Course Title: Interpret and use financial statistics and tools

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2022

Course Code: MKTG7947C

Course Title: Interpret and use financial statistics and tools

Important Information:


Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities. 

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption. 

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus 


Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance. 

School: 525T Business & Enterprise

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6163 - Advanced Diploma of Accounting

Course Contact: Doug Gourlay

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5944

Course Contact Email: doug.gourlay@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Colin Byron

Contact email: colin.byron@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 60

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required t to access, interpret and analyse statistical data relevant to the financial services industry. It encompasses producing new statistical information and reports from existing data using a range of tools and processes.


It applies to individuals with a thorough understanding of the sources of financial data, and statistical methods and techniques for analysis. It is a base unit on which other skills required for work in the financial services industry can be built. It may be applied in all sectors of the industry.


No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

FNSINC602 Interpret and use financial statistics and tools

Element:

1. Apply statistical methods to work

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Evaluate and select appropriate statistical methods that apply to financial services work to suit required work outcome

1.2 Understand and effectively use suitable tools and techniques for statistical analysis

Element:

2. Source and interpret statistical data

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Identify and access internal and external data and information sources to gather relevant current data

2.2 Validate data in accordance with industry statistical standards

2.3 Use data summaries and trends to verify currency and utility

2.4 Interpret correctly and use sampling techniques and diagrammatic, graphical and tabular information for required purpose

Element:

3. Analyse data using appropriate techniques and tools

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Reflect organisational requirements and priorities in analysis of statistical data

3.2 Use analysis and descriptive tools and techniques to meet required outcomes and correct any data errors

3.3 Produce on time reports of analysis in appropriate detail and format, including use of diagrammatic, graphical and tabular information

Element:

4. Record statistical data analysis results and records

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Validate records of data and statistical analysis to ensure accuracy and consistency with industry and organisational standards

4.2 File and store records for easy retrieval while meeting all security requirements


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities.

The self-paced activities will be delivered thought various technology platforms and include your contribution to, reflective journals, quizzes and interactive sessions.

The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment.

We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.


Teaching Schedule

This course is clustered (co-delivered and co-assessed) with ACCT5390C Evaluate organisation's financial performance

 

The nominal hours associated with this are a guide only and represent the total teaching time and student effort required to successfully complete this course.  This may include not only scheduled classes but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Course schedule


Week

Topic

Reading & Activities

Assessment

                                                 1

Introduction | Welcome and Orientation & Topic 1

Please go thru all the content in the welcome and orientation section in Canvas.

Topic 1. Finance Introduction and Finance function. Overriding goal of financial management

   

Reading:

* Canvas Shell Navigation
* Financial Intro

* What is leverage

Activity:

EPS Questions

   



                                  

Learning quizzes 1 and 2 available. Due Week 4

      2


Topic 2 : Accessing, Interpreting and using Financial Statistics for the Financial Services Industry

This includes discussing the Australian Bureau of statistics (ABS), Reserve Bank, ATO, etc

  • Intro to Statistics
  • The use of statistics in business
  • Types of statistics
  • Scales of Measurement
  • The era of Big Data



 Resources:

Topic Slides and Video

Activity:

ABS Website questions & Review questions



      3

Topic 3 -Statistical Ratios and and analysis tools

This week we will be discussing the range of statistical ratios and analysis tools relevant to the financial services industry.  We will also look at different types of graphs, charts, diagrams and tables used in statistical modelling and reporting. We will look at the key stakeholders that use these these ratios, the calculations from the financial statements and what the ratios and charts  are used for.

We will also look at frequency distribution and we will use graphs to display outcomes in a sample.

Additional activities will include sampling and Long term and short term Plans


Resources:

Powerpoints, use of excel and videos. Visual presentations

Activity:

Review questions

Ratio and pie/chart questions

Frequency tables, gearing




       4

 Topic 4 Business Statistics

Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion

Standard Deviation and Normal Distribution

Reading: Canvas Materials

Activities: Central Tendency questions

Measures of dispersion questions

Normal Distribution questions


Learning Quiz 1 and 2  Due for submission

      5


Topic 5

Correlation and Regression Analysis

Portfolio Analysis

Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM)


Reading:  Canvas materials

Activities: Correlation and Regression questions


       6

Topic 6 - Cost of Capital 

Debentures - Yield to Maturity

Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC)


Reading:  Canvas materials

Activities: Cost of Capital questions and WACC questions

Assessment 1 due for submission
     7

Topic 7 - Working Capital Management

Time Value of Money

Reading: Canvas materials

Activities: Working Capital  Questions


    8

Topic 8 Inventory Management

including EOQ and Safety Stock and Z factors


Reading: Canvas materials

Activities: EOQ and Safety stock questions


      9

Topic 9 Accounts Receivable Management including DSO and Prompt discount rate calculations

