Bachelor of Commerce Guide | 2016 Edition.pdf

University of Queensland

Bachelor of Commerce Guide

FMAA (UQ) – Bachelor of Commerce Guide | 2016 Edition 1


Table of Contents About the FMAA .................................................................................................................................... 4

2016 Executive ...................................................................................................................................... 5

2016 Sponsors ....................................................................................................................................... 7

Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................. 8

Welcome to the Bachelor of Commerce ........................................................................................ 9

2016 Program Restructure ............................................................................................................. 12

Compulsory Courses ......................................................................................................................... 13 ACCT1101: Accounting for Decision Making ....................................................................................... 14 ACCT2101: Financial Reporting ............................................................................................................... 15 ACCT2102: Principles of Management Accounting ........................................................................... 16 ECON1010: Introductory Microeconomics ........................................................................................... 17 ECON1020: Introductory Macroeconomics .......................................................................................... 18 ECON1310: Quantitative Economic & Business Analysis A ............................................................. 19 FINM2401: Financial Management ......................................................................................................... 20 LAWS1100: Business Law .......................................................................................................................... 21 MGTS1201: Transforming Business with Information .................................................................... 22 MGTS1301: Introduction to Management ............................................................................................ 23 MKTG1501: Foundations of Marketing ................................................................................................. 24 RBUS3904: Integrated Commerce in Practice ..................................................................................... 25

Accounting Major ............................................................................................................................... 26 ACCT3101: Auditing & Public Practice .................................................................................................. 27 ACCT3102: External Reporting Issues ................................................................................................... 28 ACCT3103: Accounting for Corporate Structures .............................................................................. 29 ACCT3104: Management Accounting ..................................................................................................... 30 ACCT3105: Advanced Management Accounting ................................................................................. 31 LAWS3100: Corporate Law ........................................................................................................................ 32 LAWS3101: Income Tax Law ..................................................................................................................... 33

BIS Major ............................................................................................................................................... 34 INFS3222: Information Analysis & System Design ............................................................................ 35 MGTS2202: Data Analytics & Information Management ................................................................. 36 MGTS3203: Managing Business Data ..................................................................................................... 37 MGTS3208: Information Systems Strategy ........................................................................................... 38 ACCT3201: Accounting Information Systems ...................................................................................... 39 INFS2233: eBusiness Systems & Strategy ............................................................................................. 40 MGTS2203: Business Process Management ......................................................................................... 41 MGTS3205: Business Information Security ......................................................................................... 42 MGTS3206: Advanced Data Analytics .................................................................................................... 43 MGTS3207: Managing Work in Virtual Environments ..................................................................... 44


Finance Major ...................................................................................................................................... 45 ECON2300: Introductory Econometrics ................................................................................................ 46 ECON3210: Financial Markets & Institutions ...................................................................................... 47 FINM3401: Corporate Finance .................................................................................................................. 48 FINM3402: Investments & Portfolio Management ............................................................................ 49 FINM3403: International Financial Management .............................................................................. 50 FINM3404: Banking & Lending Decisions ............................................................................................. 51 FINM3405: Derivatives & Risk Management ....................................................................................... 52

Elective Courses .................................................................................................................................. 53 ECON1320: Quantitative Economic & Business Analysis B ............................................................. 54 ECON3350: Applied Econometrics for Macroeconomics & Finance ............................................ 55 ECON3360: Applied Econometrics for Microeconomics .................................................................. 56


About the FMAA The Financial Management Association of Australia (FMAA) was founded in 1990 with its first branch at the University of Melbourne. Four years later, in 1994, a second branch at the University of Sydney was established. The dynamic student body continued to enjoy strong support from its members for its highly professional reputation and in 1995, a third branch was established at the University of Queensland, followed by branches at the University of New South Wales (2009) and Monash University (2012).

Today, with the continuing support of Gold and Founding Sponsor, the Macquarie Group, FMAA members continue to enjoy the genuine value that the society has strived to offer and maintain. The continued growth of FMAA has allowed it to hold the position as Australia’s largest professionally focused student organisation.

At the University of Queensland (UQ), the FMAA is a student society that is affiliated with the UQ Union and hosts a number of events, with the support from a vast number of sponsors, including:

• Down-‐to-‐Business Luncheon • Corporate Cocktails • Careers in Accounting Evening

• Professional Services Evening • Women in Leadership Forum • Firm Specific On Campus Events

These events are held throughout the year to benefit students of all levels of their tertiary education studying Commerce, Economics, Law, Information Technology, Science, Business Management and Engineering.

The FMAA also facilitates competitions such as:

• The UBS investment Banking Challenge • FMAA Management Consulting Case Competition • DCM Blue Lake Share Trading

These serve as a valuable opportunity for students to present to industry professionals and to work in teams with likeminded students. These competitions also provide constructive feedback and exposure for students to prepare them for life after graduation.

For more information about the FMAA and our events and competitions, please refer to our website or Facebook page.

www.facebook.com/fmaabrisbane


2016 Executive

President Dominic Leahy [email protected]

Vice-‐President (Sponsorship) Ben Walk [email protected]

Vice-‐President (Operations) Alexandra Hirst [email protected]

Treasurer Douglas Brown [email protected]

Secretary Rebecca Clouston [email protected]

Events Director Genevieve Norman [email protected]

Marketing Director Rita Dalton [email protected]

Publications/IT Director Caitlin Chan [email protected]

Diversity Director Zeenat Omar [email protected]

Sponsorship Directors Joseph Clay [email protected]

Liam Duggan [email protected]

Brandon Mein [email protected]

Daniel Murray [email protected]

Sub-‐Executive Committee Amanda Ayoub [email protected]

Jack Hardy [email protected]

Angus Kizil [email protected]

Ravi Lakhani [email protected]

Jennifer Lo [email protected]

Pranav Nagarkar [email protected]

Samuel Reiser [email protected]

Mandy Wang [email protected]

Anthony Whyte [email protected]



2016 Sponsors

Financial Services

Professional Services

Management Consulting Other Professional Services & Organisations


Acknowledgements The FMAA (UQ) would like to thank all those who have contributed to the guide with special mention to the following:

Amanda Ayoub

Douglas Brown

Rita Dalton

Callum Dunstan

Jashwini

Elliott Johnson

Angus Kizil

Connor Levien

Laura McKennariey

Isaac Naumann

Shivani Singh

Anthony Whyte

Publications Team:

Caitlin Chan

Jack Hardy

Jennifer Lo

Jared Walker

The FMAA (UQ) would also like to thank Dr Karen Benson for taking the time to add her invaluable

input to the 2016 Edition of the Bachelor of Commerce Guide.


