Master of Management (Finance)

Please note this course is not accepting new students. This handbook entry only applies to students admitted prior to 2016.

The Master of Management (Finance) provides advanced competencies, professional skills and knowledge in the finance discipline that will prepare graduates for entry into the finance profession. The program provides students with a foundation in the various business disciplines and builds a strong base of knowledge in the discipline of finance. As the program progresses, students focus on advanced studies in finance that enhance their skills in financial analysis.

1. Learning Goal

Graduates of this degree will be adept at obtaining, analysing, synthesising and evaluating evidence in management decision making in an area of commerce specialisation.

Learning objectives to achieve this goal

On successful completion of this degree students will be able to:

• Describe and explain the body of knowledge, including recent developments, influencing markets and guiding the management of organisations;
• Evaluate the impact of a variety of cultural and environmental factors on the organisation and in the market; and
• Identify and apply methods for researching business related problems.

2. Learning Goal

Graduates of this degree will be strategic and critical thinkers in relation to business and commerce related issues and in developing solutions to problems in organisations and in society.

Learning objectives to achieve this goal

On successful completion of this degree students will be able to:

• Explain, critically analyse and reflect on factors that influence decision making in firms and the economy;
• Identify strategic issues and solutions in relation to economic problems and activity within firms;
• Apply knowledge of theory to analyse real and hypothetical problems in different markets both domestically and internationally; and
• Demonstrate creativity and initiative in the application of knowledge to problem solving and innovation.

3. Learning Goal

Graduates of this degree will be effective decision makers in business and commerce.

Learning objectives to achieve this goal

On successful completion of this degree students will be able to:

• Apply basic mathematical and/or statistical techniques to analyse business data;
• Apply research techniques to business related problems;
• Evaluate the applicability of various theories and techniques to business related problems;
• Employ a range of tools of analysis pertinent to the evaluation of evidence in business sector;
• Use evidenced-based research techniques to support decisions;
• Apply ethical principles and corporate governance strategies to address real world issues and problems;
• To demonstrate a capacity to successfully work independently with personal accountability; and
• Execute a project requiring research or real-world application.

4. Learning Goal

Graduates of this degree will be competent in professional knowledge and skills in the finance discipline in preparation for entry into the finance profession.

Learning objectives to achieve this goal

On successful completion of this degree students will be able to:

• Understand and apply principles, theories and models pertaining to the finance discipline;
• Evaluate and manage risks and returns in financial markets;
• Interpret and evaluate financial data in making investment decisions including the accounting information that supports these decisions;
• Apply appropriate theories and statistical tools of analysis to financial decision making; and
• Appraise recent developments in the finance discipline.

The Master of Management (Finance) program consists of twelve semester-length subjects comprising one foundation subject, three discipline core subjects, one capstone subject and seven elective subjects.

Foundation subject

Students must take one of the following subjects:

Please note:

If either ACCT90004 Accounting for Decision Making and/or FNCE90060 Financial Management or equivalent subjects have not previously been taken, students must enrol in these subjects in their first semester of study. These subjects will take the place of elective subjects.

Discipline core subjects

Students must complete the following subjects:

Capstone subject

Students must complete the following subject in their final semester of study:

Elective subjects

Students must select a minimum of four Finance subjects from the following list:

Students can select a maximum of three subjects from the list of recommended Master of Management general electives.

1. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant's ability to pursue the course successfully using the following criteria:

• An undergraduate degree in a business/commerce discipline, or equivalent; or a degree with business breadth or minor, as determined by the program director;

• The applicant's submitted statement of intent in seeking entry; and

2. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and call for referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

The Faculty of Business and Economics welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and Faculty policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the Faculty’s programs.

