Discussion and 2 replies
GRADED DISCUSSION WEEK 8
In this final post, let's just wrap up with a few general thoughts on the course and what you learned from the material.
- What did you learn most from the two research papers? What did you learn about the company you studied that was particularly interesting or surprising?
- What did you learn about performing a financial analysis of a company that may come in handy for you in the future, in your studies, career, or personal investing?
- What were your favorite topics in the course?
- What were your most challenging topics in the course?
- Any study tools or tricks that worked best for you to learn this material?
- Any constructive suggestions for improvement? I don't get a chance to provide them to course developers very often for changes I have no control over, but I can do my best to add anything I can to help.
In your replies, just discuss the comments of your fellow students, say goodbye and offer any well-wishes!
Post by classmate 1
The two research papers taught me a lot about finances. There have been a lot of headaches that has transpired through the process (COVID didn’t make it no better), but this class has cleared a little fog. These projects showed me how to gather information for the important ratios that are needed to make decisions on how liquid a company is and how to compare the finding with other companies that are in the same industry. With The Home Depot as my company choice, I learned that they are very great in their industry. Being rated number 1 globally and still have a few negative numbers in their ratios details that there are risks that have to take place in order to succeed.
My favorite topic in this course was the saving strategies. I love having the concept of saving money for future plans and items, due to me not wanting to use my credit card. The most challenging was and is still is bonds to me. I get the concept of a bond, but the long-term numbers and items are still a little unclear to me. What helped me through some of the head-scratchers was Investopidia.com. There were videos that explained the concepts in a more natural manner that helped me along the way. Also, the excel sheets examples that were provided in the chapters were a big help as well. My only suggestion is to have more of the excel; examples and revisit the material. There a few times that I was looking for certain topics in the folder and couldn’t find the information to help explain the process.
Post by classmate 2
- What did you learn most from the two research papers? What did you learn about the company you studied that was particularly interesting or surprising?
- I learned from the two research papers about bonds. I have zero knowledge of bonds before I take this course. While studying, researching, and comparing two bonds of Walmart, I got to understand which bond I should invest in. The particularly interesting thing was studying stock price because I am interested in purchasing some stocks.
- What did you learn about performing a financial analysis of a company that may come in handy for you in the future, in your studies, career, or personal investing?
- Calculating numbers and ratios with Excel. I used Excel before for basic charts and calculations. But, I learned way more functions of Excel which are so helpful to perform a financial analysis of a company.
- What were your favorite topics in the course?
- To be honest, Calculating numbers and ratios with Excel was my favorite.
- What were your most challenging topics in the course?
- Same Answer. Calculating numbers and ratios with Excel was enjoyable but also challenging.
- Any study tools or tricks that worked best for you to learn this material?
- Excel?
- Any constructive suggestions for improvement? I don't get a chance to provide them to course developers very often for changes I have no control over, but I can do my best to add anything I can to help.
- This course is well-organized. I have no suggestion. It is good enough.
Faculty Contact Ann Laramy [email protected]
Course Description Prerequisites: ACCT 221 and STAT 200. An overview of the theory, principles, and practices of financial management in a business environment. Topics include financial analysis and financial risk, characteristics and valuations of securities, capital investment analysis and decision making, the capital structure of the firm, financial leverage, and international finance. The aim is to examine financial information, identify issues and solve business problems, and make sound business decisions. Emphasis is on the application of financial theory and methods for solving the problems of financial policy that managers face. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: BMGT 340, FINC 330, MGMT 398D, or TMGT 320.

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Course Introduction The financial aspects of business are crucial to the well-being of an enterprise, in conjunction with the other functional areas of business, such as marketing and personnel management. The focus of this course will be on ratio analysis, short-term asset and liability management, time value of money, basic principles of validation of stocks and bonds, risk and return, cost of capital, capital structure, and leverage.
Course Outcomes After completing this course, you should be able to:
1. Explain financial concepts that contribute to ethical decision making. 2. Describe how to collect, analyze and apply financial information such as financial statements, bonds and stocks quotes, financial
ratios, historical stock prices, cash flows to identify issues and make investment decisions, such as to buy the bond or stock or not, and how risky this investment is.
3. Evaluate and assess financial information such as financial statements, financial ratios, cash flows to analyze business problems 4. Estimate future cash flows, the initial outlay and its components, and apply this information to evaluate capital projects to make
sound business decisions, such as to accept the capital project or reject it, and how risky the project is.
Course Materials Click to access your course materials information (http://webapps.umgc.edu/UgcmBook/BPage.cfm? C=FINC%20330&S=6388&Sem=2222)
Class Guidelines Class Guidelines
Preparation
Adelphi · Syllabus ·
FINC 330 6388 Business Finance (2222) FINC-330 Spring 2022 Section 6388 3 Credits 01/12/2022 to 03/08/2022
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Course duration – This course concludes in eight weeks. As such, it is imperative that students clear their calendar sufficiently to allow time for the rigors of this course.
Time on task – A course’s hourly requirement may be higher or lower each week depending on the weekly activities and readings assigned, however, the student should average approximately 15 to 17 hours per week on a 3-credit class. The work completed during these weekly hours should comprise participating in class discussions and learning activities, studying, assigned reading, and preparation of assignments. Student learning styles, goals, tasks, and course topics affect weekly time requirements in this course. You are expected to meet the same learning outcomes and perform the same amount of work in an online course as in an onsite course. Active participation is required in all courses, and you should expect to log in to your online course several times a week. For more information on UMGC’s credit hour standards, please see Policy 160.00.
