FIN-40041 - Module Specification
Keele Business School
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

In this module students will explore, learn and apply modern portfolio theory. Students will start with a background to the portfolio industry and then go on to learn the basic building blocks of modern portfolio theory. Students will examine the performance of single and multi-factor investment models. They will also learn how to assess the performance of portfolio managers in the context of market risk. Finally students will be introduced to modern behavioural finance and briefly explore hedge fund strategies.

This module introduces students to the fundamentals of modern portfolio theory. It then goes on to illustrate how portfolios are set up to manage investment risk. Moreover it assesses the performance of investment managers by comparing the risk that they take against the return that they achieve. This module also briefly covers alternative approaches to traditional investment management.

Intended Learning Outcomes

demonstrate a systematic understanding of modern portfolio management and the role that risk and return plays in developing portfolios: 1,2
compare and contrast single factor multi-factor and Exchange Traded funds (ETF) models for investment purposes: 1,2
critically evaluate market based performance models and their strengths and limitations in assessing the performance of portfolio managers: 2
demonstrate a critical awareness of alternative forms of investments such as hedge funds: 2
compare and contrast behavioural finance and conventional finance: 2

Study hours

20 hours lectures
4 hours tutorials
126 hours independent studies

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment