MSOM 300: Managing Financial Resources - Fall 2013 at George Mason University - Prof. Farr, Lecture notes of Business Finance

Download MSOM 300: Managing Financial Resources - Fall 2013 at George Mason University - Prof. Farr and more Lecture notes Business Finance in PDF only on Docsity! 1 MSOM 300 - Section 002 Managing Financial Resources George Mason University Fall 2013 Class Meets: Tuesday 4:30pm – 7:10pm Prince William: Bull Run Hall 131 Instructor: Farrokh Fattahi Phone / Fax: (703) 899-4867 / (703) 288-0656 E-Mail: ffattahi@gmu.edu Office Hours: Tuesday 4:00pm – 4:30pm & 7:15pm – 8:00pm (By Appointment Only!) Course Web Site: http://gmu.blackboard.com SOM majors should not be enrolled in this course and students who have received credit for both ACCT 203 & FNAN 301 cannot receive credit for MSOM 300! COURSE TEXTBOOK Edmonds, Olds, McNair and Tsay. Survey of Accounting, 3rd Edition. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2012. COURSE DESCRIPTION Managing Financial Resources focuses on using basic concepts of accounting and financial management to make investment, credit and operating decisions for the organization. Emphasis is on using financial reports to aid the planning and control of organizational activities. PROGRAM LEARNING GOALS  Students will be able to record, analyze, interpret and communicate financial and non-financial information for users in accordance with applicable professional authoritative literature.  Students will develop analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills that can be applied in a variety of business situations within a global business environment. 2 COURSE OBJECTIVES  To understand the form and content of financial statements.  To describe the difference between accrual accounting and cash flow.  To understand the basic concepts of revenue and expense recognition.  To recognize the differences between fixed and variable costs.  To apply the cost-volume-profit model to make short-term decisions.  To describe the valuation process and use it to value securities and capital investment projects.  To discuss the various financial management decisions required within the firm and how such decisions affect the value of the firm.  To use various computational techniques required in the financial management decision making process, including the use of technology to implement the computational techniques.  To apply financial management techniques in a case analysis context. COURSE PREREQUISITES Prior to beginning the minor in business, students must have completed 30 credit hours (sophomore standing). IMPORTANT DATES September 3 Last Day to Add / Drop (No Penalty) September 18 Last Day to Drop (33% Tuition Penalty) September 27 Final Drop Deadline (67% Tuition Penalty) September 30 – October 25 Selective Withdrawal Period STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES You are expected to attend all classes and to participate fully. Ideally, you will read each chapter, and at least skim through problems before class. Late assignments will be rarely accepted and only when extenuating circumstances are communicated on an advanced basis. You are responsible for any material covered during an absence. Lecture notes and other documents used in class will be posted at http://gmu.blackboard.com. At your option, you may download and print these notes and documents and bring them to class for reference. Please note that I will not provide hard copies of these notes and documents in class. Homework is an essential part of the class. Students may discuss the assigned problems with other students, but they must submit original, individual work. Students are required to regularly check the course website for updates. 5 EXAMINATIONS All Examinations will be given in class on the days specified in the Class Schedule, and will consist of true/false, multiple choice, matching or short answer and computational problems. Additionally, the final exam may include one or two comprehensive essay questions. Examination Make-Ups You are expected to be present for all examinations. If a last minute emergency arises that will prevent you from taking an examination, get in touch with me as soon as possible (e.g., call and leave an appropriate message on my voice mail or send an email). Be prepared to provide acceptable, official documentation supporting your case. An unapproved absence will result in a zero credit grade on the exam. Examination Procedures and Suggestions 1. You will be required to present your student identification card at each examination. 2. Except to correct clerical errors, I will not answer questions related to the examination (or quiz). Instead, if you feel a question is ambiguous or incomplete, you should state your assumption(s) and answer the question accordingly. I will take your assumption(s) into account when grading your examination (or quiz). 3. No answers are considered other than those recorded on your exam. It is your responsibility to see that the examination contains the answers you wish to have graded. Use care in recording your answers. 4. It is important that you budget your time when taking your exam or quiz. Don’t spend too much time on one question and, as a result, be forced to leave five questions unanswered due to lack of time. 5. It often helps to answer those questions you know first, skipping longer or more challenging questions and coming back to them as time permits. 6. A calculator may be used during the examinations and quizzes. However:  It is to be used out of its carrying case by only one person, and must be silent.  It must be surrendered for inspection whenever requested.  The fact that your calculator malfunctions during the examination will not be considered when determining your grade. You may wish to bring a back up calculator.  No cell phones may be used as calculators. 6 ATTENDANCE To maximize your learning experience, daily attendance is essential. Not only will quiz and examination questions be taken, in part, directly from class lectures, but also constructive participation is an important part of the classroom experience and will be reflected in your final grade. PLEASE ATTEMPT TO BE ON TIME AND REMAIN FOR THE ENTIRE PERIOD. Arriving late and/or leaving early are inconsiderate of your fellow students. LAPTOPS Laptop computers can be a useful tool to facilitate learning but often times they pose a disruption during class. All laptop use should be limited to programs relevant to study of the material at hand and/or to take notes electronically. Web surfing and checking email during class is unacceptable and may result in your / your laptops removal from class. SCHOLASTIC HONESTY AND THE HONOR CODE I encourage you to work with other students to help one another better understand the material. In other words, it is permissible to establish study groups for reviewing textbook chapters, and lecture notes. However, all required assignments are expected to be your original work. You are also expected to understand and follow the GMU Honor Code (GMU Catalog or GMU Web site.). Community Standards of Behavior: “In keeping with the School of Management statement, the following standards of behavior will be an integral part of the course:  Respect for the rights, differences and dignity of others  Honesty and integrity in dealing with all members of the community  Accountability for personal behavior.” STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Accommodations for Students with Disabilities The Disability Resource Center (located in 234 Student Union Building I) provides a wide variety of academic support services to all currently enrolled GMU students who have a type of mental or physical disability or either a temporary or permanent nature. These services include assistance with course accommodations, adaptive equipment, individualized exam administration, taped textbooks, wheelchair repair, library needs, registration, handicapped parking, accessible housing and transportation, as well as many other needs. If you feel that you may need assistance of this nature, call the Center at (703) 993-2474. In addition, you should notify me about any special needs as soon as possible.