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Risk, Return & Valuation

This course is an introduction to the notion of risk, its relation to return, and the valuation of projects and companies. This is a capstone course to help you value projects and companies by applying your understanding of time value of money (TVM) and cash flows developed in the first three courses of this specialization. This course is part of a specialization titled “Foundational Finance for Strategic Decision Making” and is helpful if you are interested in applying to an MBA degree program or learning the foundations of finance to be more effective in your career. The pedagogy of the course is applied and problem-based with assignments covering every part of the course that each contain multiple problems that, by design, are introductory and simpler than the more real-world applications you will confront in the real world and more advanced courses. The assignments are all designed by the faculty lead and machine graded.

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Geared toward students who seek a foundation in finance to either pursue an MBA degree or progress in their careers

Provides a conceptual overview of the relationship between risk and return, valuation principles for projects and companies, and cash flow analysis

Assignments designed to scaffold learning and reinforce foundational concepts

Practical focus on applying TVM (time value of money) concepts

Led by faculty with expertise in finance

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Reviews summary

Challenging but rewarding finance course

This course on risk, return, and valuation is highly recommended by students, with many saying that it is the best in the specialization. The professor is praised for their clear explanations and engaging teaching style. Students also appreciate the challenging but achievable assignments that help them apply their knowledge. While some students found the material difficult, they still recommend the course, as it provides a strong foundation in finance. Overall, this course is an excellent choice for students interested in learning more about finance.

Challenging but rewarding course.

"This course was rough."

"The last two weeks were so conceptual, and so full of tangents from the professor, that you almost had to guess your way through the quizzes."

Challenging assignments.

"I also enjoyed listening to and learning from Prof. Gautam's insights."

Clear explanations.

"Concepts were taught lucidly making them firmly etched in my mind."

Engaging teaching style.

"What a way to teach! Just speechless."

Excellent professor.

"Professor Kaul was very good and kept things interesting."

"The professor took us through the multiple aspects of screening real life problems while taking crucial financial decisions."

Provides a strong foundation in finance.

"This specialization will definitely build a strong foundation of financial knowledge for the person who completes the lectures and assignments."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Risk, Return & Valuation with these activities:

Study Group

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Engaging in peer discussions will broaden your perspectives, clarify concepts, and promote a deeper understanding of the course material.

Browse courses on Time Value of Money

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Find a group of peers who are also taking the course.
Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
Quiz each other and work through practice problems together.

Read the textbook

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Reviewing the textbook will reinforce the concepts discussed in the course and provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

View Corporate Finance, Global Edition on Amazon

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Read and understand each chapter thoroughly.
Highlight and take notes on important concepts.
Complete any practice problems or exercises found in the textbook.

Practice Valuation Problems

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Solving valuation problems regularly will enhance your technical skills and strengthen your understanding of the concepts.

Browse courses on Project Valuation

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Find a set of practice problems or exercises online or in a textbook.
Solve the problems and check your answers against the provided solutions.
Review your mistakes and seek clarification if needed.

Three other activities

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Risk and Return Analysis Presentation

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Creating a presentation on risk and return will help you synthesize your understanding of these concepts and enhance your communication skills.

Browse courses on Risk Management

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Research and gather data on risk and return.
Analyze the data and identify key trends and relationships.
Develop a presentation that clearly communicates your findings.
Present your findings to an audience.

Valuation Project

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Undertaking a valuation project will provide hands-on experience in applying the concepts learned in the course to a real-world scenario, solidifying understanding.

Browse courses on Project Valuation

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Identify a company or project to analyze.
Gather financial data and information about the company or project.
Apply valuation techniques to determine the value of the company or project.
Write a valuation report summarizing your findings and recommendations.

Financial Resources Compilation

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Compiling a list of useful financial resources will provide you with ongoing access to valuable information and tools that support your learning and professional development.

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Search for and identify reputable financial websites, databases, and tools.
Organize the resources into a central location, such as a spreadsheet or document.
Share your compilation with others to benefit from their insights and recommendations.

Career center

Learners who complete Risk, Return & Valuation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts are responsible for the valuation of projects and companies, assessing the risks associated with investments, and making recommendations to clients. A strong understanding of risk, return, and valuation is essential for success in this role. This course provides a solid foundation in these concepts, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in a career as a Financial Analyst. The problems that each contain multiple parts will help in developing a deep understanding of the concepts and how they are implemented in real-world scenarios.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Investment Banker

Investment Bankers play a critical role in the capital markets, advising companies on mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, and other financial transactions. A deep understanding of risk, return, and valuation is essential for success in this role. This course provides a comprehensive overview of these concepts, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in a career as an Investment Banker. In particular, the coverage of project valuation is highly relevant to the work of an Investment Banker.

