General Information
This subject bridges the gap between financial theory and practice through the in-depth examination of an organisation’s three key financial decisions – the investment (i.e., capital budgeting), the financing (i.e., capital structure) and the payout (i.e., dividend). This is undertaken within the context of responsible corporate governance, supported by appropriate quantitative models and applied through contemporary case studies focusing on boardroom decisions.
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Details
Academic unit: Bond Business School Subject code: FINC71-301 Subject title: Advanced Corporate Finance Subject level: Postgraduate Semester/Year: January 2025 Credit points: 10.000 -
Delivery & attendance
Timetable: https://bond.edu.au/timetable Delivery mode: Standard Workload items: - Forum: x12 (Total hours: 24) - Forum
- Seminar: x12 (Total hours: 24) - Seminar
- Personal Study Hours: x12 (Total hours: 72) - Recommended study time & reviewing materials
Attendance and learning activities: Attendance at all class sessions is expected. Students are expected to notify the instructor of any absences with as much advance notice as possible. +++++ BBS uses a self and peer-evaluation system to support students engaged in group-based assessments. Students are expected to provide this feedback in a timely fashion as part of their assessment. The information gathered is used by the educator as partial evidence of equitable contributions by all group members and helps to determine individual marks for group assessments. -
Resources
Prescribed resources: Books
- Berk, J. B., & DeMarzo, P. M. (2024). Corporate Finance, Global Edition. 6th Global Edition, Pearson
iLearn@Bond & Email: iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications.
Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student.
To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au
| Academic unit: | Bond Business School |
|---|---|
| Subject code: | FINC71-301 |
| Subject title: | Advanced Corporate Finance |
| Subject level: | Postgraduate |
| Semester/Year: | January 2025 |
| Credit points: | 10.000 |
| Timetable: | https://bond.edu.au/timetable |
|---|---|
| Delivery mode: | Standard |
| Workload items: |
|
| Attendance and learning activities: | Attendance at all class sessions is expected. Students are expected to notify the instructor of any absences with as much advance notice as possible. +++++ BBS uses a self and peer-evaluation system to support students engaged in group-based assessments. Students are expected to provide this feedback in a timely fashion as part of their assessment. The information gathered is used by the educator as partial evidence of equitable contributions by all group members and helps to determine individual marks for group assessments. |
| Prescribed resources: | Books
|
|---|---|
| iLearn@Bond & Email: | iLearn@Bond is the Learning Management System at Bond University and is used to provide access to subject materials, class recordings and detailed subject information regarding the subject curriculum, assessment, and timing. Both iLearn and the Student Email facility are used to provide important subject notifications. Additionally, official correspondence from the University will be forwarded to students’ Bond email account and must be monitored by the student. To access these services, log on to the Student Portal from the Bond University website as www.bond.edu.au |
Enrolment requirements
| Requisites: |
Nil |
|---|---|
| Assumed knowledge: |
Assumed knowledge is the minimum level of knowledge of a subject area that students are assumed to have acquired through previous study. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they meet the assumed knowledge expectations of the subject. Students who do not possess this prior knowledge are strongly recommended against enrolling and do so at their own risk. No concessions will be made for students’ lack of prior knowledge. Assumed Prior Learning (or equivalent):
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| Restrictions: |
Nil |
Assurance of learning
Assurance of Learning means that universities take responsibility for creating, monitoring and updating curriculum, teaching and assessment so that students graduate with the knowledge, skills and attributes they need for employability and/or further study.
At Bond University, we carefully develop subject and program outcomes to ensure that student learning in each subject contributes to the whole student experience. Students are encouraged to carefully read and consider subject and program outcomes as combined elements.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge and skills that will be achieved on completion of the program. If you are undertaking this subject as part of a degree program, you should refer to the relevant degree program outcomes and graduate attributes as they relate to this subject.
Subject Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
On successful completion of this subject the learner will be able to:
- Apply finance concepts, principles and theories to a variety of strategic corporate financial decisions or scenarios.
- Apply critical thinking and professional judgment to complex corporate investment, finance and payout decisions using appropriate technology.
