Accounting and Finance for Decision Making

Course Description

The preparation, communication and use of economic information for decision-making, with a focus on external users (e.g., investors, creditors). Topics included are an examination of economic events within a business; terminology, the underlying conceptual framework, and generally accepted accounting principles; and financial statements. Balance sheet coverage includes resources owned, and obligations owed, by a company; the income statement provides insight into the performance of a company; the statement of cash flows identifies sources and uses of a company's cash flows; and financial statement analysis uses this information for a variety of decisions. Both the benefits from using financial accounting information, and its limitations, will be discussed. Prerequisite: ECON 100.

Prerequisites

ECON 100

Credits

1 course

Fall Semester information

220A: Introduction to Financial Accounting

Professor: Ralph Sanders

220B: Introduction to Financial Accounting

Professor: Zhiru Lin

220C: Introduction to Financial Accounting

Professor: Zhiru Lin

220D: Introduction to Financial Accounting

Professor: Ralph Sanders

Spring Semester information

220A: Introduction to Financial Accounting

Professor: Ralph Sanders

220B: Introduction to Financial Accounting

Professor: Ralph Sanders

220C: Introduction to Financial Accounting

Professor: Zhiru Lin

220D: Introduction to Financial Accounting

Professor: Zhiru Lin

Course Description

Survey of basic concepts and processes in microeconomics and macroeconomics: production, income, demand, supply, cost, price, market structures, money, government finance and international trade and finance.

Distribution Area

Social Science

Credits

1 course

Fall Semester information

100A: Intro to Economics

Professor: Zhiyang Zhu,
Ophelia Goma

100B: Intro to Economics

Professor: Zhiyang Zhu,
Ophelia Goma

100C: Intro to Economics

Professor: Town Oh

100D: Intro to Economics

Professor: Kassahun Geleta

100E: Intro to Economics

Professor: Town Oh

100F: Intro to Economics

Professor: Ryan Rudderham

100G: Intro to Economics

Professor: Ryan Rudderham

Spring Semester information

100A: Intro to Economics

Professor: Zhiyang Zhu,
Ophelia Goma

100B: Intro to Economics

Professor: Gary Lemon

100C: Intro to Economics

Professor: Town Oh

100D: Intro to Economics

Professor: Town Oh

Course Description

Analysis of selected current economic problems using economic principles. The economic problems covered by this course vary from semester to semester. Prerequisite: ECON 100.

Distribution Area

Social Science

Prerequisites

ECON 100

Credits

1 course

Course Description

An off-campus Extended Studies course devoted to a theme in economics.

Credits

Variable

Course Description

On-Campus Extended Studies course in Economics and Management.

Credits

variable

Course Description

A seminar focused on a theme related to the study of economics. Open only to first-year students. ECON 197 cannot be counted toward an Economics major.

Credits

1 course

Course Description

A treatment of some of the major figures and trends in the history of economic ideas. Topics may vary but will include an examination of the contribution of the Mercantilists, Physiocrats, Classical and Neoclassical economists to our understanding of the individual, value and the market; transactions and their mediation; economic growth and development; the distribution of output; and the roles of capital and labor. Readings may include, among others, the economic writings of Locke, Quesnay, Smith, Ricardo, Marx, Mill, Menger, Bohm-Bawerk, Marshall and Keynes. Prerequisite: ECON 100 or permission of instructor.

Distribution Area

Social Science

Prerequisites

ECON 100 or permission of instructor

Credits

1 course

Course Description

Emphasizing the American experience, the historical development of modern economic institutions and the role of economic factors in the emergence of contemporary industrial society. Prerequisite: ECON 100.

Prerequisites

ECON 100

Credits

1 course

Course Description

This course uses economics to explore environmental and natural resource problems, evaluate policies for addressing them, and examine the role of businesses in addressing social and environmental issues. Topics vary and may include energy, water, agriculture, sustainable development, environmental justice, and other timely issues. Prerequisite: ECON 100.

Distribution Area

Social Science

Prerequisites

ECON 100

Credits

1 course

Course Description

Survey of basic urban economic problems. Topics covered include why cities exist, where they develop, how they grow and how different activities are arranged within cities. Additional topics covered include economics of urban problems, such as poverty, inadequate housing, congestion, pollution and crime. Prerequisite: ECON 100.

