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GRAD > MBA AF
MBA Accounting/Finance
MBA AF 601 Economics for Managers
Description:
Introduces the student to economic principles of particular interest to the firm manager. The course is divided roughly into two parts that deal with macroeconomic and microeconomic issues. In the macro section such key aggregates as gross domestic product, unemployment rate, inflation rate, and balance of payments, which are of importance to the firm manager, are discussed. Discussions focus on a critical examination of how these aggregates are measured and determined in various competing theoretical models. The theory discussed here then serves as an analytical tool in understanding and evaluating economic policies related to such current economic issues as unemployment, inflation, and trade imbalances. In the micro section, emphasis is given to a) the theory of markets, how prices and quantities are determined in markets and factors that affect these prices and quantities; and b) how firms compete in different market environments. Besides concentrating on the theory, special attention is given to how the concepts covered are applied to real-world microeconomic problems. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 603 Massachusetts In the Global Economy
Description:
This course has four goals. It seeks to provide students with 1) an understanding of the evolving business structure of Massachusetts and its place in US and world goods and service industries; 2) an introduction to country and regional analysis, especially macro-economic analysis and social and organizational analysis, as they pertain to understanding customer-markets, competitors, and comparative investment locations; 3) an introduction to major global economic, technological, and political trends, including changing demographics and regulation, technological "creative destruction," emerging markets, and transitions to capitalism; and 4) an introduction and overview of industry analysis, focusing on key Massachusetts industries, including financial services and banking, health care products and services, and computer hardware and software. The course involves intensive student research projects and team presentations. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 610 Accounting for Managers
Description:
Instructs students in the fundamentals of financial and managerial accounting. The financial accounting component presents techniques used to measure business transactions, preparation of financial statements, recording and valuation of assets, owners' equity, revenue, cost, and expenses. The managerial accounting component deals with techniques for management decision-making, planning, and control. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 611 Intermediate Accounting
Description:
This course acquaints students with financial accounting theory. Particular emphasis is given to the relationship between theory and such practical problems as the limitations of traditional financial statements and asset and current liability items. Students acquire an understanding of issues unique to corporations and complete the study of the balance sheet by examining long-term debt and equity items. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 612 Cost Accounting
Description:
Examines the use of cost accounting as a means of providing quantitative information for managerial decision-making and control. Emphasizes analysis of cost behavior, cost-volume-profit relationships, budgeting, and performance measurement. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 613 Federal Tax Planning
Description:
Introduces the concepts of gross income recognition, deductions, tax credits, and the income tax effects of property transactions, with emphasis on managerial decision-making and planning. These concepts are incorporated into discussion of alternative forms of business organization and the tax implications of each. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 614 Financial and Managerial Auditing
Description:
The objective of this course is to make students aware of, and develop working skills in, the techniques of financial and managerial auditing, and to help then develop judgment in using audit information. Topics include stewardship and the need for auditing; audit evidence and analytical techniques for sampling and drawing inferences; organizational issues in auditing, techniques and methods of managerial and strategic audits and audit reporting. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 615 International Accounting
Description:
This course examines the international dimensions of financial accounting and analysis; the environmental influence of specific countries on international accounting standards and their related impact on financial reporting; and disclosure and analysis worldwide. Specific attention is given to inflation accounting, foreign currency transactions, the translation of foreign financial statements, and the status of international accounting standards. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 616 Financial Statement Analysis/Advanced Accounting
Description:
This course provides a framework for financial statements analysis. The course teaches students to understand how financial statements are generated by focusing on FASB principles. The course also encourages students to research current changes within the accounting framework and to understand how to use the framework to interpret company financial statements. Issues of ethics will be incorporated into the course. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 617 Mng Acctg & Control
Description:
This course is designed to introduce students to the important role management accounting can play in helping managers make informed decisions. In particular, the course emphasizes modern theories of product cost, performance measurement, and management control systems. It uses cases to describe real-world problems and to illustrate such concepts as activity-based cost systems, productivity measurement, and total quality. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 618 Accounting Information Systems
Description:
This course examines information systems used for managerial decision making and external reporting, with specific emphasis on assuring systematic control over accounting information and on the reliability of that information. Computer and telecommunication systems are changing the way companies and non-for-profit organizations do business. As information becomes a competitive tool, line managers are encouraged to get more involved in decision making. Further, as communication between companies and investors continues to shift from lagged formal reports (i.e., financial statements) to tailored, online reports, the importance of computer-based accounting systems will increase. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 620 Financial Management
MBA AF 621 Adv Corporate Financ
MBA AF 622 Global Portfolio Investment Management