The BCom and Masters degrees of the Faculty of Business and Economics equip graduates with the knowledge and technical skills necessary to understand and participate in the modern business world. The degrees include the following academic requirements for study:

(1) The ability to explain and evaluate concepts, theories, institutional arrangements and operations of modern mixed economies;
(2) The ability to critically evaluate the economy, commerce and business in the broader social and political context;
(3) The ability to explain and apply concepts across a range of commerce and business disciplines in solving business and policy problems; and
(4) The ability to contribute positively to the development of organisations and society in relation to business, government and the commercial professions.

All students of the Faculty’s courses must possess intellectual, ethical, and emotional capabilities required to participate in the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the Faculty. Candidates for the BCom degree and for FBE Masters degrees must have abilities and skills in communication; in conceptual, integrative, and quantitative dimensions; and in behavioural and social dimensions.

I. Communication: The student must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and/or written form. A student must have the ability to clearly and independently communicate knowledge and application of a discipline, principles or practices during assessment tasks, and in some discipline streams.

II. Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: The student is expected to have the ability to develop problem-solving skills and demonstrate the ability to establish study plans and priorities. These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving requires all of these intellectual abilities. Students should also have the ability to comprehend complex disciplinary and cross disciplinary information related to the BCom and Masters degrees.

III. Behavioural and Social Attributes: A student must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment and the emotional health required for full utilisation of his/her intellectual abilities. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students. Integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that are deemed necessary for students enrolled in FBE courses.

Students who feel their disability will prevent them from participating in tasks involving the inherent academic requirements of the BCom and FBE Masters courses are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit. Adjustments can be provided to minimise the impact of a disability, but students should participate in the course in an independent manner.

On successful completion of this degree, graduates should be:

• Ethical practitioners through a knowledge of corporate governance processes and implementation;
• Adept at analysing and evaluating evidence in management decision making in an area of commerce specialisation;
• Problem solvers in Finance through the application of appropriate Finance theories, techniques, principles and data;
• Strategic and critical thinkers in relation to business and commerce related issues and in developing solutions to problems in organisations and in society;
• Adept at using a variety of financial analysis tools including statistical reasoning and financial computer software;
• Competent in professional knowledge and skills in the finance discipline;
• Able to synthesize finance and business related ideas, theories and data in developing solutions to financial problems and in decision making;
• Adept in research skills including the retrieval of information from a variety of financial sources;
• Effective team members through collaborative exercises in tutorials and assessment;
• Critically evaluative of evidence in support of an argument, decision or proposition;
• Effective decision makers in finance and commerce;
• Excellent communicators of finance and commerce related ideas, theories and solutions to peers and the wider community; and
• Adept at developing solutions to problems through teamwork and collaboration.

On successful completion of this degree students should have enhanced their skills in:

• Critical evaluation of evidence in support of an argument or proposition;
• Problem identification and solving in finance through the application of appropriate financial theories, principles and data;
• Communication of finance and commerce related ideas, theories and solutions to peers and the wider community;
• Ability to synthesize ideas, theories and data in developing solutions to finance problems;
• Ethical practice through a knowledge of corporate governance processes and implementation;
• Business research skills including the retrieval of information from a variety of sources;
• Statistical reasoning in finance though application of financial theories to real world cases;
• Demonstrate a capacity to successfully engage in collaborative activities such as group based work and activities; and
• Interpret and communicate research results to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Duration

Full-time students will take four subjects per semester for three semesters (approximately 18 months). Part-time students will usually enrol for six semesters taking two subjects per semester.

Graduate Certificate in Management

Students enrolled in any Master of Management programs who are either unable, or who choose not to continue with their studies, may be eligible to exit with a Graduate Certificate in Management. Students must have successfully completed 4 x 12.5 point Master of Management subjects comprising a minimum of two discipline core and a maximum of two elective subjects to be awarded the Graduate Certificate in Management.

Graduate Diploma in Management

Students enrolled in any Master of Management programs who are either unable, or who choose not to continue with their studies, may be eligible to exit with a Graduate Diploma in Management. Students must have successfully completed 8 x 12.5 point Master of Management subjects comprising a minimum of four discipline core and a maximum of four elective subjects to be awarded the Graduate Diploma in Management.