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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "FIN 312"
COURSE NAME: "Investment Analysis"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2020
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Alessandro Antonelli
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 11:30-12:50 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS:
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: FIN 301
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course concentrates on the operation and function of securities markets. It emphasizes basic techniques for investing in stocks and bonds. Technical analysis is introduced and portfolio theory discussed.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

PART I: THE INVESTMENT BACKGROUND.
PART II: DEVELOPMENTS IN INVESTMENT THEORY.
PART III: VALUATION PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES.
PART IV: ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF COMMON STOCKS.
PART V: ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF BONDS.
PART VI: DERIVATIVE SECURITY ANALYSIS.
PART VII: SPECIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF ASSET MANAGEMENT.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, successful students will have gained a significant knowledge and familiarity with the following topics related to investment analysis:

* Capital markets and products (bonds, stocks, derivatives, …).

* Theories, techniques, and practices used to evaluate assets and performances.

* Portfolio management and dynamic asset allocation.

* Portfolio strategies of investment banks and hedge funds.

*  Ethics and best practices in investment analysis and portfolio management.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Investment Analysis and Portfolio ManagementReilly, Brown CengageLast or recent editions     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Exam 1, Exam 2, Class ParticipationThe TWO EXAMS (40% + 50%) will consist of essay-type questions, graphic analysis, as well as some problems that require quantitative analysis, in which the student is asked to explain and/or solve with accuracy and clarity issues of a particular topic covered by the syllabus. CLASS PARTICIPATION - The class participation grade (10%) will reflect the students care in attending actively the class. Unjustified absences and unauthorized use of computers will negatively affect the class participation grade. 40% +50% + 10%
   
   

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until the first decade of December.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

PART I: THE INVESTMENT BACKGROUND.

1. The Investment Setting.
2. The Asset Allocation Decision.
3. Selecting Investments in a Global Market.
4. Organization and Functioning of Securities Markets.
5. Security-Market Indexes.

PART II: DEVELOPMENTS IN INVESTMENT THEORY.

6. Efficient Capital Markets.
7. An Introduction to Portfolio Management.
8. An Introduction to Asset Pricing Models.
9. Multifactor Models of Risk and Return.

PART III: VALUATION PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES.

10. Analysis of Financial Statements.
11. An Introduction to Security Valuation.

First exam, Wednesday Nov. 4, 40% weight, from 1 to 11

PART IV: ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF COMMON STOCKS.

12. Macroanalysis and Microvaluation of the Stock Market.
13. Industry Analysis.
14. Company Analysis and Stock Valuation.
15. Technical Analysis.
16. Equity Portfolio Management Strategies.

PART V: ANALYSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF BONDS.

17. Bond Fundamentals.
18. The Analysis and Valuation of Bonds.
19. Bond Portfolio Management Strategies.

PART VI: DERIVATIVE SECURITY ANALYSIS.

20. An Introduction to Derivative Markets and Securities.
21. Forward and Futures Contracts
22. Option Contracts.
23. Swap Contracts, Convertible Securities, and Other Embedded Derivatives.

PART VII: SPECIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF ASSET MANAGEMENT.

24. Professional Money Management, Alternative Assets, and Industry Ethics.
25. Evaluation of Portfolio Performance.

Second Exam (Part IV,  V, VI, VII, 50% weight), see JCU final exam schedule for date and time.