Description:
The aim of this course is to explore portfolio investment management, i.e., the management of wealth in the form of readily marketable securities, in a global context. The focus is on extensions of investment theory and practice to a multi-country field of portfolio choice. Of special concern are variables and constraints that modify concepts and practices useful in the domestic US market. These include the problems of investing in a world of many currencies, differential economic growth, divergent institutional and legal environments, differing tuitional and legal environments, differing national accounting systems, and national valuation norms and practices. The course is of special interest to students preparing for possible careers in brokerage houses; in pension and mutual fund management; and as financial planners. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 623 Financial Modeling
Description:
This course introduces the principles and techniques for building financial models, especially in an uncertainty framework. Topics covered include decision support systems, risk analysis, portfolio theory, and capital budgeting under uncertainty. The course integrates financial, accounting, and statistical concepts and techniques to construct financial models and to perform analyses using popular software applications, as well as emphasizing the application of financial modeling techniques in identifying and implementing business solutions. The course is of special interest to students seeking more hands-on experience in constructing financial models and more in-depth knowledge in financial software. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 624 Managing Mutual Funds
Description:
This course discusses issues related to the financial management of mutual funds. It covers such unique aspects of mutual funds as their role in the financial markets; the impact on mutual funds of technology and regulatory systems; different types of mutual funds; security valuation; portfolio models; international diversification related to funds; and asset valuation and custodial services. The course is conducted through a combination of lectures and case analyses. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 625 Derivative Securities
Description:
Derivative securities are securities such as futures contracts and call options whose value is determined by the value of some other underlying variable. Derivative securities have become an essential tool used in both corporate risk management and portfolio management. This course explores the institutional details of the various markets in which derivatives trade. It introduces the theories which govern the pricing of futures, options, and swap contracts. Practical methods of implementing derivatives-related strategies for hedging risks and gaining specified portfolio exposures are covered, as well as methods used to evaluate the outcomes of these strategies. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 626 International Financial Management
Description:
Describes the body of knowledge, attitudes, and skills required of financial decision-makers operation in a global setting. The phenomenal rise in importance of multinational business finance and concomitant issues is explored in light of recent theoretical and empirical research. Specific topics include foreign exchange, risk management, financing decisions in the long and short run, currency translation, accounting, and taxation. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 627 Health System Financial Management
Description:
This course addresses the financial management theory, techniques, and issues applicable to public and private health organizations. Specific topics include budgeting, capital formation, cost finding, reimbursement alternatives, financial analysis, and performance evaluation. The course also evaluates contemporary policy issues affecting the health care administrator. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 628 Portfolio Analysis and Investment Management
Description:
This course provides the student with an understanding of capital market securities, operations, valuation, and investment techniques. Specifically, the course covers definitions of various investment vehicles, operation of the NYSE and NASDAQ markets, portfolio theory (CAPM and APT), capital allocation decisions--including discussions of mutual fund selection. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 629 Managing Financial Institutions
Description:
This course focuses on the financial management of financial institutions and covers the management of liquidity, loan portfolio, and capital, as well as overall asset-liability management in depository-type institutions. The course also discusses the strategic implications for such institutions of changing financial and regulatory environment. The course is oriented toward managerial decision-making in the changing environment facing these institutions. The course is conducted through the analysis of cases and through discussions of the kinds of issues that affect decisions. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 630 International Economy & Business
Description:
The objectives of the course are to enhance our understanding of the economies of the world and their interdependence, and to analyze the impact of changing global financial and trade systems on businesses. The course includes topics related to integration such as EU, NAFTA and WTO and international financial systems, such as currency union, fixed and floating exchange rate systems, global credit and currency crisis, IMF and international financing institutions. It also covers financing opportunities for businesses. The thrust of the course is to provide an understanding of dynamic overall global environment particularly in financial and trade areas, and analyze impact and opportunity for business. The course relies heavily on case analysis and active class discussion. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 631 Environmental Accounting and Finance
Description:
Environmental concerns and climate change are emerging as important business drivers and gaining the attention of accountants, financial managers, and investors. As investors and society require companies to become more socially and environmentally sustainable, the measurement, management, and external reporting of information about environmental risks and performance is of growing importance. Topics covered in the course include corporate environmental disclosure and reporting, environmental management accounting, carbon markets, green project analysis, corporate environmental risk assessment and valuation, socially responsible investing, and green banking. More Info
Offered in:- TBA
MBA AF 632 Special Topics in Finance Student Managed Fund
Description:
