BADM 632: Corporate Finance
EMBA Fall 2015
Section 7D1 (on-line), CRN 85197
August 17, 2015 – October 7, 2015
Instructor:
Telephone:
E-mail:
Course Materials:
Robert Brant Hammer
304-940-6636
rhammer1@mail.wvu.edu
https://ecampus.wvu.edu
Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes: In this course we will examine the capital decisions of the
firm. The foundation for corporate decisions is formed through principles developed in microeconomic
theory, using the accounting principles underlying financial statements to organize relevant information. The
analysis includes a practical consideration of the operation of financial markets, considerations for the intertemporal comparisons of opportunities, and the elements of the decision-making criteria for the financial
manager.
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
• demonstrate your ability to interpret financial statements
• translate values across time
• extend and explain the basic economic decision-making criteria to decisions that have an impact
across time periods
• value common stock, bonds, and preferred stock
• determine the cost of capital
• make business decisions using a discounted cash flow model
• evaluate potential business projects and make economically feasible recommendations
Course Prerequisites: Managerial Economics, Business Research, and Financial Statement Analysis or
equivalents
Required Materials:
Textbook: Financial Management: Theory and Practice, Brigham & Ehrhardt, 14th edition, 2014.
This textbook and associated material is digital and available at http://login.cengagebrain.com/.
Registration and login directions are attached to the back of this syllabus.
Computer Hardware and Software: All students must have Internet connectivity. Additional
supplementary material is available at the publisher's web site. The Microsoft Office Suite will be sufficient
for class software needs, where class examples use MS Excel.
Class Meetings and Virtual Meetings: The presentation of this course will occur through asynchronous
delivery of course material. The course has been divided into six parts (modules) with the first lesson
detailing the use of eCampus, the course management tool. Each lesson has an opening and a closing date—
a window in which all lesson material (assigned excel workbook homework, online quiz, and class
discussion) must be completed.
Course Activities:
 Quizzes — There is a quiz associated with each of the six modules of the course. The first quiz is
practice only and does not enter into the course grade. Each quiz is timed and must be completed
once opened. The quizzes are held within the eCampus environment. Note that the quiz window of
opportunity requires careful scheduling of your time. Each of the quizzes in modules 2 through 6 are
valued at twenty points. If submission problems arise while taking the quiz, contact the instructor.
 Excel Workbook Problems — There is an Excel Workbook exercise associated with each of the six
modules of the course. The first workbook is practice only and does not enter into the course grade.
The workbooks are posted within the eCampus environment. Note that the workbook window of
opportunity requires careful scheduling of your time. Each of the workbooks in modules 2 through 6 is
valued at twenty points. Make sure to follow the instructions on the first sheet of each workbook.
 Discussion Items — There are several discussion items required throughout the course. There is also an
ungraded practice discussion area in Part I. You are expected to provide meaningful contributions to
the discussion for every discussion question posed. The discussion points are awarded with an
expectation that you provide a minimum of one original post and at least one response (but 2 or 3 for
full credit) to a classmate’s post. These discussion posts are intended to present more than just an offthe-cuff opinion. Your post should contribute to the discussion topic with backing from your personal
experience or research on that topic (presented with two to four short paragraphs). That research might
include hyperlinks to research papers, library articles, Internet sites, file attachments, etc. Each of the
discussions in modules 2 through 6 are valued at ten points.
 Final Examination — There is a comprehensive final examination held within the eCampus
environment at the end of the course. The final exam is valued at one hundred points.
 Performance on graded activities is recorded in the grade book. Anticipate grades to appear within 48
hours following the due date.
 Extra Credit — Aplia offers a series of graded items that count toward extra credit. More than half a
letter grade may be earned. This will be determined by the percentage of the possible assignments you
complete and your total grade on these assignments. All Aplia assignments are considered extra credit.
Attendance: There is no residency associated with this course. The course is designed for asynchronous
learning. There will be periodic opportunities to meet on-line for supplementary Q&A sessions and small,
periodic presentations strictly within the confines of the eCampus environment. All such meetings will be
recorded, archived and made available for later review. When set, the instructor will e-mail the class with the
date and time of all on-line, live sessions.
Makeup Assignments: Honor the due dates for each assignment. Should outside commitments cause a
problem in meeting a due date, contact the instructor to arrange a resolution to the conflict.
Grading Scale: 90% A; 80% B; 70% C; 60% D; Below 60% F
Academic Dishonesty: The integrity of the classes offered by any academic institution solidifies the
foundation of its mission and cannot be sacrificed to expediency, ignorance, or blatant fraud. Therefore, I
will enforce rigorous standards of academic integrity in all aspects and assignments of this course. For the
detailed policy of West Virginia University regarding the definitions of acts considered to fall under
academic dishonesty and possible ensuing sanctions, please see the Student Conduct Code at
http://www.arc.wvu.edu/rightsc.html. Should you have any questions about possibly improper research
citations or references, or any other activity that may be interpreted as an attempt at academic dishonesty,
please contact me before the assignment is due to discuss the matter.
General Comments: The instructor reserves the right to change this syllabus as time and circumstances
dictate. Necessary changes will be announced in class in advance when possible.
Social Justice:
West Virginia University is committed to social justice. I concur with that commitment and expect to
maintain a positive learning environment based upon open communication, mutual respect, and nondiscrimination. Our University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, veteran status,
religion, sexual orientation, color, or national origin. Any suggestions as to how to further such a positive
and open environment in this class will be appreciated and given serious consideration.
If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of accommodation in order to participate
in this class, please advise me and make appropriate arrangements with Disability Services (293-6700).
Organization of Course Material and Timeline
Module
Topic
Chapter
Reading
I
eCampus Navigation and Overview of
Corporate Finance
Financial Statements and Cash Flow
Financial Statements Analysis and
Financial Models
Risk & Return
Time Value of Money
Bonds, Bond Valuation & Interest Rates
Valuation of Stocks & Corporations
Capital Structure Decisions
Cost of Capital
The Basics of Capital Budgeting
Cash Flow Estimation and Risk Analysis
Final Exam
1
II
III
IV
V
VI
Due Dates for Module
Quiz, Discussion, and
Workbook
Friday August 21
2
3
Saturday August 29
6
4
5
7
15
9
10
11
Sunday September 6
Monday September 14
Sunday September 27
Sunday October 4
Wednesday October 7
* The dates listed in the table are the exact due dates for the quiz, discussion, excel workbook, and
Aplia assignments relating to each module. All assignments are due by 11:59 PM on the listed
date. For example, the assignments for Module I must be completed and submitted by 11:59 PM
on Friday August 21, 2015.
** Remember, this class requires you to practice outstanding time management skills. Keep up
with the course material, do your best to complete all of the Aplia assignments (extra credit), and
you will succeed in this class.
How to access your Aplia course
BADM 632 - Corporate Finance - Fall 2015
Instructor: Robert B Hammer
Start Date: 08/17/2015
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