Alternative Investments
Duration
One Semester or equivalent
Contact hours
- 36 hours
On-campus unit delivery combines face-to-face and digital learning. For Online unit delivery, learning is conducted exclusively online.
Prerequisites
Completed at least 50 credit points
Aims and objectives
The unit aims to provide students with advanced knowledge of the latest developments in the alternative investment industry. Students will learn about private equity, real estate and commodities as alternative investment asset classes. Students will learn how to apply advanced knowledge of alternative investment assets including, pension funds, endowments, and sovereign wealth funds to form investment strategies. Subsequently, students are introduced to ethical principles considering the clients best interests. Financial technologies required for investment in alternative products are introduced and students will learn about investment performance analysis and decision-making paradigms.
Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO)
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
1. Critically analyse the different types of alternative investment products, including venture capital and commodities
2. Formulate valuation strategies and discuss their applications for private equity and venture capital investments
3. Demonstrate advanced understanding of investment strategies in real estate and hedge funds
4. Critically analyse complex investment situations that may lead to an ethical dilemma and recommend suitable solutions
5. Utilise financial technology to form an optimal portfolio of alternative investment products that satisfies the investor's risk-return objectives
Unit Learning Outcomes (ULO)
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
1. Critically analyse the different types of alternative investment products, including venture capital and commodities
2. Formulate valuation strategies and discuss their applications for private equity and venture capital investments
3. Demonstrate advanced understanding of investment strategies in real estate and hedge funds
4. Critically analyse complex investment situations that may lead to an ethical dilemma and recommend suitable solutions
5. Utilise financial technology to form an optimal portfolio of alternative investment products that satisfies the investor's risk-return objectives
Unit information in detail
- Teaching methods, assessment, general skills outcomes and content.
Teaching methods
Face to Face:
Class (12 x 3 hours) weekly
Assessment
Assignment 1 (Individual) 20-30%
Assignment 2 (Individual) 20-30%
Assignment 2 (Individual) 20-30%
Final Examination (Individual) 40-60%
General skills outcomes
• Teamwork skills
• Problem solving skills
• Analysis skills
• Communication skills
• Ability to tackle unfamiliar problems
• Ability to work independently
• Problem solving skills
• Analysis skills
• Communication skills
• Ability to tackle unfamiliar problems
• Ability to work independently
Content
- Asset Allocation and Institutional Investors
- Private Equity
- Real Assets
- Hedge Funds and Managed Futures and their strategies
- Commodities and managed funds
- Venture capital
Study resources
- Reading materials.
Reading materials
Students are advised to check the unit outline in the relevant teaching period for appropriate textbooks and further reading.