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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title International Finance
Module Code FBA1007 (ITS: EF305)
Faculty DCU Business School School DCU Business School
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Description

The purpose of this module is to provide students with an understanding of international finance. Our perspective is that of the financial manager who must determine the best method for finding and allocating capital as well as managing risk. The objective of this course is, therefore, to equip the financial manager with the theoretical background to maximise firm value from international operations. Concepts such as exchange rates, hedging, foreign direct investment (FDI) and international markets are studied. Special emphasis is placed on practical example and the relevance of international finance to managers. Students are expected to participate in weekly lectures.

Learning Outcomes

1. Apply theories of currency market movements.
2. Assess historical and contemporary international financial systems and compare their relevance to markets, the world of business and management.
3. Identify key factors that influence foreign direct investment and its drivers.
4. Determine how capital flows to international markets and how internationalisation of markets drives portfolio construction.
5. Appraise sustainability and its relevance for finance in different international contexts.


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture24No Description
Independent Study41Library reading in prepation for lectures
Independent Study60Exam Revision
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN10677Part of TermSemester 1
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorTongbin XuModule TeacherLiam Hourihane, Marjan Zhaf, Michael Dowling
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Group assignmentn/a25%Week 8
Formal ExaminationEnd-of-Semester Final Examination75%End-of-Semester
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

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

Foundations of International Finance
Students are introduced to the theories of globalisation and the multinational firm. A historical background on the international monetary system is given and contemporary issues regarding monetary systems and the balance of payments are explored.

Foreign Exchange Markets
FX Markets are introduced and students will learn how firms access these markets and understand relevant terminology and quotes, for both spot and forward markets. International parity relationships are examined in this context and are tested empirically. FX derivatives are studied as hedging techniques.

Markets and Institutions
International bond and equity markets are introduced and their relevance for the financial manager is discussed. International portfolio investment, and the diversification benefits it brings, are studied in some depth.

Multinationals Firms
Students study foreign direct investment (FDI) and cross-border M&A. We look at its motivations, and the effect on the firm. International capital structure is studied for firms with operations in multiple jurisdictions.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Eun, C. and B. Resnick: 2020, International Financial Management, 9th edition, McGrawHill,


Articles:
None
Other Resources

None

<< Back to Module List View 2024/25 Module Record for EF305