Classroom Management
News: Check the News section for weekly updates pertaining to the course requirements. Assignments – you are expected to read the assigned material during the week in which it is assigned and to devote significant time to the assignments so that you can reach a sufficient level of critical thinking and rigor required in this course.
Participation: In registering for this course, you have made a commitment to participate in your course discussions as well as in other online activities. Weekly learning activities/discussions are mandatory so please plan to participate regularly. Participation for this course is defined as proactive work in weekly discussions and/or activities. This requires you to actively reflect on weekly readings and other course material to develop original ideas in your responses.Students taking a hybrid course are expected to participate in face-to-face activities as well as participate in mandatory online learning activities/discussions. Credit is earned for both types of activities.
Online etiquette – You are expected to adhere to the general rules of online etiquette. The following provides a set of online etiquette general rules:
http://madisoncollege.edu/online-etiquette-guide
Time Zone- Students should be aware that all courses, due dates, deadlines, and references to time (example: By midnight) all refer to eastern standard time (EST).
Late Policy – It is important that all students stay current with their work in the eight week course environment. There is not enough time to catch up. To encourage students to get their work in on time and to be fair to the students who do, the following late policy is in effect.
Discussions: Credit is not normally granted for discussion postings or a response entered after the work is due. By the next day, the class has moved on to the next set of discussions and late contributions are rarely read and thus do not contribute to the learning process.
Written assignments: All assignments are due on the stated date. Under unusual circumstances, during the term, late work may be accepted after the due date, but; if it is accepted, it may be penalized. All work must be submitted before the end of the course. (Please see Extra Credit and Late Policy under Projects, below) for specific details regarding Project deadlines.
If a student has a substantive and verifiable reason for being late the faculty may consider an exception to the late policy. It is far better to inform your instructor in advance if possible. If an exception to the late policy is being considered, verification for the reason for lateness may be required.
Extra Credit – Extra credit is not granted in this course.
LEO News – Your faculty member uses the News section of the LEO Homepage to provide important information on the course. Be sure to check it frequently. You are responsible for the content.
LEO and MyMarketingLab Server Issues – In the unlikely event that LEO or MymarketingLab is inaccessible because of outages; deadlines for assignments will be modified. Deadline extensions will be posted in class news when service is restored. Technical difficulties with personal computers or Internet access will not constitute an excuse for late assignments.
Preferred Contact Method – All work, student feedback, and communications will occur in the LEO classroom to ensure a complete record of course conduct.
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You can use the Pager feature within the classroom to send a message to your faculty member.
Click the Classroom Walkthrough Videos link below, and then click The Pager link, to view a how-to video on how to use the Pager function within the classroom: Classroom Walkthrough Videos Link (http://www.umgc.edu/students/leo/videos.cfm)
Supplemental materials -All course materials will be found in the Weekly Modules (Content>Weekly Modules) or in Course Resources (Content>Course Resources)
General Guidelines for All Written Work
All written projects should conform to standards of formatting and documentation, including proper citations and references found in an acceptable college-level writing guide such as APA UMGC's Guide toWriting and Research.
Please note that starting from the Fall 2020 semester the UMGC moved to the 7th Edition of the APA Style. The links to the 7th Edition of the APA Style methodology are posted in Content – Course Resources – Writing Resources.
Written projects:
Must be typed, double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman or Arial font, with one-inch margins Must have the title page in APA-7 style Must have in-text citations in APA-7 edition style Must have reference list in APA-7 edition style. Please note that you must reference the data you are using for the project Must be prepared using word processing software (Microsoft Word preferred)
Grading Information FINC 330 Business Finance is a three (3)-credit course. Your final grade for this course will be based upon a weighted-average of the individual grades received in seven (7) graded exercises which include, (1) Academic Integrity Pledge (Required Discussion) (2) eight quantitative homework problem sets, (3) a financial research project (Parts 1 and 2), (4) participation in eight (8) graded asynchronous discussions, (5) two quizzes, (6) on-line midterm examination, and (7) on-line final examination. The value, or weighting, assigned to each of these seven graded exercises is as follows:
Academic Integrity Pledge (Required Discussion)
0%
Discussions/participation ([email protected]%) 12%
Homework problem sets 18%
Research project (Part 1 and Part [email protected]%) 27%
Quizzes (2 @ 4%) 8%
Midterm Exam 10%
Final Exam 25%
Total 100%
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1. Academic Integrity Pledge (0% of the final grade)
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Academic Integrity Pledge is the required discussion. It has the weight of zero in your final grade. However, you will not receive any grades for the assignments manually graded by the professor if you did not submit the pledge or submitted the pledge without your name.
Grading of the completion of the Academic Integrity Pledge is based on single criteria: 100% if you submit the pledge with your name underneath it; 0% -if you did not submit the pledge or submitted the pledge without your name.
Rubric for the Academic Integrity Pledge is posted as separate file in Content – Syllabus – on the right side of the screen.
Please note that failure to add your name to the pledge will produce grade of zero for this assignment.
