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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Fund Management
Module Code EF508
School DCUBS
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Mahdavi Ardekani Seyed Aref
Semester 2: Mahdavi Ardekani Seyed Aref
Autumn: Mahdavi Ardekani Seyed Aref
Module TeachersShane Murphy
Brian O'Kelly
John O'Brien
Sandeep Keshava Rao
Mahdavi Ardekani Seyed Aref
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
None
Array
Description

This course is designed as a complement to the course in portfolio theory with a view to introducing students to the practical aspects of institutional portfolio management.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify the key portfolio management techniques used within the modern fund management industry.
2. Critically assess the risks and expected rewards associated with different types of institutionally managed portfolios and funds.
3. Appreciate the distinct differences in passive management and active management strategies.
4. Capability to measure and appraise investment performance on a risk-adjusted basis.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24No Description
Independent Study36Assigned Readings
Independent Study40Exam preparation
Independent Study25Assignment (report)
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

Passive Management Strategies and Immunizing Portfolios
Methods of immunizing bond portfolios; single and multiple liabilities; convexity; immunisation risk.

Index Funds
Choosing the best method of indexation, problems relating to the compilation and maintenance of index funds; accessing overseas markets through passive strategies.

Active management strategies
Searching for market inefficiency; strategies for adding value over index performance; combining a core fund with satellite active management portfolios, specialty management; using stock index futures and options; options on futures; currency hedging for overseas portfolios; bond switches.

Asset Allocation
Portfolio diversification, methods of evaluating and comparing investment markets; e.g. multi-scenario projections, risk premiums, the reverse yield gap; portfolio insurance, hedging portfolios with capital protection strategies; asset allocation in passive portfolios; considering transactions costs.

Investment performance appraisal
Measures of analysing investment performance, comparison with investment objectives, frequency of appraisal, time horizon over which performance should be judged; analysis of performance.

Property Management
Real property as an investment medium, property in the portfolio context, property portfolio construction and management, international property in the portfolio: opportunities and problems.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentIndividual / group project30%Week 10
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • JL Farrell: 0, Portfolio Management, Theory and Application,
  • GR Brown: 0, Property Investment and Capital Market,
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
MITBMSc in Investment, Treasury & Banking
Date of Last Revision04-JUN-10
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