BFF3140 Corporate Finance II
Chief Examiner: Bharat Raj Parajuli
Lead Tutor: Sean Zhu
Tutor: Himali Palpita
Mid-Semester Test (Week 6) - S2 2022
Information Sheet
The test is scheduled to be held on Thursday the September 1st in Week 6
at 12pm (Melbourne time). For up-to-date information on the test date/time,
please refer to the University timetable. The test can only be undertaken
during the designated time. Failure to undertake this scheduled semester
test at this scheduled time will result in you receiving a grade of 0 for this
assessment component.
It is important for students to realize that this is a Centralized Test. What
this means is that, according to the Business School guidelines, centralized
tests take priority to all other scheduled activities.
The test will be delivered online. You will need to use an electronic device
for this purpose.
Note that due to copyright issues, the MST questions (some of
which are designed by the publisher or by other academics) cannot
be made public. Importantly, it is the Faculty policy that students
must NOT retain, copy, memorise or note down any exam content
for personal use or to share with any other person by any means
following your exam.
How do I access and navigate the Mid-Semester Test?
You will be able to access the Moodle Quiz via the unit Moodle site labeled
“Mid Semester Test - Quiz - 1 September 2022, 12:00pm” after clicking Mid
Semester Test grid icon. To navigate between questions, use the “previous
page” and “next page” buttons within the Moodle quiz. Do NOT use the
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browser arrows, as your answers may not be saved.
How long is the Mid-Semester Test?
You will have 60 minutes to complete this test. If you were approved with
extra time (as part of Alternative Arrangements for Assessments approved
by the Disability Support Services office), you will soon be notified.
What is the structure of the Mid-Semester Test?
The test will consist of 25 multiple-choice questions (with each question
having 4 or more answer choices). One BONUS question is from the research
papers that I posted and 24 questions are from the rest of the course mate-
rial. You probably will not much time to search through the book; So, plan
your time accordingly. Out of 25 questions, 7 are “Which of the following
statements is FALSE?” type, 13 involve some form of calculations, and 5 are
other types. You are not required to answer the BONUS questions correctly
to get the full mark on the test. Since the questions will be randomized,
BONUS question can appear anywhere in the test. Even if you do not want
to attempt the BONUS question, just click one choice and move on (you have
25% chance of getting it correct even if you select it randomly). You must
answer all questions.
MCQs are consistent with the Charter Financial Analyst (CFA) Level
1 Exam: https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/cfa/exam/level-i. The
CFA Charter Holder is one of the most prestigious titles for a financial ana-
lyst in the finance industry. Having an MCQ test will prepare you for such
industry standard tests that many of you will consider taking in your finance
career.
What do I need to study?
The test will examine content covered in lectures from Week 1 to Week
5, inclusive (and all related materials discussed in tutorials in Weeks 1 to 5,
inclusive, and on-line quizzes).
Important:
1. Lecture Notes and all illustrations provided throughout the semester;
2. Tutorial Workshop Questions/Solutions;
3. Relevant Chapters in the textbook and additional assigned readings;
4 Post-class online homework.
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Is the Mid-Semester Test open book?
Yes, the Mid-Semester Test is open book, and you can use written texts or
resource materials during the exam (either hard-copy or digital). Because this
is an open book test, some of the questions have been designed in more criti-
cal and analytical ways in order to encourage high- order thinking skills. We
want you to solve problems using the tools that we teach, and so you should
not expect direct replication of problems in learning materials. I would stress
that you need to study as though the test is closed book. If you are not
adequately prepared, and waste your time searching for answers, then you
run the risk of not finishing the test in the time available. More importantly,
preparing for the Mid-Semester test as if it was closed-book will also prepare
you better for the final exam. Recall that, unlike the Mid-Semester test, the
final exam will be closed-book with full invigilation.
Is the Mid-Semester Test invigilated?
We will not be using online invigilation. As a student, and under Monash
University’s Student Academic Integrity procedure, you must undertake your
Mid-Semester tasks, and end-of-semester tasks, including exams, with hon-
esty and integrity. In exams, you must not allow anyone else to do work for
you and you must not do any work for others. You must not contact, or
attempt to contact, another person in an attempt to gain unfair advantage
during your exam session. Assessors may take reasonable steps to check that
your work displays the expected standards of academic integrity. Failure to
comply with the above instructions, or attempting to cheat or cheating in
an exam may constitute a breach of instructions under regulation 23 of the
Monash University (Academic Board) Regulations or may constitute an act
of academic misconduct under Part 7 of the Monash University (Council)
Regulations.
Also note that the test will have multiple versions as well as different
numbers for different students, and so will rarely appear the same way twice.
Questions are also presented in random order (e.g. within section 1, question
2 for one student will be question 8 for another).
What should I have ready before I log in for the test?
Before you log in, have blank paper, pen and/or two/three lead pencils
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and an eraser, as well as your calculator ready. We expect you not to use
any other software, such as Excel (which can be a great tool in more complex
situations, but not a good use of your time during an exam situation).
What calculator should I use for the Mid-Semester Test?
You are permitted to use any model. The HP10bII+ calculator is the one
we have used throughout the unit.
Is a formula sheet available for the Mid-Semester Test?
Yes. The formula sheet available on Moodle is the formula sheet (under
Resources) you will be referring to and using during the Mid-Semester Test.
Please ensure you have access to this formula sheet throughout the sitting of
the quiz.
Do I need to know any additional formula not provided on the
formula sheet?