The course is designed to give the students a hands-on experience at performing investment research, investing money and managing a portfolio prior to entering the work force. Students are expected to generate investment ideas, research investment opportunities and make buy/sell/hold recommendations based on their analysis. The course will also provide an opportunity for students to work closely with money managers from Boston's financial services industry via the Student Manage Fund's advisory board. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 633 Advanced Federal Taxation
Description:
This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of tax law and its implication in tax planning opportunities; detailed demonstrations of integrating the tax law with the fundamentals of corporate finance and microeconomics to form viable tax strategies; and training in the application of using the so-called "economic balance sheets" approach in the financial accounting of a transaction. By the end of this course, students will be able to identify the tax implications of a proposed transaction for all parties and articulate possible tax arbitrage opportunities; understand the effect of both explicit and implicit taxes on after-tax cash flows due to changes in opportunities; understand the effect of both explicit and explicit taxes on after-tax cash flows due to changes in corporate transaction structure; and recognize the interaction between tax savings and non-tax costs. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 634 Risk Management
Description:
The goal of this course is to provide students the fundamentals of corporate financial risk management. The first part of this course develops statistical tools and techniques required to identify and measure different aspects of corporate financial risk. Next these measures are used to build, evaluate and understand financial risk management solutions. One key focus of this course is the role of financial engineering in developing business strategy. Specifically how do companies financially engineer to mange risk caused by variables over which it has little control such as commodity prices, inflation, interest and exchange rates? Case methods will be used to highlight the value of identifying, monitoring and managing of such operational, financial risk. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 635 Mergers & Acquisitions
Description:
This course provides a foundation on the challenging and dynamic world of mergers and acquisitions. The goal of the course is to give students a solid understanding of the concepts and issues that are central to the process of mergers and acquisitions; with the intent of discovering the source(s) of value creation within mergers and acquisitions. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 636 Quantitative Analysis of Business Data
Description:
The objective of the course is to familiarize students with the analytical foundations of quantitative analysis of business data and data management techniques using statistical/data analysis software. Particular emphasis will be placed on hands-on experience with data analysis and the economic interpretation of empirical findings. The course will focus on learning a number of quantitative techniques employed in finance, economics and management. These techniques include linear regression analysis, panel data models, instrumental variables, time series analysis and limited dependent variable models. The course will use data and applications that are drawn from the finance and economics literature as well as consulting practice. This course will also provide students with analytical tools for the development of a Masters thesis. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 637 Financial Reporting Fraud Examination
Description:
Financial reporting fraud and earnings manipulation by managements of publicly traded companies are a continuing source of anxiety and concern to investors, creditors, regulators, and others who depend upon financial statements. In recent years the foundations of the capital markets have been shaken and stirred by disclosures of management schemes to cook the books. As preparation for the emerging field of fraud examination, it is important for students to have a thorough understanding of the nature, prevention, and detection of financial reporting fraud. This course examines various aspects of financial reporting fraud and its impact on financial statements using various techniques. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 690 Master's Thesis Option Research Colloquium
Description:
This is the first part of the Master's Thesis Option (MTO). It covers research and research methods, and is intended to position students to successfully complete a year-long research project of publishable quality. Lectures and discussion will focus on the skills required to develop a research question, how to formulate an appropriate research strategy, and ways to identify necessary analytical tools and locate data sources. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 691 Financial Accounting Theory & Analysis
Description:
This course examines the role of accounting information in the capital markets. Financial statements are widely used by bankers, analysts, and investors to evaluate a firm's past performance and judge future prospects. Preparation of effective financial statements requires understanding of a firm's business characteristics and strategy, as well as the accounting policies and practices and procedures that can best reflect true economic reality. This course explores a variety of financial reporting contexts, industries and business strategies to provide students with an understanding of accounting information across various corporate environments. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 696 Independent Study
Description:
Independent study credit is granted only for academic work not normally offered in advanced courses. A student must find a faculty sponsor for his or her independent study project and then file a proposal for the project in the MBA Office. The proposal should be signed by both the student and the faculty sponsor. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 697 Special Topics
Description:
This course addresses a specific topic in a particular discipline. Courses under this title are offered as one-time supplements to a given department's curriculum. More Info
Offered in:MBA AF 699 Master's Thesis
Description:
Upon invitation by the faculty, MBA candidates may complete a Masters thesis. The thesis will be a substantial paper, which demonstrates extensive original research/scholarship in the field. The thesis will be prepared under the direction of an individual faculty advisor and defended before a committee of three faculty members. A thesis proposal must be approved in the semester prior to registration for the course by the proposed faculty advisor and by the Graduate Program Director. During the research and writing process, progress in research and drafts of the thesis will be critiqued in regular conferences with the faculty advisor. More Info
Offered in:
