FINK 404 / Fall 2014 pg.# 1
Texas AMUniversity
CentralTexas
FINK 404- Investments
8 weeks (Aug 25 – Oct 17th, 2014)
INSTRUCTOR AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Instructor: Dr. David Joyner, DBA, PE
Phone: 830-303-3283 secondary254- 519-5437
Email:
OfficeHours: Virtual hours: as needed. Check Bb for updated times.
Instructor Relevant Education: DBA (Finance), MBA (Finance), BSCE (Civil Engineering).
Blackboard Address for class:
Required Text
Text: Essentials of Investments, 9th Edition
Zvi Bodie, Alex Kane, and Alan Marcus
Textbook ISBN: 978-0-07-803469-5
Financial Calculator
Texas Instrument BA II Plus is the Dept. recommended device.
There are electronic versions of this calculator available for your PC, pad, or laptop. We cannot vouch for the accuracy or user-friendliness. Which Calculator should you get? Go to
UNILERT
EmergencyWarningSystemfor TexasA&M University–CentralTexas
UNILERT is an emergency notification service that gives Texas A&M University-Central Texas the ability to communicate health and safety emergency information quickly via email, text message, and social media. All students are automatically enrolled in UNILERT through their myCT email account. Connect at to change where you receive your alerts or to opt out. By staying enrolled in UNILERT, university officials can quickly pass on safety-related information, regardless of your location.
Mode of instruction and course access
This course is a 100% online course and uses TAMUCT Blackboard system You will use the Blackboard username and password communicated to you separately to logon to this system.
Regarding TAMUCT email:
The preferred way of communicating with me is through Blackboard “messages”. It is recommended that you keep course-related communication inside Blackboard and use TAMUCT email only when Blackboard is not available. Blackboard 9.1’s student/professor correspondence is called “Messages.”
Student-instructor and student-student interaction
I will be checking Blackboard messages every day, except Saturday. I will attempt to respond to your messages in 12 hours or less. Blackboard messages sent Saturday will receive a response no later than late Sunday. Use this asynchronous medium of communication as often as needed to ask questions and also to share ideas, perspectives, and experiences with the instructor. You may also contact me by phone or visit with me (see above).
There is a Discussion Board on Blackboard which will allow you to introduce yourself to the class, meet your classmates, and ask class related questions to members of the class. Utilization of this discussion board is a key feature for class interface and will allow you to share your specific experience and knowledge with others.
COURSE INFORMATION
Prerequisite: ACC 204, FIN 301.
2.0CourseObjective:
The student may development a comprehension of :
- investment policy; the character of investment risk; a comparison of investment media;
- description and analysis of security markets and their operations.
This course will introduce you to the major issues of concern to investors. It will give you the skills you need to conduct a sophisticated assessment of current issues and debates covered by both the popular media and more specialized finance journals. Whether you plan to become an investment professional, or simply a sophisticated individual investor, you will find these skills essential. Prerequisite: ACC 204, FIN 301
2.1Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to do the following:
a. Read real-world financial statements and draw conclusions about a firm's financial health.
b. Construct and interpret important financial metrics.
c. Describe the major steps in the construction of an investment portfolio.
d. Distinguish among the major assets that trade in money and capital markets.
e. Describe the role of investment bankers in primary issues.
f. Analyze mutual funds and other investment companies.
g. Characterize the risk and return features of different types of investments.
h. Construct efficient portfolios.
i. Construct and use the Security Market Line.
j. Cite evidence that supports and contradicts the efficient market hypothesis
k. Demonstrate how the principles of behavioral finance can explain anomalies in stock market returns.
l. Analyze the features of bonds.
m. Value a firm using several equity valuation methods.
n. Formulate options market strategies for hedging or speculative purposes.
o. Formulate futures market strategies for hedging or speculative purposes.
p. Compute risk-adjusted rates of return to evaluate investment performance.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
2.2 Unit Learning Objectives
Unit learning objectives are listed under “Unit Learning Objectives” on Bb.