Welcome to the Bachelor of Commerce Welcome to the Bachelor of Commerce. The UQ Business School (UQBS) is committed to graduating high quality professionals. Our degree programs are designed to provide not only knowledge content but to help students develop communication skills, analytical thinking, creativity in problem solving, team skills and, knowledge and respect of ethical standards. For this reason your subjects and assessment tasks will not only focus on your knowledge of the field but your ability to demonstrate capabilities in a broader range of skills. We encourage you to enjoy the journey throughout your degree and embrace the learning activities available to you. How can we at UQ Business School help you succeed? The School has a number of access points for you to seek help. Through the Business, Economics and Law faculty you will have access to a student advisor. You will also become to know your lecturers and tutors who all have consultation times outside of class time and students are encouraged to seek help early with any subject material. This year the School has appointed a First Year Co-‐ordinator – Dr Karen Alpert (see contact details below). Please see Karen if you have any general issues with respect to your degree. Karen has many years experience at UQ and teaching our undergraduates so is a great source of information. Each discipline (we call them clusters) has a cluster leader who is always happy to meet with students. Again contact details are below. How to have input into the teaching program? This year we will be developing some student focus groups where students can provide feedback and have input into the program. Our Director of Education, Professor Polly Parker is leading this initiative. Please look out for a call for expression of interests to be part of these focus groups. You will also have the opportunity to provide feedback on individual subjects via online surveys. We encourage everyone to complete the survey and look forward to your considered opinions. What student strategies are most likely to lead to success?

1. Go to all your classes. It is easy to skip a class but much harder to catch up. Most lectures are recorded but we encourage you to use these as a review technique, i.e. to help you understand something you may have missed in the lecture. The recordings are of course available if you are sick on the lecture day.

2. Read and review the lecture material within a day of the lecture. It will be a lot easier to remember these concepts when you start your revision.

3. Prepare for your tutorials – makes for a much more interesting class and again you will

learn a lot more.

4. Be organised, map out your contact hours, assessment dates and start assignments and exam revision early. Treat your degree as a full time job and spend around 36 – 40 hours per week on your studies. This is 9-‐10 hours per week per subject, including class time.


5. See your lecturer or tutor if you don’t understand the material. Remember we don’t expect you to understand everything immediately. It can take extra reading and plenty of practice of practical examples to grasp the material.

6. Check Blackboard and your UQ email on a regular basis, i.e. daily. All official notices are

communicated in this way and in class.

7. Engage with your fellow students, form study groups, have coffee and socialise. It helps to talk things over.

8. Read the business section in the newspaper – just a quick browse will help keep you

informed.

What will I do when I graduate? You have a very high chance of getting a job. Use your first year of your degree to find your passion then firm up your major/s in accounting, finance or business information systems. If you are not sure of your career choices talk to staff and students. How do I select a major? Your first year is very general so you have some time. First year subjects include an introduction to accounting and information systems. You will notice that the introductory finance subject, FINM2401, is a second year subject. However, if you do ACCT1101 in first semester of your first year you can do FINM2401 in your second semester of your first year. If you have some interest in a finance career then you may chose this option to help you decide. A major comprises 6 subjects and the details of these choices can be found by selecting the relevant link at: https://www.uq.edu.au/study/program.html?acad_prog=2024. If your student advisor cannot answer your questions about your major please see the relevant cluster leader. I hope you all enjoy the challenges ahead and look forward to seeing you around campus. Feel free to email me with any queries. Karen Benson Professor of Finance Director of Accreditation Email: [email protected]


Key Contacts: 1st year co-‐ordinator: Dr Karen Alpert Room 39-‐348 Email: [email protected] Accounting Cluster Leader: Professor Don Anderson Room: 39-‐415 Email: [email protected] Finance Cluster Leader: Associate Professor Barry Oliver Room: 39-‐349 Email: [email protected] Business Information Systems Cluster Leader: Associate Professor Marta Indulska Room 37-‐514 Email: [email protected] Director of Education: Professor Polly Parker Room 39-‐326 Email: [email protected]


2016 Program Restructure Since 2015, some courses have undergone a restructuring process. In particular, the BIS major has been undergoing a curriculum redevelopment. As a result, several courses are no longer offered and other, new courses have been added to the major. Students are urged to check their program requirements in regards to core subjects and prerequisites for continuing in their Commerce studies. In the interest of providing the Bachelor of Commerce Guide in time for subject sign-‐ons, FMAA strongly advises students to check the relevant course profiles and carefully read the requirements for the subjects they are undertaking. Please note some subject information is based on 2015 profiles and reviews. These subjects are indicated with a notice on the bottom of the left panel titled “Course Details”.


Compulsory Courses


ACCT1101: Accounting for Decision Making

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 1 & 2

Prerequisites: None.

Incompatible: • ACCT7020 or 7101 or

7700 or 7804 • MEBS7101

Assessment: • Online quizzes • Project • Final Exam

Contact Hours: • Lecture (2hrs) • Tutorial (2hrs)

Course Co-‐Ordinator: • A/ Prof J. Walker

Based on the 2015 Course Profile

Overview ACCT1101 takes an accounting user perspective rather than an accounting preparer perspective and focuses on the use of accounting information to support a wide range of business decisions. For those with no prior accounting experience, the course will introduce accounting concepts at a very manageable pace. Those with previous accounting knowledge may find content repetitive and slow. Advantages As an introductory course it can be easily learnt with consistent practice. Additionally, being confident with the material in this course will create a strong foundation for ACCT2101. In particular being well acquainted with the different types of financial statements. This subject is a formal prerequisite for ACCT2101.

Disadvantages A large bulk of the course is methodical so it can be repetitive at times. Topics are glossed over and there is only basic material covered.

Tips and Tricks A combination of tutorials and self-‐guided practice is the best approach to nailing concepts efficiently. In previous years all required information has been included in lectures and tutorials (NOTE: textbook has been updated since previous years). Ensure that you take this course seriously as a substantial amount of theory in future courses are built around some of the basic content taught. Being a first year subject, ensure you get good team members for the group assignment. Past exam papers are useful for the final exam with content consistently similar to that of previous years.


ACCT2101: Financial Reporting

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 1 & 2 Prerequisites: ACCT1101 Incompatible:

• ACCT2111, 7020, 7101, 7700, 7804

• MEBS7101 Assessment:

• Online Quiz • Mid Semester Exam • Final exam

Contact Hours:

• Lecture (2hrs) • Tutorial (2hrs)

Course Co-‐Ordinator

• Dr M. Russell

(Based on 2015 Profiles)

Overview This course aims to familiarise students with the accounting treatment for a range of common business transactions. It also teaches students how to prepare financial statements for companies in accordance with the Australian Accounting Standards. The course begins with the fundamental introduction of the double entry accounting system which is utilized throughout the course. It then covers topics such as the income statement, current assets, noncurrent assets, liabilities, equity and the cash flow statement. An understanding of the accounting equation is vital for this course.

