FIN 2003 Financial Management (3-1-3)

Provides an overview of financial management basics for financial decision-making. Covers the fundamentals of financial management to support both short and long-term financial decisions of the firm. Includes topics related to sources of short-term and long-term financing, financial statement analysis, time value of money, capital budgeting and working capital management.

Prerequisites: ACC 1003

FIN 2013 Money and Banking (3-1-3)

The objective of this module is to build students’ knowledge in money issues, financial system and financial intermediation theory. A sound knowledge of macroeconomics is desirable. The role of money is stressed in modern economics. Appropriate definitions and understanding of the monetary aggregates are necessary to conduct an effective monetary policy. In addition, implication of the financial intermediation theory and the special role of banks have been a major concern for monetary policy and bank regulation.

Prerequisites: ECO 1103

FIN 2103 Quantitative Methods (3-1-3)

Mathematics, statistics and quantitative modelling are the cornerstones of empirical finance. A review of basic mathematics skills related to algebra, linear and non-linear functions are important in performing quantitative analyses of financial and economic data. Topics such as the time value of money, discounting and compounding are at the heart of the mathematics of finance. Parametric and non-parametric statistical significance is an integral part of quantitative methods used in decision making.

Prerequisites: STS 2003

FIN 3003 Corporate Finance (3-1-3)

Students are provided with the necessary exposure to the various tools used in analysing and evaluating the financial performance of business in terms of risk and return. Students also learn how to calculate and analyse the various performance ratios and examine the key issues that affect dividend policies. They are also introduced to the concepts of cost of capital, risk and uncertainty in capital budgeting decisions.

Prerequisites: FIN 2003

Corequisites: BIS 3003

FIN 3013 Financial Assets and Markets (3-1-3)

The goal of this course is to provide the basic role of financial markets, the types of financial assets and how they are traded. Examines valuation techniques, derivatives and alternative investments and their associated trading strategies to achieve risk-return objectives. From an overview of equity and capital markets, it explains the importance of capital markets for the economy and corporations.

Prerequisites: FIN 2003

FIN 3103 Ethics, Sharia Law and Professional Qualifications (3-1-3)

Islamic Law is central to Islam and is the blueprint for every part of life and every field of law – including commercial law, as well as doctrine and worship, ethics, morality and manners. This course is important as each individual or Islamic banks need to understand the worldview and philosophy of Islamic finance and banking which underpins Islamic finance industry. The course equips students with the philosophical aspects of Islamic business matters such as contracts and applications of Shari’ah in matters related to Islamic finance and banking.

FIN 3113 Insurance (3-1-3)

Reviews the global and local insurance industries, as well as the various roles the insurance industry plays in financial risk management contributes the knowledge of a well-rounded financial manager. The industry can be viewed both a macro and micro level. Particular emphasis is placed on applying this knowledge to the challenges and opportunities facing the insurance industry as a result of globalisation and the changes this will bring to the local insurance market.

Prerequisites: FIN 2003

FIN 4003 Bank Management (3-1-3)

While banks continue to develop innovated financial management techniques, regulations continue to expose banks to stricter standards and requirements. Understand the role of banks in the economy requires understanding their micro-functions and performance. Examines how bank performance is measured and evaluated using operational performance measures; demonstrates how banks deal with the various types of risks; explains the different components of bank asset and liability management, and provides understanding of various bank strategies and behaviour including bank funding, lending and pricing

Prerequisites: FIN 2013

FIN 4013 Islamic Banking and Islamic Financial Markets (3-1-3)

Familiarises students with the sources and application of funds in Islamic Banking, as well as asset-based lending products, service-based products and partnership contracts. The course also examines the structure of Islamic financial markets, instruments, and institutions. Explores the historical development of Islamic financial assets and markets. Discusses the Islamic money market, and compares and contrasts it to the conventional money market.

FIN 4023 Real Estate Finance (3-1-3)

The nature of real estate and different types of real estate ownership are examined. Students learn the principles of real estate market valuation and appraisal methods through discussion, comparison and analysis. Applies real estate market research to forecast ownership benefits and value. Analyses institutions and instruments used to finance real estate and identifies sources of commercial debt and equity capital. Evaluates impact of time and risk on value of real estate investment, mortgage finance, and development. Covers concepts, theories and industry practices used for decision making.

Prerequisites: FIN 2003

FIN 4033 International Finance (3-1-3)

Contrasts international finance with domestic finance. Discusses the international financial environment, the foreign exchange market and foreign exchange exposure management. Examines the international monetary system, balance of payments issues, as well as the main factors affecting foreign exchange rates. Explores how the microstructure of international trade helps in the development of an open economy.

