UnitLevel 3Undergraduate

BFC3240 International finance

Faculty of Business and Economics

BFC3240 International finance is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Business and Economics, offered in 2021 in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton. It needs (BFF3751, BFW2751 or BFC2751) and (BFB2140, BFF2140, BFW2140, BFX2140 or BFC2140).

Credit points
6
Offered in 2021
Semester 1, Semester 2
Clayton
Assessment
Exam 110%
and 2 other tasks
Workload
144 hours
per semester

This is the 2021 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisites

Enrolment rules

To be successful in this unit, background knowledge and application of maths is required at the equivalent of VCE Year 12 Higher level.  You may have satisfied this by completing relevant prerequisite unit/s, or you have covered relevant topics in your final years of secondary study.  You should self-assess your maths competency prior to enrolling in this unit.

Equivalent units

The same content under another code. Only one of them counts.

Overview

Topics covered in this unit include the international financial system and the various types of exchange rate systems that exist around the world. Also included is the theory of the determination of exchange rates, as well as an analysis of the extent to which these theories hold in practice. A major topic area is the measurement and management of firms' foreign exchange rate risk, including theory relating to the importance of hedging against exchange risks, and the complexities involved in assessing and managing exchange rate risks in a globally connected world. In discussing the management of foreign currency transactions, the use of hedging tools such as: currency forwards, money market facilities, and options is covered. Operating exposure and political risks associated with foreign direct investments are covered to illustrate the real challenges beyond transaction exposures. The final topic is cryptocurrencies.

Offerings in 2021

Teaching periodCampusMode
First semesterClaytonOn campus
Second semesterClaytonOn campus

Assessment

  • Within semester assessment
    50%
  • ExaminationThreshold hurdle
    50%
  • Within semester assessment
    40%
  • ExaminationThreshold hurdle
    60%

Learning outcomes

When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

  1. 1

    analyse and evaluate the benefits and disadvantages of the various exchange rate systems

  2. 2

    critically appraise the extent to which the theories of exchange rate determination explain exchange rate movements in today's globalised economy

  3. 3

    explain the various tools and approaches for firms in hedging transaction exchange exposure, and recommend the most appropriate approach to hedging in a variety of economic and firm-specific circumstances

  4. 4

    analyse the extent to which firms are exposed to economic or operating exchange risk, evaluate their systems in place to manage it, and recommend alternative approaches

  5. 5

    appraise the benefits of international portfolio investment vis-a-vis domestic-only diversification

  6. 6

    apply critical thinking, problem solving and presentation skills to individual and/or group activities dealing with international finance and demonstrate in an individual summative assessment task the acquisition of a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered by BFC3240.

Workload and teaching

  • Tutorials12 hours
  • Lectures24 hours
  • Teaching approachPeer assisted learning
  • Teaching approachActive learning

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. The unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Learning resources

Technology resources

The only Faculty approved calculators permitted in tests and examinations for all Australian campuses and locations is the HP10bII+ or Casio FX82 (any suffix).

Where it fits

BFC3240 is part of 2 areas of study in the 2021 handbook.

Contacts

Chief Examiners
Dr Ali Sheikhbahaei

Common questions

What are the prerequisites for BFC3240?

You need (BFF3751, BFW2751 or BFC2751) and (BFB2140, BFF2140, BFW2140, BFX2140 or BFC2140) before you enrol. Enrolment rules also apply.

When is BFC3240 offered?

In 2021, BFC3240 runs in Semester 1 and Semester 2 at Clayton.

How much work is BFC3240?

The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.

Does BFC3240 have an exam?

Yes. The exam is worth 110% of the final mark, alongside 3 other tasks.

Which majors and minors include BFC3240?

BFC3240 is part of Finance.

More details

Credit points
6
Level
3
Study level
Undergraduate
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Economics
Organisational unit
Department of Banking and Finance
Type
Coursework
EFTSL
0.125
Student contribution
SCA Band 1
Study abroad
Available