Prerequisites

ECON 100

Credits

1 course

Course Description

The provision and use of accounting information for internal management decision making. Topics covered include terminology and underlying concepts; costing systems; cost behavior and its role in cost-volume-profit analysis; operating and capital budgeting; performance evaluation; responsibility accounting including segmented reporting and transfer pricing; pricing of products and services; and differential analysis in decision making (e.g., outsourcing decisions and whether to add or drop a segment of the business). Prerequisite: ECON 220

Prerequisites

ECON 220

Credits

1 course

Spring Semester information

280A: Managerial Accounting

Professor: Zhiru Lin

Course Description

A. Economics; B. Management. Detailed study of theoretical and policy aspects of such topics as inflation, resource and product pricing, management, market structure, government-business relations, financial markets and international trade. Prerequisite: varies according to the topic offered. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

Prerequisites

Varies according to the topic offered.

Credits

Variable

Fall Semester information

290AA: Tps:Comparative Health Care Economics

Professor: Michele Villinski

Course Description

(cross-listed with FIN 293; partially replaces ECON 393, Corporate Finance) This course is an introduction to the foundations of finance with an emphasis on applications and theory that are critical for corporate management. Students will develop an understanding of the major financial decisions within the firm that impact the value of the firm. This course will cover the importance of ethical evaluation and analysis in finance. Topics include ethical issues related to stakeholders, agency theory, the time value of money, risk and return in the context of equities and bonds, interest rates and the term structure, risk management and firm investment decisions, capital budgeting, optimal capital structure, and dividend policy. Prerequisites: ECON 100.

Prerequisites

ECON 100

Credits

1 course

Fall Semester information

293B: Foundations of Corporate Finance

Professor: Ralph Sanders

293C: Foundations of Corporate Finance

Professor: Bin Qiu

293E: Foundations of Corporate Finance

Professor: Ralph Sanders

293F: Foundations of Corporate Finance

Professor: Bin Qiu

Spring Semester information

293A: Foundations of Corporate Finance

Professor: Ralph Sanders

293B: Foundations of Corporate Finance

Professor: Bin Qiu

293C: Foundations of Corporate Finance

Professor: Ralph Sanders

293D: Foundations of Corporate Finance

Professor: Bin Qiu

Course Description

Decision-making by firms, households and other economic units about production, consumption, pricing, resource allocation, market structure and externalities. Prerequisite: ECON 100.

Distribution Area

Social Science

Prerequisites

ECON 100

Credits

1 course

Fall Semester information

294A: Intermed Microeconomics

Professor: Gary Lemon

294B: Intermed Microeconomics

Professor: Zhiyang Zhu,
Ophelia Goma

Spring Semester information

294A: Intermed Microeconomics

Professor: Zhiyang Zhu,
Ophelia Goma

294B: Intermed Microeconomics

Professor: Zhiyang Zhu,
Ophelia Goma

Course Description

Analysis of factors determining levels of national income and employment, including consumption, investment and government fiscal policy, with applications to such problems as economic instability, inflation and growth. Prerequisite: ECON 100.

Distribution Area

Social Science

Prerequisites

ECON 100

Credits

1 course

Fall Semester information

295A: Intermed Macroeconomics

Professor: Guangjun Qu

295B: Intermed Macroeconomics

Professor: Guangjun Qu

Spring Semester information

295A: Intermed Macroeconomics

Professor: Ryan Rudderham

295B: Intermed Macroeconomics

Professor: Ryan Rudderham

Course Description

Introduction to the method and manner in which the economic analysis of the labor market proceeds. Both traditional and alternative methods of labor market analysis are studied. Topics include demand for and supply of labor, human capital and public policy issues. Prerequisite: ECON 100.

Prerequisites

ECON 100

Credits

1 course

Course Description

Explores the economic conditions and problems facing developing economies. Examines the main theories and sources of economic growth and development. Topics may include poverty, inequality, education, health care, population growth, urbanization and migration, agrarian reform, trade policy, foreign debt, foreign aid, structural adjustment policies and globalization. Prerequisite: ECON 100.

