This module aims:

To provide an understanding of the use of statistics, data collection and analysis, probability theory, distributions theory, and linear regression in the context of financial analysis and financial decision-making;

To provide an understanding of the concepts and principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics, including elements of international economics, the economic factors affecting financial markets, monetary and fiscal policy, government regulation and economic growth and development.

(LO1) Students will be able to demonstrate a systematic understanding of quantitative techniques, and a critical awareness of relevant issues in the area of current professional practice related to quantitative methods in finance.

(LO2) Students will be able to demonstrate the application of quantitative methods, together with a practical understanding of established, applied techniques of quantitative analysis as used to interpret knowledge and practice in uncertain environments.

(LO3) Students will be able to demonstrate a conceptual understanding to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques and, where appropriate, propose new practices in complex scenarios.

(LO4) Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of microeconomic factors such as business model and market structure, and macroeconomic factors such as business cycle, inflation, and exchange rate and of their application to investment management.

(LO5) Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to identify, evaluate and critically appraise the economic factors, tools and environmental influences affecting financial markets.

(S1) Adaptability
Adaptability skills will be developed by applying quantitative techniques taught in lectures and seminars to various real economic/finance cases.

(S2) Problem solving
Students will be required to develop problem-solving skills in lectures and seminars.

(S3) Numeracy
Numeracy skills will be developed by applying techniques taught in lectures to various real and artificial data sets.

(S4) Commercial awareness
Commercial awareness will be developed by applying techniques taught in lectures to various real business cases.

(S5) Organisation skills
Organisation skills will be developed by preparing for assessments systematically and efficiently. Through two mock tests and a final exam, students will be able to practice and improve their skills.

(S6) Written communication skills
Written communication skills will be developed through careful interpretation and guided discussion to support answers in the exercises/exams.

(S7) International awareness
International awareness will be developed by applying techniques taught in lectures to various real international economic/financial cases.

(S8) Lifelong learning
Lifelong learning will be developed by practising techniques, such as using advanced calculator for a business analyst and Excel data analytic tools for statistical analysis, taught in lectures and seminars.

(S9) Ethical awareness
Ethical awareness will be developed by learning data construction in lectures.

2 hour lecture x 10 weeks
1 hour seminar x 5 weeks
125 hours self-directed learning

Canvas will be used to support the delivery of this module in the following ways:

Videos and other interactive learning resources, replacing face-to-face lectures in the hybrid delivery mode will be made available on Canvas;

Any announcements relating to the course will be made via Canvas;

Any additional material or readings will be made available via Canvas;

Discussion forums will be made available on Canvas;

Practice questions and answers will be made available on Canvas.

Quantitative methods:

Organising, visualising, and describing data;
Probability concepts;
Common probability distributions;
Sampling and estimation;
Hypothesis testing;
Introduction to linear regression;
Time-series analysis;
Simulation analysis;
Technical analysis.

Economics:

Market forces of supply and demand;
The firm and industry organisation;
Measuring national income and growth;
Business cycles;
The monetary system;
Inflation;
International trade and capital flows;
Currency exchange rates;
Monetary and fiscal policy;
Economic growth and development;
Effects of government regulation;
Impact of economic factors on investment markets.