Rockhurst University
Helzberg School of Management
AC/FN6430
Contemporary Issues in Financial Management
Spring 2008
Instructor:
Time:
Office:
Office hours:
Telephone:
E-mail:
Fax:
Anthony L. Tocco, Ph.D.
Tuesday 6:00-8:40 pm
Conway 325
By appointment
816-501-4083
Anthony.tocco@rockhurst.edu
816-501-4650
Text: Current reading from Business Periodicals, specifically the Wall Street Journal and
the CFO.

There really isn’t a text book for the course. Each student is expected to read the
WSJ on a daily basis. We will begin each class with a discussion of the prior
weeks events. Besides the WSJ, I will be giving out articles that students will be
required to read and will be responsible for on exams. Also each student will be
required to get the CFO magazine and daily updates. Apply online at cfo.com.
Course Description:
This course will examine the modern practices and methods used in accounting and finance.
Topics would include cash and working capital management, key financial metrics, making a
business case, capital acquisition, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, risk assessment and
management, and new valuation models and financial products.
Learning Objectives:
As students work toward the following learning outcomes, they will do so from a
managerial perspective.
Students will:
 Demonstrate an understanding of financial concepts and terminology and be able
to make better use of financial information
 Compare the interaction of finance and strategy
 Analyze relevant accounting/finance principles in business articles
 Apply business and financial risk evaluation and the implications for value
creation
 Illustrate an understanding of the competitive forces dictating the dynamics of
Merger & Acquisitions
 Students will discover how important ethical behavior by executives is in relation
to the financial markets.
 Students will communicate effectively in both orally and written work.
This course should allow the student to practice
 Critical as well as creative thinking & problem solving skills
 Listening & sharing skills
 Writing & presentation skills
 Appreciation of the finance and accounting Literature
Course Requirements:
 Reading and Researching Topics
 Discussions in class
 Writing of papers to form a portfolio of work
 Presentation of year end projects
Evaluation:
Student’s grade will be based off three activities:
1.
Portfolio: Starting with the January 23rd class and going through the
remainder of the semester each student will be required to create a
portfolio. The portfolio will be a set of reflection papers regarding the
previous weeks topics. The reflection papers should contain references to
articles that assisted the students understanding of the topics. Each week’s
paper should not exceed 3 pages. First set of three papers is due March
6th. The next set of three papers is due April 17th.
2.
Test: There will be a final exam given in May. The test will cover the
material discussed in class and any articles related to the material.
3.
Attendance: You are expected to attend every class. If you miss two
classes you will lose 10 points off your score. If you miss three classes
you will be asked to drop the course.
Total Point:
Reflection Papers
Test
Total Points
200 points
100 points
300 points
Policies:
This class will adhere to all school policies listed in the catalog.
ADA Statement:

Rockhurst University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for
students with disabilities. Please contact Sandy Waddell in Access Services
(Massman Hall, Room 7, 501.4689, sandy.waddell@rockhurst.edu) to provide
documentation and request accommodations. If accommodations have already
been approved by the Access Office, please communicate with the instructor(s) of
this course regarding these arrangements by the second week of class in order to
coordinate receipt of services.
Student Contact Information:

RU official policy: “Student contact information must be kept current in order to
receive important notices from Rockhurst University. Your contact information is
online via your BannerWeb account. Please check your local address, local phone
number, and emergency contact information on BannerWeb and revise as needed.
All important University notices will be sent only to your RU email address.
Please check your RU email account in addition to any other email accounts you
may have. Accounts are activated at the Computer Services Help Desk (Conway
413).”
Academic Honesty Policy:

Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated. The Rockhurst University Catalog
provides examples of academic dishonesty and outlines the procedures, penalties,
and due process accorded students involved in academic dishonesty. All
infractions will be immediately referred to the Dean's office. In your research
paper, make sure you provide citations for all ideas and information that are not
your own.
Topical Outline
Reading Assignments and Activities Schedule
Spring 2008
AC/FN6430
Class Dates
January 29
Assignments & Speakers
February 5
February 12
February 19
Don LoIacono, Mergers and Acquisitions
February 26
March 4
First set of papers due
March 11
NO CLASS
March 18
Dr. Sudhakar Raju, Professor of Finance, Rockhurst University
March 25
Jeff Buhr and John Meyer on International Acct. Standards
SPRING BREAK WEEK
April 1
April 8
7:00 to 8:30 PM at Convocation Center – Cynthia Cooper,
former Vice President of WorldCom and author of the soon to
be released book – Extraordinary Times – The Journey of a
Corporate Whistleblower.
April 15
Carol DeRaimo, Applebee’s International
April 22
April 29
Second set of papers due
May 6
May 13
FINAL EXAM