Prerequisites

ECON 100

Credits

1 course

Fall Semester information

320A: Development Economics

Professor: Ophelia Goma

Course Description

Provides an overview of key economic developments in the Asia-Pacific region. Students will have an opportunity to apply economic theories and models to understand the divergent development paths of countries in this region. Topics include the rise of the East Asian economies, the challenges that emerged from the Asian financial crisis, development obstacles of East and South Asian economies and prospects for regionalization. Prerequisites: Econ 100, Econ 295

Distribution Area

Global Learning

Prerequisites

Econ 100, Econ 295

Credits

1 course

Course Description

This course analyzes the differences in economic institutions across countries. By looking at the economic incentives in corporations, financial institutions and governments in several different countries, the course will address the question of how different market systems provide incentives to encourage economic growth. By the end of the course, students will be able to analyze the economic implications of a country's institutional arrangements and evaluate the role of government in the economy. Prerequisite: ECON 100.

Prerequisites

ECON 100

Credits

1 course

Course Description

Introduction to the theory and use of quantitative analysis in economics, finance, and business. Key topics developed in this course include descriptive statistics, parameter estimation, hypothesis testing and regression analysis. Specific emphasis is given to the application of regression analysis to understand economic outcomes. Prerequisite: ECON 100. Students who have completed BIO 275 or 375, MATH 141, MATH 247 or PSY 214 will receive only one-half credit for ECON 350.

Distribution Area

Science and Mathematics

Prerequisites

ECON 100. Students who have completed BIO 275 or 375, MATH 141, MATH 247 or PSY 214 will receive only one-half credit for ECON 350.

Credits

1 course

Fall Semester information

350A: Introduction to Econometrics

Professor: Kassahun Geleta

350B: Introduction to Econometrics

Professor: Kassahun Geleta

Spring Semester information

350A: Introduction to Econometrics

Professor: Kassahun Geleta

350B: Introduction to Econometrics

Professor: Kassahun Geleta

350C: Introduction to Econometrics

Professor: Ophelia Goma

Course Description

The theories of the value of investment instruments are examined. Topics covered include the theories of capital markets and portfolio management. Emphasis is placed on modern portfolio theory. Prerequisite: ECON 350 or permission of instructor.

Prerequisites

ECON 350 or permission of instructor

Credits

1 course

Fall Semester information

360A: Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management

Professor: Bin Qiu

360B: Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management

Professor: Bin Qiu

360C: Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management

Professor: Bin Qiu

360D: Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management

Professor: Bin Qiu

Spring Semester information

360A: Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management

Professor: Gary Lemon

360B: Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management

Professor: Gary Lemon

Course Description

This course integrates mathematical techniques and economic theory. Mathematical techniques, such as linear algebra and differential calculus, are used to examine the mathematical foundation of the neo-classical paradigm. Economic concepts, such as profit maximization, utility maximization and cost minimization are considered using optimization and comparative static techniques. Prerequisite: ECON 294 and MATH 151 .

Prerequisites

ECON 294 and MATH 151

Credits

1 course

Course Description

Regression analysis is applied to a variety of economics and management examples and data. Extensive use of Monte Carlo simulation enables deep understanding of chance processes and sampling variability. Advanced Excel applications (such as add-ins and user-defined functions) develop skills useful in other courses and the workplace. Prerequisite: Elementary statistics (such as ECON 350, BIO 275, MATH 141, MATH 247 or PSY 214) or consent of the instructor.

Prerequisites

Elementary statistics (such as ECON 350, BIO 275, MATH 141, MATH 247 or PSY 214) or consent of the instructor.

Credits

1 course

Course Description

A. Economics; B. Management. Detailed study of theoretical and policy aspects of such topics as inflation, resource and product pricing, management, market structure, government-business relations, financial markets and international trade. Prerequisite: varies according to the topic offered. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

Prerequisites

Varies according to the topic offered.

Credits

1/2-1 course

Fall Semester information

390AA: Tps:Economics of Corporate Payouts and M&As

Professor: Bin Qiu

390AB: Tps:Advances in the Economics of Entrepreneurship

Professor: Jeff Gropp

390AC: Tps:The Economics of Welfare

Professor: Jeff Gropp

390BA: Tps:Nonprofit Finance, Leadership & Social Reponsibility

Professor: Ophelia Goma

Course Description

The determination of what assets a firm should own and how these assets should be financed, with the goal of maximizing the value of the firm. Topics included are the underlying concepts of corporate finance, financial statement analysis, financial planning, working capital management, capital budgeting, valuation of stocks and bonds, a firm's cost of capital and its optimal capital structure, and dividend policy. Prerequisites: ECON 220 and 350.