Prerequisites: FIN 2013

FIN 4053 Islamic Economics (3-1-3)

Considers the implications of the application of Sharia law on economic and financial systems. Compares the different sources of knowledge for economics, stresses the importance of an Islamic worldview to Islamic economics, and compares the Islamic economic system with conventional economics. The course further explains how consumption and production are carried out in Islam, and highlights the development of historical Islamic economic institutions such as Zakah, Kharaj, and Waqf, and their economic roles.

Prerequisites: FIN 3103

FIN 4103 Entrepreneurial Finance (3-1-3)

The course focusses on entrepreneurial financing modalities ranging from angel financing, bank loans, venture capital to private equity will be explored with particular emphasis on UAE. The course will prepare students to make convincing financing pitches to investors based on business viability, financial projections and valuations of their entrepreneurial ideas. The course will expose students to enterprise valuation methodologies based on pro forma statements and cash flow projections and analyze value propositions from both innovator and investor perspectives.

Prerequisites: FIN 3003

FIN 4113 Investments and Derivatives (3-1-3)

Explains the key concepts and principles of investment, portfolio management and derivatives. The topics addressed include the investment setting, diversification, asset allocation, portfolio theories, asset pricing models, mutual funds, performance evaluation and passive and active investment strategies. Provides a comprehensive analysis on the properties of forward, futures, options and swaps, and valuation and hedging of derivatives, simple arbitrage relationships for forward and futures contracts, hedging and basis risk, swaps and options.

Prerequisites: FIN 3013

FIN 4123 Fixed Income Securities (3-1-3)

Fixed income securities have always been an important part of any active or passive investment portfolio. However, the fixed income markets are no longer the safe resort for risk-averse investors who want minimal risk with little but steady returns. Volatility and high trading activities have contributed to the transformation of the debt markets. Comprehending the basics and tools of debt instruments’ valuation is a precondition to understanding and analyzing the various forces driving volatility and return in the debt markets.

Prerequisites: FIN 3013

FIN 4133 Behavioural Finance (3-1-3)

Behavioural finance is a new and exciting area in economics that combines the psychology of human behaviour with the traditional theories of finance and economics. This course surveys research which incorporates psychological evidence into economics. Topics include: prospect theory, biases in probabilistic judgment, self-control and mental accounting with implications for consumption and savings, fairness and altruism, financial market anomalies and theories. The course also includes basics of technical analysis as it is directly related to the market efficiency notion.

FIN 4143 Islamic Financial Planning (3-1-3)

Familiarises students with a comprehensive Islamic financial planning based on the principles of Shariah. An Islamic financial plan has the same objectives as a regular financial plan – to help people accumulate, protect and distribute their wealth. The difference is that an Islamic financial plan is created in accordance with Islamic values and principles. The course includes the following modules: Fundamentals of Islamic financial planning, risk management and Takaful planning, Islamic investment planning, Zakat and tax planning, Islamic estate, retirement and Waqf planning.

Prerequisites: FIN 2003

FIN 4153 Islamic Accounting (3-1-3)

Discusses and explains accounting from an Islamic perspective, accounting for Islamic financial instruments, and zakat accounting. The subjects covered include accounting concepts from Shariah perspective, Islamic ethics for accountants, financial reporting for Islamic financial institutions, accounting for deposits and investments, accounts of Islamic banks, accounting for Islamic financial products, and accounting for zakat. The course also includes a critical appraisal of the current practical experience in the Muslim world and current research prospects.

Prerequisites: ACC 1003

FIN 4163 Risk Management of Islamic Financial Institutions (3-1-3)

Examines risk identification, characterisation and mitigation measures in Islamic financial institutions. Studies supervisory and regulatory issues in Islamic Financial Institutions that affect how risk is managed. Discusses the role of Shari'ah compliance audits in risk control, and reviews Islamic accounting processes that impact risk management. Examines how risk is assessed, characterised and managed in Ijara, Musharaka and Murabaha operations, and in a range of Islamic finance items such as Mudaraba, Wadia and Amana products.

Prerequisites: FIN 3113

FIN 4203 Finance Research Project (3-1-3)

Demonstrating mastery of the program learning outcomes, this capstone course requires the application of in-depth knowledge and research skills gained across the Finance Program to be evidenced in the industry-based project and report. The purpose is to integrate previously taught courses in order to identify opportunities for the application and critical review of theory and practice in a business environment. In addition, this project (with the guidance of business faculty) is to be informed and supported where possible by industry in order to provide a high level of authentic learning.