IC104-Introductory Quantitative Techniques for Business and Finance

Module Provider: ICMA Centre
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Nikolaos Antypas
Email: n.antypas@icmacentre.ac.uk

Type of module:

Core

Summary module description:

This module introduces students to a range of quantitative techniques that are commonly applied in business, finance and management. 

This module is delivered at University of Reading and University of Reading Malaysia.

Aims:

The module will cover both introductory statistics and mathematical techniques that are necessary for a good understanding of financial theories and to be able to develop and understand the models used in business and finance.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Upon completion of the module, students should be able to: 

• Apply the key mathematical techniques that are routinely used in the academic literature in business and finance 


• Select the best approach to summarising data and describing its main characteristics 


• Use simple hypotheses to solve problems 


• Use a spreadsheet to analyse data and to interpret the results from such analysis

Additional outcomes:

The module will enhance students' critical thinking, teamwork, quantitative, and analytical skills.

Outline content:

Functions including logarithms and exponentials, calculus, optimisation, elementary matrix algebra, summarising and describing data; probability theory and random variables; correlation; statistical distributions and hypothesis testing.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will be primarily lecture based with directed textbook based supplementary reading. There will be a number of tutorial/seminar sessions – both classroom-based and computer lab-based – to aid students in developing more depth and in understanding the linkage between topics.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 2-hour unseen written paper.

Part 1 examinations are held in the Summer term.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One group project of 2,000 words to be submitted at the beginning of the Spring term.

Formative assessment methods:
Exercises will be set for the weekly classes, at which attendance is compulsory.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;


• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A minimum mark of 40%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination for Part 1 modules takes place in August/September of the same year via an MCQ exam. 

Reassessment is by examination only (coursework will not be included in the re-assessment).

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Required text books: 

1. Mathematics for Economic Analysis, Sydsaeter and Hammond (4th ed.), Pearson, ISBN 978-0273760689, RRP: £52.99.

2. Quantitative Methods: for Business, Management and Finance, Swift and Piff (4th ed), Palgrave Macmillan, ISBN 978-1137376558, RRP: £44.99.

3.  Non-financial calculator ~£10 - Recommended Models: 

- Casio FX-83GTx or Casio FX-83GTPLUS 

- Casio FX-85GTx or Casio FX-85GTPLUS 

- Casio FX-85MS

Last updated: 5 April 2023