Work Placement- Finance and Investment (FINC 671)

OVERVIEW

1. COURSE DESCRIPTION

To achieve the aims above, this course covers a number of tasks that are divided into two parts. The first
part is the professional orientation which focuses on gaining a clear understanding of the work environment
of the prospective employers and of the job markets in general. After this, the students will be placed at
the selected employers where they will apply their acquired knowledge, skills and attitude in a real work
environment. It is important for the students to comply with the hosting organization’s requirements, to
meet the Performance Objectives (POs) and to keep track of their training progression throughout the work
placement period.

2. REASON FOR THE COURSE

This course aims to develop practical knowledge, skills and attitude of the students and to strengthen their
positions in relevant industries. The students will apply the knowledge and theories acquired in previous
coursework in a real business setting. Through this opportunity the students can explore their interests in
the banking, investment, and finance field and be familiar with the working norms, rules and regulations
governing the industry as well as build a professional business network. The course emphasizes students’
preparation for their future careers and helps them to be well-trained candidates when they graduate. At
the end of the work placement, the students will be deeply familiar with the key factors for success in an
investment and finance career.

3. STUDY HOURS

4. ROLE IN CURRICULUM

Prerequisites:
Students are recommended to complete Advanced Financial Management (FINC 601) and Advanced
Business Valuation and Investment (FINC 512) before taking this course.

Also, students must have completed the 9-hour preparation activities provided by Career Services and
Student Advising (CSSA) or employer-conducted orientation approved by CSSA.

SKILLS

LEARNING OUTCOMES
ASSESSMENT AND GRADING
TEACHING METHODS
STUDY PLAN
TEXTBOOKS AND REFERENCES
APPENDIX 1 - PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
CORE SKILLS

5. COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLO)

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Knowledge	Level of Learning	Related PLO
Explain the implications Explain the financial and strategic implications of the business’ working capital, capital structure and investment portfolio.	Understand	PK1
Cognitive Skills	Level of Learning	Related PLO
Perform financial appraisal Perform financial appraisal of business projects and investments.	Evaluate	PC1
Manage investments Manage working capital, investments, and capital structure in accordance with investor objectives and risk appetite.	Apply	PC3
Communication, Information Technology, and Numerical Skills	Level of Learning	Related PLO
Analyze the data Analyze the qualitative and quantitative data to support investment and/or financing decisions.	Analyze	PCIT1
Interpersonal Skills and Responsibilities	Level of Learning	Related PLO
Apply Ethics Apply a professional ethical framework and code in achieving ethical investment outcomes.	Characterize	PIP1

6. ASSESSMENT AND GRADING

Grades will be determined based on the following assessments and score allocations:

SKILL	Assessment				Skill Weighting for Grade
SKILL	Mentor	Peer	PE Report	Interview	Skill Weighting for Grade
Explain the implications			50%	50%	20%
Perform financial appraisal			50%	50%	20%
Manage investments			50%	50%	20%
Analyze the data	50%	50%			20%
Apply Ethics	50%	50%			20%

7. TEACHING METHODS

This course is primarily an experience-based course. An orientation will be conducted at the beginning
of the course to ensure that the students will gain a clear understanding of the work environment in the
hosting organization and some basic skills for performing their work effectively during the placement. A
variety of methods will be employed to encourage and assess student achievement on course learning
outcomes. Some methods include, but are not limited to, presentation, interview and written reports,
group discussions, business writing, self-reflection, and peer consultation.

Performance Objectives

Students are required to achieve a minimum of four performance objectives in total including all three interpersonal qualities and the core skills of performance objectives in banking, investment and finance.

Students may achieve each performance objective by participating in the suggested activities or other similar activities related to the performance objectives by providing an explanation in the practical experience report.

The performance objectives are set out in interpersonal qualities and core skills as in the appendix 1.

To provide evidence of achieving performance objectives, students are required to request a confirmation letter from their supervisor with attachment of the performance objectives that they have achieved during the job training.

