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International Trade and Finance

Unit code: HBI451

Credit points12.5 Credit Points
DurationOne Teaching Period
Contact hours36 hours
CampusHawthorn
PrerequisitesNil
Corequisites

Aims and objectives

At the completion of this unit students should be able to:
  • Raise awareness of trade issues and their relevance for international business.
  • Increase student understanding of the foreign exchange market, the risks of foreign exchange exposure and its management in international business transactions. 
  • Increase students understanding of the rationale for international borrowing, lending, raising and investing funds in equity
  • Work effectively in a team environment

Teaching methods

Classes in either weekly or block mode

Assessment

Assignment 1 (individual): 20-30%
Assignment 2 (group): 10-15%
Presentation (group): 10-15%
Assignment 3 (group): 5-10%
Final Exam (individual): 30-40%

Generic skills outcomes

Swinburne University of Technology works to produce higher education graduates who are capable in their chosen profession, can contribute in an entrepreneurial and innovative way within their workplace or community, to operate effectively and ethically in their business life and are adaptable and able to manage change. It is expected that graduates will leave with a diverse wealth of experiences and will have developed individual knowledge, abilities and attitudes.
Within this context this unit will contribute to students developing the following key generic skills:
  • Teamwork skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Ability to tackle unfamiliar problems
  • Ability to work independently

Content

International Trade
  • Gains from Trade
  • International business restrictions
  • Non-tariff barriers
  • Trade restrictions
  • Trade liberalisation
  • GATT, The Uruguay Round and the World Trade Organisation
  • Austrade
  • Trade blocs
International Trade & Investment
  • Gains from trade & investment
  • Free Trade Agreements
  • Financing overseas transactions
  • Victorian Government Export Services
International finance
  • International flow of funds
  • Foreign exchange markets
  • Types of foreign exchange markets
  • Measuring foreign exchange exposures
  • Managing exposures
  • International financial markets
  • International portfolio theory
  • International debt markets
  • International equity markets

Reading materials

Students are advised to check the unit outline in the relevant teaching period for appropriate textbooks and further reading.