FIN 357 BUSINESS FINANCE Spring 2014 PROFESSOR: MARY LOU POLOSKEY OFFICE: GSB 5.176E OFFICE HOURS: Tues 12:15 – 1:45 Wed 12:15 – 1:45 and by appointment REQUIRED : Section #: 03465 Time: MW 2:00 – 3:15 03475 MW 3:30 – 4:45 E-Mail: poloskey@swbell.net Room: UTC 4.124 Room: UTC 4.124 (1) Fundamentals of Corporate Finance, 2nd edition, by Parrino, Kidwell & Bates- Text & Access to WileyPlus is Required Wiley PLUS and TEXT SET Binder Ready w/Wiley PLUS 978-1-118-27752-2 978-1-118-25223-9 http://edugen.wileyplus.com/edugen/class/cls375475/ to purchase online copy and paste the entire url into your browser (hardcopy & binder versions only). If you want to purchase the Eversion directly from Wiley, you will be directed to do this on Wileyplus.com when the open period ends (2) Calculator (HP10BII strongly recommended) OPTIONAL: (1) Notes-for Poloskey’s class posted on Canvas (2) Wall Street Journal – see student discount information at the back of syllabus COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES: Finance 357 introduces concepts and analytical techniques to identify and solve financial management problems It serves as a basis for all other courses in the area of finance as well as provides those basic tools which every business student will need to be successful in her/his chosen career Those students majoring in marketing, management, accounting, international business and management information systems, as well as those going further in the study of finance, will find this material an essential part of their business education These tools and techniques will also provide the basic tools to make personal financial decisions PREREQUISITES: Several Prerequisites apply for this course and are listed in the Course Schedule Due to heavy demand for this course, the prerequisites will be strictly enforced COURSE ROUTINE: This course uses a discussion and problem-solving format You are encouraged to discuss issues and solve application problems in class Powerpoint slides used in the lectures can be found on Blackboard Supplementary materials and examples will be passed out in class You will find these discussions most useful if you prepare in advance by doing all readings and solving problems before coming to class, then participate in the class by asking questions, seeking clarifications, volunteering information, and responding to the instructor's requests for discussion GRADING: Through this course, the Department of Finance Faculty challenges you to meet a high academic standard. To meet the newly developed UPO grading guidelines for undergraduate business core courses, the instructor will target a G.P.A of approximately 3.0 in this class Your semester grade will be determined objectively using the following assessments and weights: exams (28% each) 64 % Homework Assignments 16 % TOTAL 100 % All grading will be determined using both an expected GPA curve and your instructor's own high standards of meritorious performance EXAMINATIONS: IMPORTANT: Bring #2 lead pencils, a calculator, and your current UT ID card to all exams! During the semester you will take two closed-book exams, scheduled during class periods and the third exam during the finals period These exams will test the student’s ability to solve problems, understand concepts and theories, and analyze current events The dates are listed on the schedule The exams will consist of multiple choice, short answer and problem solving questions Each student must take the exams at the time scheduled for their class, including the third exam during the final exam period The time and date is listed in the schedule section of this syllabus and is the date and time listed in the UT course schedule for your specific class time NO MAKE-UPS or EARLY EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN You are required to take all exams If dire and irreconcilable conflicts preclude your taking the first or second exam, contact your Professor before the exam You will then take a comprehensive final during your classes rd exam time and the additional course weight will be placed on the comprehensive final No make-up exams will be given All students must take the final at the scheduled time Exam scores will be posted on Canvas After each exam is graded, the student will have two weeks to review the exam during office hours Exams will no longer be available after the two week review period has passed ACADEMIC HONESTY The McCombs School of Business has no tolerance for acts of scholastic dishonesty The responsibilities of both students and faculty with regard to scholastic dishonesty are described in detail in the BBA Program’s Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty at http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/BBA/Code-of-Ethics.aspx By teaching this course, I have agreed to observe all faculty responsibilities described in that document By enrolling in this class, you have agreed to observe all student responsibilities described in that document If the application of the Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty to this class or its assignments is unclear in any way, it is your responsibility to ask me for clarification Students who violate University rules on scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and/or dismissal from the University Since dishonesty harms the individual, all students, the integrity of the University, and the value of our academic brand, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced You should refer to the Student Judicial Services website at http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sjs/ to access the official University policies and procedures on scholastic dishonesty as well as further elaboration on what constitutes scholastic dishonesty CANVAS: The class uses Canvas Learning Management System https://utexas.instructure.com/ The Undergraduate Business Dean provides the following notice: Password-protected class sites will be available for all accredited courses taught at The University Syllabi, handouts, assignments and other resources are types of information that may be available within