BFF5270 - Funds management - 2018

This unit focuses on funds management styles and philosophies; approaches to implementing investment strategies for funds design and decision making; practical allocation of assets across and within different markets (industries); market sector volatilities and risk management; and performance measurement. Current academic research and trends in the industry are also considered from local and global funds management perspectives.

The topics include:

• portfolio investment styles, philosophies, mandates and policies
• capital market expectations
• asset allocation and portfolio optimisation
• management of fixed income portfolios
• international diversification
• alternative investments
• quantitative portfolio factor models
• portfolio monitoring and rebalancing
• portfolio performance, attribution and evaluation.

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. demonstrate knowledge of the global funds management industry, its management philosophies, strategies and styles
2. compare and contrast approaches to funds design and decision making in terms of fund allocation, portfolio optimisation and portfolio monitoring, along with current trends in the funds management industry
3. develop skills of summarising, critically analysing and assessing, ranking, reporting and, presenting the current performance of funds managers
4. develop the capability to work effectively in a group and demonstrate effective research and problem solving skills to produce quality investment portfolio analysis
5. demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the rudiments of fund management both in theory and in practice as detailed in the unit.

Within semester assessment: 50% + Examination: 50%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information