Dr. Steve Byers

Introduction to Corporate Finance

In this module we discuss the basics of financial reports and how analysts use those reports to diagnose the performance of firms. We then examine some of the tools used to evaluate projects and discuss how companies decide which projects provide the best return on investment. We will use real-time data from actual companies. We will also briefly discuss career opportunities in the area of corporate finance. Time: One hour.

Basics of Stock Investing and Financial Markets

In this module we discuss the big picture of investing in a company’s stock and the nuts and bolts of investing in mutual funds. We use real-time market data on real companies in our examples. We also discuss how financial markets in the U.S. operate, emphasizing the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ. We examine stock market indexes such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500. We will also briefly discuss career opportunities in the area of investments. Time: One hour.

Mathematics in Action: The World of Finance

Finance is a very quantitative discipline that uses tools from many areas of finance including algebra, calculus, probability, and statistics. This module explores how these mathematical tools are used in corporate finance and investing. We will examine some of the most famous finance concepts such as the Capital Asset Pricing Model and show how they directly relate to the math concepts the students are learning in their high school courses. We will also briefly discuss career opportunities in finance for those who are interested in a mathematically-oriented career. Time: One hour.