Advantages A large bulk of the course is quite methodical and easy to master with practise.

Disadvantages Content is cumulative so if you do not understand one part it can be difficult to move through the course.

Tips and Tricks Practice is key. Make sure you complete all of the lecture activities, preparation questions, and then go to the tutorial each week, to ensure you get to complete as many questions of each type as you can. This will be beneficial for both the mid semester and final exams. Exam questions are almost identical to the questions covered in tutorials and the practise questions supplied in the final lectures. Reading the textbook complements the lecture and tutorials but isn’t needed as a main source of information. Do the majority of study in the first 3 weeks-‐ If you have a good understanding of Debits and Credits (which are taught in the first 3 weeks) then the rest of the course is simple to pick up.


ACCT2102: Principles of Management Accounting

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 1 & 2 Prerequisites: ACCT2101 or 2111 Incompatible: ACCT7107 Assessment:

• Assignment • Mid Semester Exam • Final Exam

Contact Hours:



• Dr M. Turner (Sem 1) • Dr R. King (Sem 2)


Overview

This course gives an introduction to cost accounting concepts and the systems and techniques used to provide decision-‐making information to managers. It is divided into three parts beginning with an introduction to cost accounting. This section teaches the vocabulary used and why managerial accounting is used in today’s workplaces. The Cost Volume Profit model is also introduced. The second section teaches the various types of costing systems such as job, process, joint and activity based costing. Finally the course goes into the planning and control systems that are used by organisations. Here students learn how to prepare and interpret budgets.

Advantages The skills developed in this course are very useful and applicable in workplaces and real life. The course is very enjoyable especially if you have prior experience working in a small business. Robin King is noted as an engaging lecturer who uses examples in class that students can relate to.

This course is a prerequisite for ACCT3401.

Tips and Tricks The content in this course builds on itself so it is important not to fall behind. Buying the textbook for this course is important, particularly for those wishing to undertake an accounting major as it also used for ACCT3104. All of the tutorial questions are sourced from the textbook which makes it a useful point of reference for exam preparation.


ECON1010: Introductory Microeconomics

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 1 & 2 Prerequisites: None. Incompatible:

• EC101 or 1101 or 121 Assessment:

• Videogame • Tutorial exercises • In Class Test 1 • In Class Test 2 • Final Exam

Contact Hours:

• Lecture (2hrs) • Tutorial (1hr)

Course Co-‐Ordinator:

• Dr M. Faravelli (Sem 1 and Summer)

• Mr C. Sherwood (Sem 2)


Overview This course provides students with a practical understanding of the core economic principles that explain why individuals, companies and governments make the decisions they do, and how their decision-‐making might be improved to make best use of available resources.

Advantages Being a compulsory, first-‐year level subject for many degrees, the course lays the basics for a wide range of concepts necessary for advancement in the area of economics. This subject is recommended for the first year of study as it provides a gentle introduction requiring only “basic arithmetic and an ability to learn, to understand, and manipulate simple graphs.”

Disadvantages Students with a basic understanding of economics may find the pace of the subject quite slow. While assessment does follow closely to past exams and tutorial work many students underestimate the final exam.

Tips and Tricks Use past exams and tutorial work to study. PASS makes it easy to understand all concepts without having to seek further help from the tutor or lecturer.

(This subject was available in summer semester in 2015).


ECON1020: Introductory Macroeconomics

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 1 & 2 Prerequisites: None. Incompatible: EC100, 110 or 122 Assessment:

• Mid Semester Exam

• Final Exam Contact Hours:



• Prof. I King (Sem 1) • Dr B. Littleboy (Sem 2)


Overview This course gives students a fundamental introduction to macroeconomics, the behaviour of the economy as whole. It begins with the basic study of GDP, which forms the basis of subsequent topics. These topics can be grouped into long-‐run economic growth, short-‐term cycles in economic growth, the role of central banks and the government in the economy, and the models they use for decision-‐making. Notable topics include unemployment, inflation, the aggregate supply and demand model, monetary policy, fiscal policy and the international financial system. Within these topics many concepts are explored such as total output and income, interest rates, investment, consumption, government expenditure and the balance of payments. Previous students have found inflation and aggregate supply and demand topics most interesting. They also found the long and short-‐term differences strange at a glance, but made more sense after the content was taught. Advantages Students found the concepts in ECON1020 easy to grasp and generally more interesting than ECON1010 because it incorporates real world applications of the theory. This subject is a prerequisite for BCom, BBMan, BEcon Disadvantages The final exam has a heavy weighting and can be challenging. The tutorials and PASS classes are easy but can be misleading in terms of difficulty towards the final exam.

Tips and Tricks Lectures for this subject are important however weekly textbook readings and tutorials are highly recommended in order to gain a full understanding of each topic. The textbook contains examinable information not given on the lecture slides and tutorials are a good place to pick up handy pointers for the exams. PASS classes are also beneficial because they allow students to discuss the content with fellow peers in a relaxed environment. The mid semester exam is straightforward but make sure you read questions twice to make sure there are no hidden tricks. The final exam is difficult but fair. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of all the topics and are able to analyse and explain each model well, not simply reproduce it on the page.


ECON1310: Quantitative Economic & Business Analysis A

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 1 & 2 Prerequisites:

• Maths B or • Maths C or • MATH1040

Incompatible:

• EC134, 135 • CHEE3010 • MINE3214 • STAT1201, 2201 • MS101 + (MS102 OR

112) or 103, 113, 204 Assessment:

• Mid Semester Exam • CML Quiz • Final Exam

Contact Hours:

• Lecture (2hrs) • Tutorial (1.5hrs)


• Mr C. Sherwood


Overview This introductory level course covers a range of techniques that can be applied to the presentation, interpretation and use of data. This course has a primary emphasis on inferential statistics with estimation and hypothesis testing techniques as crucial elements of the course.

Advantages The content is interesting and clearly explained in lectures – the slides contain all the information needed.

Questions posed can be methodical, making it easy to practice. Tutorial questions tended to be similar to exam questions and are structured in a logical order.

This subject is a prerequisite for ECON2300 – an elective or option in the Finance Major.

Tips and Tricks Revision of probability from High School Math B can make the early weeks of the course very easy.

