FIN 357 BUSINESS FINANCE
Spring 2015
PROFESSOR: MARY LOU POLOSKEY
OFFICE: GSB 5.176E
OFFICE HOURS: Mon. 5:00 – 6:00, Tues. Noon – 2:00 and by appointment
Section #: 03135
03150
03160
Time: MW 12:30 – 1:45
MW 2:00 – 3:15
MW 3:30 – 5:45
Room: SZB 370
Room: SZB 370
Room: SZB 370
E-Mail: poloskey@swbell.net
REQUIRED :
(1) Fundamentals of Corporate Finance, 2nd edition, by Parrino, Kidwell & Bates- Text
& Access to WileyPlus is Required
Wiley PLUS and TEXT SET
Binder Ready w/Wiley PLUS
978-1-118-27752-2
978-1-118-25223-9
http://edugen.wileyplus.com/edugen/class/cls436911/
to purchase on-line - copy and paste the entire url into your browser (hardcopy & binder versions
only). If you want to purchase the E-version directly from Wiley, you will be directed to do this
on Wileyplus.com when the open period ends.
(2) Calculator (HP10BII is the required calculator for Accounting & Finance classes)
OPTIONAL:
(1)
Notes-for Poloskey’s class posted on Canvas.
(2)
Wall Street Journal
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES:
Finance 357 introduces concepts and analytical techniques to identify and solve financial
management problems. It serves as a basis for all other courses in the area of finance as well as
provides those basic tools which every business student will need to be successful in her/his
chosen career. Those students majoring in marketing, management, accounting, international
business and management information systems, as well as those going further in the study of
finance, will find this material an essential part of their business education. These tools and
techniques will also provide the basic tools to make personal financial decisions.
PREREQUISITES:
Several Prerequisites apply for this course and are listed in the Course Schedule. Due to
heavy demand for this course, the prerequisites will be strictly enforced.
COURSE ROUTINE:
This course uses a discussion and problem-solving format. You are encouraged to
discuss issues and solve application problems in class. Powerpoint slides used in the lectures can
be found on Canvas. Supplementary materials and examples will be passed out in class.
You will find these discussions most useful if you prepare in advance by doing all
readings and attempting homework problems before coming to class, then participate in the class
by asking questions, seeking clarifications, volunteering information, and responding to the
instructor's requests for discussion.
GRADING:
Through this course, the Department of Finance Faculty challenges you to meet a high
academic standard. To meet the newly developed UPO grading guidelines for undergraduate
business core courses, the instructor will target a G.P.A. of approximately 3.1 in this class.
Your semester grade will be determined objectively using the following assessments and
weights:
3 exams (30% each)
90 %
Homework Assignments
10 %
TOTAL
100 %
All grading will be determined using both an expected GPA curve and your instructor's
own high standards of meritorious performance.
EXAMINATIONS:
IMPORTANT: Bring #2 lead pencils, a calculator, and your current UT ID card to all
exams!
During the semester you will take three closed-book exams, scheduled during the
evening. The dates and times are listed under the schedule part of this syllabus. These exams
will test the student’s ability to solve problems, understand concepts and theories, and analyze
current events.
Each student must take all 3 exams at the time scheduled for their class. If the student misses
an exam for an excused reason, the student must take a comprehensive exam. NO MAKEUPS or EARLY EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN.
You are required to take all exams. If dire and irreconcilable conflicts preclude your
taking an exam, contact your Professor before the exam or as soon as possible. You will then
take a comprehensive final and that grade will be used for the missed exam. The comprehensive
final will be given during the time slot assigned to when your Fin 357 class meets. No make-up
exams will be given. All students missing a test must take the final at the scheduled time.
Exam scores will be posted on Canvas.
After each exam is graded, the student will have two weeks to review the exam during office
hours. Exams will no longer be available after the two week review period has passed.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
The McCombs School of Business has no tolerance for acts of scholastic dishonesty.
The responsibilities of both students and faculty with regard to scholastic dishonesty are
described in detail in the BBA Program’s Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty at
http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/BBA/Code-of-Ethics.aspx. By teaching this course, I have
agreed to observe all faculty responsibilities described in that document. By enrolling in this
class, you have agreed to observe all student responsibilities described in that document. If the
application of the Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty to this class or its assignments is unclear
in any way, it is your responsibility to ask me for clarification. Students who violate University
rules on scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of
failure in the course and/or dismissal from the University. Since dishonesty harms the
individual, all students, the integrity of the University, and the value of our academic brand,
policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced. You should refer to the Student
Judicial Services website at http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/sjs/ to access the official
University policies and procedures on scholastic dishonesty as well as further elaboration on
what constitutes scholastic dishonesty.
