International Finance

INTRODUCTION
Given the current concept of a globalized world, this course is addressed to
students keen on financial issues and, in particular, international finance. The
main purpose of this course is to understand the financial system and to include
an international perspective. In its duration of 45 hours, the course examines
the determination of exchange rates and operation of exchange markets as well
as firm?s management of foreign exchange exposure, cash management, and
capital budgeting. The development of International banking and political risk
management will also be studied. Emphasis is also placed on the effects of
globalization on financial crashes, financial regulation & market efficiency. An
updated look to the dynamics of international entrepreneurship is also provided,
focusing especially on developed countries and the role of female
entrepreneurship. Students will acquire knowledge on the former topics by
means of dynamic and practical examples, work projects and group discussions
(i.e., essays, role playing, video, surveys, economic experiments; Financial
Times press cuttings on selected controversial issues).

LECTURERS (in alphabetical order):
Esther del Brio (PhD)
http://diarium.usal.es/edelbrio/

Arjola Mecaj
Associate Professor of Accounting and Finance.

OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, students will be able to
1- Develop an international perspective, which is necessary in today?s global markets.
2- Develop a level of understanding and working with financial models.
3- Acquire the ability to comprehend the concepts of globalization and financial crisis.
4- Develop an understanding of risk management, necessary to understand the workings of the modern financial market.
5- Understand the procedures of international banking, entrepreneurship and regulation.

SYLLABUS
1. Introductory financial issues and the international monetary system
2. Foreigh Exchange and exposure measurement
- Risk Management
3. Multinational Capital Budgeting and Foreign investment
4. International Financial Regulation.
5. Globalization and Financial crisis
6. International Banking
7. International Entrepreneurship

BIBLIOGRAPHY
BUCKLEY, A. (2012). International Finance; A practical perspective. Pearson.
BUCKLEY, A. (2012). Financial Crisis. Causes, context and consquences. Pearson.
FINANCIAL TIMES (2007-2013). Press cuttings.
GEM 2012 Global Report.
GRATH, A. (2008). The Handbook of International Trade and Finance: The Complete Guide to Risk Management, International Payments and Currency Management, Bonds and Guarantees, Credit Insurance and Trade Finance
HUGHES, J. & MacDONALD (2001).International Banking. Pearson
PHYLAKTIS, K. & M. PRADHA (1990). International finance and the less developed countries.London : Macmillan.
PILBEAM, K. (2006). International Finance: Third Edition

EVALUATION PROCEDURE
Course evaluation will be based upon the following scheme:
Class participation, debates, case discussions, etc. 40%
Group assignments (written and oral presentation) 20%
Final exam 40%
Total 100%

Additionally, at the end of the course, an attendance certificate will be issued
upon a minimum attendance of 90% of the sessions.