Practice a range of questions to prepare for exams, including the CML questions – these are good practice for the final exam. Students could also use the text book but it may not be needed.


FINM2401: Financial Management

Course Details


Prerequisites: • ACCT1101

Incompatible: • FINM7065 or 7401 or

7805 • MEBS7106

Assessment: • Assignment • Mid Semester Exam • Final Exam

Contact Hours: • Lecture (2hrs) • Tutorial (2hrs)

Course Co-‐Ordinator • Mr K. Hoang • Dr A. Chun

Overview FINM2401 provides an introduction to corporate financial decision-‐making and adding value to the firm. The subject gives a good insight for what finance students should expect throughout the rest of their major. The course teaches a lot of useful skills regarding the future and present values of cash flows and annuities as well as looking at portfolio construction strategies. The later end of the course is challenging but very interesting for those who enjoy finance. Overall FINM2401 is perhaps the most difficult compulsory course. Advantages Lectures provide a good skeleton of the topics. Furthermore, exam style questions are provided in each lecture. Note, however, that the tutorial questions are a much better indicator of what to expect on examinations. It is recommended that FINM2401 be taken directly before FINM3401 as it provides an excellent knowledge base. This subject is a prerequisite for all FINM courses. Disadvantages Examinations are challenging, but manageable if thorough preparation is taken. Tips and Tricks The textbook is essential later in the course as the exam has essay type questions that require a thorough understanding beyond lecture slides. Find the right tutor and watch out for the mid semester exam as it is quite difficult for a multiple-‐choice exam. Ensure you complete all of the quizzes, as they are good indicators of multiple-‐choice questions on both the mid-‐semester and final exams.


LAWS1100: Business Law

Course Details


Prerequisites: None.

Incompatible: • CO121 or 122 or 812 • COMM1201 or 7201 • QB119 • LAWS7010

Assessment: • Tutorial Participation • Mid Semester Exam • Final Semester

Contact Hours: • Lecture (2hrs) • Tutorial (1hr)

Course Co-‐Ordinator • Mrs K. Curnow

Based on the 2015 Course Profile

Overview The course gives an overview of the law as it applies to business, covering areas like the legal system, torts, contracts and the laws associated with running, opening and closing a business. In addition to these law concepts LAWS1100 also covers how a business can protect itself if the need arises. The course is made up of quite interesting and straightforward content with well-‐organized lectures.

Advantages The course content is typically distributed and covered quite well. Being a first year course, the content covered is lengthy but easy.

Mr Hinchy is known to be an engaging lecturer.

This subject is a prerequisite for LAWS3100 and LAWS3101.

Disadvantages Many topics are covered but may not be assessed. This goes for weekly readings as well.

Tutorials were engaging and most useful for the course. Lectures contained most of the required content however can be dry at times given the amount of content covered.

Tips and Tricks Look at past exam solutions and tutorial questions to ensure you have examples of which Laws to use for each type of question.

Exams are open book, which can lead to a false sense of security. Understanding content is still essential to save time and get through all the questions.


MGTS1201: Transforming Business with Information

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 1 & 2 Prerequisites: None. Incompatible:

• INFS1200 • MGTS7202

Contact Hours:



• Dr P Clutterbuck


This course is under redevelopment for 2016.

Overview This course introduces students to the fundamental theories, practice and strategies of information systems. Students will learn how these concepts are incorporated to form complete business information systems that can be used to identify a business’s strengths and weaknesses, therefore delivering a continued increase in business efficiency. Students will use a logical problem solving approach to complete analysis tasks which include end-‐user programming tasks in Microsoft Excel and business process analysis design in Microsoft Visio.

Advantages This subject is handy as it employs a practical approach to learning about the use of IT systems in Business and Management. The course coordinator has responded to feedback and increased the number of diagrams and hands-‐on experiences with excel.

Disadvantages Some content may not be studied in depth but could still be assessed on the final.

Tips and Tricks Keep up to date during the semester so you’re not trying to catch up on reading during SWOTVAC.


MGTS1301: Introduction to Management

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 1 & 2. Prerequisites: None. Incompatible: None. Assessment:

• Simulation • Tutorial Exercise • Written Analysis • Final Exam

Contact Hours:

• Contact (3hrs) Course Co-‐Ordinator

• Mr G. Greenfield (Sem 1) • Ms A. Kizeminska (Sem

2)

(Based on 2015 Course Profiles)

Overview This course provides students with the principals of managing a business organisation. It covers a broad range of topics that include planning, leading, organising and controlling (PLOC) within an organisation. More specifically topics and themes include: ethics, rationality, strategic frameworks, international business, HRM, and organisational change and innovation. The course also explores modern and classical approaches to management over time.

Advantages The concepts and theories taught in the course are applied to real world examples helping students better understand the material. There is a strong focus on group work in the course. Students find that reading the textbook is an incredibly useful resource to complement the content of lectures. This subject is a prerequisite for RBUS2900

Tips and Tricks Attending tutorials is an excellent way to prepare for the final exam. The final lecture of the course includes useful information about the final exams and summarises what is examined.


MKTG1501: Foundations of Marketing

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 1 & 2. Prerequisites: None. Incompatible:

• MEBS7107 • MGTS7806 • MKTG7040 or 7501 7708

Assessment:

• Team Based Project Report

• Case Study Project Report

• Final Exam Contact Hours:



• Mr O. Seamons


Overview This course provides students with a basic introduction to the field of marketing exploring standard marketing theory and principles. It focuses on the role of marketing and its importance in contemporary organisations in society. Students will explore marketing principals, concepts and models and apply them to real life examples. Notable topics covered include strategic planning, consumer behaviour, pricing strategies, and marketing research. During the course students create their own marketing plans in small teams.

Advantages Students are given the opportunity to apply the theory through the analysis of real-‐world examples, which effectively reinforces their understanding.

Disadvantages The nature of the course is highly theoretical which some students struggle with, however students are able to apply this knowledge across the semester as they create a marketing plan in small teams.

Tips and Tricks Most of the course requires rote learning so reading the lecture slides and textbook should suffice. Many key words have different definitions to their literal meaning so it’s important to read through and understand them.


RBUS3904: Integrated Commerce in Practice

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 1 & 2 Prerequisites: Final Year BCom Students Incompatible: None. Contact Hours:

• Seminar (3hrs) Course Co-‐Ordinator

• Prof D. Anderson

Overview This course is a capstone course that incorporates knowledge learned from a range of courses in the commerce program. Its aim is to facilitate the integration of the content of many courses within the degree that appear seemingly unrelated. The course provides an explanation of how the firm fits into the economic system and creates value with the use of real world case studies. Content in the course includes governance and ethics, the structure of financial information, using financial information to analyse value creation, accounting quality implications for valuations, valuation in actions, IT systems and IT governance, the balanced scorecard and property rights. It draws from material covered in the accounting, management, information systems and finance courses.