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Portfolio Manager

Portfolio Managers are responsible for managing investment portfolios on behalf of clients. A strong understanding of risk, return, and valuation is essential for success in this role. This course provides a solid foundation in these concepts, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in a career as a Portfolio Manager. The focus on problem-solving will help develop the skills needed to make sound investment decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Portfolio Manager

Risk Manager

Risk Managers are responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks within organizations. A strong understanding of risk, return, and valuation is essential for success in this role. This course provides a comprehensive overview of these concepts, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in a career as a Risk Manager. The focus on problem-based learning will help develop the skills needed to analyze risks and develop mitigation strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisors provide financial advice to individuals and families. A strong understanding of risk, return, and valuation is essential for success in this role. This course provides a solid foundation in these concepts, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in a career as a Financial Advisor. The problems that each contain multiple parts will help in developing a deep understanding of the concepts and how they are implemented in real-world scenarios.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Advisor

Equity Research Analyst

Equity Research Analysts are responsible for providing research and analysis on companies to investors. A strong understanding of risk, return, and valuation is essential for success in this role. This course provides a solid foundation in these concepts, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in a career as an Equity Research Analyst. The focus on problem-based learning will help develop the skills needed to analyze companies and make investment recommendations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Equity Research Analyst

Commercial Banker

Commercial Bankers are responsible for providing financial services to businesses. A strong understanding of risk, return, and valuation is essential for success in this role. This course provides a solid foundation in these concepts, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in a career as a Commercial Banker. The problems that each contain multiple parts will help in developing a deep understanding of the concepts and how they are implemented in real-world scenarios.

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Corporate Finance Manager

Corporate Finance Managers are responsible for managing the financial resources of corporations. A strong understanding of risk, return, and valuation is essential for success in this role. This course provides a solid foundation in these concepts, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in a career as a Corporate Finance Manager. The focus on problem-based learning will help develop the skills needed to make sound financial decisions.

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Insurance Analyst

Insurance Analysts are responsible for evaluating the risks associated with insurance policies. A strong understanding of risk, return, and valuation is essential for success in this role. This course provides a solid foundation in these concepts, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in a career as an Insurance Analyst. The problems that each contain multiple parts will help in developing a deep understanding of the concepts and how they are implemented in real-world scenarios.

See salaries and explore the career path for Insurance Analyst

Hedge Fund Manager

Hedge Fund Managers are responsible for managing investment funds that use advanced investment strategies. A strong understanding of risk, return, and valuation is essential for success in this role. This course provides a solid foundation in these concepts, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in a career as a Hedge Fund Manager. The focus on problem-based learning will help develop the skills needed to make sound investment decisions.

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Financial Planner

Financial Planners provide comprehensive financial planning services to individuals and families. A strong understanding of risk, return, and valuation is essential for success in this role. This course provides a solid foundation in these concepts, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in a career as a Financial Planner. The focus on problem-based learning will help develop the skills needed to create and implement financial plans.

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Real Estate Appraiser

Real Estate Appraisers are responsible for assessing the value of properties. A strong understanding of risk, return, and valuation is essential for success in this role. This course provides a solid foundation in these concepts, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in a career as a Real Estate Appraiser. The problems that each contain multiple parts will help in developing a deep understanding of the concepts and how they are implemented in real-world scenarios.

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Actuary

Actuaries are responsible for assessing the financial risks associated with insurance policies and pension plans. A strong understanding of risk, return, and valuation is essential for success in this role. This course provides a solid foundation in these concepts, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in a career as an Actuary. The focus on problem-based learning will help develop the skills needed to analyze risks and develop mitigation strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Credit Analyst

Credit Analysts are responsible for assessing the creditworthiness of borrowers. A strong understanding of risk, return, and valuation is essential for success in this role. This course provides a solid foundation in these concepts, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in a career as a Credit Analyst. The problems that each contain multiple parts will help in developing a deep understanding of the concepts and how they are implemented in real-world scenarios.

See salaries and explore the career path for Credit Analyst

Auditor

Auditors are responsible for examining the financial records of organizations to ensure that they are accurate and compliant with applicable laws and regulations. A strong understanding of risk, return, and valuation is essential for success in this role. This course provides a solid foundation in these concepts, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in a career as an Auditor. The problems that each contain multiple parts will help in developing a deep understanding of the concepts and how they are implemented in real-world scenarios.

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Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Risk, Return & Valuation.

Risk Management and Financial Institutions

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Good supplemental read for this course. It explores risk management, financial institutions, their functions and management.

Risk Management and Financial Institutions (Wiley...

Hardcover

$$$

Risk Management and Financial Institutions (Wiley...

Kindle Edition

$$$

Investments

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Commonly used textbook in higher education institutions teaching finance and business. It covers the core concepts of investing, such as risk and return, security valuation, and portfolio management.

Risk, Return & Valuation

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Reviews summary

Challenging but rewarding finance course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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