CANVAS:
The class uses Canvas Learning Management System.
https://utexas.instructure.com/
The Undergraduate Business Dean provides the following notice:
Password-protected class sites will be available for all accredited courses taught at The University. Syllabi, handouts,
assignments and other resources are types of information that may be available within these sites. Site activities could include
exchanging e-mail, engaging in class discussions and chats, and exchanging files. In addition, class e-mail rosters will be a
component of the sites. Students who do not want their names included in these electronic class rosters must restrict their directory
information in the Office of the Registrar, Main Building, Room 1. For information on restricting directory information see:
http://www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/catalogs/gi02-03/app/appc09.html
CALCULATORS:
A calculator with exponent and root functions will be necessary to work the problems on
the examinations and at the end of the chapters. A financial calculator is not required for this
course but you may wish to begin using one at this time. The Accounting and Finance
Departments require the Hewlett Packard 10BII and I will give instructions on how to use this
calculator on all example problems during class. Present value/Future value tables will be
furnished with the examinations. You cannot share calculators with others during exams.
Always bring your calculator to class; at times we will be working problems.
GRADED HOMEWORK PROBLEMS:
This class will use the graded homework questions posted on WileyPlus. You must pay
a fee and register for WileyPlus (See the end of the syllabus for instructions), to access the
online homework. If you buy a hard copy or binder version of the text, you must buy the bundle
that includes WileyPlus. (DO NOT THROW AWAY THE CARD with the ACCESS CODE
that comes shrinkwrapped with your text) You could also choose to use the online text that is
bundled with WileyPlus. You should do the graded problems and submit those by the date and
time listed on the WileyPlus site. You will get 3 attempts to get credit for the correct answer.
They will be graded & you will be able to view your grade & get an explanation of questions
missed. You can work on these problems in groups, but each student must work-out & submit
their own homework questions to be graded. You will have a homework assignment for each
chapter. Your lowest homework grade will be dropped and the remaining grades averaged for
10% of your grade. There are no make-ups and homework submitted after the due date will not
be accepted. A homework appeal process will be explained during class.
COURSE ATTENDANCE:
Course attendance is important. Supplemental material, particularly current event
articles will be distributed and discussed in class. In addition, announcements regarding changes
or additions to course policies will be announced during class.
By UT Austin policy, you must notify me of your pending absence at least 14 days prior
to the observance of a religious holy day. If you must miss a class, assignment or examination in
order to observe a religious holy day, you will be given an opportunity to complete the missed
work within a reasonable amount of time.
OTHER POLICIES:
Consistent with the policy of the Department of Finance, the use of computers and other
electronic devices in class is generally prohibited. Please note that accessing the internet,
recreational programs, or e-mail and messaging without prior consent of the instructor is
strictly forbidden.
Any student with a documented disability who requires academic accommodations
should contact the Services for Students with Disabilities of the Division of Diversity and
Community Engagement at 471-6259 http://www.utexas.edu/diversity/ddce/ssd/ as soon as
possible to request an official letter outlining authorized accommodations.
Occupants of buildings on The University of Texas at Austin campus are required to
evacuate buildings when a fire alarm is activated. Alarm activation or announcement requires
exiting and assembling outside. Students requiring assistance in evacuation shall inform their
instructor in writing during the first week of class. In the event of an evacuation, follow the
instruction of faculty or class instructors. Do not re-enter a building unless given instructions by
the following: Austin Fire Department, The University of Texas at Austin Police Department, or
Fire
Prevention Services office. Link to information regarding emergency evacuation routes and
emergency procedures can be found at: www.utexas.edu/emergency
Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL): 512-232-5050
SCHEDULE
This is a proposed schedule for the semester. The Tests will be given on the dates listed. Any
changes to the schedule will be announced in class.
WEEK DATE
TOPIC
1
1/21
Course Overview
2
1/26
1/28
Chapter 1/2
Chapter 3
2/2
2/4
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
2/9
2/11
Chapter 7/8
Chapter 8
2/16
2/17 (Tues)
Review
EXAM 1 6-8 p.m.
2/23
2/25
Chapter 9
Chapter 9/10
3/2
3/4
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
3/9
3/11
Chapter 11/12
Chapter 12
3/23
3/25
Chapter 12/13
Chapter 13
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
3/30
4/1 (Wed)
Review
EXAM 2 6-8 p.m.
4/6
4/8
Chapter 15
Chapter 15/16
4/13
4/15
Chapter 16/17
Chapter 17/18
4/20
4/22
Chapter 18
Chapter 20
4/27
4/29
Chapter 20/4
Chapter 4
5/4
5/5 (Tues)
REVIEW
EXAM 3 6-8 p.m.
11
12
13
14
15
Comprehensive Final (if student misses an exam):
Section 03135(MW12:30 class) – Tues. May 19, 9:00-noon
Section 03150(MW2:00 class) – Sat. May 16, 9:00-noon
Section 03160(MW3:30 class) – Fri. May 15, 7:00-10:00 p.m