CORPFIN 3503 - Corporate Investment & Strategy III

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014

This course examines techniques and issues in corporate finance with a focus on corporate investment decisions. The course covers several aspects of valuation in a corporate setting: estimation of free cash flow, stock valuation along with recognition of growth opportunities, risk management strategies, estimation of beta using online data, and specifying market scenarios to identify sustainable growth outcomes when evaluating investment proposals. Further topics include merger and acquisition strategies, examination of options embedded in corporate capital structures, incentive-aligning compensation including executive stock options, and techniques for measuring financial performance including Economic Value Added.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code CORPFIN 3503
    Course Corporate Investment & Strategy III
    Coordinating Unit Adelaide Business School
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Prerequisites CORPFIN 2500 & CORPFIN 2502
    Assumed Knowledge SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Studies & ACCTING 1002
    Assessment Exam/assignments/tests/tutorial work as prescribed at first lecture
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Jane Luo

    Lecturer-in-charge: Name: Dr Juan (Jane) LUO
    Location:
    Telephone:
    Email:
    Room 12.06, 10 Pulteney St
    8313 0133 (work)
    jane.luo@adelaide.edu.au
    Lecturer Name: Dr. Jeffrey Yu
    Location:
    Telephone:
    Email:
    Room 12.16, 10 Pulteney St
    8313 2073 (work)
    jeffrey.yu@adelaide.edu.au
    Head tutor: Name: Sebastien Ananian-Cooper
    Email: a1118903@adelaide.edu.au
    Please address all learning questions to your tutor in the first instance. Use can also be made of Discussion Board.
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

     

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    By the end of this course students should be able to:
    1. Explain and interpret conceptual models and arguments in corporate finance
    2. Recognise the model appropriate for structuring a given financial problem
    3. Understanding the data requirements of a chosen model
    4. Understanding how outputs are sensitive to changed data or assumptions
    5. Interpreting the results consistent with the model structure
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1-5
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1-5
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1-5
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 1-5
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 1-5
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1-5
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1-5
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1-5
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    The text book for the course is Ross, S., R. Westerfield, J. Jaffe and B. Jordan, Corporate Finance, 10e, McGraw-Hill International, 2013. (NOTE: Previous editions are not suitable).
    Online Learning
    All materials are available on MyUni.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Lectures supported by problem-solving tutorials developing material covered in lectures.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Students in this course are expected to attend all lectures throughout the semester plus one tutorial class each week

    The University expects full-time students (i.e. those taking 12 units per semester) to devote a total of 48 hours per week to their studies. As CORPFIN 3503 is a 3 unit course, each week you are expected to commit approximately 9 hours of private study, in addition to the 3 hours attending your lecture and tutorial.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Week beginning Topic # Topic Required Reading
    3 March 1 Financial statements analysis & financial models Ch.3
    10 March 2 Valuing growth opportunities
    Tutorials start this week
    1. Ch. 9 pp. 273-293
    2. EVA.pdf
    3. Jones.pdf
    4. Jensen.pdf
    17 March 3 After-tax cost of capital & dividend imputation 1. BFOT.pdf
    2. BMPR.pdf
    24 March 4 Options & corporate finance: basic concepts  Ch. 22 pp. 681-695
    31 March Test #1: 2 April, 11.10am in The Braggs, G76, Bragg Lecture Theatre. No lecture or tutorials this week  
    7 April 5 Options & corporate finance: applications
    Tutorials for Topic 4 during this week
    1. Ch. 22 pp. 695-714;
    2. Ch. 23 pp. 726-730
    Mid-semester break
    28 April 6 Real options Ch. 23 pp. 730-747
    5 May 7 Mergers & acquisitions 1. Ch. 29
    2. Mitchell.pdf
    12 May Test #2: 14 May, 11.10am in The Braggs, G76, Bragg Lecture Theatre. No lecture or tutorials this week
    19 May 8  Corporate diversification& Corporate governance
    Tutorials for Topic 7 during this week
    1. Stowe & Xing.pdf
    2. Yermack.pdf
    26 May 9 CEO overoptimism & myopia 1. Heaton.pdf
    2. Stein.pdf
    2 June Tutorials for Topic 9 during this week.
      Note: Reading may be varied during the semester. All .pdf files are uploaded to MyUni.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Date and time Weighting Topics covered Related learning outcome
    Class Test 1: 50 minutes 2 April, 11.10 am 20% 1,2, & 3 All
    Class Test 2: 50 minutes 14 May, 11.10 am 20% 4,5 & 6 All
    Final Exam: 3 hours, Closed-book Exam period beginning
    21 June. Exam times to be released on Access Adelaide
    60% All All
    Total 100%
    Assessment Related Requirements
    To gain a pass for this course, a mark of at least 50% must be obtained on the final exam as well as a total of at least 50% overall. Students not achieving the minimum final exam mark will be awarded no more than 49. The tests are compulsory and not redeemable. Failure to sit a test without adequate reason will result in zero marks awarded for the test.
    Assessment Detail

    No information currently available.

    Submission

    No information currently available.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.