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2. EIGHT QUANTITATIVE HOMEWORK PROBLEM SETS –(18% of final grade)
********************************************************************************************** A quantitative homework problem set will be assigned at the start of each week in LEO, and students will have seven days to complete the assignment and submit it in LEO. The setting of the Homeworks is as following:
Homework for each week consists of several sets of the problems: Homework #1A, Homework #1B…. You will NOT be able to move backwards through pages. You have unlimited number of attempts for each problem set. The highest score out of the attempts for each set will go to the gradebook to be used in calculations of your final grade for the course. There is No time limit for the Homework. After the problem set is submitted, the system will show the score, questions, correct answers, and student’s responses. It is highly recommended that you review the submitted attempt, and try to complete the set again, if you want to improve your grade. You will NEVER decrease your grade for the homework problem set, since the highest attempt will be used in the gradebook for calculations of your final grade for the course. To see the correct answer, the students have to click on MyTools – Class Progress – on the left side of the screen choose Quizzes – in the list find Homework #.. and click on Details – than click on Attempt you would like to see. It is highly recommended to practice as many times as you want to in order to master the required calculations and to be prepared for the quizzes, Midterm and Final exam.
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3. TWO QUIZZES————————- (8% of final grade, 2 quizzes @ 4% each)
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Two Quizzes will be assigned in LEO in accordance with the course schedule, and students will have seven days to complete the assignment and submit it in LEO.
The setting of the quiz is as following:
You will not be able to move backwards through pages. You have one attempt for the quiz. There is no time limit for the quiz. All questions in the quiz are computational free response questions. You are required to type the solution and the final answer to the problems. You will not receive credit for the problem if only final answer is given. The quiz will be graded manually by your professor. You can review the graded quiz from My Tools – Class Progress. You are encouraged to use built-in formulas in Excel where it is applicable. If you are using built-in formulas in Excel, in order to show your work, you can copy and paste the formula from Excel formula line on the top of the screen and type the answer.
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To see the feedback for the quiz , the students have to click on MyTools – Class Progress – on the left side of the screen choose Quizzes – in the list find Quiz #1 and click on Details – than click on Attempt 1. Below each question with feedback, the students will see the link "View Feedback".
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4. RESEARCH PROJECT ——- (27% of the course grade, Part 1 and Part 2 @13.5% each of the course grade)
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This project is closely aligned with the Course Outcomes and Finance Program Objectives. Completion of this project can be used as part of a portfolio to show potential employers the student is skilled at performing company valuations and financial statement analysis and can be included on the student's resume.
The Research Project consists of two parts: Part 1 and Part 2. Weight of each part is 13.5% of the course grade.
Research Project Part 1 is due at the end of week 5.
Research Project Part 2 is due at the end of week 7.
The students have to complete an individual or group (determined by your professor) financial research project.
The purpose of this assignment is to test the students' ability to research, analyze and present financial information. The students will be required to research key financial data, analyze the information, apply the appropriate financial concepts and formulas and prepare a credible management level financial report.
The Financial Research Project will be assigned on-line on the beginning of week 1 of the course. This project is due, submitted online via LEO, not later than the date indicated in the course schedule.
To support your opinion you can use quotes. Quotes should be not more than 20% of your posting (less is better!!!).
Your assignments for the Research Project Part 1 and Part 2 are posted as separate files in Content – Syllabus – on the right side of the screen.
The format of the project is stated in the Syllabus – Project Descriptions.
Rubrics for the Part 1 and Part 2 of the Research Project are posted as separate files in Content – Syllabus – on the right side of the screen.
Please note that starting from the Fall 2020 semester the UMGC moved to the 7th Edition of the APA Style. The links to the 7th Edition of the APA Style methodology are posted in Content – Course Resources – Writing Resources.
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5. PARTICIPATION IN THE GRADED DISCUSSION AREAS — (12% of final grade)
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By registering for a Web-based course, you have made a commitment to participate in your course discussions as well as other online activities. Please plan to participate regularly. This requires you to actively reflect on weekly module and textbook readings and to develop original ideas in your responses. You are expected to demonstrate critical thinking and your understanding of the content in the assigned readings as they relate to the issues identified in the discussion. You are expected to make your own contribution in a main topic as well as respond with value-added comments to at least two of your classmates. You are encouraged to respond to other students as well as to your instructor. You will note in the grading policy that your online discussion participation counts significantly toward your final grade.
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The Grading Requirements to the Graded Discussion
To encourage student participation I will grade your participation in each Graded Discussion by three elements:
the quality of your input the quantity of your input timing of your input
(1) The quality – Quality of Discussion Contributions:
a) Each week’s Discussion area of the online classroom has several assigned questions. The Original Post, which is intended to address the assigned questions, must include the student’s responses to all assigned questions in the Discussion area.
Discussions will be graded for your effort. If you find that your answer is not correct after posting it, please do not delete it and do not edit it. You need to follow the discussion in order to receive the full grade for the graded conference and to better understand the question. The other students will also benefit from this discussion.
b) You should show your understanding of the questions.
c) To support your opinion you can use quotes. Quotes should be not more than 50% of your posting (less is better!!!).
d) You are expected to make your own contribution in a main topic as well as respond with value-added comments to at least two of your classmates.
e) Please present citations for the SOURCES (APA Style Criteria) you used in the Graded discussions (the complete Internet link; the title, the author and the publisher, etc.). The responses without complete references will NOT be accepted.
f) Be aware that Wikipedia, Investopedia, and other on-line dictionaries and encyclopedias are not verifiable sources of reliable information. The responses where these sources are used will not be counted.
Acceptable sources of the information are: research papers, newspaper articles, and books.
g) DO NOT COPY the material from your textbook! Responses copied from the textbook will not be counted.