Advantages This course gives students the opportunity to integrate the knowledge they have learned from a range of courses in their commerce degree. They are able to gain an insightful understanding of this theory by applying it to real world case studies.

Disadvantages Due to this course being a capstone course, students may find they need to refresh themselves on content they covered earlier on in their degree.

Tips and Tricks Students are only able to take this course in their final year – students should plan their studies accordingly to ensure they are able to take this course.


Accounting Major


ACCT3101: Auditing & Public Practice

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 1 & 2 Prerequisites: ACCT3102 Incompatible: ACCT7103 Assessment:

• Mid semester exam • Computer-‐based

Assessment • Final Exam

Recommended: LAWS3100 Contact Hours:



• Dr G. Hsu (Sem 1) • Mr P. Woollard (Sem 2)

(Based on 2015 profiles)

Overview This course aims to provide a comprehensive introduction into the auditing environment and methodology. The intention is to provide the theoretical framework of auditing knowledge and skills which can be developed with industry experience.

Advantages This course provides a strong knowledge base which can potentially be applied to other subsequent studies.

The assessment tended to reflect the course content

Tips and Tricks Prepare to be assessed on all topics and practice a range of questions.


ACCT3102: External Reporting Issues

Course Details


• Mid Semester Exam • Final Exam • Case Study

Contact Hours:

• Lecture (2 hrs) • Tutorial (2 hrs)


• Dr T Artiach

(Based on 2015 Course Profiles)

Overview The primary focus of this course is the effect of accounting standards and regulations on disclosure in published financial reports of Australian companies. This course places an emphasis on the relationship between accounting standards issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board and the standards that are set by the International Accounting Standards Board.

Advantages The content in this course can potentially be straightforward depending on the teaching staff – in the past there were multiple lectures.

Disadvantages While the research assignment is weighted less heavily than the exam, some students find it far more time intensive and difficult than the accounting concepts and calculations examined.

Tips and Tricks The tutorials are extremely useful in understanding the concepts so it is recommended that students do the work prior to attending each week. The assignment deadline falls during the mid-‐semester break so allocate time to it in order to enjoy the week off.


ACCT3103: Accounting for Corporate Structures

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 1 & 2 Prerequisites: ACCT3102 Incompatible: ACCT7104 Recommended: LAWS3100 Assessment:

• Online Quiz • Group Presentation • Final Exam

Contact Hours:



• Mr S. Crawford

(Based on 2015 Profile)

Overview ACCT3103 is concerned with advanced accounting issues in financial reporting by public companies. The focus of the course is on accounting for corporate structures, namely business combinations such as groups, joint arrangements and associates.

This course content is very different from other accounting subjects and probably has the most counterintuitive course content to understand. It is widely regarded as being the most difficult of the accounting courses. The content is, in basic terms, a reverse of what you learn in ACCT2101 and ACCT3102.

Advantages The content is segregated and mostly independent week to week. If you are struggling in one topic, it will have minimal effect on other topics.

Disadvantages ACCT3103 has the reputation of being the most difficult of all the accounting courses.

Tips and Tricks Tutorials are very helpful. If ever there was a course that you need to complete the tutorial questions for every week before you go to them, this is it.

Study throughout the semester and make sure you understand consolidations and equity as there is usually two large questions on the final exam revolving around these.


ACCT3104: Management Accounting

Course Details


• Mid Semester Exam • Online Quizzes • Final Exam

Contact Hours:



• Dr H. Frick


Overview This course is the next step up after ACCT2102. It puts students in the manager’s shoes and develops the skills needed to make decisions for the organisation which are based off the accounting information and records available. This course moves away from the basics and into more difficult aspects of management accounting such as throughput costing and variance analysis. Inventory management, pricing decisions, decentralised pricing and transfer pricing, management control systems and the balanced scorecard are notable topics covered in the course. Students are taught to identify what is relevant information for decision-‐making and how to make decisions using this information.

Advantages Herman Frick is regarded as a good lecturer with practical experience. He is very approachable and has an open door policy.

Tips and Tricks This course teaches new material up until the final week of classes. It is important to keep up with the content and ensure you understand the new material each week to avoid falling behind. To ensure a good result, smash the quizzes throughout the semester. They may only be worth 15% but they cover the same material that will be on the final exam. The quizzes act as a good barometer for your progress and build up to the final exam.


ACCT3105: Advanced Management Accounting

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 1 Prerequisites: ACCT3104 Incompatible: ACCT7108 Assessment:

• Case studies • Project • Case Study Summaries • Final Exam

Contact Hours:



• Prof D. Smith


Overview This course aims to extend upon the knowledge acquired through the study of previous management accounting courses. The material learned in this course is applied to real world cases to reinforce student’s understanding. As organisations face issues such as increasing market share, implementing efficiencies, improving quality and enhancing profitability, the focus of this course is on the various costing and control issues organisations face and how to overcome them. Topics covered in this course include activity-‐based management, cost management systems and strategic firm issues.

Advantages This course builds on previous accounting subjects and focuses especially on the area of management accounting. Real world case studies are used in the course giving students a practical approach to learning.

Tips and Tricks Make sure you are comfortable with the content covered in ACCT2102 and ACCT3104 before taking this course.


LAWS3100: Corporate Law

Course Details


• COMM1201 or 1202 or • LAWS1001 or 1100 or

1101 Incompatible:

• COMM3205 or 7202 or • LAWS7011 or 5017 or

7117 or 7317 Assessment:

• Tutorial participation • Mid Semester Exam • Final Exam

Contact Hours:



• Dr R. Ivory (Sem 1) • Dr P. Harpur (Sem 2)


Overview This course offers students a critical analysis of companies and partnerships that operate under Australian law. This course focuses on the aspects of law related to companies including the nature of corporate bodies, corporate personality and liability.

Advantages Content is engaging and the tutorials are a useful resource.

Disadvantages Exams can be difficult to finish in the allocated time.

Tips and Tricks Good time management in the exam can help with finishing the exam in time. Self-‐learning for some topics may be required if you feel you haven’t fully grasped it from attending the lectures.


