Finance reflection paper

Global classroom – A course that is designated as a “Global Classroom” (GC) is one which incorporates a global dimension into the classroom experience, linking students from a similar course at an international partner institution with common assignments and opportunities for electronic interactions. Drexel students cross borders, virtually, and engage with colleagues at a partner university through a range of on-line technologies. We will be working with students at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (AUAS) during the second half of the term. We will collaborate on a group project with students from AUAS. A more complete description of the project is below.

This is a BYOD course (Bring Your Own Device).  This means that students are expected to bring a mobile device with internet/web access in order to participate in the in-class learning activities.  The device can be a smartphone, tablet , or laptop computer, but students should make sure their device has sufficient battery remaining or bring the charger.  If you do not have a mobile phone/tablet/laptop available to you, please contact your instructor immediately.

I will use the course’s BB Learn website to distribute materials, make announcements, post answer keys, etc. It is your responsibility to become familiar with the website and check it frequently. You can contact IRT (Information Resources &Technology) with any questions at 215-895-2020.

COURSE PREREQUISITES

The prerequisite for the course is FIN 301. It is the student’s responsibility to be certain that the prerequisite has been successfully completed. If at any time during the semester it is determined that a student has not completed the prerequisites, the student can be administratively dropped from the course without credit or tuition refund.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

The overall objective of this course is to survey multinational financial management and international financial markets. More specific objectives are as follows.

1. To investigate the causes of the growth of the multinational firm, especially in the second half of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st century.

2. To realize that floating exchange rates may increase risks but also create opportunities for firms and investors, given a proper understanding of exchange risk management.

3. To investigate the different instruments, institutions and markets which, taken as a whole, comprise the international financial markets.

4. To realize that the trend toward global integration of money and capital markets presents opportunities for firms and investors to diversify their portfolios of real and financial assets.

5. To investigate the financial decision making of the multinational corporation, both with respect to short term and long term decisions.

6. To recognize the influence of the environment (ie., economic, social and cultural aspects) on the financial management of the multinational corporation.

** PLEASE NOTE** - The topical coverage of this course is very similar to INTB 336. If you have taken INTB 336, you may want to reconsider taking this course. Please see me for further information.

Grading

The grades for this course will be based on 5 min. quizzes, unit tests, a project (global classroom) and attendance and contributions in class and online (threaded discussions). Make every effort to be present at the tests, which are online and have a flexible number of days to complete, so there should be no reason for missed tests. There are NO MAKE-UP TESTS. In the unlikely event that a unit test is missed, a student may, with a university excused absence, use 2 tests to total the 45% of the grade. There is no possibility to make-up the 5 min. quizzes or the threaded discussions. Please note that no exceptions will made for students needing to miss class or quizzes due to airline reservations.

Any questions regarding your grade on any assessment must be brought to my attention within one week after the assessment has been returned.

The table below shows the weighting of the overall grade accounted for by the different assignments. I will grade all tests on a scale from 0 to 100. Your composite score will be converted into a letter grade (see below).

Assignment Points

5 min. Quizzes (top 4 out of 5) (4 points each) 16

Unit Tests (3) (15 points each) 45

Threaded Discussions(3) (3 points each) 9

Global Classroom Project 30

Total 100

Regular attendance is crucial. If you cannot attend class for any reason, you are responsible for finding out from a classmate what you missed. You must attend at least 80% of the classes to pass this course.

The reading assignments and web lectures must be completed before class on the date designated in the schedule (see below).

No extra credit will be given.

Grades will be assigned as follows:

A = 93 or above C+ = 77-79

A- = 90-92 C = 73-76

B+ = 87-89 C- = 70-72

B = 83-86 D+ = 67-69

B- = 80-82 D = 60-66

F = below 60

5 Minute Quizzes

A quick, 5 minute quiz will be given at the beginning of each class meeting (with the exception of the days where global classroom is in session). The quiz will cover material from both the reading and web lectures that are assigned for the day (see schedule below). The assigned material is to be completed PRIOR to class on the scheduled day. Quizzes are given at the very beginning of class and last only 5 minutes. You must be present and on time to class to take these quizzes. NO MAKE-UP quizzes will be given for ANY reason. There are 5 of these quizzes given during the term, your 4 highest scores will count. In total, the 5 minute quizzes make up 16% of your final course grade.

Unit tests

The term is divided into 3 units. A test will be given at the end of each unit (see schedule below). The tests will cover all of the material covered during that unit. This includes all chapter readings, all web lecture video material, and all material covered during class periods. The test will be given online on the dates assigned per the schedule below. Academic integrity must be maintained during these tests, as such a lockdown browser with webcam will be used to administer the tests. Each test will make up 15% of your final course grade.

The unit tests, as they become available, can be found in their respective folders. Once a test becomes available you will have the specified number of days to complete the test, due no later than 11:00PM Eastern time.

Online Test Policy

Online tests will be given in Drexel Blackboard LEARN and will require students to use two technologies to help ensure that every student is equally advantaged:

1. Students will use a special software that limits or monitors access to websites, other software applications, and study materials during the test. It is the student’s responsibility to know what additional resources (if any) are permitted during the test and to stay within those guidelines.  Tests should also be taken in a quiet environment that is free from distractions and interruptions with a strong, reliable, and encrypted Internet connection (e.g. not an unencrypted public hotspot).

2. Students are required to use a computer equipped with a webcam that will monitor/record them as they take the test. This video can be reviewed later by the instructor to ensure integrity of the test.  Violations of the testing restrictions or policy can affect the student’s test score.

Test Guidelines:

1. Each test will have an allotted time of 90 minutes.

1. You may choose any 90 minute period in the available time.

1. Once the available time begins, you may not speak to anyone but me regarding test material. Violations will be prosecuted according to the academic integrity policy.

1. Once you access the test, a timer will appear on your screen indicating the remaining time to finish the test.

1. Set aside a 90 minute period in which you will not be disturbed.

1. Please note: I am able to monitor every detail of your test, i.e. when you log on and off, how much time is spent on each question, when you finish, etc. This is specifically so that I can monitor any academic integrity problems.

1. Please remember to save your answers frequently by clicking the “Save Answer” button.

1. When you have completed the test, click on the "Finish" button.

9) Any questions regarding your grade on a test must be brought to my attention within one week after the test grades have been released.

threaded discussions

I have set up a “Discussions” section for each of the 3 units. These discussions are your forums for further understanding the material, asking questions regarding the readings, problem solving and/or other study questions. You must be an active participant in this forum to earn this component of your grade. You are expected to discuss each of topics at hand as well as respond to posts made by your classmates. Through these discussions you will have the opportunity to help yourself and your classmates learn and understand the material. This forum will be open on a 24/7 basis and will close at 11pm on the final day of the availability period for the Unit Test (see schedule below). Please be sure to make your posts before this time – submissions after the deadline will not be accepted. 9% of your course grade will be based on the quality of your responses to fellow students’ questions as well as quantity of participation

Global classroom project

The Global Classroom Project will be further reviewed in detailed during the second half of the term as we collaborate with our global partner. In general, the project will consist of an analysis of a global topic relevant to governments, corporations and/or organizations that are impacted by global economics. You will work in teams consisting of US students as well as students from our global partner. You will be required collaborate with your teammates to complete the project which will include a presentation broadcasted in our class room as well as across the globe in their classroom! Groups will be assigned by the instructor(s) and presentations will be completed during 2 class sessions as assigned. The project presentation should be of professional format. The global classroom project will also contain a reflection piece that will be done individually. In total, the global classroom project will make up 30% of your grade.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY

COURSE SCHEDULE