Assessment Task 3: Group Trading Simulation Project Report
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Due Friday by 23:59
Points 100
Submitting a file upload
Assessment Task 3: Group Trading Simulation Project Report
Type:ReportWord limit: 2,500 (+/- 10%)
Weighting: 40%Due date:Friday, 11 October 11:59pm (Singapore time) – Week 13
Overview
The assignment requires students to form a group, participate in the trading simulation, and provide a written professional report and a reflection on the experience of developing and executing a portfolio and trading strategy.
The purpose of this assessment is to build and foster debt market portfolio management skills and your commercial report writing capability to prepare a formal investment brief for the Head of Debt of your fund manager employer. The report will provide the Managers (and the Trustees), with the necessary information, presented in a logical, factual manner, for them to make informed business decisions. The assessment is also designed to demonstrate students’ ability to work in a team, take responsibility for their actions, and reflect on the immersive and experiential process of the investment exercise. The details of the specific team trading simulation and objectives that underpin the investment mandate will be provided on Canvas.
Learning Outcomes
The targeted Course Learning Outcomes for this assessment are:
CLO1: Explore and evaluate various fixed-income securities and their respective markets
CLO2: Apply finance theories and tools to value different types of fixed-income and money market securities.
CLO3: Analyse the impact of monetary policy on debt markets and conduct credit risk analysis.
CLO4: Develop practical risk management techniques.
CLO5: Evaluate strategies to construct, manage and assess the performance of fixed income security portfolios.
Assessment details
The report is to be written for an experienced portfolio manager who is the Head of the Debt Department in a fund manager. The report is to be written at a professional level using a commercially conversant style and format. The report is to be based on the development of the portfolio strategy. The details will be released here Download here.
Your written report must include the following components (reports not in this format will be penalised):
A Title Page for the report.
An Executive Summary (typically 1/2 page at most).
A Table of Contents.
A very brief introduction that discusses the purpose of the report, the report structure (which should reflect the scope of work performed), and any limitations.
The body of the report including the outcomes of the research and analysis.
A conclusion that summarises the analysis and findings.
Recommendation for the report.
Appendices for detailed and/or large tables and figures including Portfolio Manager Reports; and
A bibliography of references.
Use of tables and figures is encouraged. When using tables and figures remember to label them and reference and discuss their content in the text. Detailed analysis can be contained in tables and appendices in preference to the main text.
Body of the report: Further details of the specific requirements of the report will be provided on Canvas.
What should students focus on? What aspects of the assessment are particularly important?
Students need to think about this project and their team mandate as a framework for thinking about utilising the resources of the portfolio that has been allocated to their asset class.
What is not relevant to the assessment? That is, what might students include, or include too much of, that is not relevant / not required / too much information.
This project is focused on Debt markets and should not include an analysis of equity markets in the portfolio
How might students guide their thinking? Where should students start in thinking about the assessment? Are there any requirements that students should check that they have included?
The main guidance for the assignment comes from the progressive layering of knowledge in the lectures, readings and workshops that will culminate in this final assignment. Students must attend all workshops or have adequate representation from their Group at each workshop to collaborate and share information.
What specific learning activities and tasks are particularly important to this assessment?
Understanding portfolio management and the role of debt markets in a well-diversified portfolio.
Are there any additional resources that support this assessment?
Use of the LSEG Workspace system.
Are there any specific tools or tech that students should use, or which supports this assessment?
Use of the LSEG Workspace system.
Assessment Criteria
This assessment will measure your ability to:
Clearly identify and demonstrate the purpose of the project (10%)
Complete a thoroughly and concisely researched and analysed investment proposal that includes all the elements required of the proposal and is aligned with the objectives of the portfolio. (50%)
Present a clear set of recommendations for the actions required by the portfolio manager. (25%)
Complete a business report to the standard required by the intended audience including compliance with report requirements. (15%)
Submission Format
The assessment will be submitted in Canvas as a file upload. The accepted format will be .pdf, .doc, .docx
Questions?
If you have any questions, check the discussion board see if they have already been answered. If not post your question or alternatively ask your teacher in your workshops.
