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University of Bridgeport School of Business Spring 2005 ECON 376 – Business Forecasting Monday and Wednesday, 9:30 – 10:45 AM, Bridgeport Campus Ward L. Thrasher, JD, MCP Office phone:(203) 576-4793 Cell Phone: (203) 258-3865 Office Hours: Mandeville Room 15, By Appointment SYLLABUS Text Roger Leroy Miller, Money, Banking and Financial Markets, 2nd ed. 2004, Thomson South Western, ISBN 0-324-15993-5 Course Description Macroeconomic forecasting to improve asset allocation and investment performance over the business cycle. Examining and forecasting the behavior of stock, bond, commodity and currency prices. Forecasting tools to analyze the economy and forecast price movements in the financial markets. Course Objective To provide students with an understanding of financial markets and the various instruments found therein. Also, an examination of the interplay of the markets and different vehicles available to the business manager. Tentative Course Schedule
Course Requirements and Evaluation Procedures Course requirements Course requirements include class participation, homework, quizzes, a mid-term exam, a final examination and a final project. The final project will be assigned the first day of class. Assignments and Tests Students are expected to be prepared for each class. This will include completion of reading and homework assignments. Homework is due at the beginning of class. Homework submitted late will receive a 25% penalty. Homework must be neat and legible. If I can’t read it, it’s wrong. A student’s inability to participate in class discussions due to a lack of preparedness may have a negative impact. Attendance You are expected to attend all classes unless you have a valid excuse. Attendance will be taken and will be a factor in determining final grades. Permitted reasons for absence are: · Illness requiring cessation of normal activities (a medical excuse from your healthcare provider may be required). · University approved extra-curricular activity, with the prior approval of the instructor. · Emergency Military Service · Family emergency or death. Weddings, birthday, graduation and similar celebrations do not qualify. · Religious holiday (prior notice must be given to instructor). Students who miss an examination should be prepared to submit verification of one of the above listed reasons upon their return to class. Standards Classes begin at 9:30 AM. Tardiness is not acceptable. Repeated tardiness may have a negative impact on final grades. Returning to class late following a break will also be marked as an unexcused tardiness. Because a blank answer is undoubtedly wrong on a quiz or final, blank responses on quizzes or the final will be deducted at two times the point value. Homework is very important. Homework is due at the beginning of class. Homework turned in after being requested at the beginning of class will be considered late. Late submissions of homework will be penalized 25%. Cheating is absolutely unacceptable. A first offense of cheating will result in a written warning and a grade of “D” on the assignment or exam. A second incident of cheating will result in a grade of “F” on the assignment. A third incident will result in a grade of “F” for the course. If you are having a discussion in class, and it is not addressed to the class, expect to lose points. Private conversations should be reserved for non-class time. Personal issues arise from time to time. If you experience personal problems that interfere with your attendance or performance in this course, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss the issue. Similarly, if you are having difficulty with any aspect of the course, please contact me as soon as possible. Do not wait until the end of the term to raise these concerns because by then it’s too late to address the problem. COMMUNICATION e-Mail is heavily relied upon to communicate with students between class meetings. It is vital that you check the e-mail account provided to the instructor on a daily, or more frequent, basis. The instructor is available at all times at the cell phone number listed above. Evaluation Procedures Class participation is important. It will be factored into your final grade, but it is important to ensure you understand concepts discussed and can convey those concepts to others. It is also important to develop the exchange of ideas that is so important in developing effective solutions to business’ data communications and information sharing needs. Timeliness is also important. You are expected to be prepared for class on time, as well as have assignments prepared and ready for submission at the assigned time. There will be one (1) opportunity for extra credit during the class following the midterm. Be prepared. I encourage open debate in class about the topics we will cover. Your contribution might help others understand concepts they are having difficulty with, or you may have a perspective others have not considered. If you are uncomfortable discussing issues in class, you are encouraged to submit your questions or discussion points in writing prior to the start of class. Grading is based on examination scores, homework assignments, class preparedness and a subjective review of your preparedness for and contribution to class discussions and activities.
The instructor reserves the right to modify any aspect of this course as the course progresses should he feel it necessary to do so. Every effort will be made to adhere to this syllabus so students can effectively and efficiently budget their preparation time. Every effort will be made to communicate and advise, and to consult with students in the event a change is anticipated. If you have any problems with this course, the requirements of the course, or other issues, please contact me immediately. If you do not, I will assume you understand and accept the policies set forth here. |