(2) The quantity – Level of Engagement in Online Classroom Discussions
Students must have one “Original Post” and a minimum of two “Other Posts” in each week’s Discussion area. Of course, students are encouraged to participate more often in the classroom discussions.
The Original Post may not to be divided into more than one posting (no credit will be earned for responses or content not included in the Original Post). The instructor will likely evaluate the first “Original Post” when it is posted, and revisions later in the Week are not considered.
Material posted in the discussion (response to my topic or response to another student’s comments) should be at least 100 words (not counting quotes and citations). Please note that 100 words is the minimum. Usually your response should be much longer to get a high grade for the discussion.
(3)Timing of your responses
To receive the full grade for the timing of your responses
(1) Original response to topic should be posted by Sunday, 11:59 pm each week
(2) Responses to other students should be posted by Tuesday, 11:59 pm (the end of the week)
Remember, that all of your answers and responses to the other students’ comments must be posted in LEO by the lock date . At the lock date, the discussion will be closed for submission. Absolutely no responses will be accepted after the lock date of the discussion. Answers sent to the instructor via e-mail will not be accepted and/or graded.
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As a reminder, each student is expected to adhere to the general rules of online etiquette as outlined in the Online Participation and Online Etiquette.
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6. —-MIDTERM EXAMINATION (On-line) (10% of the course grade)
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Issued in LEO on the date indicate in the course schedule.
Due in LEO on the date indicate in the course schedule.
FINC 330 course requires the student to complete standardized take-it-home midterm examination that worth 10% of the course grade.
The midterm examination is the common midterm exam that consists of a number of quantitative (computational) financial problems and are designed to test students’ ability to apply the learned financial theory and formulas to typical real-world financial problems.
Midterm Examination covers course material presented in weeks 1-3.
The setting of the Midterm Examination is as following:
You will not be able to move backwards through pages. You have two attempts for the exam. There is 2 hour time limit for the exam. If you leave the exam, the clock is going forward! After the Midterm exam is submitted, the system will show the score, questions, correct answers, and student’s responses. To see the correct answer, the students have to click on MyTools – Class Progress – on the left side of the screen choose Quizzes – in the list find Midterm Examination and click on Details – than click on Attempt 1 (or Attempt 2).
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7. FINAL EXAMINATION (On-line) (25% of the course grade)
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Issued in LEO on the date indicate in the course schedule in LEO
Due in LEO on the date indicate in the course schedule in LEO
The FINC 330 course requires the student to complete take-it-home final examination that worth 25% of the course grade.
The final examination consists of a number of quantitative (computational) financial problems and is designed to test students’ ability to apply the learned financial theory and formulas to typical real-world financial problems.
The Final Examination is a comprehensive exam that covers course material presented in weeks 1-8.
The setting of the Final Examination is as following:
You will not be able to move backwards through pages. You have two attempts for the Final examination. There is 3 hour time limit for the exam. If you leave the exam, the clock is going forward! After the Final exam is submitted, the system will show the score, questions, correct answers, and student’s responses.
To see the correct answer, the students have to click on MyTools – Class Progress – on the left side of the screen choose Quizzes – in the list find Final Examination and click on Details – than click on Attempt 1.
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MAKE UP AND LATE POLICY——————————————————
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Absolutely no make up for the research projects, homework assignments, quizzes, graded discussions, midterm and final examination will be given.
All answers and responses to the Graded Discussions must be posted in LEO by the due date . At the due date, the discussions will be closed for submission. Absolutely no responses will be accepted after the due date of the discussion. Answers sent to the instructor via e-mail will not be accepted and/or graded.
Recognize that discussions are meant to be a conversation among students focused on the week's readings. Posting to a discussion after the week has ended means in reality you are talking to yourself! Once the week is over there is no opportunity to earn any additional points in discussions. However, discussions only count 1.5 percent per week so students can miss a week or two and still earn a good grade in the course if they work diligently on the remaining discussions and on the assignments. So, if you have to travel for a week, have a family emergency, experience an illness, or go on vacation, you can miss a week and still earn a good grade. There is no reason to ask to participate after the week is over.
Students are advised that to assure equal treatment to all students, late quiz, Midterm, and Final exam submissions will NOT be accepted. Quizzes, Midterm and Final exams submitted after the due date will have the grade of zero (unless prior permission is granted)!
Homework and quiz assignments have specific due dates and it is critical for students to stay on track. Putting off an assignment to the week after it is due shortens the time you have available for the following assignment and creates a situation where you are continually trying to catch up. Additionally, students know when the assignments are due and can work ahead of time to begin their responses. So to suggest that being sick the day before the assignment is due and therefore should have an extension is really not very convincing.
However, sometimes there are extenuating circumstances where a few extra days would make the difference between success and failure. Please contact me via email BEFORE the assignment is due. Present the reasons why you need additional time, specify when you can complete the assignment, and let me know how much of the assignment you have already completed. I will either provide an extension with a new due date of my choice or deny the request. If your request is denied, please submit whatever you have completed of the assignment. It is better to earn at least some of the points rather than to take a zero for the assignment.
Once an extension has been granted, if the assignment is not posted in its entirety, you will receive a zero for the assignment.
Late submission for any reasons of the Research Project that will receive a 20% grade reduction.