Referencing guidelines
Use RMIT HarvardLinks to an external site. referencing style for this assessment.
You must acknowledge all the courses of information you have used in your assessments.
Refer to the RMIT Easy CiteLinks to an external site. referencing tool to see examples and tips on how to reference in the appropriated style. You can also refer to the library referencing page for more tools such as EndNote, referencing tutorials and referencing guides for printing.
Academic integrity and plagiarism
Academic integrityLinks to an external site. is about the honest presentation of your academic work. It means acknowledging the work of others while developing your own insights, knowledge, and ideas.
You should take extreme care that you have:
Acknowledged words, data, diagrams, models, frameworks, and/or ideas of others you have quoted (i.e. directly copied), summarised, paraphrased, discussed, or mentioned in your assessment through the appropriate referencing methods
Provided a reference list of the publication details so your reader can locate the source if necessary. This includes material taken from Internet sites
If you do not acknowledge the sources of your material, you may be accused of plagiarism because you have passed off the work and ideas of another person without appropriate referencing, as if they were your own.
RMIT University treats plagiarism as a very serious offence constituting misconduct.
Plagiarism covers a variety of inappropriate behaviours, including:
Failure to properly document a source
Copyright material from the internet or databases
Collusion between students
For further information on our policies and procedures, please refer to the University websiteLinks to an external site..
Assessment declaration
When you submit work electronically, you agree to the assessment declarationLinks to an external site..
Group Assessment Marking
Every member of the group should equally contribute to the completion of the assignment.
If you have any issue with regard to the level of contribution by any other members in your group, submit the “Group Work Contribution Statement” that is provided on Canvas. All group members must sign the statement. In this case, group members will receive marks according to the percentage of contribution mutually agreed upon by the whole group. The intention of this information is to eliminate any ‘free-riding’ issues.
Group Contribution Statement-2.pdfDownload Group Contribution Statement-2.pdf
Other detail
Students MUST double-check and confirm that they have completed/uploaded the correct assessment task. Students who upload the wrong task, or an incomplete file, will be penalized accordingly (i.e., what they upload will be assessed or any late submissions that flow from their error will have marks deducted in accordance with the course guide requirements).
Assessment extensions
Students are entitled to seek extensions to their prescribed due dates, up to 7 days, when unexpected circumstances impede your progress. Full details on the extension process are available hereLinks to an external site..
If you are seeking an extension of seven (7) calendar days or less (from the original due date), you must apply and submit the request by at least one (1) working day before the assessment deadline using Assessment Extensions.
This assessment task is due on Friday 11 October, 2024 by 11:59pm Singapore time therefore any assessment extensions must be submitted by Wednesday 9 October, 2024 by 11:59pm Singapore time.
If you need an extension of time beyond seven (7) days or if you have missed the one (1) working day requirement to submit this request, you should apply for SPECIAL CONSIDERATION https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-results/special-consideration.
Rubric
Rubric Template (1)
Rubric Template (1)
CriteriaRatingsPts
This criterion is linked to a learning outcomeIdentify and demonstrate the purpose of the project
10 to >7.99 PtsHD
Identifies and demonstrates understanding all the main issues in the case study and extends their analysis to identify and justify issues and problems beyond the expected main issues. Uses multiple references with appropriate paraphrasing to support arguments. Timing is clearly discernible and uses suitable pauses to enhance meaning.
7.99 to >6.99 PtsDI
Identifies and demonstrates understanding all the main issues evident in the case study. Uses a reference with appropriate paraphrasing to support arguments Confident presentation. Timing is discernible and enhances the meaning in places.
6.99 to >5.99 PtsCR
Identifies and demonstrates understand sing of most of the main issues evident in the case study. Errors do not detract from meaning. Uses references to support main points. Timing is discernible enough to improve delivery.
5.99 to >4.99 PtsPA
Identifies and demonstrates understanding of some of the issues in the case study. Errors do not significantly detract from meaning. Uses a reference to support the main points. Timing is inconsistent but discernible and not distracting.