- Critically evaluate key elements of corporate governance and recommend ethical and sustainable firm-specific strategies.
- Demonstrate the ability to work as an effective member of a self-directed financial consulting team to prepare a set of expert recommendations supported by appropriate financial analysis and modelling.
- Revise financial advice based on critical reflection of presentation feedback and further group discussion to enhance the quality of the recommendations.
- Critically reflect on, evaluate and extract new insights from your experiences and feedback.
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Assessment
The University acknowledges that Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen-AI) tools are an important facet of contemporary life. Their use in assessment is considered in line with students’ development of the skills and knowledge which demonstrate learning outcomes and underpin study and career success. Instructions on the use of Gen-AI are given for each assessment task; it is your responsibility to adhere to these instructions.
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Assessment details
Type Task % Timing* Outcomes assessed Computer-Aided Examination (Open) Comprehensive examination consisting of both short essay and quantitative questions. 40.00% Final Examination Period 1,2,3,4 Essay Individual reflective essay on board room simulation and directors’ feedback 20.00% Week 12 2,5,6 Activity Preparation for and active participation in all board-room class sessions, online discussions, and related learning activities. 15.00% Ongoing 1,2,3 Case Presentation§ Teams of 3-4 students work as financial consultants to prepare and present relevant, actionable recommendations supported by appropriate financial analysis. 25.00% In Consultation 1,2,3,4,5 - § Indicates group/teamwork-based assessment
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
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Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
High Distinction 85-100 Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. Distinction 75-84 Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. Credit 65-74 Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. Pass 50-64 Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. Fail 0-49 Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
| Type | Task | % | Timing* | Outcomes assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer-Aided Examination (Open) | Comprehensive examination consisting of both short essay and quantitative questions. | 40.00% | Final Examination Period | 1,2,3,4 |
| Essay | Individual reflective essay on board room simulation and directors’ feedback | 20.00% | Week 12 | 2,5,6 |
| Activity | Preparation for and active participation in all board-room class sessions, online discussions, and related learning activities. | 15.00% | Ongoing | 1,2,3 |
| Case Presentation§ | Teams of 3-4 students work as financial consultants to prepare and present relevant, actionable recommendations supported by appropriate financial analysis. | 25.00% | In Consultation | 1,2,3,4,5 |
- § Indicates group/teamwork-based assessment
- * Assessment timing is indicative of the week that the assessment is due or begins (where conducted over multiple weeks), and is based on the standard University academic calendar
- C = Students must reach a level of competency to successfully complete this assessment.
Assessment criteria
| High Distinction | 85-100 | Outstanding or exemplary performance in the following areas: interpretative ability; intellectual initiative in response to questions; mastery of the skills required by the subject, general levels of knowledge and analytic ability or clear thinking. |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75-84 | Usually awarded to students whose performance goes well beyond the minimum requirements set for tasks required in assessment, and who perform well in most of the above areas. |
| Credit | 65-74 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is considered to go beyond the minimum requirements for work set for assessment. Assessable work is typically characterised by a strong performance in some of the capacities listed above. |
| Pass | 50-64 | Usually awarded to students whose performance meets the requirements set for work provided for assessment. |
| Fail | 0-49 | Usually awarded to students whose performance is not considered to meet the minimum requirements set for particular tasks. The fail grade may be a result of insufficient preparation, of inattention to assignment guidelines or lack of academic ability. A frequent cause of failure is lack of attention to subject or assignment guidelines. |
Quality assurance
For the purposes of quality assurance, Bond University conducts an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Study Information
Submission procedures
Students must check the iLearn@Bond subject site for detailed assessment information and submission procedures.
Policy on late submission and extensions
A late penalty will be applied to all overdue assessment tasks unless the Lead Educator grants an extension. The standard penalty will be 10% of marks awarded to that assessment per day late with no assessment to be accepted seven days after the due date. Where a student is granted an extension, the penalty of 10% per day late starts from the new due date.
Academic Integrity
Bond University‘s Student Code of Conduct Policy , Student Charter, Academic Integrity Policy and our Graduate Attributes guide expectations regarding student behaviour, their rights and responsibilities. Information on these topics can be found on our Academic Integrity webpage recognising that academic integrity involves demonstrating the principles of integrity (honesty, fairness, trust, professionalism, courage, responsibility, and respect) in words and actions across all aspects of academic endeavour.
