Current issues in international finance

Traditionally, the areas of international finance include working capital management, capital budgeting and funding decisions (capital structure and cost of capital) that incorporate the identification of foreign exchange risks and their management as well as their financial reporting implications. It also typically includes the foreign exchange transactions, economic and translation exposures and their risk management approaches and techniques.

The changes in the international trade pace including the recent US withdrawal from the Pacific Treaty Partnership and the impact of imposing new tariffs and control over trade deficits with China and other partners signal expected obstacles in the "free trade" concepts and questioning the comparative advantage principles, FDI and MNCs cross country operations. These changes may represent significant current issues in international finance, globalisation and free trade.

This unit will provide you with the latest empowering and practical knowledge in international finance including the recent changes imposed by financial technologies "FinTech" and current changes in the international trade. This is a very practical unit with a heavy emphasis on the latest industry trends and best practices by industry experts and entrepreneurs rather than theoretical concepts.

Case-based teaching - This unit includes case-based teaching, where you apply your knowledge and engage in analytical and reflective thinking to solve complex contextual scenarios. Activities are often designed so that there is not one clear answer, but you need to work together to examine, analyse and make decisions to resolve the situation.

Active learning - This unit engages you in actively applying your knowledge, skills and attributes in interactive, collaborative and reflective activities.

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities. You are expected to complete all pre-class activities prior to your scheduled class, and post-class activities should be completed after your scheduled class. Learning activities may include a combination of teacher directed, peer directed and online engagement activities.