Prerequisites

ECON 220 and ECON 350

Credits

1 course

Course Description

A study of the formulation and implementation of business strategy. Topics include planning, control, economic analysis and organization theory. Extensive use is made of case studies. Prerequisite: ECON 280 or permission of instructor.

Prerequisites

ECON 280 or permission of instructor

Credits

1 course

Course Description

The economic principles used to analyze government's role in the economy are developed. Microeconomic theory is used to examine government tax and expenditure policies, especially as they affect resource allocation and income distribution. Both efficiency and equity questions are addressed. Topics include expenditure programs designed to affect the allocation of resources (e.g. national defense outlays, income distribution)(e.g. food stamps), and the major forms of taxation (e.g. income and sales taxes). Prerequisite: ECON 294 or permission of instructor.

Prerequisites

ECON 294 or permission of instructor

Credits

1 course

Fall Semester information

410A: Public Finance

Professor: Gary Lemon

Course Description

This course is concerned with a group of topics on microeconomic aspects of the labor market and a few selected topics on the macroeconomic issues of labor. Building on the models developed in Intermediate Microeconomics, it develops more sophisticated models by incorporating more realistic assumptions in models. It covers topics such as the supply of labor, labor force participation, the demand for labor, reasons for disparity in wages, non-traditional labor models, labor unions and collective bargaining, government regulation of labor markets and labor unions, and macroeconomic causes of cyclical unemployment. Economic aspects of labor unions, bargaining theories of wages, minimum wage legislation, labor supply incentives of various welfare programs, occupational licensure, labor mobility, migration, and discrimination theories are discussed and examined. Students also get an experience in conducting empirical research on a topic of their choice. Prerequisites: ECON 294, ECON 350.

Distribution Area

Social Science

Prerequisites

ECON 294 and ECON 350

Credits

1 course

Spring Semester information

415A: Labor Economics

Professor: Town Oh

Course Description

The theory of international trade, the balance of payments, foreign exchange markets, international monetary systems, open economy macroeconomics. Prerequisite: ECON 294 and ECON 295 or permission of instructor.

Prerequisites

ECON 294 and ECON 295 or permission of instructor

Credits

1 course

Course Description

Analysis of industrial structure, organization and performance with emphasis on public policy implications. Policy topics which may be considered include business concentration, government enterprises, financial market regulation and the newer social-environmental regulation. Prerequisite: ECON 294.

Prerequisites

ECON 294

Credits

1 course

Course Description

This course will introduce strategic behavior and decision-making in a variety of different scenarios in economics, finance, and business. The course will include both static and dynamic games as well as games of complete and incomplete information. Prerequisite: ECON 294.

Prerequisites

ECON 294

Credits

1 course

Course Description

Econometrics is the application of statistical methods for the purpose of testing economic and business theories. This course will introduce students to the skills used in empirical research including, but not limited to, data collection, hypothesis testing, model specification, regression analysis, violations of regression assumptions and corrections, dummy variables, time series analysis, limited dependent variable models, and panel models. Extensive focus will be on the intuition and application of econometric methods, and as a result, statistical software will be used extensively. Students will be required to complete an independent research project involving the application of regression analysis.

Prerequisites

ECON 350, MATH 141, MATH 240, MATH 247 or permission of instructor. MATH 151 or the equivalent.

Credits

1 course

Spring Semester information

450A: Econometrics

Professor: Kassahun Geleta

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to introduce economic analysis of health and health care within the context of the United States. The course provides an overview of the existing institutions and policies in the United States health care system and examines both the supply-side and the demand-side of health care. Standard microeconomic tools, such as models of imperfect competition, are used to analyze how the current structure influences the allocation and distribution of health services. The course also examines topics such as medical malpractice, Medicare, Medicaid, the cost of prescription drugs, and markets for human organs. The course evaluates the impact of existing policies and proposed reforms on the economically disadvantaged; it considers the appropriate role of government in health care after taking into account the potential of both the market failure and the government failure. The course looks at the latest health care reforms and the advantages and disadvantages of having universal health care of some type in the U.S. This course also compares the current American health care system with those of other countries such as Canada, the U.K., Germany and France. Students also write a semester-long empirical paper on a health economics topic of their choice. Prerequisites: Econ 294, Econ 350.

