FIN 357 BUSINESS FINANCE Spring 2015
PROFESSOR: MARY LOU POLOSKEY
OFFICE: GSB 5.176E
OFFICE HOURS: Mon. 5:00 – 6:00, Tues. Noon – 2:00 and by appointment
Section #: 03135 Time: MW 12:30 – 1:45 Room: SZB 370
03150 MW 2:00 – 3:15 Room: SZB 370
03160 MW 3:30 – 5:45 Room: SZB 370
E-Mail:
REQUIRED :
(1)Fundamentals of Corporate Finance, 2nd edition, by Parrino, Kidwell & Bates- Text & Access to WileyPlus is Required
Wiley PLUS and TEXT SET / 978-1-118-27752-2Binder Ready w/Wiley PLUS / 978-1-118-25223-9
to purchase on-line - copy and paste the entire url into your browser (hardcopy & binder versions only). If you want to purchase the E-version directly from Wiley, you will be directed to do this on Wileyplus.com when the open period ends.
(2)Calculator (HP10BII is the required calculator for Accounting & Finance classes)
OPTIONAL:
(1)Notes-for Poloskey’s class posted on Canvas.
(2)Wall Street Journal
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES:
Finance 357 introduces concepts and analytical techniques to identify and solve financial management problems. It serves as a basis for all other courses in the area of finance as well as provides those basic tools which every business student will need to be successful in her/his chosen career. Those students majoring in marketing, management, accounting, international business and management information systems, as well as those going further in the study of finance, will find this material an essential part of their business education. These tools and techniques will also provide the basic tools to make personal financial decisions.
PREREQUISITES:
Several Prerequisites apply for this course and are listed in the Course Schedule. Due to heavy demand for this course, the prerequisites will be strictly enforced.
COURSE ROUTINE:
This course uses a discussion and problem-solving format. You are encouraged to discuss issues and solve application problems in class. Powerpoint slides used in the lectures can be found on Canvas. Supplementary materials and examples will be passed out in class.
You will find these discussions most useful if you prepare in advance by doing all readings and attempting homework problems before coming to class, then participate in the class by asking questions, seeking clarifications, volunteering information, and responding to the instructor's requests for discussion.
GRADING:
Through this course, the Department of Finance Faculty challenges you to meet a high academic standard. To meet the newly developed UPO grading guidelines for undergraduate business core courses, the instructor will target a G.P.A. of approximately 3.1 in this class.
Your semester grade will be determined objectively using the following assessments and weights:
3 exams (30% each) 90 %
Homework Assignments 10 %
TOTAL 100 %
All grading will be determined using both an expected GPA curve and your instructor's own high standards of meritorious performance.
EXAMINATIONS:
IMPORTANT: Bring #2 lead pencils, a calculator, and your current UT ID card to all exams!
During the semester you will take three closed-book exams, scheduled during the evening. The dates and times are listed under the schedule part of this syllabus. These exams will test the student’s ability to solve problems, understand concepts and theories, and analyze current events.
Each student must take all3 exams at the time scheduled for their class. If the student misses an exam for an excused reason, the student must take a comprehensive exam. NO MAKE-UPS or EARLY EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN.
You are required to take all exams. If dire and irreconcilable conflicts preclude your taking an exam, contact your Professor before the exam or as soon as possible. You will then take a comprehensive final and that grade will be used for the missed exam. The comprehensive final will be given during the time slot assigned to when your Fin 357 class meets. No make-up exams will be given. All students missing a test must take the final at the scheduled time.
Exam scores will be posted on Canvas.
After each exam is graded, the student will have two weeks to review the exam during office hours. Exams will no longer be available after the two week review period has passed.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
The McCombs School of Business has no tolerance for acts of scholastic dishonesty. The responsibilities of both students and faculty with regard to scholastic dishonesty are described in detail in the BBA Program’s Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty at By teaching this course, I have agreed to observe all faculty responsibilities described in that document. By enrolling in this class, you have agreed to observe all student responsibilities described in that document. If the application of the Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty to this class or its assignments is unclear in any way, it is your responsibility to ask me for clarification. Students who violate University rules on scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and/or dismissal from the University. Since dishonesty harms the individual, all students, the integrity of the University, and the value of our academic brand, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced. You should refer to the Student Judicial Services website at to access the official University policies and procedures on scholastic dishonesty as well as further elaboration on what constitutes scholastic dishonesty.
CANVAS:
The class uses Canvas Learning Management System.
The Undergraduate Business Dean provides the following notice:
Password-protected class sites will be available for all accredited courses taught at The University. Syllabi, handouts, assignments and other resources are types of information that may be available within these sites. Site activities could include exchanging e-mail, engaging in class discussions and chats, and exchanging files. In addition, class e-mail rosters will be a component of the sites. Students who do not want their names included in these electronicclass rosters must restrict their directory information in the Office of the Registrar, MainBuilding, Room 1. For information on restricting directory information see:
CALCULATORS:
A calculator with exponent and root functions will be necessary to work the problems on the examinations and at the end of the chapters. A financial calculator is not required for this course but you may wish to begin using one at this time. The Accounting and Finance Departments require the Hewlett Packard 10BII and I will give instructions on how to use this calculator on all example problems during class.Present value/Future value tables will be furnished with the examinations. You cannot share calculators with others during exams. Always bring your calculator to class; at times we will be working problems.
GRADED HOMEWORK PROBLEMS:
This class will use the graded homework questions posted on WileyPlus. You must pay a fee and register for WileyPlus (See the end of the syllabus for instructions), to access the online homework. If you buy a hard copy or binder version of the text, you must buy the bundle that includes WileyPlus.(DO NOT THROW AWAY THE CARD with the ACCESS CODE that comes shrinkwrapped with your text) You could also choose to use the online text that is bundled with WileyPlus. You should do the graded problems and submit those by the date and time listed on the WileyPlus site. You will get 3 attempts to get credit for the correct answer. They will be graded & you will be able to view your grade & get an explanation of questions missed. You can work on these problems in groups, but each student must work-out & submit their own homework questions to be graded. You will have a homework assignment for each chapter. Your lowest homework grade will be dropped and the remaining grades averaged for 10% of your grade. There are no make-ups and homework submitted after the due date will not be accepted. A homework appeal processwill be explained during class.
COURSE ATTENDANCE:
Course attendance is important. Supplemental material, particularly current event articles will be distributed and discussed in class. In addition, announcements regarding changes or additions to course policies will be announced during class.
By UT Austin policy, you must notify me of your pending absence at least 14 days prior to the observance of a religious holy day. If youmust miss a class, assignment or examinationin order to observe a religious holy day, you will be given an opportunity to complete the missed work within a reasonable amount of time.
OTHER POLICIES:
Consistent with the policy of the Department of Finance, the use of computers and other electronic devices in class is generally prohibited.Please note that accessing the internet, recreational programs, or e-mail and messaging without prior consent of the instructor is strictly forbidden.
Any student with a documented disability who requires academic accommodations should contact the Services for Students with Disabilities of the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement at 471-6259 as soon as possible to request an official letter outlining authorized accommodations.
Occupants of buildings on The University of Texas at Austin campus are required to evacuate buildings when a fire alarm is activated. Alarm activation or announcement requires exiting and assembling outside.Students requiring assistance in evacuation shall inform their instructor in writing during the first week of class.In the event of an evacuation, follow the instruction of faculty or class instructors.Do not re-enter a building unless given instructions by the following: Austin Fire Department, The University of Texas at Austin Police Department, or Fire
Prevention Services office.Link to information regarding emergency evacuation routes and emergency procedures can be found at:
Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL): 512-232-5050
SCHEDULE
This is a proposed schedule for the semester. The Tests will be given on the dates listed. Any changes to the schedule will be announced in class.
Week / Date / Topic1
1/21 / Course Overview
2
1/26 / Chapter 1/2
1/28 / Chapter 3
3
2/2 / Chapter 6
2/4 / Chapter 7
4
2/9 / Chapter 7/8
2/11 / Chapter 8
5
2/16 / Review
2/17 (Tues) / EXAM 1 6-8 p.m.
6
2/23 / Chapter 9
2/25 / Chapter 9/10
7
3/2 / Chapter 10
3/4 / Chapter 11
8
3/9 / Chapter 11/12
3/11 / Chapter 12
9
3/23 / Chapter 12/13
3/25 / Chapter 13
10
3/30 / Review
4/1 (Wed) / EXAM 2 6-8 p.m.
11
4/6 / Chapter 15
4/8 / Chapter 15/16
12
4/13 / Chapter 16/17
4/15 / Chapter 17/18
13
4/20 / Chapter 18
4/22 / Chapter 20
14
4/27 / Chapter 20/4
4/29 / Chapter 4
15
5/4 / Review
5/5 (Tues) / EXAM 3 6-8 p.m.
Comprehensive Final (if student misses an exam):
Section 03135(MW12:30 class)– Tues. May 19, 9:00-noon
Section 03150(MW2:00 class)– Sat. May 16, 9:00-noon
Section 03160(MW3:30 class)– Fri. May 15, 7:00-10:00 p.m