Assessment
The Basics
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Task
You are expected to build an investment portfolio using a range of financial instruments, evaluate its performance over the course of a month, and critically analyze the factors that influenced its results.
- Start Early: Give yourself enough time to research, plan, and revise your work. Avoid last-minute writing by working on the assignment every week.
- Understand the Instruments: Make sure you fully understand the financial instruments you include in your portfolio how they work, their risks, and potential returns.
- Use Real Data: Base your portfolio decisions on actual market data and trends, using financial databases available via University of Kent.
- Be Critical and Reflective: Don’t just describe what happened. Support your analysis with relevant theories/concepts and consider external factors that might have influenced your portfolio’s performance. Evaluate why it happened and what you learned from the process.
- Use Clear Structure: Organize your report with a clear introduction, main body, and conclusion. Use headings if appropriate.
ssessment due to the impact of your disability or mental health condition, please contact the student engagement team for your School to request an in-course extenuating circumstance. If you have an ILP that you think requires further accommodation, please contact the module convenor to discuss how it would work.
Summary of Assessment Requirements
The assessment requires students to build an investment portfolio, monitor its performance for a one-month period, and provide a critical analysis of the factors influencing its results. Students must apply financial theories, use real market data, and demonstrate reflective thinking throughout the assignment.
Key Pointers to Be Covered in the Assessment:
- Construct a diversified investment portfolio using a range of financial instruments.
- Use real and current market data to support selection decisions.
- Evaluate portfolio performance over the month, supported by quantitative evidence.
- Apply relevant financial theories/concepts to justify decisions and outcomes.
- Critically analyze external market factors influencing portfolio performance.
- Provide reflective insights on what worked, what did not, and what was learned.
- Structure the report clearly with an introduction, main analysis, and conclusion.
- Follow University of Kent guidance, including using financial databases.
- Ensure consistent weekly engagement with the assignment rather than last-minute work.
- Consider ILP accommodations or support teams if necessary.
