5QQMN532 – Asset Management
Assessment 2 – Exam
(75% of total module grade)
The Task
You will be assessed based on an exam over a E-hour period. The exam will be in-person at a time and location to be confirmed.
Module Learning Outcomes Assessed
You will be assessed on all learning outcomes of the course. Specifically, you will be tested on your understanding of:
1. Understanding of how securities in the major asset classes are analysed, valued and traded.
2. Knowledge of how investment managers construct portfolios including making asset allocation decisions.
3. Ability to appraise different styles of active and passive management for bond and equity funds and understand how managers add value.
4. Skills to evaluate the performance of fund managers and analyse and interpret fund reports.
5. Knowledge to discuss trends in the asset management industry.
Assignment Details and Structure
The exam will contain at least one numerical question and at least one essay question. You will need to answer all questions in the exam. You are allowed to use a non-programmable calculator during the exam.
Only calculators from the CASIO FXVM and FXVQ RANGE are allowed. Please note that calculators will not be available to borrow on the day of your assessment and you are required to bring this to your in-person examination.
Assessment Support Information
The course contains a range of feedback opportunities designed to support you in performing well on the exam. This includes:
1. A previous exam paper with detailed feedback will be available on KEATS from Reading Week.
2. A mini quiz after each lecture on KEATS. After each lecture, you will find an MCQ test on KEATS containing five questions. After every lecture, you will find an optional short MCQ test with five questions for additional practice. You will get feedback in the form. of a score.
3. Seminars covering concepts and practical applications of material that are relevant for exam. You should attempt seminar questions in your own time and then receive feedback in the seminars as well as written feedback in the form. of detailed solutions to numerical problems after the seminar.
4. Examples relevant for the material covered in exam will be covered in the lectures and lecture notes with feedback in the form. of detailed solutions.
Marking Criteria
Marks will be awarded as the percentage of out J\\ for each question.
General marking criteria for all essays in the exam:
40+
• General knowledge is demonstrated, but the work is mainly descriptive. There is very little analysis offered in the essay.
• Sparse coverage of basic arguments. Low quality in a number of areas and poor range of reading. Adequate presentation. Some unclear arguments.
• Some omissions and/or irrelevant material
50+
• Sound understanding of the key issues is demonstrated, and evaluative thought is apparent in some areas
• You made some attempt to engage with the question, but some parts are not clearly enough to address the question
• There are some confusions and inconsistencies in the arguments
• Clearly presented but little development or original analysis
• Some omissions and/or irrelevant material
60+
• Good understanding of key concepts with the development of analytical thought.
• Good use of relevant literature and theory
• Coherent, well organised and logical presentation with some minor inconsistencies
• Students often fall short of 70+ because they do not focus enough on the question and did not offer enough analysis (instead of a description of the concepts and arguments).
70+
• Thorough understanding of key concepts demonstrating insight and a good level of evaluation
• A comprehensive range of relevant arguments and literature. Evidence is used to support arguments, awareness of wider issues
• Clear, logical and integrated presentation.
75+
• Thorough understanding of key facts with evidence of evaluation in the discussion. Independent and critical evaluation.
• Clear and fluent style. Very well-focused and structured