Reading: Canvas Materials

Activities: Debtors questions

Assessment 2 Due for Submission
    10

Topic 10 - Long Term Planning and Capital Budget

NPV and cash flow construction

Reading :  Canvas materials

Activities: Capital Investment questions


  11

Topic 11 Lease versus Buy

IFRS16 Leasing Standard


Reading:  Canvas materials

Activities: Lease versus Buy questions


    12

Work in class on Assessment 3

Activities: Pit Stop meeting with teacher to review Excel model calculations


13 Work in Class on Assessment 3 Activities: Pit Stop meetings to review excel model calculations and business Report
14 Work in Class on Assessment 3

Activities;

Complete excel model and Business Report & SWOT

Assessment 3 Due for Submission
   15 Assessment 3 Role Play

Activity: One on one role plays with student and Mr. Murray (owner of the business)


   16 Resubmissions

  17


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Use Financial Statistics 6th Edition = Patrick Lynch & Judith Mulley

978 1 76073 081 9


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

  • apply statistical methods to work in the financial services industry
  • source and access statistical and other data, and produce and interpret statistics
  • use financial data tools and calculations to produce accurate and informative statistical reports from data
  • efficiently record and store data for retrieval.


Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

Knowledge Evidence

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

  • explain and apply mathematical principles and statistical methods
  • describe the range of statistical ratios and analysis tools relevant to the financial services industry
  • outline sources of relevant information available to the financial services industry, and their relevance
  • recognise and explain types of graphs, charts, diagrams and tables used in statistical modelling and reporting
  • explain the principles of statistical standards and sampling techniques that are used to gather valid data.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the industry capability field and include access to:

  • statistical modelling software and data
  • common office equipment, technology, software and consumables
  • statistical reports and data.


Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.

You are advised that you are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate your assessment work to your teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.

Feedback

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions.  You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed. Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.

You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course. 


Assessment Tasks

This course is clustered (co-delivered and co-assessed) with ACCT5390C Evaluate Organisation's financial performance


The cluster will have 3 assessments.

Assessment 1-Extended Response Questions: comprises of a series of extended response questions covering financial statistics and financial management. This assessment will allow you to demonstrate your knowledge required to access, interpret and analyse statistical data in the financial services industry and evaluate returns to operations, determine short-term and ling-term needs and evaluate an organisation's financial position and performance. Assessment 1 is to be submitted as per the CANVAS syllabus.

Assessment 2 - Source and interpret statistical data Case Study. This assessment task will allow you to demonstrate your ability to access, interpret and analyse statistical data relevant to the financial industry. You will be required to source and interpret financial statistical data and analyse the data using appropriate techniques and tools. You will preparing a report to your client outlining your recommendations. Assessment 2 is to be submitted as per the CANVAS syllabus.

Assessment 3 - Financial Performance Case Study. The case study will be discussed extensively in class and students will have the opportunity to work on it during  the Semester. You will be assessing the financial performance of the company using financial techniques submitted on a spreadsheet and preparing a Report including an evaluation of the business and recommendations to address the owners concerns. You will also conduct a role play with the business owner to discuss the report. Assessment 3 is to be submitted as per the CANVAS syllabus.



You must successfully complete all tasks to be deemed competent in this course.




Assessment Matrix

Assessment Martix - Refer both Competency Assessment Maps in CANVAS. Refer: https://rmit.instructure.com/courses/74472/assignments/475045

Other Information

Submission Requirements

 

You should:

 

  • Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date. 
  • Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (hard copy and soft copy)
  • When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use the Assessment task document that includes a declaration and statement of authorship.
  • Each page of your assessment should include footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers.


Late Submission Procedures

You are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance based assessment is completed by the due dates.

If you are prevented from submitting an assessment item on time, by circumstances outside your control, you may apply in advance to your teacher for an extension to the due date of up to seven calendar days.

More Information:  https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work

Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for Special Consideration.  Applications for special consideration must be submitted no later than two working days after the assessment task deadline or scheduled examination.

More Information: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration


Resubmissions (VE Programs):

If you are found to be unsuccessful in a particular Course Assessment Task (or you do not submit/attend) you will be allowed one resubmission.  Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission. 

If you are still not meeting the assessment requirements you must apply to your Program Manager in writing outlining the steps you will take to demonstrate competence in your course. Your submission will be considered by the Program Team and you will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.


Adjustments to Assessment

In certain circumstances students may be eligible for an assessment adjustment. For more information about the circumstances under which the assessment arrangements might be granted please access the following website:

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/adjustments-to-assessment

 

Marking Guide (Competency):

 

You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying.

 

You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you about your progress and how well you are performing.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview