Alternative Securities

Shine the spotlight on alternative investments in the asset management industry. Measure the return and risk profiles of hedge funds, commodities and real estate. Ascertain whether alternative investments can mesh with a mainstream portfolio strategy.

From

$4,200 $4,450

Your upfront cost: $0

International student?

Duration

14 weeks

Student rating

N/A

Study method

100% online

Available loans

FEE-HELP

Assessments

Subjects may require attendance

Prior study

Not required

Study terms

26 Feb 2018
12 Nov 2018

Australia's largest dual-sector institute, offering both TAFE and higher education, RMIT University proudly delivers work-related education and practical research relevant to current business and community needs. More than 60,000 students study with RMIT, and many of their degrees are available through Open Universities Australia.

2018

Subject details

What you'll learn

On successful completion of this subject you will be able to:

CLO 1: Examine and assess return, risk and other relevant characteristics of alternative investments
CLO 2: Analyse the role of alternative investments in portfolio management and explore the increasing significance of alternative investments in asset management industry
CLO 3: Construct a portfolio that includes alternative investments
CLO 4: Understand due diligence related to investing in alternative investments
CLO 5: Work and communicate collaboratively in a professional environment.

Topics covered

Topics
- Introduction to Alternative Investments
- Alternative Investment in Portfolio Management
- Introduction to Hedge Funds
- Risk of Hedge Funds
- Hedge Fund Benchmarks and Asset Allocation
- Introduction to Commodity
- Commodity and Managed Futures
- Real Estate Investment and Asset Allocation
- Real Estate Investment Trusts and Indices
- Venture Capital and Leverage Buyouts
- Mezzanine Financing and Distressed Debts
Study resources
- Instructional Methods
  - Disscusion forum/Discussion Board
  - Online assignment submission
- Online Materials
  - Audio-Video streaming
  - Online Assessment
  - Printable format materials
  - Resources and Links

Entry requirements

No eligibility requirements

Special requirements

No special requirements

Description

In this subject you will develop skills and knowledge of alternative investments that are predominantly used in the asset management industry. It provides an in-depth look at risk and return characteristics of various alternative investments including hedge funds, commodities, real estate and private equity (venture capital, leverage buyouts, mezzanine financing and distressed debt). You will also assess the use of alternative investments into mainstream portfolio management strategy.

The subject will combine theory with empirical exercises and you will apply analytical skills while exploring complicated issues that are specific to alternative investments.

In this subject you will be encouraged to be an active learner. Your learning will be support through various online discussions and activities comprising of individual and group work. These may include prescribed and required readings; sourcing, researching and analysing specific information; discussion; producing written work and collaborating with peers on set tasks or projects; exam.

Assessments

Assignment 1 - Assessment - Linked CLOs: 1, 2, 4, 5 (20%)
Assignment 2 - Final Invigilated Exam - Linked CLOs: 1, 2, 4 (50%)
Assignment 3 - Project - Linked CLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (30%)

Textbooks

Textbooks are subject to change within the academic year. Students are advised to purchase their books no earlier than one to two months before the start of a subject.

View textbooks

Related degrees

Postgraduate

Master of Finance