Extra Credit Policy
There is no opportunity for extra-credit in the course. As an eight week course, it is important for students to focus their time on the required assignments, readings, and conferences. Please do not neglect your assignments in the hopes of completing extra-credit at some future point in the semester. That strategy is rarely successful either in helping you manage your time or in enhancing your learning.
TUS Grading Standards
Grading Philosophy
Grades are assigned based solely on student performance and not on prevailing student expectations, perceptions of their own performance or level of effort. The grading standards are developed based on course outcomes and reflect the appropriate level of content mastery, including mastery of the subject matter as well as mastery of those core curriculum components such as effective writing and information literacy that are deemed appropriate to the course.
Although a bell curve may not always be achieved, nor is it necessarily desirable, it is expected that the grade of A is awarded only to those students whose work is truly exceptional, reflecting both content mastery and the ability to analyze and articulate that material. The grade of A would not be routinely expected, and the grades of B and C would be clearly denoted as appropriate to lesser degrees of content mastery as discussed above. The grade of D represents the lowest passing grade and denotes borderline content mastery and ability.
Definition of Academic Rigor
UMGC defines academic rigor as the degree to which students demonstrate content mastery, application of critical thinking skills and adherence to UMGC’s code of academic integrity.
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This definition implies three components to academic rigor:
1. Content mastery to include the subject matter of the course as well as mastery of those core curriculum goals established for the course (for example, information literacy, effective writing).
2. Application of critical thinking skills to include the degree to which the student can present and defend original thinking on the subject matter, including synthesis and analysis of key concepts.
3. Academic integrity to include the degree to which student demonstrates academic honesty defined in UMGC’s code of academic integrity.
Students are presumed to be well versed in mathematics, accounting, and statistics. Knowlege of EXCEL is very helpful. The pace of the course does not allow for the luxury of reviewing basic concepts in these disciplines during class. Consequently, students who do not possess a marked degree of competence in these disciplines may find themselves facing extraordinary challenges.
This course is taught in a manner that presumes that you have read the material and completed all problems for that date. You will get virtually nothing from the class sessions unless you are prepared. You should be aware, therefore, that this course has been judged by alumni to require extensive study and intensive analysis; it should not be undertaken casually.
Grading Rubrics
Refer to your classroom for the current version of discussion, assignment, and project grading rubrics.
Project Descriptions
—- FINANCIAL RESEARCH PROJECT ——-
The project is 27% of the course grade, (Two parts, 13.5% each).
This project is closely aligned with the Course Outcomes and Finance Program Objectives. Completion of this project can be used as part of a portfolio to show potential employers the student is skilled at performing company valuations and financial statement analysis and can be included on the student's resume.
Financial Research Project consists of two parts – Part 1 and Part 2, 13.5% each of the course grade.
Research Project Part 1 is due at the end of week 5.
Research Project Part 2 is due at the end of week 7.
THE PROJECT IS DESIGNED TO BE COMPLETED INDIVIDUALLY BY THE STUDENT (OR A GROUP) AS ASSIGNED BY YOUR PROFESSOR.
The detailed descriptions of the both parts of the project are posted as separate files in Content – Syllabus – file on the right side of the screen.
Rubric for both parts of the Research Project are posted as separate files in Content – Syllabus – on the right side of the screen
Please note that starting from the Fall 2020 semester the UMGC moved to the 7th Edition of the APA Style. The links to the 7th Edition of the APA Style methodology are posted in Content – Course Resources – Writing Resources.
Due date is stated in the course schedule.
Format of the Research Project:
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Both parts of the Research Project report should be about 6-8 or more pages double-spaced typewritten pages (without tables and graphs). The assignments for both parts include suitable comparative, quantitative and qualitative analyses and conclude with a specific and supported recommendation and reflection.
The Research Project (Parts 1 and 2) must be posted to the LEO Student Assignments as Attachments. Attachments are limited to a maximum two files in doc, docx., xls. xlsx., or rtf. formats. OTHER FORMATS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE, will not be reviewed or graded.
Please note that hand-written and scanned works, pdf. files, jpg. files, pages. files as well as files posted in google drive, will not be accepted or graded.
Please note that Use of APA Citation Methodology is required for the assignment.
To support your opinion you can use quotes. Quotes should be not more than 20% of your posting (less is better!!!).
All works must be Word processed. Handwritten and scanned work will not be accepted and graded.
This Written Assignment is valued at 27% (13.5% each part) of your final course grade. This report will require (1) financial data research, (2) the application of a wide range of financial theories, and (3) quantitative analysis to prepare a professionally-sound and supported recommendation. The report will be evaluated based on the following three factors:
–30%—-The quality of the supporting research and references.
–50%—-The analysis of the data, presented in the report. The student demonstrates understanding and application of economic concepts and formulas.
–20%—-The presentation approach, professionalism, logic and persuasiveness of your recommendation
In accordance with the UMGC Academic Policy, notes taken for papers and research projects should accurately record sources of material to be cited, appropriately quoted, paraphrased or summarized, and papers and research projects should acknowledge these sources in the appropriate places in the text of the paper as well as in a reference list at the end of the paper, in accordance with accepted citation practices. No more than 20% of the text of the project should be made up of quotes.
