Courses Master Display 2020-2021

Course Description To PDF
Course title Financial Research Methods
Course code EBC4095
ECTS credits 6,5
Assessment Whole/Half Grades
Period
Period Start End Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
1 31-8-2020 16-10-2020 X X
4 1-2-2021 26-3-2021 X X
Level Intermediate/Advanced
Coordinator Rachel Pownall
For more information: r.pownall@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Language of instruction English
Goals
To equip students with the tools and techniques to learn how to conduct research using formal research methods. Students learn current research methodology related to undertaking research in financial markets through the use of statistical tools. The course provides students with the skills to conduct both academic as well as business research in a financial setting. The course is instrumental in preparing students for their Masters thesis.
It is an essential basis for writing a final thesis and for preparing students as researchers in a professional business environment. The course is designed for Finance students in mind.
Description
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT METHOD(S) USED IN THIS COURSE IS WITH RESERVATION. THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE IS BASED ON THE COURSE SETUP PRIOR TO THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS. AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THE CRISIS, COURSE COORDINATORS MAY BE FORCED TO CHANGE THE TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT METHODS USED. THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ABOUT THE TEACHING/ASSESSMENT METHOD(S) WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE COURSE SYLLABUS. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT METHOD(S) USED IN THIS COURSE IS WITH RESERVATION. THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HERE IS BASED ON THE COURSE SETUP PRIOR TO THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS. AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THE CRISIS, COURSE COORDINATORS MAY BE FORCED TO CHANGE THE TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT METHODS USED. THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ABOUT THE TEACHING/ASSESSMENT METHOD(S) WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE COURSE SYLLABUS.

The course begins with an opening lecture. The following tutorial meetings cover standard research theory (such as research philosophies, developing theories and issues of causality). The importance of good research methods is introduced directly using empirical financial data. During computing classes students are introduced to data modelling and statistical inference (using Stata software), considered to be highly relevant for finance students. Students are evaluated on the basis of a final research paper (approx. 15 pages), presentations, assignments, as well as discussions and general participation during tutorials and computing classes.
Not advised for exchange students.
Literature
Required literature:
Brooks, C., 2014. Introductory Econometrics for Finance, Cambridge University Press

Articles from financial journals

Additional literature:
Boffelli, S. and Urga, G., 2016. Financial Econometrics using Stata, Stata Press, Texas, US.
ISBN-13: 978-1-107-66145-5

Ryan, B., Scapens, R.W., and Theobald, M., 2002, Research Method and Methodology in Finance and Accounting, Thomson, London, UK

Greene, W.H., 2003, Econometric Analysis, 5th edition, Pearson Education, Inc., New Jersey, USA
Prerequisites
TRANSITIONAL REGULATION (EBC4095):
Only for students who started one of the following programmes/specialisations prior to academic year 2020/21:
* Master Business Research - No specialisation (Note: only if you are taking "Strategic Corporate Finance" or "Sustainable Finance" disciplinary courses!)
* Master International Business - Strategic Corporate Finance
* Master International Business - Sustainable Finance
Education (last opportunity in 2020/21) + Exam/Resit (last opportunity in 2021/22)
NOTE: You may replace this course with EBC4263
Teaching methods (indicative; course manual is definitive) PBL / Presentation / Lecture / Assignment / Groupwork
Assessment methods (indicative; course manual is definitive) Final Paper / Assignment / Presentation
Evaluation in previous academic year For the complete evaluation of this course please click "here"
This course belongs to the following programmes / specialisations
Transitional Regulations See prerequisites