3.0 Required Reading, Calculator, and Software
It is essential that you methodically read all assigned chapters (see textbook information at the beginning of this syllabus). You cannot expect to learn very much or perform well in this class if you do not spend substantial amount of time studying your textbook and other resources available to you. You will also need a good financial calculator for this course. The department recommends the TI BA II Plus. You can find a TI BA II Plus tutorial in Bb under Tutorials.
You will be expected to use Microsoft Excel to solve quantitative assignments. If your Excel skills are rusty, you may want to use the provided Excel tutorial (under Tutorials) or find some other sources (optional) to acquire the necessary Excel skills. Start working with Excel early to become comfortable with using Excel before you have one or two-day deadline.
4.0 Course Deadlines & Requirements
Attached to the end of this syllabus is the Course Calendar - a schedule of course topics, assignments, and exams required for completion of this course. Any changes made at the discretion of the instructor will be posted on Blackboard. The Course Calendar shows the learning outcomes targeted by each particular assessment and/or assignment. As stated above, the nature of this course requires you to study a great deal. In addition to the assigned homework, you should expect to spend 3-5 hours each week outside of class studying and working practice problems. If you do, your performance on the exams should earn you the grade you desire. If you don’t keep current with the assignments and do not attempt extra problems onyour own, it is unlikely you will do well on the exams.
If you are writing a paper questions regarding proper siding and numerical use will be refereed using the sixth edition of the APA style manual.
GradingCriteria Rubric andConversion
5.0 Grades
Grades will be figured on a 1000 point system:
Assignments – 5 of 6 assignments (lowest grades will be dropped)… 500 points (5pts each)
Each assignment will consist of questions that may include multiple choices, true/false, and/or short essays that cover both concepts and calculations. The due dates will be as scheduled (see Course Calendar). The format of each assignment is likely to be a window of several days to complete the assignment online. These assignments will help you prepare for the exams. Additional instructions will be posted on Bb. Any missed assignment will count as zero, no make ups.
Exams –3 exams ………… ……...……... 500 points ( 1st test, 180 pnts.; 2nd 180 pnts.; 3rd 140 pnts.)
Each exam may include multiple choice and true/false questions, problems and/or short essays that cover both concepts and calculations. The due dates will be as schedule on the attached Course Calendar. The format of each exam will involve one attempt to complete the exam online. Exams will be available during the specified window of time only. Additional instructions will be posted on Bb. Any missed exam will count as zero.
Total ……………………..………….…………………………………………..………1000 points
Grades are broken down as follows:
910 - 1000= A
800 - 909= B
700 - 799= C
600 - 699= D
A grade of “Incomplete” can be given only under extenuating circumstances, such as serious illness or other necessary absences. Fall semester grades of “Incomplete” must be completed in accordance with university policy. If this does not happen, then the “Incomplete” will be changed to an “F.” If you are not earning at least a “C” in the course, and have not completed most of the course, then an “Incomplete” grade may not be appropriate.
6.0 Posting of Grades
I will attempt to post Grades for Tests no later than two days following the test. I will attempt to post Grades for Assignments no later than the day following the due date.
6.1 Grading Policy
Students are expected to submit assignments and take exams as presented in Section 8. No points will be awarded for assignment or exam not submitted within the stated window of time unless satisfactory arrangements for late submission have been made. As presented in Section 5, your final grade will be a function of assignments and exams. No extra credit will be given. Check on blackboard.
7.0 Technology Requirements and Support
7.1 Technology Requirements
This course will use the new TAMU-CT Blackboard Learn learning management system for class communications and content distribution.
Logon to to access the course.
