MW 4:00-5:20pm
General Learning Goals
[1] Problem solving and decision-making abilities through critical analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of business information
[2] Use of available technology for business applications
Exams will require students to understand key concepts, solve problems, and explain the meaning of results. In solving problems, students will have to decide, based on given information, which approach or technique to use and apply the technique correctly.
Course Specific Learning Goals
After completing this course, students should be able to:
1. Apply basic time value of money concepts to the solution of appropriate financial problems and interpret results.
2. Define and discuss the general asset valuation model and apply the model to the valuation of financial assets, such as bonds and common stock.
3. Apply the concept of risk measurement to the analysis of (1) a financial asset held in isolation and (2) a financial asset held as part of a diversified portfolio of assets.
4. Articulate the meaning of a firm’s weighted average cost of capital, identify and discuss the major factors which affect a firm’s weighted average cost of capital, and discuss the procedure for assessing a firm’s weighted average cost of capital.
5. Apply the general asset valuation model and the capital budgeting procedure to the analysis of long-term assets required to carry out the firm’s mission.
Determinants of the Final Course Grade
Each student’s final semester average in the course will be based on points earned on three regular exams. The table below summarizes this policy.
Regular Exams Points/Exam Total Points 3 Exams 100 300 Total Possible Points 300
Final Course Grade Determination
Each student’s computed semester average will be determined to three decimal places by dividing total points earned by total possible points (300). Computed semester averages will be rounded to the nearest whole number. The rounded average will be compared to the following grading scale in assigning final letter grades. (Note: the rounding procedure is described in the next section).
Superior 90% to 100% A Above Average 80% to 89% B Average 70% to 79% C Below Average 60% to 69% D Failing 59% and Below F
Rounding Procedure
The computed average will be rounded up if the fraction is 0.100% or higher and rounded down if the fraction is lower than 0.100%.
Example 1: A computed average of 69.100% or higher will be rounded up to 70%. Using the grading scale above, a letter grade of “C” will be assigned. On the other hand, a semester average of 69.099% or lower will be rounded down to 69% resulting in a final letter grade of “D.”
Example 2: A computed average of 89.100% or higher will be rounded up to 90% and a final letter grade of “A” assigned. A semester average of 89.099% or lower, however, will be rounded down to 89% and a final letter grade of “B” assigned.
This rounding procedure will be followed precisely as explained and no exceptions will be made.
Exam Format
Each regular exam and the comprehensive make-up exam may contain a varying mixture of the following types of questions: (1) True-False, (2) Multiple Choice Questions, (3) Multiple Choice Problems, taken from the authors’ test bank and (4) Unstructured Problems (in which you must develop your entire solution), and (5) Short Discussion Questions (in which you must develop and write your answer).
Please note that each regular exam and the comprehensive make-up exam may be composed of different mixtures of the above types of questions and problems (different formats).
In accordance with the university attendance policy, students are expected to attend all class meetings for this course. (Midwestern State University Undergraduate Catalog, Vol. LXXVIII, No. 1, 2010-2012, p. 78) Each meeting of this class will run for 120 minutes unless notified otherwise by the instructor. So as not to disturb the class, you are not to walk into or out of the classroom during the class period except for an emergency.
Arriving Late -- Arriving late for class 4 times will result in an administrative warning. Two additional occasions of tardiness may, at the discretion of the instructor, result in the offending student being administratively dropped from the course. A student who comes to class after the roll is checked will be counted absent unless the student notifies the instructor after class.
Absence From Class – A student who accumulates 4 absences may receive an administrative warning from the instructor. Two additional class absences may, at the discretion of the instructor, result in the offending student being administratively dropped from the course. Four consecutive absences will result in an administrative drop unless the student notifies the instructor with an explanation.
Electronic Devices – The following policies apply to all electronic devices such as cell phone, beepers, pagers, and devices with earphones.
1. As a general rule, all electronic devices should be turned-off during class time. 2. During all exams, cell phones must be turned-off and may not be used as calculators and no earphones may be used. 3. No cell phone calls may be made and or received during class time. 4. Two or more electronic disruptions during class will result in the student not being able to bring such devices to class. 5. Persistent disruptions caused by electronic devices may result in the student being administratively dropped from the course by the instructor.
Regular Exams
Three exams will be given during the semester. The dates for each of the exams are indicated on the Schedule of Class Meetings provided separately from this syllabus.
Comprehensive Make-Up Exam
A comprehensive make-up exam will be prepared and given during the final exam period assigned to this class. (See page 54, MSU Schedule of Classes for fall 2010) The date and time are also shown on the Schedule of Class Meetings attached to this syllabus. Any student who misses any one of the three regular exams will be required to take this comprehensive make-up exam. If a student takes all three regular exams, at their regularly scheduled days and times, no further testing will be required. No final exam will be given for this course.
Exam Grading Polices The purpose of an exam is to measure your understanding of the principles and concepts underlying each problem or question on the exam. What exactly does this mean to you?
[1] You will be required to show the logic of your solution to each problem. While the calculator is an excellent tool for assisting you in solving problems, it is your reasoning and thinking that I am interested in measuring. As a general rule, a correct answer to a problem is worth 20% and the detailed analysis/solution of the problem is worth 80%. In order to receive full credit, you must clearly show me both the logic of your solution and the correct answer.
[2] You will be expected to answer all discussion questions concisely and thoroughly. Your answer must be constructed in an understandable manner using reasonable grammar and correct spelling. Furthermore, your answer must actually answer the question asked.
[3] To the extent possible, multiple choice questions will be designed to have: (1) only one “absolutely correct” answer or (2) only one “most correct” answer. If a question actually has more than one correct answer, grading adjustments will be made to reflect this situation. Furthermore, if the student shows the correct steps to solve a multiple choice problem but misses the answer, then partial credit may be awarded for correct logic. The decision to award partial credit depends on the value of the question.
Blackboard/WebCT as a Course Supplement Business Finance (section 301) will utilize Blackboard/WebCT as a supplement to the course. The instructor will use Blackboard/WebCT to facilitate the distribution of the syllabus, class meeting schedule, problem assignments, and various special demonstration problems.
All exam grades, final averages, and final letter grades will be posted only on Blackboard/WebCT to insure student privacy.