Distribution Area

Social Science

Prerequisites

ECON 294 and ECON 350

Credits

1 course

Course Description

Structure, operations and policies of major monetary and banking institutions, including commercial banks, the treasury, the Federal Reserve System and other agencies involved in money creation, monetary policy and international monetary relations. The course also stresses the theory of monetary policy and the relationship between money and economic activity. Prerequisite: ECON 295.

Prerequisites

ECON 295

Credits

1 course

Fall Semester information

470A: Money-Banking

Professor: Ryan Rudderham

Spring Semester information

470A: Money-Banking

Professor: Ryan Rudderham

Course Description

Application of economic analysis in research papers to a variety of micro- and macroeconomic issues. Group discussion and criticism of research methods and conclusions. Prerequisite: a major in economics and management or permission of instructor. ECON 480 or ECON 485 is required of all senior Economics and Management majors.

Prerequisites

A major in economics and management or permission of instructor. ECON 480 or ECON 485 is required of all senior Economics and Management majors.

Credits

1 course

Fall Semester information

480A: Seminar

Professor: Gary Lemon

480B: Seminar

Professor: Guangjun Qu

480C: Seminar

Professor: Ophelia Goma

Spring Semester information

480A: Seminar

Professor: Staff

480B: Seminar

Professor: Staff

Course Description

Outstanding students in economics may complete an intensive independent research project in their senior year. The project culminates in a written thesis and a public presentation of their research. The thesis is directed by a faculty member in the Department of Economics and Management. Thesis proposals must be approved by the department before a student can register for ECON 485: Application Form. Prerequisite: Permission of the department. May be taken for 1 semester (1 credit) or in two consecutive semesters (1/2 credit each semester). Not open for pass/fail credit.

Prerequisites

Permission of department

Credits

1/2-1 course

Fall Semester information

485A: Independent Senior Thesis

Professor: Town Oh

Spring Semester information

485A: Independent Senior Thesis

Professor: Town Oh

Course Description

A. Economics; B. Management. Detailed study of theoretical and policy aspects of such topics as inflation, resource and product pricing, management, market structure, government-business relations, financial markets and international trade. Prerequisite: varies according to the topic offered. May be repeated for credit with different topics.

Prerequisites

Varies according to the topic offered.

Credits

1/2-1 course

Course Description

The preparation, communication and use of economic information for decision- making, with a focus on external users (e.g., investors, creditors). Topics included are an examination of economic events within a business, terminology and the underlying conceptual and framework of accounting, generally accepted accounting principles and the critical importance of ethical standards, and financial statements. Balance sheet coverage includes resources owned, and obligations owed by a company; the income statement provides insight into the performance of a company; the statement of cash flows identifies sources and uses of a company's cash flows; and financial statement analysis uses this information for a variety of decisions. Both the benefits of using financial accounting information, and its limitations, will be discussed. Prerequisite: ECON 100.

Prerequisites

ECON 100

Credits

1 course

Fall Semester information

220A: Introduction to Financial Accounting

Professor: Ralph Sanders

220B: Introduction to Financial Accounting

Professor: Zhiru Lin

220C: Introduction to Financial Accounting

Professor: Zhiru Lin

220D: Introduction to Financial Accounting

Professor: Ralph Sanders

Spring Semester information

220A: Introduction to Financial Accounting

Professor: Ralph Sanders

220B: Introduction to Financial Accounting

Professor: Ralph Sanders

220C: Introduction to Financial Accounting

Professor: Zhiru Lin

220D: Introduction to Financial Accounting

Professor: Zhiru Lin

Course Description

Entrepreneurs are an important source of innovation and the engine of economic growth. Nevertheless, the entrepreneur's road to success is full of obstacles and unknowns that require careful thinking, planning, and execution. This course will focus on the financial issues entrepreneurs face throughout the lifecycle of the venture and the value creation process. Prerequisite: FIN 220.

