Module Details

Module Code: FINA9001
Title: Contemp. Issues in Funds Ind.
Long Title: Contemporary Issues in Funds Industry
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2021/22 ( September 2021 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 3430 - Banking, Finance and Investment
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module allows learners to explore a range of contemporary issues in the funds industry. An initial seminar, presented by an industry practitioner, will frame the module. Learners will consider a variety of challenges that are germane to the industry and, also, issues that have broader impacts. The module provides a forum for learners to discuss the issues and place them within theoretical constructs as an aid to acquire a much deeper level of understanding. While extending their awareness of the industry, participants will also have the opportunity to develop their personal portfolio of professional skills: organisational, teamwork, time management and reflexivity skill. Participants will be required to organise a short conference as part of this module.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Reflect on the broader societal context and challenges facing the investment funds industry.
LO2 Synthesise and critique the key contemporary forces shaping the national and international funds industry.
LO3 Discuss the issues within a relevant theoretical space.
LO4 Reflect on the impact of these issues on their professional and personal development (where applicable).
LO5 Organise a practitioner conference on contemporary issues in the funds industry.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Contemporary themes and challenges
Content is determined by the themes and contemporary challenges of the day. However, likely issues for discussion include: • The impact of technology (Blockchain, AI, Machine Learning and Big Data as examples). • ESG and CSR. • Market concentration in the industry. • The role of funds in sustainable finance. • The impact of the low interest macro environment. • Shadow banking and funds. • Short selling squeeze and impact on funds (Gamestop) – there is often a ‘cause du jour’, while the Gamestop example will date very quickly there will be others to replace it. • Diversity in the funds industry. • ETFs versus active versus passive funds, fund expenses and closet trackers. • Private Equity Funds and SPACS – issues, economic impacts and benefits to society (if indeed there are any). • New fund types, structures and trends (e.g. cryptocurrencies, Alipay’s ‘democratisation’ of investing, enduring impacts of Covid, impact of Brexit). • Legitimacy threats to the industry (‘vulture’ funds, distressed debt funds residential property funds as examples).
Reflective writing
Reflective writing.
Conference Organisation
Organisation of a conference.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 50
Timing Week 11 Learning Outcomes 4,5
Assessment Description
Conference
Assessment Type Other % of Total Mark 50
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Assignment
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Learning Non Contact Independent Learning Every Week 5.00 5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Lecture Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Learning Non Contact Independent Learning Every Week 5.00 5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Chishti, S. and T. Puschmann.. (2018), The Wealth Tech Book, Wiley, USA.
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Carlile, O. and A. Jordan., edited by C. O Farrell. (2007), Reflective Writing: Principles and Practice, Teaching Portfolio Practice in Ireland: A Handbook Dublin: Higher Education Authority, 24-38.
  • Griggs, V., R. Holden, A. Lawless and J. Rae.. From reflective learning to reflective practice: assessing transfer, Studies in Higher Education, 43(7), 2018, 1172-1183.
  • Tobbell, J., V. O Donnell and M. Zammit.. Exploring transitions to postgraduate study: shifting identities in interaction with communities, practice and perception, British Educational Research Journal, 36., 2010, 261-267.
  • Why the Regulatory Witch-hunt for 'closet Trackers' is a dead-end, European Capital Markets Institute., 01/12/2014,
    http://www.ecmi.eu
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
  • Do leveraged loans pose a threat to the US economy?, Financial Times, 11/02/2019,
    http://www.ft.com
  • ETF market smashes through $5tn barrier after record month, Financial Times, 12/02/2018,
    http://www.ft.com
  • Stock lending by ETF operators worries investors, Financial Times, 05/02/2018,
    http://www.ft.com
  • Warnings mount for leveraged loan market, Financial Times, 19/10/2018,
    http://www.ft.com
  • Adrian, T. and A.B. Ashcraft.. Shadow banking: a review of the literature, Banking crises, 2016, 282-315.
  • Auer, B.R. and F. Schuhmacher.. Do socially (ir) responsible investments pay? New evidence from international ESG data, The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, 59, 2016, 51-62.
  • Friede, G., T. Busch and A. Bassen.. ESG and financial performance: aggregated evidence from more than 2000 empirical studies, Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment, 5(4), 2015, 210-233.
  • Kacperczyk, M. and P. Schnabl.. Does Organizational Form Affect Risk Taking? Evidence from Money Market Mutual Funds, New York University Working Paper, 2011.
  • Pownall, G. and P.J. Simko.. The information intermediary role of short sellers, The Accounting Review, 80(3), 2005, 941-966.
Other Resources
  • Online Newspaper Supplement, FTfm (weekly). FTfm, supplement to the main Financial Times newspaper., Financial Times,
    http://www.FTfm.com
  • Website, Irish Funds - The representative body for the Irish Funds Industry.
    http://www.irishfunds.ie
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BIFAD_9 Master of Business in Investment Fund Administration 1 Mandatory