Masters Finance For Prfssnls (MFP)

This course introduces selected topics in financial management, financial statement analysis and statistics. Topics include financing of current operations, long-term financing, capital structure decisions, capital budgeting, cost of capital, valuation principles, corporate governance, statistical analysis, dividend policy, and risk analysis. The course will also cover selected topics in financial statements analysis.

Module 2 provides a solid foundation in the investment field. Topics include the analysis and understanding of security markets, the economy, industries, companies, and the analysis and valuation of corporate securities. Additional topics include quantitative concepts, portfolio analysis, capital asset pricing, theory model, performance measurement, efficient market hypothesis, portfolio management process, and discuss the application of derivative securities. The theory of interest rates as well as the role of the Federal Reserve System and the United States Treasury is studied in this module.

This course is intended to provide both quantitative and analytical tools necessary for sound financial decision-making and an analysis of fixed-income securities and financial derivatives. IN the first part, the course will provide a sampling of the mathematical and statistical models used for theoretical, empirical and applied finance. Such models permit a deeper and easier understanding of most types of financial problems. In the second part, the course covers various types of fixed income securities and financial derivatives. We will start with an overview of the government bond market. Interest rate risk, duration and convexity, and the term structure of interest rate are topics to be covered. Through cases, we will learn how lack of adequate reporting and control can lead to disaster when institutions actively manage their bond. The module will examine how credit risk is incorporated into the pricing of corporate bonds and innovations in this market. The mortgage backed securities market and the peculiar risks associated with these securities will also be covered.

Module 4 covers issues in finance related to an international framework. Much of the information covered in this module contrasts the U.S. systems with other international economies. Topics include trends in international business and investments, international monetary systems, international diversification, balance of payments accounting, foreign exchange rate determination and forecasting; foreign exchange risk and exposure management, currency derivatives, international capital budgeting, cost of capital, and international equity and bond markets. In addition, the module will serve to introduce current issues in the financial markets.

Module 5 covers topics in risk management and corporate diversification strategies. Topics covered in the risk management portion of the module will include risk management and insurance, financial risk management versus operational risk management, overview of financial hedging with futures, forwards, swaps, and options. The corporate diversification portion of the module will cover an introduction to mergers and acquisitions, the takeover process, legal and regulatory process, valuation of mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructurings and control, alliances, joint-ventures and LBO’s, takeover defenses and due diligence.

In depth coverage of a selected issue in finance. Subject matter may vary from semester to semester. Enrollment is limited to facilitate a high level of interaction among faculty and students.

Requires a successful completion of an acceptable research project on a topic approved by the instructor. Research findings are presented in a format written paper.