Personal Experience Report

Work Arrangement: Individual

Output format : Performance Objective Matrix

Language : English

Report : Students will be required to produce a summarized report reflecting the experience
obtained from the job training that satisfies the required performance objectives.
As their training progresses, students should keep track of their experiences. At
the end of the training, students will be required to write a report summarizing the
experience in their own words in a performance objective matrix. The report should
be clear and truthfully reflect the experience with examples provided.

Presentation: Students are required to attend the interview by the evaluators and
answer any questions they may be asked during the interview. Rubric

8. STUDY PLAN

	Lesson Learning Outcomes	Teaching and Learning Activities, Assessment
1	Course Orientation 1. Introduce the course aims, descriptions and criteria. 2. Explain the performance objectives to be achieved during the job training. 3. Explain the practical experience report 4. Guide the students in searching for relevant information about jobs and prospective organizations.	Lecture Question and Answer
2-18	On-the-job training (All CLOs)	Apply knowledge and skills

Lesson Learning Outcomes

Teaching and Learning Activities,
Assessment

Course Orientation

1. Introduce the course aims, descriptions and criteria.
2. Explain the performance objectives to be achieved during the
job training.
3. Explain the practical experience report
4. Guide the students in searching for relevant information
about jobs and prospective organizations.

Lecture

Question and Answer

2-18

On-the-job training (All CLOs)

Apply knowledge and skills

9. TEXTBOOKS AND REFERENCES

References

1. ACCA rule book https://www.accaglobal.com/gb/en/about-us/regulation/ethics/acca-rulebook.html

2. ACCA performance objectives https://www.accaglobal.com/vn/en/student/practical-experience-per/performance-objectives.html

Interpersonal Quality

These are the important elements of interpersonal qualities that students must achieve. They are required to maintain the professional code of ethics, develop productive business relationships with stakeholders and take initiative as a leader during work.

Performance Objectives	Elements
Maintain professional code of ethics	Act diligently and honestly, following codes of conduct, taking into account and keeping up-to-date with legislation. Act with integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care and confidentiality. You should raise concerns about non-compliance. Develop a commitment to your personal and professional knowledge and development. You should become a life-long learner and continuous improver, seeking feedback and reflecting on your contribution and skills.
Develop productive business relationships	Display sensitivity, empathy and cultural awareness in all your communications. This allows you to establish trust and credibility with a range of stakeholders and gain their confidence. Use a range of mediums and make appropriate use of digital technology to communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively in formal and informal situations. Develop and build effective and ethical professional relationships and networks using face to face and digital technology.
Apply leadership and self development	Show initiative with your team – working towards organisational goals, collaborating with and supporting others. Manage time and tasks effectively to meet business needs and professional commitments. You are capable of working under pressure. Negotiate effectively and can justify solutions logically and persuasively to colleagues and clients.

Finance and Investment

Students are expected to identify alternative sources of finance and evaluate the financial viability of the investment decisions. In addition, they may also assist in managing cash and working capital effectively and advising an appropriate action to mitigate the risk and exploit the opportunities for investment.

Performance objectives	Elements
Evaluate investment and financing decisions	Advise on the appropriateness and cost of different sources of finance. Identify and raise an appropriate source of finance for a specific business need. Review the financial and strategic consequences of undertaking a particular investment decision. Evaluate projects, financial securities and instruments – and advise on their costs and benefits to the organisation.
Manage and control working capital	Analyse and plan appropriate levels of cash and working capital. Prepare and monitor organisational cash flow, credit facilities and advise on appropriate actions. Contribute to the way current systems for managing cash, short-term liquidity and working capital operate. Operate and comply with controls and safeguards over working capital management.
Identify and manage financial risk	Identify key sources of financial risk to the organisation and how they might arise. Assess the likelihood and impact of financial risks to specific business activities. Assess whether to transfer, avoid, reduce or accept financial risk. Advise on using instruments or techniques to manage financial risk. Monitor financial risks, reviewing their status and advising on how they should be managed.
Perform data analysis and advise the business	Communicate the recommendations to relevant stakeholders in a way they can easily visualise and understand, to exploit business opportunities, manage risk and evaluate performance. Identify and use appropriate financial and non-financial information to build a comprehensive understanding of a client’s business and the business environment in which they operate.