MSC IN BUSINESS ECONOMICS AND INVESTMENT ANALYSIS (MBEIA)
| Module Code | Module Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| MECD501 | Microeconomic Theory | This module provides the foundations of microeconomic theory and analysis at the graduate level. It equips students with an advanced level understanding of microeconomic concepts, tools and modelling skills needed as building blocks for empirical analysis and prediction of outcomes of human behaviour in the allocation of scarce resources. It imparts modelling and analytical skills necessary for producing economic advisory services to government, private sector, NGO’s and International Organisations. The module seeks to produce research, policy analytical skills and advisory services that support innovation and industrialization process in developing countries. Students will acquire the ability to apply the knowledge, conceptual skills and tools in research, analysis of real-world economic problems and in policy discourse on economic issues. |
| MECD503 |
Mathematical Techniques for Economists |
This module is designed to equip post-graduate students with up-to-date mathematical techniques for economists. The module advances the students’ knowledge of mathematical applications necessary to tackle economic problems and provide objective solutions. The module equips students to be able to understand and apply mathematical techniques in solving economic problems. It also helps students to grasp the relevance and use of modern mathematical techniques in applied economics and empirical research with the aim of dragging the economy out of the current economic challenges. Knowledge gained herein is important in minimising risks associated with engaging in economic activities that are less productive. Research aspect of the module helps improve methods of production to improve the well- being of citizens. |
| MBEIA501 |
International Investment |
The module addresses international investment and how it affects economic development. The module covers the key areas of international investment, corporate finance, international financial regulation and the problems of corporate fraud, market abuse and money laundering. This is an introductory level module on international investment, concentrating mainly on outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) and foreign portfolio investment (FPI). With the globalisation of international business, it is important for enterprises to realize that they are competing on a stadium with rivals from different geographic regions, cultures, and governments. The module intends to help students be prepared to be competitive in such an international marketplace. The scope of the multi-national enterprise and the law of conglomerates will be covered. Special reference will be from the perspective of the Zimbabwe legal systems and investment law related to the protection of investment. Reference is made to relevant customary and conventional international law (particularly bilateral investment treaties), as well as to relevant regional and international law. In addition, the module addresses the key legal obligations of the host country as relevant customary and conventional international law (particularly bilateral investment treaties), as well as to relevant regional and international law. In addition, the module addresses the key legal obligations of the host country as well as the legal obligations of the foreign investor. Policy considerations underlying this area of the investment regulation will also be examined. Other issues addressed will be the emerging international law of investment and corporate governance. In addition, this module explores extensively, the legal implications (practical and theoretical) of indirect and direct international investment. |
| MBEIA502 | Investment and Portfolio Analysis |
The course aims to assist students to acquire a broad-based body of knowledge in the areas of Investment Analysis and/or Investment Management (or Portfolio Management) leading to the development of quantitative analytical skills needed by professional investors and/or any other sophisticated individual investors in the world of finance in general or area of investment in particular. The course aims to produce a graduate who is some kind of a Warren Buffett who is regarded as arguably the most successful investor of our times who once said,” To invest successfully over a lifetime does not require a stratospheric IQ, unusual business insights, or inside information. What’s needed is a sound intellectual framework for making a decision and the ability to keep emotions from corroding that framework. “Chandra (2005) |
| MICDEV537 | International Finance for Development |
This course provides an in-depth analysis of international financial markets, institutions, and instruments and their use by governments and corporations with specific focus on using these markets and institutions to achieve sustainable economic development. The following topics are covered in this course:
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| MECD502 |
Macroeconomic Theory |
This module provides an overview of the closed and open economy macroeconomic theory. It discusses the various theories that explain issues related to the determination of output. The Keynesian-Neoclassical conflict and the rise of the rational expectations are discussed at great length. This module is an advanced treatment of the contemporary macroeconomic theory. Understanding the different macroeconomic theories will enable students to develop macroeconomic models that are relevant Zimbabwe. The module equips students with relevant macroeconomic tools that are important for analysing macroeconomic issues. The knowledge gained from this module enables students to undertake research in macroeconomic issues which is important for the creation of a stable macroeconomic economic environment in Zimbabwe. |
