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365-1145-00L 1 Credits NDS D-MTEC
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Applied Finance and Investment for Managers

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Sassan Zaker
Exclusively for MAS MTEC students (3rd semester).
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:02:12

Abstract

The focus is on how financial and investment theory is applied to real world problems. We compete in the economy, but are also exposed to financial markets. The specific point of view, the language of financial markets are discussed using illustrative case studies. Managers will learn how their company is rated for debt financing; and how its value reflects in the “mirror" of private equity funds.

Objective

The course aims to support managers in: 1) Understanding the mechanisms, language, and drivers of the debt and equities markets 2) Apply this understanding to specific corporate situations, such as optimizing the cost of capital (debt and equity) of the firm or projects 3) Use these insights to learn to think and act as an investor e.g. for the firm’s own pension fund

Content

Part 1: A Practical Introduction to the Financial Markets Your Company’s profile in the mirror of financial markets. How would experts analyze your company, its strengths, and weaknesses? The financial market eco-system. Understanding the cogs and wheels of financial markets, and the existing checks and balances. Key actors in the financial markets. How central banks, commercial banks, and institutional investor influence market trends. The business cycles: How and why economies rhyme into and out of growth? The mechanism of boom and bust and recessions. The debt capital market. How companies can benefit from an understanding of the debt market? The importance of financing choices as a competitive advantage. The equities capital market. How and why equities are issued? How investors categorize the equities markets? The derivatives market. The origins and importance of derivative markets. The specific characteristics that make them both very useful and extremely hazardous. The currency markets. Mechanisms of currency hedging in the International markets. The importance of a sound currency strategy to avoid large losses. Private equity and venture capital. The actors in private debt and equities. The rise of start-ups within a new financial infrastructure. Hedge Funds. An important new actor in the financial markets. Initial public offering. How IPOs are organized and executed. The intricacies of the pricing process. When and how are participants disappointed. IPOs as an indicator for the overall market sentiment. Part 2: Case Studies Case study 1. How does your pension fund work? Case study 2. When Activist Hedge Funds approach a company. Case study 3. Merger and Acquisitions. Case Study 4. A Financial Market View of your Firm

General Information

Language
English
Levels
NDS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
ungraded semester performance
Credit points will only be assigned if the following criteria are met: Full attendance of all course days and full completion of all course assignments.

Registration & Places

Max Places
42
Signup End
11.09.2022
Priority: Registration for the course unit is only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
seminar Applied Finance and Investment for Managers
Three-day course
  • 01.10 Date 08:15-17:00 (HG E 21)
  • 01.10 Date 08:15-17:00 (HG E 22)
  • 07.10 Date 08:15-12:00 (HG F 33.1)
  • 07.10 Date 08:15-12:00 (HG F 33.5)
  • 08.10 Date 08:15-12:00 (HG F 33.1)
  • 08.10 Date 08:15-12:00 (HG F 33.5)
16 h semesterly

Offered In