Investment Analysis Dissertation
| Module title | Investment Analysis Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEAM006 |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Credits | 45 |
| Module staff | Mr Jamie Stevenson (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 30 |
|---|
Module description
This module centres on an investment analysis of a real, topically interesting, company. You will produce a detailed analyst’s company report, using a range of company stock valuation methods to determine the market value of the company, employ financial analysis tools and analyse the macroeconomic and competitive markets in which the company operates. You will choose a topic, of relevance to the company, on which to carry-out an academic literature review.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The module aims to enable you to conduct an in-depth investment analysis case study on a single company drawn from a list of topically interesting companies selected by the module leader. You will identify and apply an area of academic literature that has relevance to the company chosen. The case study exercise aims to provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate, in the development of a detailed analyst’s company report, the skills, knowledge acquired in the area of investment analysis and an ability to critically evaluate academic literature.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. construct a viable project proposal, within the context of existing literature.
- 2. research widely in the area of practical investment analysis and be able to apply a set of objective analytical tools, including a range of company stock valuation methods, to a complex case study firm
- 3. reconcile the outcomes of a range of stock valuation methods vis-à-vis the market value employ the tools of financial statement analysis in a structured manner
- 4. engage in deep analysis of the macroeconomic environment and the competitive environment of the industry or industries to which the firm belongs
- 5. plan, investigate and execute a piece of applied finance research
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. use independent study skills including the use of the library and relevant financial databases
- 7. present research plans, a discussion of the relevant academic and practitioner literature, and salient analytical results in an appropriate company report format
- 8. demonstrate the ability to provide reasoned investment advice on a real-world stock
- 9. develop analytical and report-writing skills in an applied investment setting
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 10. conduct a piece of independent research
- 11. evaluate a complex real-world case in an objective analytical framework
- 12. manage time and research resources
- 13. take responsibility for the direction and management of a research project from inception through to completion and submission
Syllabus plan
Thematic project seminars; meetings with supervision team
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 445 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Contact hours | 5 | Supervision |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project proposal | 1,200 words | 6-7 | Written feedback |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final project | 100 | 12,000 words | 1-13 | Written feedback |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final project | Project | 1-13 | August/September |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
K. Palepu, P. Healy, V. Bernard, 2003, Business Analysis and Valuation using Financial Statements, 3rd ed, UK: Thomson South Western;
G.I. White, A.C. Sondhi and D. Fried, 2003, The Analysis and Use of Financial Statements, 3rd ed,
Chichester: Wiley;
M. Fridson and F. Alvarez, 2002, Financial Statement Analysis: A Practitioner’s Guide, 3rd ed, Chichester: Wiley;
Simon Benninga, Financial Modeling, 2000, Second edition, Mass: MIT Press.
ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=160
| Credit value | 45 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 22.5 |
| Module co-requisites | BEAM032 Investment Analysis1 and BEAM038 Investment Analysis 2 |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 03/06/2014 |
| Last revision date | 03/06/2014 |