| MBEIA503 | Corporate Governance and Business Ethics | The debate around corporate governance has gained increased prominence over the last decade owing to the problems that business and commerce have faced both from shareholders and regulators. There have been repeated calls by stakeholders that regulators monitor more closely the behaviour of managing directors as management is seen as being dismissive of their responsibility to ensure that stakeholders are protected. Various theories of corporate governance will be contrasted and various principles of corporate governance that are relevant to Zimbabwean private sector, public sector and civic sector organisations will be reviewed. Students will be able to recognise the issues that influence corporate governance and board thinking and practice, including corporate responsibility whilst appreciating the key influencers that dictate the pace of corporate governance with illustrations drawn from Zimbabwean institutions and international experiences. Management is being viewed with increasing suspicion as they award themselves large remuneration packages against the backdrop of poor profit forecasts and dwindling share prices. A further cause of investor consternation has been the propensity of certain sectors to expose them to the realistic possibility of bankruptcy owing to what is perceived to be lackadaisical financial prudence. The banking industry, for example, has been singled out for significant criticism for this reason. The focus on Business Ethics examines how ethics are managed in businesses and how management is expected to behave ethically in an organisation. Business Ethics are essential to the continuing development of the public and private sector, in developing as well-advanced nations. This course will help you to develop authentic moral positions on management issues and essential competencies for ethical leadership. You will approach this through first exploring the underlying concepts and philosophical underpinnings of ethical governance and the threats facing it. You will then develop your skills and ethical standpoints by putting your learning into practice with assignments and practical exercises, many of which involve actual cases and dilemma trainings used in professional programs all over the world. You will be taught how to recognise and analyse ethical dilemmas and respond accordingly. The sessions provide a general grounding in both theoretical and applied ethics in a business context. |
| MBEIA504 |
Business Economics |
The purpose of Business Economics is to apply basic economic concepts to the decision-making process within the organisation. The module equips students with essential economic tools for managing business enterprises. The module covers a range of topics of critical interest to the practicing manager. The module focuses on the theory and analysis of business economics as well as empirical applications, applied problems and case studies. Although, it is mainly applied microeconomic theory, Business Economics module is to some extent interdisciplinary and an integrative module in any Business School curriculum. It draws upon elements of accounting, finance, marketing, statistics and quantitative methods for many of its concepts and analytical tools. |
| MICDEV530 | Project Finance |
This course introduces the primary analytical approaches, tools and techniques that project funders use to make, assess, structure, implement and monitor the funding of large infrastructure projects. Whilst the content of this course emphasises large transactions in the infrastructure and built environment sectors, acquired skills will be applicable across a variety of economic, social, environmental, political and technical contexts as well as to smaller projects/transactions. The following topics are covered in this course:
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| MBEIA505 |
International Business Management |
We live in a world of intensifying global relationships, one in which international business has become the key determinant of economic development and prosperity. This course is designed to give students a fundamental understanding of the environment in which international business operates and of the business practices required to compete successfully in global markets. A secondary goal for this course is for students to develop the basic decision-making skills associated with managing different aspects of international business. In order to facilitate these goals, students will be exposed to a variety of information and experience through readings in the text, articles on international business, international data bases, business cases, and a group project based on a global business situation. Thus, the course will make use of the case study methodology, which ensures that students are actively involved in analysis and decision-making, and it brings practice into the classroom, and taps a wide variety of experience from other colleagues. There will be class discussion and activities, which tend to make learning an active process by requiring the attention and effort of students. |
| MBEIA570 | Dissertation | Students will do a dissertation related to theory and knowledge gained from the programme. The dissertation will offer students an opportunity to apply computational knowledge on complex economic problems. |