The more you know, the better you will perform. The formula sheet can-
not accommodate every formula. However, most questions can be attempted
with the formulae provided on the formula sheet.
Will I be provided with practice material prior to the test?
A practice semester test (10+1 questions) will be made available on Moo-
dle a week prior to the test, allowing you to get a feel of how the actual test
will work. The practice test should not be the first-stop source of study ma-
terials, nor should you solely rely on it. When you think you have completed
the revision and would like to get more sample questions to test your under-
standing, just remember that what you need is not more sample tests; they
are never enough. Fundamentally, relying exclusively on these questions will
limit your ability to solve a different question that is just slightly changed.
Rather, what you should do then is making sure that you really understand
the theory and tutorial questions. Remember, the questions in the actual test
are based on the lectures, the textbook, and tutorial materials. The MyFi-
nanceLab Study Plan contains ample practice MCQs, and is a great way to
get used to this type of question. Post- lecture quizzes will also be re-opened
before the MST to help you with your revision.
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What if I have a clash between the BFF3140 Mid-Semester Test
and another unit?
If your timetabled test clashes with a lecture or seminar in another unit
then you will be required to view the recording for that lecture or seminar
via learning capture. If you have a clash with a different class activity, please
contact the unit coordinator of the affected class to make an alternative
arrangement.
Neither of the above circumstances will constitute reasonable grounds for
special consideration. Your Mid-Semester Test takes precedence over other
activities during this designated Mid-Semester Test period.
What if I have work commitments that clash with the Mid-Semester
Test?
Outside work commitments are not sufficient grounds for special consid-
eration. If you do have outside work commitments, you will be required to
make arrangements as early as possible so you can attend your timetabled
semester test, as you would have been given early notice of this scheduled
Mid-Semester Test time.
Monash policy and procedures state under Section B of Assessment in
Coursework Units.
There are many different circumstances, which may give rise to a special
consideration application. Such as:
• Short-term serious medical condition. This includes hospital admission,
serious injury, severe asthma and severe anxiety or depression.
• Loss or bereavement (for example, death of a close family member).
• Family relationship breakdown.
• Hardship or trauma. This may include: victims of crime; sudden loss of
income or employment; or severe disruption to domestic arrangements.
• Obligations to military, jury or emergency services (such as the Country
Fire Authority).
• For students registered with the Elite Student Performer Scheme for stu-
dent athletes, artists, performers participating in a key event and for students
competing in key academic events and programs representing the University.
• for student carers, where acute illness or other exceptional cause affects
the person for whom they care and impacts on the student’s ability to pre-
pare for or perform the assessment.
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I bring to your attention that special consideration will NOT be granted
for:
• Managing workload from other units of study;
• Managing work commitments;
• Managing activities arising from voluntary representation as a member
of a club or society;
• Misreading the examination timetable; or
• Information and communications technology-related problems, except
where they could not have been prevented, avoided or the effects minimised
by reasonable diligence by students.
What if I am sick on the day of the Mid-Semester Test?
Students enrolled at an Australian campus (including those who will be
sitting the test from an overseas location) must use the online system to ap-
ply for special consideration no later than two University working days after
the test (refer to the following link for details of how to apply). Your eligi-
bility will be assessed centrally by Student and Education Business Services
(SEBS). Please note that special consideration may be granted but is NOT
guaranteed. Take careful note of the specific grounds upon which special
consideration may be granted.
Approved cases will be offered to sit the deferred test is scheduled on Oc-
tober 13th at 12:00PM. There is only one deferred test and thus
you must ensure that you can attend this deferred test scheduled
in Week 11. Attention: If you think you may apply for special
consideration (or your application has been approved) to sit the
deferred test, then do NOT click on the main MST link. If you
sit even briefly the main MST, you may not be eligible for special
consideration.
What if I fail to complete all the questions in the given time?
Allocate your time efficiently so that you attempt all questions. The test
will be automatically submitted at the closing time, resulting in a 0 mark for
any unattempted questions.
What if I encounter computer or internet issues during the test?
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As long as you make sure that you have your device, internet connection,
and Moodle access ready well in advance, we do not expect any issues. eSo-
lutions has been using the platform successfully in large cohorts and overseas
access. If you start the exam but are unable to finish it due to a serious cause
outside of your control, you’re required to provide compelling evidence of the
severity of your exceptional circumstances. The outcome of any special con-
sideration request on such grounds is far from guaranteed, and will depend,
among other things, on our system records documenting your activity as well
as the number of questions you have viewed.
When do I get my grade?
Your mark will be available on Moodle Gradebook one week after the test.
Is there a hurdle requirement for the Mid-Semester Test?
No. The Mid-Semester Test has been prepared as a formative piece of
assessment. The purpose of the test is to let you know at an early stage in
the unit how you are progressing. The intent of the Mid-Semester Test is
to identify what you know and more importantly what you do not know, so
that you can address the latter specifically before the final exam.
What feedback will I receive?
We will discuss handful of questions missed by majority of students dur-
ing the tutorials of Week 8. If you require any additional feedback, you can
discuss with your allocated tutor in their consultation times. If you would
like to review your test, we will open 10-minute private (breakout) sessions
in weeks 8 on a first-come-first-served basis. Tutors will prioritize questions
you got wrong to help you identify areas to improve on. More information
on MST viewing will be available on Moodle after the test.
Should you have any other questions, please let Sean or I know.
GOOD LUCK !