Welcome to BA300 – Principles of Finance. I look forward to spending the next few weeks with you as we explore Corporate Finance.
A few things as we dig into the semester –
Tests and homework will be open books, notes, and computers. It will be helpful if you have a laptop or tablet for the exams and classes. My philosophy is that you should know how to find, apply and interpret the key components of financial analysis – not memorize formulas and definitions.
Finance, by nature, is highly quantitative and forward-looking. We will spend extra time on some quantitative and mathematical elements to ensure you are comfortable with them. We will use Microsoft Excel as our primary tool for the analysis. If you do not have access to Microsoft Excel, you may find Google Sheets and several free and near freeware applications useful for tests and homework. While a financial calculator might prove helpful, it will not be required for this class.
There should be no reason you do not pass this class if you complete the assignments, focus on what is covered in class, show up and participate. I plan to record the lectures and post them on YouTube, so they will be available if you need to review a class lecture. These are not suitable replacements for in-class participation but should help with reviewing and dealing with the occasional absence.
I’m looking forward to class next week!