BMA0092 Quantitative Financial Analysis Assessed coursework Assignment

Assessment Task

Pension fund investment decisions 
This assignment consists of a small empirical research project, where you will  apply the tools learned in Quantitative Financial Analysis to answer three related  research questions. 

Your report must answer ALL of the following research questions: 
1. To what extent can companies’ financial characteristics determine pension  asset allocations? 
a. Question (1) must be answered by independently selecting 5 or more  financial ratios. You are expected to justify your choice of financial  ratios.

2. Can these models based on accounting and finance data be improved by  including corporate governance information?
 
3. Given your analyses, what evidence can you provide as to the main  cause(s) for companies to change their pension asset allocations? 

You are required to answer all the research questions using empirical  analysis. The dataset to be used in the analysis is provided via Brightspace. The  companies in the dataset are the focus of your analyses.

Structure: 
Using the tools learned in the module, you are required to conduct independent  research to investigate and answer the research questions. Your final written  document should adhere to the following structure: 
• Abstract 
• Brief Introduction with short Literature Review 
• Methodology 
• Data
• Ethics, Sustainability & Responsibility
• Results
• Conclusion 
• References 
• Appendices

The report has a similar structure to a research paper. The recommended reading  provides a guide of what should be included in each section of the report. 

Assessment criteria

• The Assessment Criteria are shown the end of this document. Your tutor  will discuss how your work will be assessed/marked and will explain how  the assessment criteria apply to this piece of work. These criteria have  been designed for your level of study.
 
• These criteria will be used to mark your work and will be used to support the  electronic feedback you receive on your marked assignment. Before  submission, check that you have tried to meet the requirements of  the higher-grade bands to the best of your ability. Please note that the marking process involves academic judgement and interpretation within the  marking criteria.

• The Learning Innovation Development Centre can help you to understand  and use the assessment criteria. To book an appointment, either visit them  on The Street in the Charles Sikes Building or email them on busstudenthub@hud.ac.uk

Learning Outcomes

This section is for information only.  
The assessment task outlined above has been designed to address specific  validated learning outcomes for this module. It is useful to keep in mind that these  are the things you need to show in this piece of work.

On completion of this module, students will need to demonstrate: Learning Outcomes 
1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of econometric techniques that can be applied to cross section, time series and panel data. 
2. Critically apply econometric techniques to analyse financial data.

Ability Outcomes 
1. Justify the selection of quantitative techniques in financial research.

2. Communicate quantitative data appropriately in writing using academicconventions.

3. Able to utilise the relevant quantitative analysis software.