FINANCE 701 : Research Methods in Finance
Business and Economics
2020 Semester Two (1205) (15 POINTS)
Course Prescription
Course Overview
The course is in two parts. Part I covers the philosophy of science, the research process, research ethics, and the research methodology that comprises the sequential steps taken by a researcher in studying a research question(s). Part II is an application of this knowledge, and we examine the types and sources of data, hypotheses testing, regression analysis, and the common methodological issues in accounting and finance research such as endogeneity, econometric issues and biases
Capabilities Developed in this Course
| Capability 1: | Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice |
| Capability 2: | Critical Thinking |
| Capability 3: | Solution Seeking |
| Capability 4: | Communication and Engagement |
| Capability 5: | Independence and Integrity |
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the influences on how researchers think about the research process and how they approach the study of their research question(s). (Capability 1)
- Understand that the foundation of knowledge requires a code of conduct based on moral principles and values when conducting research. (Capability 5.2)
- Evaluate previous research to identify knowledge gaps and methodological deficiencies. (Capability 2 and 3)
- Use the literature review as part of a coherent argument to develop their research question and choice of research methods. (Capability 4.2 and 5.1)
- Understand the types and structure of data and apply quantitative and qualitative techniques to analyse data and answer research questions. (Capability 1 and 3)
- Evaluate research design in order to identify issues that could impact research conclusions and apply techniques to mitigate these issues. (Capability 2 and 3)
Assessments
| Assessment Type | Percentage | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Discussions | 10% | Individual Coursework |
| Assignments | 90% | Individual Coursework |
| 2 types | 100% |
| Assessment Type | Learning Outcome Addressed | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |||||
| Discussions | ||||||||||
| Assignments | ||||||||||
Workload Expectations
This course is a standard 15 point course and students are expected to spend 10 hours per week involved in each 15 point course that they are enrolled in.
For this course, you can expect 24 hours of lectures, 6 hours of tutorial, 30 hours of reading and thinking about the content and 60 hours of work on assignments and/or test preparation.
Learning Resources
Ghauri, P. N., and K. Gronhaug. 2010. Research Methods in Business Studies. London, U.K.: Pearson Education. This recommended text provides readings that supplement and add to the material taught in the course, and which will provide a useful reference for your future studies at postgraduate level. Other readings will be posted on Canvas. The main library also has a collection of research method textbooks that you might find useful as references.
Digital Resources
Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).
Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.
Academic Integrity
The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.
Inclusive Learning
All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.
Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website at http://disability.auckland.ac.nz
Special Circumstances
If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.
If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.
This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.
Student Feedback
At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.
Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.
Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.
Student Charter and Responsibilities
The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter (https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html).
Disclaimer
Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.
In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.