Written projects:
1. Must be typed, double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman or Arial font, with one-inch margins 2. Must have the title page in APA-7 style 3. Must have in-text citations in APA-7 edition style 4. Must have reference list in APA-7 edition style. Please note that you must reference the data you are using for the project 5. Must be prepared using word processing software (Microsoft Word preferred)
PRESENTATION OF PAPER AND WRITING (15%) of the project grade):
-Organization, Format and Presentation of Paper including the Title page, Introduction, Body, and Summary (4% of the project grade)
Use of Tables, Figures and Other Graphics to Summarize and Support Analysis Presented in the Paper (3% of the project grade)
Logical and Smooth Flowing Transitions and Relationships among Sections of the Written Report (3% of the project grade)
Research Sources and Significance of Research Information and Data, Use of APA Citation Methodology (5% of the project grade)
Essential research data, financial calculations and other documentation as necessary to support your recommendation should be referred to in summary form in your report and attached in detail as enclosures. All major sources should be referenced. There is no set limit to the size of the enclosures, but it is recommended that only essential enclosures be attached. You should use references and bibliography to identify any remaining supporting documents you wish to include.
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Project-Related Questions
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All questions related to this assignment should be referred to me through the LEO classroom discussion or the Project Conference so all students can benefit from the questions and answers.
As these are new and challenging assignments for many of you, your questions may well serve to better define what I really want and expect, which can lead to better reports
Academic Policies ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) has adopted a Philosophy of Academic Integrity (https://www.umgc.edu/current- students/learning-resources/academic-integrity/philosophy.cfm)to guide the university’s commitment to a culture of academic integrity and authentic education encompassing a set of dispositions and behaviors that are socially beneficial, educationally critical, and professionally necessary.
All members of the University community must maintain the highest level of integrity across the academic experience. For students, intellectually honest academic work represents independent analysis, acknowledges all sources of information that contribute to the ideas being explored, and ensures the ability to engage in life and work authentically. Your instructor is your primary resource for how to uphold the highest ethical standards in the context of this course’s specific requirements.
Turnitin is enabled within the classroom to support the development and assessment of authentic student writing. To learn more about Turnitin, the feedback it provides, how to use feedback to improve your work, and your options regarding the inclusion of your work in the Turnitin database, visit University guides for Turnitin at sites.umgc.edu/library/libresources/turnitin.cfm (https://sites.umgc.edu/library/libresources/turnitin.cfm) and https://sites.umgc.edu/library/libresources/turnitin.cfm#studentcopyright (https://sites.umgc.edu/library/libresources/turnitin.cfm#studentcopyright).
Other Academic Integrity resources and guidelines are found at https://www.umgc.edu/current-students/learning- resources/academic-integrity/index.cfm (https://www.umgc.edu/current-students/learning-resources/academic-integrity/index.cfm).
CLASSROOM CIVILITY
University of Maryland Global Campus is committed to the success of our global community and values the diverse identities and backgrounds of our students, faculty, and staff. Each one of us has a broader life and set of experiences beyond UMGC that we bring with us to each interaction. Sharing your story with your classmates provides opportunities to learn, relate, and gain inspiration from each other. Engagement often begins with introductions at the beginning of the course. Sharing your preferred name, preferred pronouns, and other details about yourself and your life builds a foundation for connection, understanding, and a richer and more personalized learning experience.
We also recognize that some of life’s responsibilities and challenges outside of the classroom, such as childcare, a change in employment status, or illness, have an impact on success in a course. To the extent you are comfortable, we encourage you to communicate with your faculty member or Success Coach about any concerns you have for this course or as a student at UMGC so we can help you navigate potential obstacles and stay on track to achieve your goals.
Students are expected to work together cooperatively, and treat fellow students and faculty with respect, showing professionalism and courtesy in all interactions. Please review the Code of Civility for more guidance on interacting in UMGC classrooms: https://www.umgc.edu/students/support/studentlife/conduct/code.cfm (https://www.umgc.edu/students/support/studentlife/conduct/code.cfm).
POLICIES AND GUIDELINES
UMGC is committed to ensuring that all individuals are treated equally according to Policy 040.30 Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity, and Sexual Harassment (https://www.umgc.edu/administration/policies-and-reporting/policies/administration- policies/affirmative-action-and-equal-opportunity.cfm).
Students with disabilities who need accommodations in a course are encouraged to contact the Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) at [email protected], or call 800-888-8682 or 240-684-2287.
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The following academic policies and procedures apply to this course and your studies at UMGC.
150.25 Academic Integrity Policy (http://www.umgc.edu/policies/academicpolicies/aa15025.cfm) The University expects all members of the university community—students, faculty, and staff—to use guidelines to work with and promote integrity. If you are aware of any academic misconduct, please contact [email protected]. All cases of academic misconduct will be addressed in accordance with Policy 150.25 (http://www.umgc.edu/policies/academicpolicies/aa15025.cfm) and associated procedures.
You are expected to engage in new learning that furthers your development of knowledge, skills, and abilities in each course. According to this policy, you may not submit a substantial portion of any coursework that you have submitted to any course previously without express written approval through assignment guidelines or other forms of communication.
You must use UMGC course materials responsibly. Uploading course materials to any website outside of UMGC’s online classroom is prohibited by this policy.