Prerequisites

FIN 220

Credits

1 course

Course Description

Understanding the value of an asset and the factors that determine said value is critical to effective decision-making. This course focuses on determining the value of a company. Topics covered include theoretical and applied approaches to valuation, including discounted cash flow models, measuring risk, relative valuation, private and comparable company valuation, price multiples, and real options. Though not required, Corporate Finance and Statistics are recommended. Prerequisite: FIN 220.

Prerequisites

FIN 220

Credits

1 course

Course Description

The provision and use of accounting information for internal management decision making. Topics covered include terminology and underlying concepts; costing systems; cost behavior and its role in cost-volume-profit analysis; operating and capital budgeting; performance evaluation; responsibility accounting including segmented reporting and transfer pricing; pricing of products and services; and differential analysis in decision making (e.g., outsourcing decisions and whether to add or drop a segment of the business). Prerequisite: ECON 220

Prerequisites

ECON 220

Credits

1 course

Spring Semester information

280A: Managerial Accounting

Professor: Zhiru Lin

Course Description

Topics are chosen from the finance area that extend explorations of content in existing courses or allow exploration of content not duplicated in regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit with different topics. Prerequisites: Open to students by permission of the instructor or to those who satisfy prerequisites determined by the instructor.

Prerequisites

Open to students by permission of the instructor or to those who satisfy prerequisites determined by the instructor

Credits

1 course

Spring Semester information

291A: Tps:Financial Markets and Institutions

Professor: Bin Qiu

A comprehensive course that explores the structure, functions, and operations of financial markets and the various financial institutions critical to the economy. This course provides students with a deep understanding of how financial markets operate, the instruments traded within them, and the vital role that financial institutions play in facilitating economic activities. Throughout the course, students will examine various financial markets, including money markets, stock markets, bond markets, and mortgage markets. They will also explore the roles of key financial (non-depository) institutions, such as insurance companies, pension funds, private equity firms, hedge funds, and investment banks. Additionally, students will embark on a journey to discover how traditional financial systems are evolving alongside the latest technological innovations, including the exciting realm of Financial Technology (FinTech) and the resulting FinTech companies. Prerequisite: ECON 100.

291B: Tps:Financial Markets and Institutions

Professor: Bin Qiu

A comprehensive course that explores the structure, functions, and operations of financial markets and the various financial institutions critical to the economy. This course provides students with a deep understanding of how financial markets operate, the instruments traded within them, and the vital role that financial institutions play in facilitating economic activities. Throughout the course, students will examine various financial markets, including money markets, stock markets, bond markets, and mortgage markets. They will also explore the roles of key financial (non-depository) institutions, such as insurance companies, pension funds, private equity firms, hedge funds, and investment banks. Additionally, students will embark on a journey to discover how traditional financial systems are evolving alongside the latest technological innovations, including the exciting realm of Financial Technology (FinTech) and the resulting FinTech companies. Prerequisite: ECON 100.

Course Description

(cross-listed with ECON 293; partially replaces ECON 393, Corporate Finance) This course is an introduction to the foundations of finance with an emphasis on applications and theory that are critical for corporate management. Students will develop an understanding of the major financial decisions within the firm that impact the value of the firm. This course will cover the importance of ethical evaluation and analysis in finance. Topics include ethical issues related to stakeholders, agency theory, the time value of money, risk and return in the context of equities and bonds, interest rates and the term structure, risk management and firm investment decisions, capital budgeting, optimal capital structure, and dividend policy. Prerequisites: ECON 100.

Prerequisites

ECON 100

Credits

1 course

Fall Semester information

293B: Foundations of Corporate Finance

Professor: Ralph Sanders

293C: Foundations of Corporate Finance

Professor: Bin Qiu

293E: Foundations of Corporate Finance

Professor: Ralph Sanders

293F: Foundations of Corporate Finance

Professor: Bin Qiu

Spring Semester information

293A: Foundations of Corporate Finance

Professor: Ralph Sanders

293B: Foundations of Corporate Finance

Professor: Bin Qiu

293C: Foundations of Corporate Finance

Professor: Ralph Sanders

293D: Foundations of Corporate Finance

Professor: Bin Qiu

Course Description

This course presents a variety of optimization problems (such as utility and profit maximization) solved by numerical methods (e.g., Excel's Solver) to develop the economic way of thinking in entrepreneurs, managers, and leaders. Topics may include demand, production and cost, forecasting, and decision-making over time. This is an intermediate-level course designed to prepare students with tools that will be used in further studies. Note: This course does not count as an elective in the Finance major. Prerequisite: ECON 100.