these sites Site activities could include exchanging e-mail, engaging in class discussions and chats, and exchanging files In addition, class e-mail rosters will be a component of the sites Students who not want their names included in these electronic class rosters must restrict their directory information in the Office of the Registrar, Main Building, Room For information on restricting directory information see: http://www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/catalogs/gi02-03/app/appc09.html CALCULATORS: A calculator with exponent and root functions will be necessary to work the problems on the examinations and at the end of the chapters A financial calculator is not required for this course but you may wish to begin using one at this time The Finance Department recommends the Hewlett Packard 10BII and I will give instructions on how to use this calculator on all example problems during class There are numerous other calculators on the market which will be satisfactory for this course If the student chooses to use a calculator other than the HP10BII, the student will have to rely on the manual to figure out how to solve problems Present value/Future value tables will be furnished with the examinations Restrictions on the use of certain types of calculators may be imposed and programmable calculators must be deprogrammed when used during an exam You cannot share calculators with others during exams Always bring your calculator to class; at times we will be working problems GRADED HOMEWORK PROBLEMS: This class will use the graded homework questions posted on WileyPlus. You must pay a fee and register for WileyPlus (See the end of the syllabus for instructions), to access the online homework. If you buy a hard copy or binder version of the text, you must buy the bundle that includes WileyPlus. You could also choose to use the online text that is bundled with WileyPlus. You should do the graded problems and submit those by the date and time listed on the WileyPlus site. They will be graded & you will be able to view your grade & get an explanation of questions missed. You can work on these problems in groups, but each student must workout & submit their own homework questions to be graded You will have a homework assignment for each chapter. Your lowest 2 will be dropped and the remaining grades averaged for 16% of your grade. There are no makeups and homework submitted after the due date will not be accepted. A homework appeal process will be explained during class COURSE ATTENDANCE: Course attendance is important Supplemental material, particularly current event articles will be distributed and discussed in class In addition, announcements regarding changes or additions to course policies will be announced during class By UT Austin policy, you must notify me of your pending absence at least 14 days prior to the observance of a religious holy day If you must miss a class, assignment or examination in order to observe a religious holy day, you will be given an opportunity to complete the missed work within a reasonable amount of time OTHER POLICIES: Consistent with the policy of the Department of Finance, the use of computers and other electronic devices in class is generally prohibited Please note that accessing the internet, recreational programs, or e-mail and messaging without prior consent of the instructor is strictly forbidden Any student with a documented disability who requires academic accommodations should contact the Services for Students with Disabilities of the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement at 471-6259 http://www.utexas.edu/diversity/ddce/ssd/ as soon as possible to request an official letter outlining authorized accommodations Occupants of buildings on The University of Texas at Austin campus are required to evacuate buildings when a fire alarm is activated Alarm activation or announcement requires exiting and assembling outside Students requiring assistance in evacuation shall inform their instructor in writing during the first week of class In the event of an evacuation, follow the instruction of faculty or class instructors Do not re-enter a building unless given instructions by the following: Austin Fire Department, The University of Texas at Austin Police Department, or Fire Prevention Services office Link to information regarding emergency evacuation routes and emergency procedures can be found at: www.utexas.edu/emergency Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL): 512-232-5050 SCHEDULE This is a proposed schedule for the semester. The Tests will be given on the dates listed. Any changes to the schedule will be announced in class WEEK DATE TOPIC Jan 13 Course Overview Jan 15 Chapter 1/2 Jan 20 Jan 22 HOLIDAY Chapter Jan 27 Jan 29 Chapter Chapter 6/7 Feb Chapter 7/8 Feb Chapter 8 Feb 10 Feb 12 REVIEW EXAM Feb 17 Chapter Feb 19 Chapter 9/10 Feb 24 Feb 26 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Mar Mar Chapter 11/12 Chapter 12 Mar 17 Mar 19 Chapter 13 Chapter 13 Mar 24 Mar 26 REVIEW EXAM 2 Mar 31 Apr Chapter 15 Chapter 15/16 Apr Apr Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Apr 14 Apr 16 Chapter 17/18 Chapter 18 Apr 21 Apr 23 Chapter 20 Chapter 20/4 Apr 28 Apr 30 CHAPTER 10 11 12 13 14 15 Review for Final/ Course wrap-up FINAL: Section 03465 – Wed May 7, 9:00-noon Section 03475 – Tues May 13, 2:00-5:00 pm ***If you buy the bundled version keep your access code card, you will need it after the free open period ends! ...the study of finance, will find this material an essential part of their business education These tools and techniques will also provide the basic tools to make personal financial decisions... 28 Apr 30 CHAPTER 10 11 12 13 14 15 Review for Final/ Course wrap-up FINAL: Section 03465 – Wed May 7, 9:00-noon Section 03475 – Tues May 13, 2:0 0-5 :00 pm ***If you buy the bundled version keep your access code card, you will need it after the ... comprehensive final during your classes rd exam time and the additional course weight will be placed on the comprehensive final No make-up exams will be given All students must take the final at the