Module: Investment Management Services

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Investment Management Services
Module Code	AC318 (ITS) / ACC1013 (Banner)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
Module Co-ordinator	Karen Ann Dwyer
Module Teachers	Barbara Flood, Caroline McGroary, Julie Bertz(Nee Griffin)
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None
Array

Description

The course primarily examines the role of the Accounting Agent for a mutual fund. The course also examines the primary roles and functions of a mutual fund Custodian and Transfer Agent. Students will gain an understanding of the types of transactions handled by a mutual fund accountant and how they effect the daily determination of a fund'’s Net Asset Value( NAV). Selected topics include equity transactions, bond transactions, portfolio appreciation and depreciation, daily income and expense accruals, performance indicators, capital stock and distributions. Foreign currency and non-base currency transactions will also be examined. Students will be in a position to compare and contrast various financial instruments including forwards, options and swaps. Students will gain an understanding of the tax environment in the funds industry. This course is delivered through weekly lectures.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss the accounting, auditing, administrative and regulatory aspects of a mutual fund
2. Calculate the daily Net Asset Value(NAV)of funds and assess factors that influence daily change in a fund's capital structure
3. Evaluate foreign exchange transactions and account for non-base currencies in a fund
4. Examine the tax environment in the funds industry.
5. Evaluate investment strategies detailed in a mutual fund prospectus
6. Compare and contrast various financial instruments and their derivatives

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	2 hours per week
Independent Study	36	Lecture preparation
Independent Study	40	Study for end of semester exam
Independent Study	25	Completion of excercises, problems & quizzes
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Accounting and Auditing Aspects of the Mutual Fund Industry

Determination of a Fund's Net Asset Value

Accounting for Non-Base Currencies in a Fund

The Role of Foreign Exchange Transactions

The Regulatory Framework of Accounting

Understanding Financial Instruments

Performance Indicators

Investment Strategies in a Mutual Fund

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	0%	Examination Weight	100%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Central Bank of Ireland: 0, UCITS Notices 1989, Central Bank of Ireland,
Albert, J. & Wiles, R.: 0, How Mutual Funds Work, New York Institute of Finance,
Mahony, S: 0, AZ of International Finance, Pitman,
KPMG: 0, Student Manuals Prepared by KPMG,

Other Resources

None