Introduction to Investments
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of investment theory, emphasizing both theoretical frameworks and practical applications. It is designed to help students understand financial markets, the time value of money, different types of investments, including debt and equity, and the principles of portfolio construction and performance evaluation.
Introduction
The course will be delivered through a combination of pre-lecture educational videos, live virtual instruction, and practical problem-solving sessions. Each topic will begin with a video to introduce key concepts, followed by a lecture to delve deeper into the subject matter, and conclude with hands-on practice during sessions.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand and explain the structure and function of financial markets.
- Apply the time value of money in various financial calculations.
- Differentiate between debt and equity investments and understand their risk-return profiles.
- Read and interpret investment statements and performance metrics.
- Construct and manage investment portfolios considering risk tolerance and market conditions.
- Evaluate investment performance using standard financial metrics.
Course Details
To optimize learning while providing flexibility, the course is structured as follows:
Start Date: Coming Soon
Format: Virtual live classroom with instruction conducted online by a highly credentialed instructor to cater to our students’ diverse and global nature.
Duration & Schedule: 8 sessions, delivered on a weekly basis, over 2 months.
Session Details: 45 mins sessions followed by 15 mins Q&A.
Support: Throughout the course, students will be able to communicate directly with the Professor, enabling questions or topics that need further clarity outside of the live instruction to be addressed promptly.
Materials: No Textbook needed; Additional readings and problem sets will be provided throughout the course.
Assessment Methods: Assessment will be continuous and based on class participation, problem-solving sessions, and a final project focused on creating and presenting a diversified investment portfolio.
Tools: Course content materials, calendar, syllabus, modules, virtual classroom, session videos, and related course information is accessible by students directly through Succession Advisors’ online Learning Management System (www.wordpress-1638608-6499385.cloudwaysapps.com).
Tuition: $4,000
Start Date: May 2025 (Registration opening soon)
Format: Virtual live classroom with instruction conducted online by a highly credentialed instructor to cater to our students’ diverse and global nature.
Duration & Schedule: 8 sessions, delivered on a weekly basis, over 2 months.
Session Details: 45 mins sessions followed by 15 mins Q&A.
Support: Throughout the course, students will be able to communicate directly with the Professor, enabling questions or topics that need further clarity outside of the live instruction to be addressed promptly.
Materials: No Textbook needed; Additional readings and problem sets will be provided throughout the course.
Assessment Methods: Assessment will be continuous and based on class participation, problem-solving sessions, and a final project focused on creating and presenting a diversified investment portfolio.
Tools: Course content materials, calendar, syllabus, modules, virtual classroom, session videos, and related course information is accessible by students directly through Succession Advisors’ online Learning Management System (www.wordpress-1638608-6499385.cloudwaysapps.com).
Tuition: $4,000
Course Syllabus
- Video: Introduction to financial markets, real vs. financial assets
- Lecture: Role of financial markets in the economy
- Practice: Classifying assets and discussing financial intermediaries
- Video: Basics of Time Value of Money (TVM)
- Lecture: Applications of TVM in personal and corporate finance
- Practice: Calculations of Future Value and Present Value
- Video: Definitions and differences between debt and equity
- Lecture: Risk-return profiles of different investment types
- Practice: Calculating total returns and comparing debt vs. equity
- Video: Components of investment statements
- Lecture: Importance of benchmarks and performance metrics
- Practice: Interpreting statements and identifying investment red flags
- Video: Steps to create a diversified investment portfolio
- Lecture: Strategies for risk assessment and asset allocation
- Practice: Portfolio adjustments and diversification exercises
- Video: Overview of market risks and behavioral finance
- Lecture: Techniques for managing risk through diversification and hedging
- Practice: Analyzing responses to market changes and adjusting strategies
- Video: Introduction to alternative investments
- Lecture: Pros and cons of alternatives like real estate and hedge funds
- Practice: Investment allocation and risk assessment for alternatives
- Video: Key metrics for assessing investment performance
- Lecture: Benchmarking and the impact of fees on returns
- Practice: Calculating performance metrics and evaluating portfolio managers
Joshua Kocher
Joshua Kocher is a prominent finance lecturer at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. With over twenty years of experience in finance as both a trader and a portfolio manager specializing in liquid equity and fixed-income strategies, Mr. Kocher combines deep industry knowledge with academic insight. He teaches a variety of investment strategy courses to both undergraduate and graduate students within and beyond the McCombs School.
As the CEO of Texas McCombs Investment Advisors, Mr. Kocher mentors MBA students who manage large capital pools, offering them real-world investment management experience. In 2024, he earned his Financial Risk Manager (FRM) certification, enhancing his expertise in risk management and investment planning. His approach to teaching blends theory with practical application, preparing students for success in fast-changing financial markets.
Mr. Kocher has contributed to the University by organizing stock pitch competitions and overseeing both undergraduate theses and graduate independent studies. Most recently, he was recognized by the undergraduate business school student council for his commitment to teaching.