Username: Your MyCT username
(xx123 or everything before the "@" in your MyCT e-mail address)
Initial password: Your MyCT password
Blackboard supports the most common operating systems:
PC: Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 2000, Mac: Mac OS 10.6 “Snow Leopard®”, Mac OS 10.5 “Leopard®”, Mac OS 10.4 “Tiger®”,
Check browser and computer compatibility by following the “Browser Check” link on the TAMU-CTBlackboard logon page. (
Check browser and computer compatibility by using the “Test Your Browser” button, found in the “Check Your Browser” module on your Blackboard dashboard, once you have logged in.
This is a CRITICAL step as these settings are important for when you take an exam or submit an assignment. Upon logging on to Blackboard Learn, you will see a link to Blackboard Student Orientation under My Courses tab. Click on that link and study the materials in this orientation course. The new Blackboard is a brand-new
interface and you will have to come up to speed with it really quickly. This orientation course will help you get there. There is also a link to Blackboard Help from inside the course on the left-hand menu bar. The first week of the course includes activities and assignments that will help you get up to speed with navigation, sending and receiving messages and discussion posts, and submitting an assignment. Your ability to function within the Blackboard system will facilitate your success in this course.
Technology issues are not an excuse for missing a course requirement – make sure your computer is configured correctly and address issues well in advance of deadlines.
7.2 Technology Support
For technological or computer issues with Blackboard, students should contact the TAMU-CT Blackboard Support Services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
Support Portal:
Online chat (through the support portal at:
Phone: (855)-661-7965
For technology issues, students should contact Help Desk Central.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
Email:
Phone: (254) 519-5466
Web Chat:
When calling for support please let your support technician know you are a TAMUCT student.
For issues related to course content and requirements, contact your instructor.
Technology issues are not an excuse for missing a course requirement – make sure your computer is configured correctly and address issues well in advance of deadlines.
For issues related to course content and requirements, contact your instructor.
COURSE OUTLINE AND CALENDAR
8.0 Complete Course Calendar
Topic / Reading / SLOIntroduction/Asset Classes / Chapter 1 & 2 / a,d
Security Markets / Chapter 3 / b,d
Mutual Funds and Other Invest. Companies / Chapter 4 / f
Risk and Return / Chapter 5 / G,p
Efficient Diversification / Chapter 6
1 - 5
_Chapters / c,I,h
Exam 1
CAPM/EMH / Chapters 7 & 8 / a,b,j,k a,b,e
a,b,e
Behavioral Finance & Technical Analysis / Chapter 9 Chapters10,11.1
Bond Prices and Portfolios
Macroeconomics and Industry Analysis / Chapter 12 Chapters 6 - 11 / a,b,g
Exam 2
Equity Valuation / Chapter 13.1-13.4 / b,e,m
Financial Analysis / Chapter 14 / b,c,n,o
Options a / Chapter 15 / v,c,
Exam 3 / Chapters 12-15
Any changes made at the discretion of the instructor will be announced to the class.
COURSE AND UNIVERSITY PROCEDURES AND POLICIES
9.0 Drop Policy.
If you discover that you need to drop this class, you must go to the Records Office and ask for the necessary paperwork. Professors cannot drop students; this is always the responsibility of the student. The record’s office will provide a deadline for which the form must be returned, completed and signed. Once you return the signed form to the records office and wait 24 hours, you must go into Warrior Web and confirm that you are no longer enrolled. Should you still be enrolled, FOLLOW-UP with the records office immediately? You are to attend class until the procedure is complete to avoid penalty for absence. Should you miss the deadline or fail to follow the procedure, you will receive an F in the course.
10.0 Academic Integrity.
Texas A&M University -Central Texas values the integrity of the academic enterprise and strives for the highest standards of academic conduct. A&M-Central Texas expects its students, faculty, and staff to support the adherence to high standards of personal and scholarly conduct to preserve the honor and integrity of the creative community. Academic integrity is defined as a commitment to honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. Any deviation by students from this expectation may result in a failing grade for the assignment and potentially a failing grade for the course. Academic misconduct is any act that improperly affects a true and honest evaluation of a student’s academic performance and includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work, plagiarism and improper citation of sources, using another student’s work, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials. All academic misconduct concerns will be reported to the university’s Office of Student Conduct. Ignorance of the university’s standards and expectations is never an excuse to act with a lack of integrity. When in doubt on collaboration, citation, or any issue, please contact your instructor before taking a course of action.
