Cynlluniau Astudio

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QAA Subject Benchmark Statement: Master’s Degrees in Business and Management.

September 2023

• To broaden and deepen knowledge and skills of advanced concepts in finance in the context of increased interdependence of the national financial systems in the globalized world.

• To develop a critical understanding of the contemporary role of the financial system in the economic process, including its potential role in facilitating economic growth, and the importance of regulating activities of financial institutions and markets domestically and internationally.

• To critically engage with the theories, concepts and tools in financial markets, financial institutions, corporate finance, and financial analysis and decision-making.

• To develop the skills of critical, self-reflective learning in relation to the theories, concepts, tools, and practice in the area of finance, including regulation of the activities of financial institutions.

• To develop practical skills in the modelling of financial phenomena by applying advanced statistical and econometric techniques to financial data, and interpreting the results critically.

• To provide the knowledge and skills to facilitate independent, self-directed research in the area of finance.

• A1 The theory, practice, and evidence on the role of financial institutions, financial instruments, and financial markets in the financial system.

• A2 The role of the financial system within the wider economy, in the context of the global financial and economic environment.

• A3 The key financial choices facing companies, including capital, cash, and risk management, real options, corporate control and financial restructuring.

• A4 The theory and practice of portfolio selection and portfolio management, including diversification, risk management and performance evaluation.

• A5 Theories of financial intermediation, risk management in financial institutions, competition and efficiency in banking, banking and financial crises, micro-prudential and macro-prudential regulation.

• A6 Knowledge of the quantitative and qualitative research methodologies available to investigate issues relating to financial institutions, markets and systems.

• A7 Application of advanced econometric techniques to test financial theories and models, including efficient markets, asset pricing, market microstructure, event studies.

• A8 Critical evaluation of empirical evidence relating to issues and phenomena in international financial institutions, markets and systems.

• B1 Being able to think critically and be creative: manage the creative processes in self and others; organise thoughts, analyse, synthesise and critically appraise. This includes the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, detect false logic or reasoning, identify implicit values, define terms adequately and generalise appropriately

• B2 Being able to solve complex problems and make decisions: establish criteria, using appropriate decision-making techniques including identifying, formulating and solving business problems; and the ability to create, identify and evaluate options; the ability to implement and review decisions

• B3 The ability to conduct research into financial issues either individually or as part of a team through research design, data collection, analysis, synthesis and reporting

• B4 Using information and knowledge effectively: scanning and organising data, synthesising and analysing in order to abstract meaning from information and to share knowledge

• C1 High personal effectiveness: critical self-awareness, self-reflection and self-management; time management; sensitivity to diversity in people and different situations and the ability to continue to learn through reflection on practice and experience

• C2 Effective performance within team environments and the ability to recognise and utilise individuals' contributions in group processes and to negotiate and persuade or influence others; team selection, delegation, development and management

• C3 Leadership and performance management: selecting appropriate leadership style for different situations; setting targets, motivating, monitoring performance, coaching and mentoring

• C4 Ability to recognise and address ethical dilemmas and corporate social responsibility issues, applying ethical and organisational values to situations and choices.

• D1 Effective communication: networking, listening, oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments; using a range of media, including preparation of business reports

• D2 Soft skills: understanding the needs of others and empathy towards them; sensitivity towards diversity in people and in different situations

• D3 The ability to recognise the need for and initiate change and to be able to manage change