Coursework Assignment Brief Semester: C16 Module Code: PA101 Module Title: Financial Information Management Programme BSc Accounting & Finance Level: Level 4 Format: Report Presentation: No Any special requirements: All work should be submitted on the Student Portal along with an acceptable Turnitin Report Excel spreadsheet to be submitted, copied into Word document submitted on the Student Portal Word Limit: 2,000 words (with 10% plus or minus leeway) Deadline date for submission: 8 th August 2016 Learning outcomes to be examined in this assessment Demonstrate familiarity with sources of financial information. Describe the nature and purpose of products available on the financial markets and the role of portfolio theory in risk diversification. Percentage of marks awarded for module: This assignment is worth 50% of the total marks for the module Assessment criteria Explanatory comments Maximum marks for each section Content, style, relevance, originality Understanding and application of how share prices are reported and how financial analysts and commentators present opinion and analysis. Correct use of data to present an investment portfolio. Originality in choice of investments. 20% Constructive critical analysis, introduction, conclusion Format, referencing, bibliography Demonstration of a clear understanding of the rationale for investment. Effective interpretation of source material to justify investment decisions. Understanding of the effect of index investment Clear professional presentation of financial data and commentary; Harvard style referencing of sources 70% 10% Assignment Task: You have a hypothetical £100,000 to invest in shares quoted on the London Stock Exchange. You are to construct an investment portfolio made up of the FTSE 100 companies listed below:  EasyJet  Marks & Spencer  Merlin Entertainments  Royal Mail  Unilever The detailed components of your assignment are as follows: 1) Produce a spreadsheet showing: the investments you have chosen; the closing share price on date tbc (i.e. the price reported in the morning press after this date); the number of shares you have acquired; the beta of each company; and the value of your investment. Your spreadsheet should show the weighted average beta of your portfolio, accurately calculated. You must cut and paste the spreadsheet into the submitted document as the portal will not accept a spreadsheet in Excel format. You will be marked to reflect your understanding of the task and the accuracy of the data. (20 marks) 2) Explain your reasons for choosing each investment. This should include: a brief explanation of what the company does and a discussion of why you think its share price will perform well in the short to medium term. Your work should be supported by commentary and analysis by industry professionals in financial institutions and the financial press. You are not expected to carry out a financial analysis of the company. You will be marked on your understanding of the task, the relevance of the material presented, the insight of your analysis and the quality and breadth of the sources used. (c. 1,500 words) (50 marks) Your assignment should be in report format and the spreadsheet and supporting commentary should be presented in a clearly set out, professional manner. Clarity and quality of presentation and referencing will be a factor in the marks awarded. (10 marks) Total marks for assignment: 100