Foundations of Finance

Description

This course provides an in-depth introduction to the principles of finance, focusing on the fundamental concepts and tools used in financial decision-making from a corporate perspective. Students will explore the capital allocation process and funding decisions that shape the financial health and growth of an organization. Key topics include the time value of money, bond valuation, interest rates, investment decision rules, and shareholder value creation. The course delves into capital budgeting techniques, risk-return analysis, portfolio theory, and the concept of market efficiency, cost of capital, debt and equity financing, and capital structure decisions. Discussions on dividend and capital distribution policy and business valuation will also be integrated into the curriculum. Requirements: This course is restricted to students enrolled in the 2nd yr or greater of their program, excludes Commerce/CIB. EXCLUSIONS: No more than one course from COMM 221 or COMM 621 , EMPR 280 or ECON 254 No more than 6.0 units from any COMM 200 -level course. Course Equivalencies: COMM121/221/621 Course Learning Outcomes: - Apply capital budgetng techniques to make informed investment decisions that recognize the risk‐return trade‐offs that are inherent to all financial decisions. - Analyze the impact of time and risk on the valuation of investment projects and individual securities, such as stocks and bonds. - Understand the impact of dividend and other capital distribution policies on firms’ valuation using various pedagogical tool such as case studies. - Communicate financial analyses and recommendations effectively with due consideration for ethics and potential biases associated with financial decisions. Assessment/Exam Context: Course assessment and examinations vary by course; Queen's notes that eligible exchange students whose first language is not English may receive extra final-exam time. Exchange Registration Note: Arts and Science courses are open to exchange students subject to prerequisites and space. Most courses should be in Arts and Science; other faculties may be limited. Education, Medicine, and Nursing are not open to incoming exchange enrolment.