LAWS3101: Income Tax Law

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 1 & 2. Prerequisites:

• COMMS1202 or LAWS1000 or LAWS1100

Incompatible:

• LAWS5144 • LAWS7012 • LAWS7144 • LAWS7344 • Not for LLB students

Assessment:

• Mid Semester Exam (30%)

• Tutorial Exercise (10%) • Final Exam (60%)

Contact Hours:



• Dr T. Voogt

Overview This course is an introductory level examination of the basic principles of taxation law in Australia, with particular emphasis on the topics required by professional accounting bodies for accreditation purposes.

Advantages This subject is widely regarded as engaging, informative and rewarding. The content is acclaimed for its real world application in that students are personally subjected to the Australian tax laws that are examined and as such have a more vested interest in understanding the concepts. Dr Thea Voogt is enthusiastic and passionate and uses practical examples in both lectures and tutorials.

Disadvantages Students found that some topics were rushed or brushed over in the lecture due to time constraints. Students also found that extra questions were sometimes required due to the intricacy of the subject matter. Some of the required reading was not particularly useful but the textbook “Principles of Taxation Law” was relied upon.

Tips and Tricks Although the exams are open book students find that they are very pushed for time so it is important that they have a good grasp of the material and do not spend the exam looking up notes from the textbook.


BIS Major


INFS3222: Information Analysis & System Design

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 1 Prerequisites:

• MGTS1201 or • 2 units of

COMP/COMS/INFS courses

Incompatible: INFS7255 Contact Hours:

• Lecture (2hrs) • Practical/Lab (2hrs)


• Dr T. Rowlands


Overview This course provides students with an understanding of systems development approaches and knowledge and experience of analysis and modelling. These skills can then be incorporated into system design and implementation.

The overall object of this course is to provide the concepts and skills required to design information systems by concentrating on the front end of systems development processes.

This course also briefly touches on the implementation of computer programs and the required testing and maintenance to ensure their correct operation.


MGTS2202: Data Analytics & Information Management

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 2 Prerequisites: None. Incompatible: INFS7233 Contact Hours:



• Dr S. Cockcroft

This course may be under redevelopment for 2016.

Overview The course introduces the concepts and principles of data and information management. This includes data and information as organisational resources, costing and valuing data; managing data, information, & knowledge; quality issues; data warehousing and data mining. The course teaches the use of SAS visual analytics, an essential part of any role that requires analytics including finance and risk management.

MGTS2202 content is very relevant for subsequent courses on information systems and forms the foundation knowledge for much of these subjects.


MGTS3203: Managing Business Data

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 2 Prerequisites: MGTS1201 + 2 units of INFS courses. Incompatible:

• INFS1200 or 7900 • MGTS7206

Contact Hours:



• Dr T. Rowlands

This course may be under redevelopment for 2016 in Semester 2.

Overview This course involves the study of business issues in relation to database management, conceptual modelling and data modelling in business applications.

This course also involves the use of a Structured Query Language (SQL) to uncover critical information for decision-‐making in the business environment.


MGTS3208: Information Systems Strategy

Course Details


• MGTS2202 or • INFS2244

Incompatible: MGTS7208 Contact Hours:


• Dr S. Chung


Overview

This course is concerned with managing and leading the information systems function within organizations. This subject focuses on management issues and problems, and issues such as the strategic alignment of IT services and infrastructure where the organisation's objectives are emphasised rather than details of the computing and communications technology that underlie information systems.

Advantages The course provides varied opportunities for student learning through case studies, business oriented student projects and guest speakers from industry. The course has been updated in accordance with student feedback in previous years.

Disadvantages The MGTS3208 course is an advanced course so be sure to consider your study load and preparedness for this course.


ACCT3201: Accounting Information Systems

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 1 Prerequisites: ACCT2101 Incompatible: ACCT7209 Assessment:

• Mid Semester Exam • Project • Final Exam

Contact Hours:

• Lecture (2hrs) • Tutorials (2hrs)


• Dr A. Robb


Overview This course enables students to understand the factors that need to be monitored to ensure a business runs smoothly and answers the question of which system will provide you with the information your business needs.

During this course students are introduced to major financial business information systems used by managers to run their business effectively and efficiently.

This course includes BPMN and includes guidance on the most commonly used notations. Interactive financial data enabled by XBRL is demonstrated in this course using Calcbench.


INFS2233: eBusiness Systems & Strategy

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 1 Prerequisites: MGTS1201 Incompatible: INFS7210 Contact Hours:

• Contact (4 hours) Course Co-‐Ordinator

• Dr D. Xu


Overview This course covers the fundamental concepts and principles of electronic commerce. INFS2233 introduces students to managerial, technical, social, and regulatory aspects of modern e-‐Commerce and provides students with experience in the development and publication of websites.

Some of these concepts include infrastructure, security, privacy, management, censorship, intellectual property, payment methods, and the roles of customers, stakeholders, suppliers and employees.

This subject is a prerequisite for MGTS3205.

Advantages You will develop a basic level of commercial Web-‐site construction knowledge as well as a strong understanding of the fundamental theoretical concepts supporting electronic commerce.


MGTS2203: Business Process Management

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 1 Prerequisites: 8 units of BusMan courses Recommended: MGTS 1201 Incompatible: MGTS7216 Contact Hours:

• Lecture (2 hrs) • Tutorial (1hr)


• Dr M. Indulska


Overview Improving organisational efficiency and effectiveness is a top priority for senior management. To enable such improvements it is crucial that the organisation be viewed from a process perspective. This course provides students with an introduction to Business Process Management and enables them to develop skills in business process modelling using the international BPMN modelling standard. The course also introduces students to concepts of Lean Thinking and facilitates the development of process improvement skills using several techniques.


MGTS3205: Business Information Security

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 1 Prerequisites: INFS2233 Incompatible: MGTS7213 Contact Hours:


• Dr P. Clutterbuck


Overview This course introduces students to the theory underpinning Internet security. There are a number of challenges and solutions discussed in this course as part of a framework comprising of five major topics: confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication and non-‐repudiation. The course begins with an introduction to security and the need for it. It then covers risk management, planning for security, cryptography, security technology such as firewalls and VPNs, intrusion detection systems, forensic security and facilities, and personal security.


MGTS3206: Advanced Data Analytics

Course Details

Semesters Offered:1 Prerequisites:

• 8 units of BBusMan or • 8 units of BCom




• Dr S. Chung


Overview This course focuses on identifying, evaluating and capturing business analytics and emphasises current issues, methodologies, practice and emerging trends in business analytics. This course will analyse real-‐world business data using various business analytics tools, primarily R (www.r-‐project.org) and RapidMiner, and also introduce some advanced economic and predictive models in analyzing digital markets.

Prior programming skill is not required.


