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Personal Investment

Unit code: HBC618

Credit points12.5 Credit Points
Duration

One teaching period

Contact hours36 hours
CampusHawthorn
Prerequisites

None

CorequisitesHBC609 Corporate Financial Management

Related course(s)

A core unit of study in the following programs:
Master of Practising Accounting 

Aims and objectives

The purpose of this unit of study is to provide students with the skills and expertise to manage their money and investments and be better able to assist others in managing their investments. This unit  provides strong insights into the various investment alternatives available and, more importantly, it enhances student's ability to develop a way of thinking about investments that will remain in the years ahead when new investment opportunities arise as a result of changes to our financial system.
 
At the conclusion of this unit students should be able to:
  • Make recommendations about the various avenues for the investment of funds, including shares, fixed-interest securities, managed funds, derivative securties and property
  • Evaluate and specify various levels of risk associated with different investment alternatives
  • Evaluate the process of portfolio selection and ongoing investment strategies
  • Analyse and review the impact of taxation on investment planning
  • Critically examine the need for and the benefits of retirement planning
  • Identify and analyse all relevant issues, including ethical issues, with the financial planning process

Teaching methods

Delivered as 3 hour blocks in evenings or 5 hour blocks at weekends. Total student workload is 120 hours.

Assessment

Test (Individual) 10-20%
Presentation/Participation (Individual) 5-10%
Assignment (Group) 15-20%
Examination (Individual) 50-60%

Generic skills outcomes

This unit aims to achieve the following in our students:
  • Teamwork skills
  • Analysis skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Communications skills
  • Ability to work independently
  • Ability to behave ethically and honestly

Content

  • The investment environment
  • Fundamental concept of diversification; risk - return trade-offs and risk management of a porfolio
  • Security analysis and it's application, share evaluation and implication of efficient markets
  • Fixed interest securities
  • Managed Investments and portfolio peformance evaluations
  • Introduction to alternative investments including options, futures, warrants and convertible securities
  • Investing in real estate
  • Taxation in an investment context
  • Superannuation
  • Personal financial planning and investment advice
  • Socially responsible investment
  • Ethical issue in financial planning and investment management

Reading materials

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