ØABED3300 International Financial Management Course description

The objective of this course is to develop the ability to understand and manage the particular financial challenges of multinational firms. These firms buy, sell, invest and source capital in foreign markets. They are thus faced with currency rate risk as well as risk related to foreign interest rates. Currency and interest rates are related to each other and to inflation and economic development. International financial management involves measuring risk exposure, evaluating the various options available in financial markets for dealing with the risks and making value maximizing decisions.

All aids are permitted.

No prerequisites.

Knowledge

The student

• appreciates the complexities involved in international financial transactions.
• understands the various factors that help determine exchange rates.
• can calculate foreign exchange risk exposures.
• understands the various risk mitigation techniques, such as derivatives, that can be used to hedge foreign exchange rate risks.

Skills

The student can

• apply financial theory in analysis of complex risk management problems faced by multinational firms.
• develop risk mitigating strategies exploiting instruments that are traded in international financial markets.
• assess value effects for the firm's owners of risks and risk mitigating techniques in order to devise value maximizing strategies

Grade scale A-F.

The course material is discussed in lectures. Instructor provides suggestions for voluntary exercises. The students are encouraged to work in groups on one assignment that count 25% towards final grading. However, in some special cases a student can work individually on this assignment.

The study deals with different research designs and methods for the collection and analysis of data in qualitative research. Three key methods are emphasised: qualitative research interviews, participatory observation and text analysis. Analysis and interpretation and empirical data will be key aspects of the course, in addition to documentation and dissemination of qualitative research.

The student must have been admitted to the study programme.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and competence:

Knowledge

The student has

• in-depth knowledge about qualitative research design
• in-depth knowledge about the use of qualitative approaches used in the collection, analysis and dissemination of empirical material

Skills

The student is capable of

• formulating research questions that can be answered using qualitative methods
• developing a qualitative research design
• choosing and justifying relevant research methods
• analysing, interpreting and disseminating empirical material using a qualitative method

Competence

The student is capable of

• analysing relevant issues using qualitative methods
• applying theoretical knowledge and practical skills to carry out qualitative projects
• analysing, interpreting and disseminating qualitative studies and conclusions

The methods vary between lectures, seminars, group work and self-study. Part of the course is taught jointly with other master's programmes at the faculty.

Ingen arbeidskrav/obligatoriske aktiviteter

Assessment content: The learning outcomes

Form of assessment: Individual home exam over three days; scope of 3,000-3,500 words.

Resit exam: The student submits a reworked version of the paper.