Staff are required to report suspected misconduct. This includes all types of plagiarism, cheating, collusion, fabrication or falsification of data/content or other misconduct relating to assessment such as the falsification of medical certificates for assessment extensions. The longer term personal, social and financial consequences of misconduct can be severe, so please ask for help if you are unsure.
If your work is subject to an inquiry, you will be given an opportunity to respond and appropriate support will be provided. Academic work under inquiry will not be marked until the process has concluded. Penalties for misconduct include a warning, reduced grade, a requirement to repeat the assessment, suspension or expulsion from the University.
Feedback on assessment
Feedback on assessment will be provided to students according to the requirements of the Assessment Procedure Schedule A - Assessment Communication Procedure.
Whilst in most cases feedback should be provided within two weeks of the assessment submission due date, the Procedure should be checked if the assessment is linked to others or if the subject is a non-standard (e.g., intensive) subject.
Accessibility and Inclusion Support
Support is available to students where a physical, mental or neurological condition exists that would impact the student’s capacity to complete studies, exams or assessment tasks. For effective support, special requirement needs should be arranged with the University in advance of or at the start of each semester, or, for acute conditions, as soon as practicable after the condition arises. Reasonable adjustments are not guaranteed where applications are submitted late in the semester (for example, when lodged just prior to critical assessment and examination dates).
As outlined in the Accessibility and Inclusion Policy, to qualify for support, students must meet certain criteria. Students are also required to meet with the Accessibility and Inclusion Advisor who will ensure that reasonable adjustments are afforded to qualifying students.
For more information and to apply online, visit BondAbility.
Additional subject information
As part of the requirements for Business School quality accreditation, the Bond Business School employs an evaluation process to measure and document student assessment as evidence of the extent to which program and subject learning outcomes are achieved. Some examples of student work will be retained for potential research and quality auditing purposes only. Any student work used will be treated confidentially and no student grades will be affected.
Subject curriculum
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Introduction to Corporate Finance; Ethics & ESG in Finance
Introduces the theory of corporate finance and explains its role within the corporate management and strategic oversight of a company. The elements of corporate finance within the context of ethical decision making and broader environmental, social and governance frameworks is also explored.
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Financial Statement Analysis & Working Capital Management
Explores the use of financial statements to analyse the financial health of a corporation relative to its competitors and industry. There is a focus on working capital management as the engine room for generating corporate wealth and sustainability.
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Debt Issuance
Examines the various ways a corporation can issue debt to finance its operations. The topic extends on working capital management to broader avenues of debt raising for financing the corporation’s endeavours.
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Equity Issuance
Considers various avenues for a company to raise equity finance, from private equity through to initial public offerings. The process and cost of each source of equity funding with in each organisation context are examined.
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Estimating Cost of Capital
Extends the debt and equity issuance topic to examine the process of combining the various sources of financing into a firm or project specific cost of capital. It explores the method of determining the cost of capital using comparative company data for an unlisted entity.
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Capital Structure in Perfect Capital Markets
Explores the impact of a corporation’s capital structure on firm value in a world of perfect capital markets.
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Capital Structure and Taxes
Extends on discussion and development of capital structure theory into a world with both corporate and individual investors personal taxes and the impact on firm value.
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Financial Distress, Managerial Incentive & Asymmetric Information
Expands the discussion of capital structure other factors that influence a corporations capital structure such as the impact of financial distress, managerial incentives associated with debt levels and information signalling by the firm in its choice of capital structure.
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Payout Policy
Examines the corporation’s decision making surrounding the distribution of a company’s free cash flows. The retention versus payout policy in its different forms is explored and its impact on firm value.
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Mergers & Acquisitions
Applies the concepts discussed in previous discussions to the application of growth in the firm via an introduction to merger or acquisitions and its impact on firm value.
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Corporate Governance & ESG
Explores the various framework of corporate governance as applied to the firm and considers the growing importance of ESG on firm value.