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Course profile

International Financial Management (FINM7406)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Postgraduate Coursework
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Business School

The course extends financial decision-making to the international setting. Topics include the foreign exchange market, predicting exchange rate movements, hedging exposures with various derivative and other alternatives, the challenges of raising funds internationally and the process and documents of international trade. The course makes extensive use of case studies and there is an expectation that students will make recommendations to real life problems and justify their decisions. This is a challenging course with a significant theory content which requires seminar attendance and participation in addition to the appropriate independent study and thought to be successful.

This subject introduces and extends financial decision making in an international context. We will introduce exchange rates, observe the impacts and investigate the factors that might explain exchange rate movements. Additionally, we consider strategies to minimise the effects of exchange rate changes. We cover a range of issues pertaining to the globalisation of capital markets, including international investment, multinational cost of capital and capital structure and multinational capital budgeting.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Students are assumed to have a thorough knowledge of basic finance, for example, have completed FINM7401

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

FINM7065 or 7401 or 7805

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

FINM3403

Restrictions

Quota: Minimum of 15 enrolments

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email business.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:

  • Full Name
  • Student ID
  • Course Code

Aims and outcomes

This course aims to build on your knowledge of finance by expanding the coverage to firms that operate in the international market.ᅠ

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Demonstrate a knowledge of the international monetary system and an ability to calculate and interpret values to various exchange rate problems

LO2.

Outline and apply theories of international finance which are used by firms to forecast exchange rates

LO3.

Explain foreign exchange exposure and compare instruments and techniques available to manage it

LO4.

Apply theories of international finance to case studies so as to analyse and evaluate and then articulate solutions to real world problems

LO5.

Compare costs and sources of capital of international and domestic firms

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Examination In-Semester Exam (Online)
  • Online
30%

Week 7, Thu

Online during Lecture time

Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project Project Assignment
  • Online
20%

10/10/2024 1:00 pm

Examination Final Assessment (In-person)
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
50%

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Assessment details

In-Semester Exam (Online)

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
30%
Due date

Week 7, Thu

Online during Lecture time

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02

Task description

The test will comprise multiple-choice questions, short answers, and problem solving questions.

We will hold the online mid-term exam in Week 7 during the usual lecture time. You can take the exam from any location, but we highly recommend choosing a place with a stable internet connection to ensure a smooth experience.

A 15-minute submission period is available for submitting your examination. If your examination is submitted after this period late penalties will be applied unless you can demonstrate that there were problems with the system and/or process that were beyond your control.

AI Statement:

This assessment task is to be completed online. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 90 minutes
Calculator options

Any calculator permitted

Open/closed book Open Book examination
Exam platform Learn.UQ
Invigilation

Not invigilated

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Late submission

Exams submitted after the end of the submission time will incur a late penalty.

Project Assignment

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Project
Weight
20%
Due date

10/10/2024 1:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

This is an individual assignment.

The project requires students to make various international financial decisions. Examples include maximizing portfolio returns, discussing issues related to cryptocurrency, etc.

Students need to justify the decisions in a written report with supporting quantitative details. The report is to be 2,500 words (+/- 10%).

The supporting details include excel computation and the underlying theories.

AI Statement:

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Final Assessment (In-person)

  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
50%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

The Final Exam consists of

  • Short-answer questions,
  • Problem-solving questions,
  • Essay questions.

Further details will be discussed in class. 

AI Statement:

This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 120 minutes
Calculator options

(In person) Casio FX82 series or UQ approved , labelled calculator only

Open/closed book Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted
Exam platform Paper based
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 0 - 29

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

2 (Fail) 30 - 46

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

3 (Marginal Fail) 47 - 49

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

4 (Pass) 50 - 64

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

5 (Credit) 65 - 74

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

6 (Distinction) 75 - 84

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

7 (High Distinction) 85 - 100

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Additional course grading information

Grades will be allocated according to University-wide standards of criterion-based assessment.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Sustainable Development Goals

This course integrates the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout course learning activities.

Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth

Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production

Goal 13: Climate action

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1
Lecture

Topic 1: Course Intro and The Intl Monetary System

Globalisation; four major types of exchange rate mechanims (floating vs. fixed); bitcoin

Learning outcomes: L01

Week 2
Tutorial

Course Introduction and The Intl Monetary

Learning outcomes: L01

Lecture

Topic 2: The Foreign Exchange Market

Characteristics of foreign exchange (forex)markets; terminology and calculations for spot and forward forex markets; triangular arbitrage

Learning outcomes: L01

Week 3
Tutorial

The Foreign Exchange (Forex) Market

Learning outcomes: L01

Lecture

Topic 3: International Parity Conditions

Five parity conditions:

  1. Purchasing Power
  2. Domestic Fisher Effect
  3. International Fisher Effect
  4. Forward Rate Unbiasedness
  5. Interest Rate Parity

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 4
Tutorial

International Parity Conditions

Royal Queensland Show Public Holiday - Wednesday 14 Aug 2024 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Lecture

Topic 4: Balance of Payments (BOP)

Determinants of Exchange Rates II: Five accounts:

  1. Current
  2. Capital
  3. Financial
  4. Net errors and omissions
  5. Official reserves. National Income/Macroeconomic Accounting Identities

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 5
Tutorial

Balance of Payments

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Lecture

Topic 5: Foreign Currency Derivatives

  1. Forex futures and forwards
  2. Forex options
  3. Single currency / cross currency interest rate swaps

Learning outcomes: L01, L03

Week 6
Tutorial

Tutorial Revision for the In-Semester exam

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Lecture

Topic 6: Foreign Exchange Exposure I

  1. Transaction and Translation Exposure. How is it measured?
  2. Methods of hedging transaction exposure (financial instruments vs. operational hedges).
  3. Translation (accounting) exposure

Learning outcomes: L01, L02

Week 7
Tutorial

Foreign Currency Derivatives

Learning outcomes: L01, L03

Lecture

In-Semester Exam

Online In-Semester Exam during Lecture time.

Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04

Week 8
Tutorial

Foreign Exchange Exposure I

Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04

Lecture

Topic 7: Foreign Exchange Exposure II

  1. Economic (or Operating) exposure:
  2. Why and how does it arise?
  3. How to measure it?
  4. Methods of hedging Economic Exposure
  5. Real world examples.

Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04

Week 9
Tutorial

Foreign Exchange Exposure II

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Lecture

Topic 8: Intl Portfolio Theory and Diversification

  1. Basics and benefits of international diversification (real and simulated datasets)
  2. Measuring foreign investment performance
  3. Home bias puzzle

Learning outcomes: L05

Mid Sem break
No student involvement (Breaks, information)

In-Semester Break

Week 10
Tutorial

Intl Portfolio Theory and Diversification

Learning outcomes: L05

Lecture

Topic 9: Sourcing Global Capital & Political Risk

  1. Capital Market Segmentation
  2. Political risk
  3. Basics of cost of capital in the international context
  4. International bond and equity markets

Learning outcomes: L05

Week 11
Tutorial

Sourcing Global Capital & Political Risk

King's Birthday Public Holiday - Monday 7 Oct 2024 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes.

Learning outcomes: L05

Lecture

Topic 10 International Capital Budgeting

  1. Evaluating foreign vs. domestic projects
  2. How do they differ?
  3. Valuation using parent vs. project cash flows

Learning outcomes: L05

Week 12
Tutorial

International Capital Budgeting

Learning outcomes: L05

Lecture

Guest Lecture/ Special Topics

Learning outcomes: L03, L04

Week 13
Tutorial

Revision Tutorials

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Lecture

Brief course and exam review

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Additional learning activity information

Sustainable Development Goal Integration.

This course integrates the following Sustainable Development Goals throughout course learning activities.

Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth

Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production

Goal 13: Climate action

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.