Prerequisites

ECON 100

Credits

1 course

Fall Semester information

294A: Intermed Microeconomics

Professor: Gary Lemon

294B: Intermed Microeconomics

Professor: Zhiyang Zhu,
Ophelia Goma

Spring Semester information

294A: Intermed Microeconomics

Professor: Zhiyang Zhu,
Ophelia Goma

294B: Intermed Microeconomics

Professor: Zhiyang Zhu,
Ophelia Goma

Course Description

Over the past several decades a significant body of research has arisen that seeks to challenge the long-standing paradigm of efficient markets. Using insights from behavioral economics and psychology, this course examines the theories and empirical evidence that offer this challenge. Prerequisites: FIN 294 (or ECON 294), ECON 350, and ECON 360.

Prerequisites

FIN 294 (or ECON 294), ECON 350, and ECON 260

Credits

1 course

Course Description

This course examines the role that data and data analytics plays in shaping the practice of economics and finance, including coverage of the role of FinTech. Using Python and its various packages, students will investigate various topics in economics and finance, such as corporate finance/governance, investments, entrepreneurial finance, regulatory compliance, etc. Programming experience is helpful but knowledge of Python is not required. Prerequisites: ECON 350.

Prerequisites

ECON 350

Credits

1 course

Course Description

The theories of the value of investment instruments are examined. Topics covered include the theories of capital markets and portfolio management. Emphasis is placed on modern portfolio theory. Prerequisite: ECON 350 or permission of instructor.

Prerequisites

ECON 350 or permission of instructor

Credits

1 course

Fall Semester information

360A: Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management

Professor: Bin Qiu

360B: Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management

Professor: Bin Qiu

360C: Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management

Professor: Bin Qiu

360D: Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management

Professor: Bin Qiu

Spring Semester information

360A: Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management

Professor: Gary Lemon

360B: Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management

Professor: Gary Lemon

Course Description

This course is designed to complement the material from the Investment Analysis course. The course is designed to explore institutional investment decisions in greater depth. In addition to developing course content, this course includes a practicum component focused on developing skills used by investment management firms. Students will maintain their statement of investment objectives, top-down asset allocation based on quantitative analysis of index returns, and bottom-up portfolio management using fundamental analysis. A distinctive feature of the course is the management of the DePauw Investment Fund which includes a portion of the DePauw endowment. Students will be accountable to the DePauw Investment Committee, including tailoring recommendations for security purchases or sales to the stated objectives of the fund and completing professional-quality reports and presentations. Accordingly, this course stresses the importance of the ethical standards and codes of conduct associated with serving in a fiduciary role. Students taking the course are encouraged to take the Securities Industry Essentials exam through FINRA. Prerequisite: FIN/ECON 360.

Prerequisites

FIN/ECON 360

Credits

1 course

Course Description

This course covers optimal strategies and techniques associated with strategic (acquisitions) and financial buyers (buyouts). Topics include leveraged buyouts (LBO), strategic organizational and management issues, acquisition strategy, search criteria, organizational, and management issues, deal structure, and value creation. The course also provides opportunities for students to learn from industry experts through invited guest speakers/alumni. Prerequisite: FIN 270.

Prerequisites

FIN 270

Credits

1 course

Course Description

(cross-listed with ECON 377) Broadly, this course provides extensive coverage of academic research in finance, including the works of Nobel Prize-winning economists. Drawing on theoretical and empirical research in finance, students will develop a deeper understanding of the literature that has not only shaped our understanding of finance but our world. Prerequisite: ECON 350 and FIN 294 (or ECON 294).

Prerequisites

ECON 350 and FIN 294 (or ECON 294)

Credits

1 course

Course Description

(cross-listed with ECON 395) This course explores the economic theories and empirical evidence of financial/macroeconomic crises. The focus will be placed on the factors that cause crises. Attention is given to the effects of crises and their aftermath. Extensive use of specific cases from around the world is used. Additionally, the class will examine the regulatory environment's impact on financial crises, e.g., mitigating and exacerbating financial crises. Prerequisite: ECON 295.

