freely available from QUT)

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.