MGTS3207: Managing Work in Virtual Environments

Course Details


• MGTS2202 or • INFC2244



• Dr P. Clutterbuck


This course may be under redevelopment for 2016 in Semester 2.

Overview This course is underpinned by traditional perspectives on organisation structures, managing technology and communication procedures. The aim of this course is to develop an in-‐depth understanding of processes, practices, features and issues that arise from operating in a virtual corporate environment.

Advantages The course gives a good practical and general knowledge of multiple industries as well as teaching students how to construct a persuasive proposal.

Disadvantages The lectures may not be recorded meaning that attendance is necessary as some concepts are hard to understand solely through the slides. BPMN diagrams are an assessable part of the course however students found that these were brushed over. Although the exams contained multiple choice elements students found them extremely difficult.

Tips and Tricks The assignment for this course is group based and is very time intensive so it is prudent for students to form a good team as early as possible and dedicate time towards it. Lecture attendance and tutorial participation are also highly recommended due to the lack of Echo recordings.


Finance Major


ECON2300: Introductory Econometrics

Course Details


• ECON1310 • For BInfTech students

ECON1010 + STAT2004 Incompatible: EC230 or 735 Assessment:

• Mid Semester Exam • Online Assignments • Final Exam

Contact Hours:



• A/Prof A. Rambaldi (Sem 1)

• Dr T. Dumrongrittikul (Sem 2)


Overview ECON2300 is an introductory course in applied econometrics. It reviews and builds on the simple linear regression model taught in introductory statistics courses. The models studied in this course have numerous applications in economics, finance, marketing, management and related areas.

The course can be managed if you build up the basics over time and should make for a solid foundation for subsequent courses. Hands-‐on experience in applying these techniques is gained through the use of ‘EViews’, an econometric computer software package available in the BEL computer laboratories.

This subject is a prerequisite for ECON3440, ECON3360 & ECON3320.

Advantages Reviews regarding this course say that it is delivered well and is an excellent introduction on how to assess economic data. The theory is clear, concise and repeated over the course to aid understanding.

Overall the course is very hands-‐on with continued practice of using the E-‐views prescribed tool in tutes. Both the lecturer and tutor are knowledgeable, engaging, and supportive..

Disadvantages ECON2300 is a subject that will be a struggle if you are not on top of the work.

Tips and Tricks In this course, it is crucial to keep up week-‐to-‐week.

Get your head around hypothesis testing early as it forms the basis of the course.

Tutorials are a must because the course is geared around using E-‐views. The tutorials are the ‘how to’ of the course and reinforce the lecture materials.


ECON3210: Financial Markets & Institutions

Course Details


• ECON1010 + FINM2401 or

• ECON1010 + FINM2400 or ECON2200

Recommended: ECON3550 Incompatible: EC302 Assessment:

• Mid Semester Exam • Online tests • Final Exam

Contact Hours:



• Dr F. Bracoud


Overview This course aims to provide an in-‐depth understanding of financial markets and institutions. This course aims to present students with material that is directly linked to the current financial environment. To achieve this, the topics of this course are likely to have featured in recent media posts and articles.

Advantages ECON3210 engages students by providing relevant lessons with links to real world applications. The course helps to explain how the financial system functions as well as the ramifications to every-‐day life. The lectures are also delivered in such a way that keeps the audience engaged and interested in the subject matter.

Disadvantages The course is extremely content heavy and conceptual and while there is no official textbook the amount of required reading was often extremely difficult for students to keep up with.

Tips and Tricks The course becomes easier in the later weeks if students have a strong foundation in the first half of the semester. However, the quizzes are tricky and content will catch up if study is not done regularly.


FINM3401: Corporate Finance

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 2 Prerequisites: FINM2401 Incompatible: FINM3411 or 7402 Assessment:

• Mid Semester Exam • Final Exam

Contact Hours:



• Dr V. Ragunathan


Overview This course aims to provide a deep understanding of the theory of corporate finance, and the application of this theory to real world issues. It focuses on six topics including transactions, capital structure, discounted cash flow valuation, risk management, real options valuation and corporate governance. The content in this course expands upon basic topics covered in FINM2401 such as the time value of money. A large amount of time is spent on the topic of capital structures. That is, the relationship between equity and debt financing. This comprehensive explanation of leverage is fundamental to understanding the mechanics of corporate finance. The course also focuses on mergers, acquisitions and corporate governance and gives real world examples of reasons for takeovers and defences against takeovers. These topics give students a break from the heavy calculations involved with capital structure problems. Students found that Real Options, Financial Options, and Equity & Debt were the most enjoyable topics. Advantages This course is highly relevant and insightful for students looking to specialise in corporate finance and transaction advisory. It incorporates countless real world examples in lectures and tutorials which students favour. Disadvantages Students found the lectures long as there were no breaks which made them hard to follow. Tips and Tricks The course follows the textbook quite closely so it is highly recommended that students complete all the relevant readings. Students found attending tutorials incredibly useful. The final exam is straightforward but requires a lot of attention to detail. Exam questions from the tutorials appear to be easier than those found in the actual exam. The content in the course is quite heavy so it is not a subject you can cram for overnight. It could be beneficial to study this course towards the end of your degree because some questions can be tough and require a good general understanding of finance.


FINM3402: Investments & Portfolio Management

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 1 & 2. Prerequisites:

• FINM2401 Incompatible:

• FINM3412 or 7403 Assessment:

• Mid Semester Exam • Article Review • Final Exam

Contact Hours:



• A/Prof B. Oliver (Sem 1) • Mr Khoa Hoang (Sem 2)


Overview This course provides students with the techniques used to evaluate investments in a portfolio and on an individual basis. It covers a range of key areas including an introduction to investments and portfolio management, valuation of securities, macro-‐level analysis and fundamental and technical analysis. Topics covered are Financial Statement Analysis, Markets & Instruments, Equity Investments, Debt Investments & Portfolio Management. These topics have a strong mathematical focus and are interrelated to other courses in the finance major.

Advantages The material in this course provides fundamental knowledge that is relevant to other finance courses and real world situations. It may be beneficial to complete this course before the later courses in the finance major. Dr Barry Oliver has been regarded as an excellent lecturer. He teaches students in a way that allows them to understand the course material with little or no prior knowledge of the subject.

Tips and Tricks The textbook is a must for the course, and can provide useful background knowledge to the lectures and tutorials. The final exam is made up of 5 problem questions that have strong mathematical and theory components. If you can understand the content of the course the final is more than manageable. Whilst there will be a few curve balls, with a good foundation it shouldn't be too difficult.