4.99 to >0.0 PtsNN
Identifies and demonstrates understanding of very few of the main issues in the case study. Errors significantly detract from meaning. Uses irrelevant (or no) references to support main points. Timing is distracting.
0 PtsDNS
Did no submit.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a learning outcomeResearch and analysis ((#AoL 6a Critically Engaged)Demonstrates an ability to appraise and define problems in different contexts.
50 to >39.95 PtsHD
Demonstrates excellent knowledge of relevant context.
39.95 to >34.95 PtsDI
Demonstrates substantial knowledge of relevant context.
34.95 to >29.95 PtsCR
Demonstrates some knowledge of relevant context.
29.95 to >24.95 PtsPA
Demonstrates little knowledge of relevant context.
24.95 to >0.0 PtsNN
Demonstrates only limited or no knowledge of relevant context.
0 PtsDNS
Did no submit.
50 pts
This criterion is linked to a learning outcomeRecommendations
25 to >19.95 PtsHD
Consistently integrates research and ideas from relevant and appropriate sources to provide recommendations of actions. Consistently clear, well-integrated evidence using accurate paraphrase and summary. Consistently uses accurate references, appropriately positioned.
19.95 to >17.45 PtsDI
Integrates research and ideas from relevant and appropriate sources to provide recommendations of actions. Clear, well-integrated evidence using accurate paraphrase and summary. Uses mostly accurate references, appropriately positioned.
17.45 to >14.95 PtsCR
Generally integrates relevant theory from a number of mostly appropriate sources to provide recommendations of actions. Paraphrases adequately to avoid plagiarism. References generally accurately positioned.
14.95 to >12.45 PtsPA
Integrates relevant theory from a number of mostly appropriate sources but with occasional irrelevant information to provide recommendations of actions. Generally paraphrases adequately to avoid plagiarism. References generally accurately positioned.
12.45 to >0.0 PtsNN
Fails to use relevant theory / or number of sources indicates lack of research to provide recommendations of actions. Does not paraphrase correctly. References positioned incorrectly or used inaccurately.
0 PtsDNS
Did no submit.
25 pts
This criterion is linked to a learning outcomeCompliance with report requirements (#AoL 4c Written expression)Demonstrates an ability to effectively exchange information and shape ideas through the written word.
7 to >5.6 PtsHD
Meaning is clearly and effectively communicated through consistent and sophisticated use of academic or appropriate style, unambiguous language and correct and appropriate grammar, vocabulary, punctuation and spelling for the intended audience.
5.6 to >4.9 PtsDI
Meaning is communicated clearly through consistent use of academic style, unambiguous language and correct and appropriate grammar, vocabulary, punctuation and spelling for the intended audience.
4.9 to >4.2 PtsCR
Meaning is generally made clear through mostly correct and appropriate formal academic style, grammar, vocabulary, punctuation and spelling for the intended audience.
4.2 to >3.5 PtsPA
Meaning is generally made clear through adequate and appropriate formal academic style, grammar, vocabulary, punctuation and spelling for the intended audience; some lapses causing lack of clarity.
3.5 to >0.0 PtsNN
Meaning is impeded through frequent use of informal language and errors in grammar, vocabulary, punctuation and spelling. Not suitable for the intended audience.
0 PtsDNS
Did no submit.
7 pts
This criterion is linked to a learning outcomeLeadership and Teamwork (#AoL 4D Teamwork)Demonstrates an ability to participate actively and cooperatively in a team to advance a common goal.
8 to >6.39 PtsHD
Works with team to establish common purpose and goals. Carries out assigned work and supports others in completing their tasks.
6.39 to >5.59 PtsDI
Understands common purpose and goals. Works with team by contributing ideas to develop a plan of action and by carrying out assigned work.
5.59 to >4.79 PtsCR
Contributes mostly useful ideas. Follows plan of action and completes tasks.
4.79 to >3.99 PtsPA
Sometimes provides useful ideas when participating in the group discussion and/or does what is required.
3.99 to >0.0 PtsNN
Does not contribute ideas to group discussion and/or does not complete tasks assigned to them.
0 PtsDNS
Did no submit.
8 pts
Total points: 100