Investment Management module (BU52043)

The Investment Management module provides a comprehensive understanding of investment theories, principles, and strategies, equipping you with the tools to make informed decisions in real markets. It focuses on applying these strategies using Bloomberg terminals, enhancing your ability to navigate and analyse complex financial data, and enabling real-world financial decision-making.

This module will empower you to make informed investment decisions, a crucial skill for both individual and institutional investors, recognising the significance of investment management in today's complex and dynamic financial markets.

A unique feature of this module is the hands-on experience it provides using Bloomberg terminals. This real-world application will enable you to implement learned investment strategies in actual market conditions and hone your analytical skills. This hands-on experience will enhance your employability in the financial industry.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• understand the macro and micro factors that shape the investment landscape
• grasp both active and passive investment management theories, enabling you to distinguish between different investment approaches
• learn essential portfolio concepts, including risk and return dynamics, helping you appreciate portfolio management trade-offs
• acquire asset allocation and portfolio construction skills, helping you balance risk and return in diverse investment contexts
• understand the portfolio management processes, from analysis and selection to monitoring and rebalancing
• gain insights into various investment funds, including mutual funds, hedge funds, and pension funds
• develop expertise in selecting stocks, fixed-income securities, and alternatives for portfolio construction
• explore alternative investment avenues, broadening your understanding of diverse investment opportunities
• discover how to apply investment strategies in real markets using Bloomberg terminals, blending theory with practice for real-world investment proficiency

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

You will strengthen your theoretical knowledge and reinforce practical skills, transcending from the fundamental financial understanding to the application of sophisticated investment strategies. Consequently, this will prepare you for varied roles within the financial industry, such as portfolio managers, financial advisors, or savvy individual investors.

In short, the module delivers an in-depth exploration of investment management, merging theory and practice, to equip you for the challenges of the investment world.

Assignments / assessment

Class tests (70%)

• assessing your understanding of the course topics, these tests include multiple-choice questions, problem-solving tasks, and short answer questions on investment management theories, principles, models, and strategies.

Group report for Investment Game (30%)

• using a Bloomberg terminal, your group will manage a virtual portfolio in real-time market conditions. You'll submit a report detailing your investment strategy, decision-making process, results, and reflective performance analysis.

This module does not have a final exam.

These assignments aim to test your grasp of course content and ability to apply learned knowledge practically, requiring critical thinking, teamwork, and strong analytical skills.

Teaching methods / timetable

You will study by following a blended learning approach, combining traditional on-campus teaching activities with digital learning. This gives you control over your learning by allowing flexibility in when, where, and how you learn.

As an active learner, you will engage with the module in various ways, including (but not limited to):

• interactive hybrid teaching sessions
• practical classes
• assigned readings
• watching videos
• reflective tasks
• collaborative group work
• contribution to discussion boards