Investment Analysis (IND500)

The course blends financial theory and practical application to provide a basis in corporate finance. The focus is on analyses of return in investment projects, portfolio analysis, cost for capital and processes for management of risk in projects.


Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

IND500

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

5

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

English

Content

This course provides an introduction to the fundamental principles of corporate finance, focusing on the financial decision-making processes within a firm. Key topics include financial statement analysis, time value of money, risk and return, capital budgeting, and cost of capital. Students will also explore financing options, corporate governance and ESG. The course aims to equip students with essential tools to analyze and make informed financial decisions that maximize firm value.

Learning outcome

Skills

The following list summarizes some of the topics the student will know after completing the course:

  • calculate present value for different types of investment projects
  • understand the effects of decision makers' attitudes to risk on investment decisions
  • calculate return requirements for investments using CAPM
  • identify and describe real options in investment projects
  • use decision trees to analyze investment projects with uncertainty and flexibility
  • perform sensitivity and Monte Carlo analysis on investment projects
  • understand trade-offs and possible consequences of the form of financing for investments

General competence

Once they complete the course, students will be able to follow and understand finance-related news and debates covered in the media and finance journals. Students will also be able to understand the basics of investment decisions and carry out at least a basic conversation with industry representatives.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam

Digital Quiz, group project and written exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Digital Quiz 15/100 Letter grades
Group project 35/100 Letter grades
Written exam 50/100 Letter grades

5 individual quizzes (3% each, total 15% of course grade)1 group project (35%)Digital exam on campus (50%)The grades on the quizzes and group project are only valid for 1 year. Students who take the course after this time, will have to retake them.

Coursework requirements

The student is required to have a mandatory assignment approved to be able to take the exam. If the assignment is not approved, the student will not be allowed to write the exam.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Andreea-Laura Cojocaru

Head of Department:

Tore Markeset

Method of work

Approximately one 3-hour lecture per week and recommended exercises. Lectures will be delivered in English.

Overlapping courses

Course Reduction (SP)
Investment analysis (MIN100_1) 5

Open for

This course is open to all master students at the faculty for science and technology as well as the business school at UiS.

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital course evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

Search for literature in Leganto