151.00 Code of Student Conduct (https://www.umgc.edu/administration/policies-and-reporting/policies/student-affairs/code-of- student-conduct.cfm)
170.40
170.41
170.42
The following policies describe the requirements for the award of each degree:
Degree Completion Requirements for the Graduate School (https://www.umgc.edu/administration/policies-and- reporting/policies/academic-affairs/graduate-school-degree-completion-requirements.cfm)
Degree Completion Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree (https://www.umgc.edu/administration/policies-and- reporting/policies/academic-affairs/bachelors-degree-completion-requirements.cfm)
Degree Completion Requirements for an Associate’s Degree (https://www.umgc.edu/administration/policies-and- reporting/policies/academic-affairs/associates-degree-completion-requirements.cfm)
170.71 Policy on Grade of Incomplete (https://www.umgc.edu/administration/policies-and-reporting/policies/academic-affairs/grade- of-incomplete-policy.cfm) – The mark of I is exceptional and considered only for certain courses. Students who have completed 60% of their coursework with a grade of B or better for graduate courses or C or better for undergraduate courses and request an I before the end of the term. The mark of I is not available for noncredit courses.
170.72 Course Withdrawal Policy (https://www.umgc.edu/administration/policies-and-reporting/policies/academic-affairs/course- withdrawal.cfm) – Students must follow drop and withdrawal procedures and deadlines available at https://www.umgc.edu/ (https://www.umgc.edu/) under Academic Calendar.
130.80 Procedures for Review of Alleged Arbitrary and Capricious Grading (https://www.umgc.edu/administration/policies-and- reporting/policies/academic-affairs/capricious-grading-review.cfm) – appeals may be made on final course grades as described herein.
190.00 Intellectual Property (https://www.umgc.edu/administration/policies-and-reporting/policies/research/intellectual-property.cfm) – All university faculty, staff, and students must comply with University guidelines on the use of copyrighted material. Uploading UMGC or faculty copyrighted material without authorization degrades and corrupts the integrity of the teaching and learning experience and is a potential violation of UMGC policy and copyright law. You must obtain permission to post UMGC or other's copyrighted material to third-party websites, including social learning network sites. UMGC reserves the right to take appropriate action to remove copyrighted material uploaded without authorization.
205.06 Calculation Of Grade-Point Average (GPA) for Inclusion on Transcripts and Transcript Requests (https://www.umgc.edu/administration/policies-and-reporting/policies/academic-affairs/grade-point-average-calculation-for- inclusion-on-transcripts-and-transcript-requests.cfm) – Note: Undergraduate and graduate courses have different Grading Policies. See Course Syllabus for Grading Policies.
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270.00 Acceptable Use (https://www.umgc.edu/administration/policies-and-reporting/policies/fiscal-and-business-affairs/acceptable- use.cfm) – The security of the online classroom is critical to ensuring a strong culture of academic integrity and authentic education at the University. It is a violation of the University’s policies for anyone to share logon, password, and any other secure information about a UMGC online account, including credentials required to access the online learning environment.
GRADING
According to UMGC's grading policy, the following marks are used:
Undergraduate Graduate
A 90-100 90-100
B 80-89 80-89
C 70-79 70-79*
D 60-69 N/A**
F 59 or below 69 or below
FN Failure-Non attendance Failure-Non attendance
G Grade Pending Grade Pending
P Passing Passing
S Satisfactory Satisfactory
U Unsatisfactory Unsatisfactory
I Incomplete Incomplete
AU Audit Audit
W Withdrew Withdrew
* The grade of "B" represents the benchmark for graduate courses. Students must maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. Classes where final grade of C or F places a student on Academic Probation must be repeated. ** UMGC does not award the grade of D in graduate courses.
GRADE ROUNDING
Scores to individual assignments are calculated based on rubrics in the class and are not rounded to the whole point. The final grade for the course is determined by weighted average and will be rounded to the nearest whole point using mathematical rule (grades with .5 and above to be rounded to the next whole point).
EXTRA CREDIT
Assignments are designed to enable students to achieve course objectives and succeed in the program. In the interest of equity and fairness, there will be no extra credit opportunities. All assignments are identified in the syllabus.
COURSE EVALUATION SURVEY
UMGC values its students' feedback. You will be asked to complete an online evaluation toward the end of the term. The primary purpose of this evaluation process is to assess the effectiveness of classroom instruction in order to provide the best learning experience possible and make continuous improvements to every class. Responses are kept confidential. Please take full advantage of this opportunity to provide your feedback.
LIBRARY SUPPORT
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Extensive library resources and services are available online, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at https://sites.umgc.edu/library/index.cfm (https://sites.umgc.edu/library/index.cfm) to support you in your studies. The UMGC Library provides research assistance in creating search strategies, selecting relevant databases, and evaluating and citing resources in a variety of formats via its Ask a Librarian service at https://www.umgc.edu/library/libask/index.cfm (https://www.umgc.edu/library/libask/index.cfm).
EXTERNAL LINK DISCLAIMER
This course may contain links to external sites neither owned nor maintained by UMGC. UMGC bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of external sites or for that of subsequent links. In addition, the terms of use, security policies, and privacy policies may differ from those of UMGC. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content, terms of use, and policies.
LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SUPPORT
Those requiring technical assistance can access Help@UMGC Support directly in LEO under the Help menu. Additional technical support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week via self-help and live chat at https://www.umgc.edu/help/ (https://www.umgc.edu/help/) or by phone toll-free at 888-360-8682.
SYLLABUS CHANGES
All items on this syllabus are subject to change at the discretion of the Instructor and the Office of Academic Affairs.
Class & Assignment Schedule
Topic and Date FINC 330: Weekly readings and activities Due Date
Pre-week:
Introductions The end of pre-week
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Week 1:
Please note that starting from Summer semester 2020, the week at the UMGC starts on Wednesday and ends on the following Tuesday.
