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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2008 - 2009

Module Title Portfolio Management Theory
Module Code EF522
School DCUBS

Online Module Resources

Module Co-ordinatorMr Shane MurphyOffice Number
Level 5 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Module Aims
The objective of this course is to apply theoretical and analytical concepts to the investment management process.

Learning Outcomes
Students will be familiar with the theory and mathematics underlying portfolio management in today's financial markets.

Indicative Time Allowances
Hours
Lectures 36
Tutorials 0
Laboratories 0
Seminars 0
Independent Learning Time 39

Total 75
Placements
Assignments
NOTE
Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.

Indicative Syllabus
Mean Variance Portfolio TheoryMean variance characteristics of individual securities and portfolios.Calculating the Efficient FrontierConstrained optimisation techniques and optimal portfolio selection.Simplifying Portfolio SelectionThe Single Index Model, Multi-Index Models and grouping techniques, constructing the optimal portfolio.Utility AnalysisPreference and utility functions, axiomatic derivation of expected utility theorem.Other Portfolio Selection ModelsMinimax regret, safety first models, stochastic dominance.Equilibrium ModelsThe standard CAPM, non-standard CAPM, the arbitrage pricing theory.International DiversificationReturns from foreign investments, effect of exchange risk, models for managing international portfolios.Evaluating Portfolio PerformanceRisk-adjusted measures, Sharpe, Treynor and Jensen values, Fama decomposition.Security Analysis and Portfolio TheoryEfficient markets, Earnings estimation.
Assessment
Continuous Assessment25% Examination Weight75%
Indicative Reading List
Elton, E. and M. Gruber Portfolio Analysis 5th edition Wiley 1995Rutterford, J. Introduction to Stock Exchange Investment, 2nd edition Macmillen Press 1993Blake, D. Financial Market Analysis McGraw-Hill 1990Sharpe, W., and G. Alexander Investments, 4th edition Prentice-Hall 1990
Programme or List of Programmes
MITMSc in Investment and Treasury
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