11.0 Disability Support and Access Services.
At Texas A&M University – Central Texas, we value an inclusive learning environment where every student has an equal chance to succeed and has the right to an education that is barrier-free. The Office of Disability Support and Access is responsible for ensuring that students with a disability enjoy equal access to the University's programs, services and activities. Some aspects of this course or the way the course is taught may present barriers to learning due to a disability. If you feel this is the case, please contact Disability Support and Access at (254) 501-5831 in Warrior Hall, Ste. 212. For more information, please visit their website at Any information you provide is private and confidential and will be treated as such.
12.0 Tutoring.
Tutoring is available to all TAMUCT students, both on-campus and online. Subjects tutored include Accounting, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, and Writing, and APA formatting. Tutors are available at the Tutoring Center in Warrior Hall, Room 111. Visit and click "Tutoring Support" for tutor schedules and contact information. If you have questions, need to schedule a tutoring session, or if you are interested in becoming a tutor, contact Academic Support Programs at 254-501-5830/5836 or by emailing
Chat live with a tutor 24/7 for almost any subject on your computer! Tutor.com is an online tutoring platform that enables TAMUCT students to log-in and receive FREE online tutoring and writing support. This tool provides tutoring in Mathematics, Writing, Career Writing, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Spanish, Calculus, and Statistics. To access Tutor.com, log into your Blackboard account and click "Online Tutoring."
13.0 University Library.
The University Library provides many services in support of research across campus and at a distance. We offer over 200 electronic databases containing approximately 250,000 eBooks and 82,000 journals, in addition to the 72,000 items in our print collection, which can be mailed to students who live more than 50 miles from campus. Research guides for each subject taught at TAMUCT are available through our website to help students navigate these resources. On-campus, the library offers technology including cameras, laptops, microphones, webcams, and digital sound recorders.
Research assistance from a librarian is also available twenty-four hours a day through our online chat service, and at the reference desk when the library is open. Research sessions can be scheduled for more comprehensive assistance, and may take place on Skype or in-person at the library. Assistance may cover many topics, including how to find articles in peer-reviewed journals, how to cite resources, and how to piece together research for written assignments.
Our 27,000-square-foot facility on the TAMUCT main campus includes student lounges, private study rooms, group work spaces, computer labs, family areas suitable for all ages, and many other features. Services such as interlibrary loan, TexShare, binding, and laminating are available. The library frequently offers workshops, tours, readings, and other events. For more information, please visit our homepage:
14.0 Instructor’s Personal Statement
As of the first day of class, we enter into a contractual relationship underlined by mutual respect. From my end, that means I have the responsibility to be prepared and respond to your inquiries and questions, fair in grading all assignments and exams, making reasonable arrangements to be available for out-of-class consultations if needed, and treating each student with dignity. Similarly, each student is expected to demonstrate personal responsibility by complying with the Course Calendar (see Section 8), studying all course materials, and completing all assignments on time.
A good study tactic is to study the sample of questions and problems provided under “Answer to End-of Chapter Problems” on Bb and the examples presented in the textbook. The more you solve these problems, the better you will understand the mathematical models and related theories. Please don’t hesitate to discuss the course or related matters with me and remember that the best way to reach me is through Blackboard “Messages” or University email with FIN 404 in the subject line.
I do not believe there has been a time in history when the amount of information available on the topic of finance has it been easier to obtain without even leaving home. Be checking on blackboard as I continue to build a reference list for websites that you may use as references in addition to the required text.