Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2021-2022 (archived)

Module BUSI4N315: Global Financial Markets and Institutions (Fudan DBA)

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI4N315: Global Financial Markets and Institutions (Fudan DBA)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2021/22 Module Cap None.
Tied to N1A460

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To provide a rigorous grounding in the theory of modern finance at an advanced level and a thorough synthesis of the most important current research in finance, with an emphasis on the applications of the principles.
  • To help students develop an advanced understanding of how institutional economic theories, in particular those related to corporate governance, impact on the development and application of financial theories as well as empirical research in finance.
  • To provide students with an advanced understanding of the relevance and importance of alternative epistemological positions in the social sciences and the nature of both qualitative and quantitative approaches to research.
  • To provide students with opportunities to be familiar with the frontier empirical and theoretical research in Finance.

Content

  • Capital Market Efficiency, Consumption and Investment
  • Portfolio Theory and the Theory of Choice under Uncertainty and Valuation Theories
  • Asset Pricing Models I: CAPM and multiple factor models;
  • Consumption-based and intertemporal CAPM models
  • Evaluation of asset pricing models
  • Market Anomalies and Behavioural Finance
  • The relationship between corporate governance on corporate finance.
  • The relationship between corporate governance and investment strategies.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • advanced knowledge and critical understanding of essential components of modern finance theory and associated current research;
  • advanced knowledge and critical understanding of how institutional economic theories, in particular those related to corporate governance, impact on modern finance theory and associated current research;
  • a critical understanding and awareness of the nature and scope of advanced research in finance;
  • explored, understood and appreciated the complexity and contradictions of the current academic literature and its implications for professional practice, and be able to identify open questions for their own research;
  • demonstrated ability to learn and work independently in finance, exercising critical judgement and discrimination in the resolution of complex problematic situations;
  • a critical understanding of methodological issues in research: issues in designing and undertaking quantitative and qualitative research.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Ability to use highly specialised and advanced technical, professional and academic skills in the analysis of relevant specific problems in finance
  • Ability to organise, structure and manage a finance research project effectively and conduct empirical/theoretical analysis at an advanced level
  • Ability to make a critical evaluation of published journal articles in finance and assess their relevance to a chosen research project
  • Ability to operate independently on a research topic in finance and exercise appropriate judgement in the selection of material
Key Skills:
  • Ability to make an initial formulation and articulation of a potential scheme of research
  • Ability to understand and resolve the problems and issues in undertaking doctoral research
  • Effective written communication
  • Advanced skills of self-awareness and time management

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module will be delivered in a workshop format over an intensive three-day teaching block. Workshops will comprise a balanced mix of lecture- and seminar-type delivery combined with small group discussions and other activities as appropriate to the nature of the material. Also, guided reading will address key topics. This range of methods will ensure that students will acquire the advanced skills and knowledge to enable them to develop a thorough understanding of this specialist field of study.
  • Learning will also occur through tutor-supported, as well as self-supported learning groups. In addition, guided reading will address key topics. This range of methods will ensure that students will acquire the advanced skills and knowledge to enable them to develop a thorough understanding of this specialist field of study.
  • The assessment of the module will be by individual written assignment, designed to test students' knowledge and understanding of the subject-matter and their ability to apply it to the analysis of specific issues relating to the study of skills.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Workshop 3 Daily 8 24
Tutor-supported Learning Groups via webinars and other e-learning tools. With follow-up support as necessary using videoconferencing software. 16
Self-supported Learning group (self-organised by students, monitored by Fudan Office) 10
Preparation & Reading (reading list provided consisting of current published articles relevant to module content, available within library) 100
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Individual written assignment that develops the initial formulation and articulation of a potential scheme of research 3,000 words max 100% same

Formative Assessment:

Work prepared by students for seminars; answers to questions either discussed during a seminar, or posted on DUO; feedback on discussions with teaching staff during the module. Individual 1000-word outline of summative assignment with individual feedback provided.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University