PRINCIPLES OF FINANCE

Western Washington University

FIN 341 Online, Summer 2014, CRN 30666

Prof. D. R. Fewings Phone: (360) 650-4815
Office: PH 303 E-mail: fewings@wwu.edu

PREREQUISITES: ACCT 245 and DSCI 205.

TEXT: The text is Stephen Ross, R.W. Westerfield and B. D. Jordan, Fundamentals of
Corporate Finance, 10
th
edition with Connect Plus, McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2012. The eBook is
available in the SmartBook online Connect Plus study system when you register for access
through the publishers website. The free trial registration is recommended to determine whether
you will want the printed version of the text, which is available to rent or purchase separately
from the publisher and other familiar online sources.

CONNECT PLUS
Registration at the following website for the required Connect Plus account is available
beginning June 17
th
(registration is closed until then):

http://connect.mcgraw-hill.com/class/d_fewings_fin_341_principles_of_finance_online_summer_2014_1


If you are waiting for funds, or if you are uncertain if you will take the class, a three week
long "Start Free Trial" option is available, enabling you to register and access Connect Plus,
including the eBook, without immediately paying for an access code. After June 16, go to the
above web address, click on Register Now and choose the free trial. About three weeks later,
you will need to purchase access to Connect Plus to continue the course by going to the same
web address and clicking Register Now.

CALCULATOR: You will need a calculator that will, at minimum, calculate logs and exponents [such
as ln(x), e
x
, and x
y
]. A financial calculator with buttons labeled N, I/Yr, PMT, PV, and FV is strongly
recommended for financial calculation efficiency. You will be performing lots of financial calculations
and such calculator are available for less than $30. Financial calculator apps for smartphones, such as the
10bii (for Android), are also available and very convenient.

FIN 341/Fewing/Spring 2014/page 2

Canvas: All documents, lecture videos, announcements, messages, schedules and items of interest will
be accessible through the WWU Canvas system and/or Connect. The WWU Canvas URL is
https://wwu.instructure.com/
or connect through your MYWESTERN ACCOUNT, following the links and instructions given there.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND REQUIREMENTS*:

Overview of finance, financial markets, institutions, and securities.
Discussion of appropriate management goals, principle-agent problems, social values, market
regulation and ethics
Acquisition of specific knowledge of application technology and skills so you can
o Explain the concepts of value maximization, agency costs, and financial markets.
o Use ratio analysis to assess financial performance
o Apply time value of money concepts to a business situation
o Explain the concepts of stand-alone risk and portfolio risk
o Value bonds and stocks
o Apply capital investment decision making to a business situation
o Explain concepts related to capital structure, including operating and financial
leverage and the interest tax shield

*Progress and attainment of these learning objectives and those indicated in
the course schedule below will be assessed through tests and assignments as
required by the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of
Business (IAACSB), the colleges accreditation body.

ASSIGNMENTS, TESTS & GRADES


Online Connect LearnSmart assignments 20%
Online Connect homework assignments 40%
Open book online mid-term test 20%
Timed final comprehensive online exam 20%
Total 100%

Note: The appendices to the university catalogue describe important expectations, policies,
responsibilities, penalties, and procedures. A review of these materials is recommended. See the General
Catalog, Appendix D, http://www.wwu.edu/wwu_catalog/index.shtml.

COURSE SCHEDULE: See the separate document on Canvas.