Financial Markets, Institutions and Financial Planning C, 15 hp

Innehåll

This finance course is intended for students who want to increase their familiarity with financial market operations and the practical aspects of managing financial portfolios.

Module 1.  Financial Markets and Institutions, 7.5 hp/ECTS
Module 2.  Financial Planning, 7.5 hp/ECTS

Module 1.   Financial Markets and Institutions, 7.5 ECTS
Both the markets and the financial intermediaries are described with an emphasis on the European perspective.  It is an intermediate level course. Our primary intent, in offering this subject, is to introduce participants to the institutional environment in which financial transactions take place. The focus is on operational issues to develop the capacity of middle managers to apply the decisions of a comptroller or Chief Financial Officer to achieve the objectives of their own within the firm.  This module is also useful to the individual or the entrepreneur who must understand the markets in which they are active participants.

Topics to be covered in this module include the operations of financial intermediaries (deposit taking and non-deposit taking) in Western and Northern Europe as well as the United States.  In addition, the differences between capital and money markets in bank or market controlled systems will be presented. 

Expected learning outcomes
After completing this module the student should be able to:

• describe a variety of financial systems and their operations
• explain who uses these financial systems and provide concrete illustrations of the role they play in economies
• give details about the historical development of and differentiate between bank and market based systems
• assess and test the theoretical concepts underlying money and capital markets

Focus of instruction
This subject will be presented using large group lectures as well as smaller group seminars.

Examination modes
Examination is based upon a written comprehensive individual exam and group assignments. A passing grade is required for each part.

Module 2.   Financial Planning, 7.5 ECTS
This module is intended to introduce students to the role of the financial planner. The material covered includes an overview of the financial products available to clients (individuals rather than corporations), the assessment of client risk profiles and methods to control portfolio risk.  The working and regulatory environment affecting financial planners in Sweden will be delineated.  Some discussion of variations in financial instruments and regulatory environments between Sweden and other nations will also be presented.

It is our intent to familiarise students with the issues confronting financial planners whether they work independently or for large concerns. Upon completion of this subject, students should, at minimum, be familiar with basic elements of financial planning such as client profiling, tax, pension and estate planning.

Expected learning outcomes
After completing this module the student should be able to:

• describe the role of a financial planner and the methods employed by them to assess client needs
• select from among the various financial instruments available, those most appropriate for inclusion in a personal financial portfolio for clients at differing stages in their life cycle
• show how insurance and immunization strategies contain portfolio risks
• explain the differences between various asset classes from managed funds to real estate
• outline the regulatory framework under which financial planners operate and the impact of tax systems on wealth retention and distribution

Focus of instruction
This subject will be presented using large group lectures as well as smaller group seminars.

Examination modes
Examination is based upon a written comprehensive individual exam, an individual assignment, and group assignments. A passing grade is required for each part.

Förväntade studieresultat

See respective module.

Behörighetskrav

Univ:Företagsekonomi B 30 hp eller motsv

Undervisningens upplägg

See respective module.

Examination

Examination of Modules 1-2 will be based upon the student’s active participation in seminars, a written comprehensive examination (tentamen), and successful completion of group or individual coursework as assigned.

Examination modes
Examination of Modules 1-2 will be based upon the student’s active participation in seminars, a written comprehensive individual exam (tentamen), and successful completion of group and individual coursework as assigned.

The following grading system will be used:
Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, Vg, 75% or more),
Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more)
Fail (Underkänd, U, less than 50%).

To receive the grade Pass with distinction in the course, the student must have achieved at least 75% of the total of points in the separate modules or the equivalent

Students who fail to present a photo ID at the occasion of a written examination cannot have their results registered.

In case of failure on seminar participation or individual and group assignments, compensating assignments must be completed in accordance with instructions given, no later than two weeks after the completion of the module.

Students who do not pass at the time of the normal written examination will be offered an opportunity to sit a further examination within a month. Beyond that, additional examination opportunities normally arise every academic year, one week prior to the start of the autumn term.

When a student has failed an examination on two occasions, he or she has a right to have another grading teacher. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the director of studies no later than two weeks before the next examination opportunity.

Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to all written assignments. (see instructions in the Thesis manual. Thesis writing in Business Administration.) Urkund records may be used for control.

Lectures are normally not obligatory. However attendance is expected because the lectures are designed to facilitate students towards achieving course specific learning objectives. In addition lectures often provide insightful explanations of, and can supplement and provide contrast to, the course litterateur and other relevant course materials.

Students who have passed an examination can not redo the examination to get a higher grade.

Grades on the course are awarded when students have passed all examinations and compulsory course elements.

Academic credit transfer
Academic credit transfers are according to the University credit transfer regulations.

Övriga föreskrifter

This is a course at the C-level in a BSc-degree at Umeå University. The course can also be included in study programs in Business Administration and Economics at Umeå School of Business and Economics.