Prerequisites

ECON 295

Credits

1 course

Course Description

Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing and shareholder activism have moved beyond the nascent stage. In fact, driven by some of the world's largest institutions, market coverage of ESG investing has grown rapidly in recent years, particularly in the United States. Using finance literature and case studies on shareholder activism and ESG investing, students will explore how to identify opportunities for value creation that seek to generate financial and social benefits, including, but not limited to environmental concerns, sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and social concerns. Prerequisite: FIN/ECON 360.

Prerequisites

FIN/ECON 360

Credits

1 course

Fall Semester information

410A: Public Finance

Professor: Gary Lemon

Course Description

(cross-listed with ECON 425) Deepens the understanding of macroeconomic policies from a global perspective. Outlines an analytical framework and introduces relevant tools for a multinational firm to cope with the financial uncertainty in the global market. Topics include the balance of payments, foreign exchange markets, international monetary systems, exchange rate regimes and crises, international financial instruments, and global portfolio management. Prerequisite: ECON 295.

Prerequisites

ECON 425

Credits

1 course

Course Description

(partially replaces ECON 393, Corporate Finance) In addition to a more rigorous coverage of topics introduced in the Foundations of Corporate Finance course, this course covers topics integral to the development of corporate leaders that are capable of effective discernment. Students will review the theory and evidence related to improving decisions within the firm. Topics may include strategy, corporate reorganizations, corporate structure, financial planning, working capital management, investment under uncertainty, and exposure to international corporate finance. Particular attention is given to the ethics of finance. More precisely, students will learn how codes of conduct, risk management practices, audit functions, corporate governance, and law writing and enforcement can improve ethics in finance. Prerequisite: FIN/ECON 293.

Prerequisites

FIN/ECON 293

Credits

1 course

Course Description

(cross-listed as ECON 451) This course will develop the skills used in empirical financial research. Extensive focus will be placed on intuition and the application of econometric methods in time series analysis. Topics will include time-series data, stationarity, nonlinearity, conditional value at risk, forecasting methods and evaluation, volatility modeling (ARCH, GARCH), Markov switching, and asset pricing models. Statistical software will be used extensively. Students are required to complete an independent research project. Course includes extensive experiential learning component. Prerequisites: ECON 350.

Prerequisites

ECON 350

Credits

1 course

Course Description

Application of financial analysis in research papers to a variety of finance related topics. Emphasis on presentation and group discussion. Prerequisite: a major in finance. FIN 480 or FIN 485 is required of all senior Finance majors.

Prerequisites

A major in Finance. FIN 480 or FIN 485 is required of all senior Finance majors.

Credits

1 course

Fall Semester information

480A: Seminar

Professor: Gary Lemon

480B: Seminar

Professor: Guangjun Qu

480C: Seminar

Professor: Ophelia Goma

Spring Semester information

480A: Seminar

Professor: Staff

480B: Seminar

Professor: Staff

Course Description

Outstanding students in finance may complete an intensive independent research project in their senior year. The project culminates in a written thesis and a public presentation of their research. The thesis is directed by a faculty member in the Department of Economics and Management. Thesis proposals must be approved by the department before a student can register for FIN 485: Application Form. Prerequisite: Permission of the department. May be taken for 1 semester (1 credit) or in two consecutive semesters (1/2 credit each semester). Not open for pass/fail credit.

Prerequisites

Permission of the department. May be taken for 1 semester (1 credit) or in two consecutive semesters (1/2 credit each semester).

Credits

1/2-1 course

Fall Semester information

485A: Independent Senior Thesis

Professor: Town Oh

Spring Semester information

485A: Independent Senior Thesis

Professor: Town Oh

Course Description

Topics are chosen from the finance area that extend explorations of content in existing courses or allow exploration of content not duplicated in regular course offerings. May be repeated for credit with different topics. Prerequisites: Open to students by permission of the instructor with more advanced prerequisites determined by the instructor.

Prerequisites

Open to students by permission of the instructor with more advanced prerequisites determined by the instructor

Credits

1 course