FINM3403: International Financial Management Course Details

Semesters Offered: 1 Prerequisites: FINM2401 or 2411 Incompatible: FINM7406 Assessment:


Contact Hours:



• Dr K Tan


Overview This course extends financial decision-‐making into the international setting. It showcases the economic and financial relationship between countries by focusing on topics such as the foreign exchange market, exchange rates and the factors that may impact these rates. Other notable topics explored include the benefits of international diversification, the balance of payments, international capital budgeting, foreign currency derivatives and global capital and political risk. Issues relating to the globalisation of capital markets such as international investment, multinational cost of capital and capital structure and multinational capital budgeting and restructuring are also covered. Advantages International Financial Management is a valuable course for students interested in the global financial markets.

Disadvantages Past students described the final exam as difficult because tutorial questions done in class are not indicative of the level of difficulty and not all tutorial questions are covered in tutorials, which makes preparation for the final exam slightly more difficult. The lectures are helpful but dry. Tips and Tricks Although they are not prerequisites, students should complete FINM3401 and FINM3402 before attempting FINM3403.It is recommended that students understand payoff diagrams and the summary of Prices, Interest Rates & Exchange Rates in Equilibrium. It is also important to show a deep understanding of the theory in the final exam.


FINM3404: Banking & Lending Decisions

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 1 Prerequisites: FINM2401 or 2411 Incompatible: None. Assessment:


Contact Hours:



• Dr M. Haq


Overview The course highlights the traditional role of banks and how their operation has changed dramatically in recent years. This course covers important information for those going to work in the banking sector including regulation of banks, lending and the GFC. It also covers assessment of loans, liquidity risk, asset-‐liability management and structured finance.

Advantages This course has received generally positive reviews in the past. The content is understandable, well-‐structured and logical. The lecturer uses real world examples to ensure students understand the actual applications of the content being taught.

Disadvantages Whilst the exam content is predictable, marking is very strict and detailed and answers need to adhere to the marking rubric.

Some lectures are known to be content heavy.

Tutorials involve only simple calculations and tutors sometimes fail to expand much on the content from the lectures.

Tips and Tricks Theory is important, but don’t get caught up in it. Know the basics well, and ensure you are able to perform the calculations covered in the lectures.

The marking rubric for exams can be strict so requesting to view your exam for clarification on marks could be useful.


FINM3405: Derivatives & Risk Management

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 2 Prerequisites: FINM3401 or 2411 Incompatible: None. Assessment:


Contact Hours:



• Dr K. Fong Chan


Overview During this course students will develop an understanding of the operation of derivatives markets and the range of products that are available. This understanding extends to knowledge of how the derivative products are used to manage risk as well as the fundamental concepts in valuing them.

Advantages Students found this subject extremely engaging and interesting, which helps make it enjoyable and rewarding. Students found the teaching process very effective and concepts easy to master after some practice questions. A basic knowledge of finance is necessary (FINM2401)..

Disadvantages The course is theory heavy which means that it will be a greater struggle for students who do not easily grasp financial concepts based around derivatives.

Tips and Tricks The first half of the course is more intense and challenging than the second, so students should ensure they are up to date going in to the mid-‐semester exam in order to achieve a good grade and relieve pressure on the final.


Elective Courses

These are subjects that are not compulsory for a particular major. Selected Electives only.


ECON1320: Quantitative Economic & Business Analysis B

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 2. Prerequisites:

• ECON1310 • EC135.

Incompatible:

• EC134 • EC136

Assessment:

• Mid Semester Exam • CML Quizzes • Final Exam

Contact Hours:

• Lecture (2hrs) • Tutorial (1.5hrs)


• A/Prof J. Asafu-‐Adjaye

(Based on 2015 profiles)

Overview Deals with basic statistical models and methods used in business and economics. Topics include multiple regression analysis, time series analysis, survey sampling, index numbers and decision theory. Problems & exercises are solved manually & using Microsoft Excel.

Advantages The course is an expansion of ECON1310 and adds to the knowledge base set out previously.

Disadvantages In the past, students found that this course was more enjoyable for students who had an apt for statistics.

Tips and Tricks Students should memorise the formulas and be able to regurgitate and manipulate them in the exam. PASS is available and should be utilised in order to clarify any questions and to discuss assessment.


ECON3350: Applied Econometrics for Macroeconomics & Finance

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 1 & 2 Prerequisites: ECON2300 + (ECON2020 or ECON2021 or FINM2401 or FINM2411) Incompatible: ECON3300 Contact Hours:



• A/Prof A. Rambaldi (Sem 1)

• Dr E. Eisenstat (Sem 2)


Overview The purpose of the course is to offer advanced students in finance and economics an understanding of the econometric tools that apply to financial and macroeconomics data. The course takes an applied perspective approach. Lectures will introduce specific financial and macroeconomic models and the techniques required to estimate/predict/forecast with the model. The course will make use of a suitable econometric package for purposes of analysing of the data. Core content includes: statistical characteristics of time series data; capital asset pricing models; cointegrated models; volatility and volatility models; models of price changes.

Advantages The course is very well structured, providing a clear connection between theory and worked examples from the real world. While students who didn’t commit enough time to the course found it quite challenging, those who did and are passionate about the relationship between finance and economics found it very rewarding.

Disadvantages Students found the final exam to be particularly challenging and the textbook quite tough if they didn’t have an adequate understanding of statistics.

Tips and Tricks The course lends itself to those interested in the statistical effects of finance in an economic sense. Commit time early in the course to picking up as many early marks as possible


ECON3360: Applied Econometrics for Microeconomics

Course Details

Semesters Offered: 2 Prerequisites: ECON23200 + (ECON2010 or ECON2011) Incompatible: ECON3300 Assessment:

• Problem Sets • Mid Semester Exam • Final Exam

Contact Hours:



• Dr D. W. Kwak


Overview The course covers concepts and methods widely employed in contemporary applied microeconomics. The content is mainly focused around learning and applying different statistical models, each of which is complimented by well-‐known case studies for context.

Advantages The application of the models is considered an engaging aspect of the course, as you learn about different studies evaluating the models and subsequently shortcomings of particular methods.

In response to previous student feedback they have switched to the more widely used statistical package Strata (over the previously used E-‐views).

Disadvantages The lectures can, at times, be hard to follow conceptually and may require you to go over it again to fully grasp the content.

Tips and Tricks The assessment is mostly theoretical so it is essential to gain an understanding of the theory behind the models. In previous years assignments have been very similar to examinations.


Date post:	13-Apr-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	caitlin
View:	303 times
Download:	2 times

Bachelor of Commerce Guide | 2016 Edition.pdf

Documents