CORPFIN 3507 - Topics in Corporate Finance

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2023

This course looks at theoretical issues in corporate finance and their practical application. Topics include capital structure and the preferences for debt or equity as suggested by agency models, including leases, pecking order theory and timing models; dividend policy; convertible securities and executive compensation; initial public offerings; internal capital markets and diversification.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code CORPFIN 3507
    Course Topics in Corporate Finance
    Coordinating Unit Finance and Banking
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites CORPFIN 1002, CORPFIN 1002UAC, CORPFIN 1002UACM
    Incompatible CORPFIN 3500
    Assessment Exam/assignments/tests/tutorial work as prescribed at first lecture
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Chia-Feng (Jeffrey) Yu

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Critically evaluate theoretical research in corporate finance
    2. Explain the implications of theory for practical financial and risk management
    3. Compare various models of corporate real options models
    4. Investigate the impact of alternative financing proposals that a firm may face in both the short and long term and argue recommendations
    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)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1 through 4

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1 through 4

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    1 through 4

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1 through 4

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    1 through 4

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1 through 4
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    The textbook for the course is [BMA] Brealey, R., Myers, S., & Allen, F. (2019). Principles of Corporate Finance. 13th edition. McGraw-Hill Education.

    There are additional readings available under course readings on MyUni.
    Recommended Resources
    There is a list of recommended resources under course readings on MyUni.
    Online Learning
    Online resources provided on MyUni.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Lectures supported by problem-solving exercises developing material covered in lectures.
    Workload

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

    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. This means that you are expected to commit approximately 9 hours for a three-unit course of private study outside of your regular classes.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Week# Topic Reading
    1 Does debt policy matter? Ch.17 + Distributed Readings
    2 How much should a firm borrow? Ch.18 + Distributed Readings
    3 Payout policy Ch.16 + Distributed Readings
    4 Online Test 1 (time: TBA on MyUni)  Topics 1-3 
    4 Introduction to real options Ch.20 + Distributed Readings
    5 Valuing Options Ch.21 + Distributed Readings
    6 Real options in corporate applications Ch.22 + Distributed Readings
    Mid-semester break
    7 Credit risk & the value of corporate debt Ch.23 + Distributed Readings
    8 Various kinds of Corporate debt Ch.24 + Distributed Readings
    9 Online Test 2 (time: TBA on MyUni)  Topics 4-8
    9 Raising equity capital Ch.15 + Distributed Readings
    10 Executive compensation Ch.12 + Distributed Readings
    11 Internal capital markets Distributed Readings
    12 Revision Lecture
  • 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 Task Task Type Due Weighting Topics Covered Learning Outcome
    Online Test 1 Individual Week 4 20% 1-3 All
    Online Test 2 Individual Week 9 20% 4-8 All
    Final Exam Individual Exam Period 60% All All
    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.

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