Courses Master Display 2014-2015

Course Description To PDF
Course title Financial Research Methods
Course code EBC4095
ECTS credits 6,5
Assessment None
Period
Period Start End Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
1 1-9-2014 24-10-2014 X/E X/E
4 2-2-2015 3-4-2015 X/E X/E
Level Intermediate/Advanced
Coordinator Rachel Pownall
For more information: r.pownall@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Language of instruction English
Goals
Students learn how to conduct research using formal research methods. Students shall learn current research methodology and shall learn how to use required statistical tools to undertake good research. The course is instrumental in preparing students for their Masters thesis.
Description
The course provides students with the correct approach and tools to conduct both academic as well as business research. It is an essential basis for writing a final thesis and for preparing students as researchers in a business setting. The course is designed for Finance students in mind. 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. Students are introduced to data modeling and statistical inference (using either Eviews or Stata software), considered to be highly relevant for Finance students during computing classes. Students are evaluated on the basis of a final research paper (approx. 10 pages), presentations, discussions and general participation during tutorials and computing classes.
Literature
Required literature:
Brooks, C., 2008, Introductory economics for finance, Cambridge University Press, UK
Articles from financial journals

Additional literature:
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
Quantitative Methods
Finance 1.5
Teaching methods (indicative; course manual is definitive) PBL / Presentation / Lecture / Assignment / Groupwork
Assessment methods (indicative; course manual is definitive) Final Paper / Participation
Evaluation in previous academic year For the complete evaluation of this course please click "here"
This course belongs to the following programmes / specialisations
Master Business Research Methodology Electives
Master Business Research Track OR Methodology Electives
Master Human Decision Science Electives
Master International Business Track Finance Finance
Master International Business Track Sustainable Finance Sustainable Finance
SBE Exchange Master Master Exchange Courses
SBE Non Degree Courses Master Courses