Finance
FIN 735: SHORT-TERM FINANCIAL PLANNING AND WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
3 credits
The course provides an in-depth study of short-term financial planning, accounts receivable management, inventory management, liquidity management, the efficient use of cash, and the firm’s management of its concentration-banking system. Descriptive materials and the use of quantitative techniques such as linear programming, goal programming, simulation, and multivariate analysis are examined. Pre-written computer programs aid in preparing solutions to case studies.
Prerequisite: MBA 692
FIN 746: ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT
3 credits
The course exams the risk management process as applied to the whole range of risks to which a corporation is exposed: financial, insurable, operational, and business. It focuses on risk in general and how multiple sources of risk can be addressed with strategies that integrate risk management and capital management. Specific topics include hedging, insurance, postloss investment, contingent capital, finite risk reinsurance, and insurance-linked securities. Emphasized throughout the course is
that managing risk effectively is essential to corporate value, success, and survival.
Prerequisite: MBA 692
FIN 748: MANAGING FINANCIAL SERVICES ORGANIZATIONS
3 credits
The course provides an examination of the general nature of the financial system and the role that financial institutions play in it. The flow of funds in financial markets and the dynamics of interest rate level and structure determination are discussed within the context of how financial institutions affect and are affected by them. An overview of the financial management of major financial institutions, especially banks, thrifts, insurance companies, and pension funds, is highlighted with case study analyses and discussions.
Prerequisite: MBA 692
FIN 764: PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
3 credits
The course focuses on current practice and recent theoretical developments. It deals with the characteristics of individual securities and portfolios, criteria and models for alternative portfolio composition, criteria for evaluation and measurement of performance, and the impact of government regulation.The evaluation of current theory, its significance for the financial management decision-making, and the consideration of relevant empirical evidence are covered.
Prerequisite: MBA 692
FIN 765: INTERNATIONAL FINANCE
3 credits
This course provides an overview of current financial theory and practice as it applies to the multinational enterprise. Topics include foreign exchange markets and forecasting, foreign exchange risk management, the international debt crisis, multinational working capital management, and capital budgeting. Eurocurrencies and foreign security markets are also discussed.
Prerequisite: MBA 692
FIN 766: PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
3 credits
This course focuses on the problems faced in the financial arena by the public sector. Particular emphasis is placed on the macro-financial issues facing state and local governments, including discussion of their growing importance in the economy, and their fiscal health; the effects of regional population shifts; and hands-on problems faced by the financial manager in the public enterprise, including budgeting, financial accountability, and expenditure analysis.
Prerequisite: MBA 692
FIN 767: MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS
3 credits
The course provices an analysis of the acquisition by one firm of all or some of the assets of another firm, and its impact on both the companies involved and on society. Topics include a discussion of the types of combinations, the motivations of the participants, the financial analysis required to carry out merger or acquisition activities, negotiation strategies, and the tax and accounting options that are available to the parties involved.
Prerequisite: MBA 692
FIN 774: SPECULATIVE MARKETS
3 credits
This course introduces the student to the world of speculative markets. Toward this end, students will study the key issues in options and futures pricing and learn how to employ these assets to maximize investor utility. An examination of controversial issues in this area will be conducted. Students will write a research note on an important issue in the speculative markets field.
Prerequisite: MBA 692
FIN 776: EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANNING
3 credits
This course provices an analytical study of the nature and operation of employer-sponsored benefit plans offered in a complex socioeconomic and political environment. Topics include mandated benefits such as Social Security, workers compensation, and unemployment insurance as well as a more in-depth examination of group life, health, disability, and qualified and non-qualified retirement plans. Emphasis is on benefit plan design and administration, cost, funding, and regulation as viewed from a benefits manager’s financial perspective.
Prerequisite: MBA 692
FIN 780: APPLIED RESEARCH IN BUSINESS
3 credits
(See ACC 780 for a general description.)
FIN 783: Financial Analysis Seminar
3 credits
This seminar covers in-depth issues in financial analysis, such as ethics, financial reporting, equity investments, portfolio management, fixed income investments, derivatives, and others. It includes mock exams for the CFA I exam with students agreeing to sit for the actual CFA I exam in June. Prerequisites: MBA 692, MBA 830, FIN 764, GPA of 3.5 or higher in all accounting and finance courses, GMAT score ≥ 475 and GMAT Math score ≥ 25th percentile, or permission of the instructor
FIN 784: SELECTED TOPICS IN FINANCE
3 credits
This course provides an analysis of current issues in financial theory and practice. Topical coverage will vary from term to term.
Prerequisite: MBA 692