Financial Management
Financial Statements
Financial Ratios and Firm Performance
Each week you should complete the weekly readings you will find in your LEO classroom for each week; which includes text material, videos, links to examples and computations. You should work through all of the examples, practice problems and homework before you attempt a graded quiz. The more practice you do, the more you will understand the material and be able to apply it to the exams.
Participate actively in the class activities and/or discussions
Class Introduction
*******************************************
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY PLEDGE
Due in LEO at the end of the week
***********************************************************
GRADED DISCUSSION WEEK 1
Issued in LEO
Original response to the topic is due on Sunday.
Responses to your classmates are due on Tuesday.
*****************************************
GRADED HOMEWORK PROBLEM SET #1
Issued in LEO
Due in LEO at the end of the week
*******************************************
Start the Research Project Part 1 (due at the end of week 5)
*****************************************
The end of week 1
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Week 2:
Time Value of Money
Complete the weekly readings Participate actively in the class activities and/or discussions
*****************************************
GRADED DISCUSSION WEEK 2
issued in LEO
Original response to the topic is due on Sunday.
Responses to your classmates are due on Tuesday.
************************************* GRADED HOMEWORK PROBLEM SET #2
issued in LEO
due in LEO at the end of the week
*********************************************************************
Continue working on the Research Project Part 1 (due at the end of week 5)
***************************************
The end of week 2
Week 3:
Time Value of Money (part 2)
The Financial System
Determination and the Structure of Interest Rates
Complete the weekly readings Participate actively in the class activities and/or discussions
**********************************************************
GRADED DISCUSSION WEEK 3
issued in LEO
Original response to the topic is due on Sunday.
Responses to your classmates are due on Tuesday.
************************************* GRADED HOMEWORK PROBLEM SET #3
issued in LEO
due in LEO at the end of the week
*************************************
QUIZ #1 (on the Time Value of Money – course materials of weeks 2 and 3)
issued in LEO
due in LEO at the end of the week
*************************************************************************
Continue working on the Research Project Part 1 (due at the end of week 5)
The end of week 3
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Week 4:
Bonds and bond valuation
Complete the weekly readings Participate actively in the class activities and/or discussions
*******************************************
GRADED DISCUSSION 4
issued in LEO
Original response to the topic is due on Sunday.
Responses to your classmates are due on Tuesday.
************************************* GRADED HOMEWORK PROBLEM SET #4
issued in LEO
due in LEO at the end of the week
**************************************************
MIDTERM EXAMINATION (on the course materials studied during weeks 1- 3)
Issued in LEO
Due in LEO at the end of the week
****************************************************************
Continue working on the Research Project Part 1 (due at the end of week 5)
The end of week 4
Week 5:
Stock Valuation
Risk and Return
Complete the weekly readings Participate actively in the class activities and/or discussions
********************************************
GRADED DISCUSSION WEEK 5
issued in LEO
Original response to the topic is due on Sunday.
Responses to your classmates are due on Tuesday.
************************************* GRADED HOMEWORK PROBLEM SET #5
issued in LEO
due in LEO at the end of the week
******************************************
THE RESEARCH PROJECT PART 1 DUE AT THE END OF THE WEEK
Due at the end of the week via LEO Assignment folder
**************************************************************
Start working on the Research Project Part 2 (due at the end of week 7)
The end of week 5
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Week 6:
Capital Budgeting
Cost of Capital
Complete the weekly readings Participate actively in the class activities and/or discussions
****************************************
GRADED DISCUSSION WEEK 6
issued in LEO
Original response to the topic is due on Sunday.
Responses to your classmates are due on Tuesday.
************************************* GRADED HOMEWORK PROBLEM SET #6
issued in LEO
due in LEO at the end of the week
*************************************
QUIZ #2 (on the course materials studied during weeks 4 and 5)
issued in LEO
due in LEO at the end of the week
****************************************************************************
Continue working on the Research Project Part 2 (due at the end of week 7)
The end of week 6
Week 7:
Cash flows in capital budgeting
Operating and Financial Leverage
Complete the weekly readings Participate actively in the class activities and/or discussions
***************************************
GRADED DISCUSSION WEEK 7
issued in LEO
Original response to the topic is due on Sunday.
Responses to your classmates are due on Tuesday.
************************************* GRADED HOMEWORK PROBLEM SET #7
issued in LEO
due in LEO at the end of the week
*************************************
THE RESEARCH PROJECT PART 2 DUE AT THE END OF THE WEEK
Due at the end of the week via LEO Assignment folder
***************************************
The end of week 7
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Week 8:
Working Capital,
Managing Current Assets
Complete the weekly readings Participate actively in the class activities and/or discussions
GRADED DISCUSSION WEEK 8
issued in LEO
Original response to the topic is due on Sunday.
Responses to your classmates are due on Tuesday.
*************************************
GRADED HOMEWORK #8
issued in LEO
due in LEO at the end of the week
******************************************
FINAL EXAMINATION
issued in LEO on Saturday, at 0:01 am EST this week
due in LEO at the end of the week
The end of week 8
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- FINC 330 6388 Business Finance (2222) FINC-330
- Faculty Contact
- Course Description
- Course Introduction
- Course Outcomes
- Course Materials
- Class Guidelines
- Grading Information
- Project Descriptions
- Academic Policies
- Class & Assignment Schedule

