BUSB7010: Financial Markets and Instruments

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.

How the Academic Mentor Guided the Student: Step-by-Step Approach

Step 1: Understanding the Assessment and Planning

The mentor first ensured the student fully understood the task building and analyzing a portfolio not just describing investments but providing critical evaluation. The student was guided to start early, plan weekly milestones, and understand the marking criteria listed at the end of the module resources.

Step 2: Understanding Financial Instruments

The mentor walked the student through key financial instruments such as equities, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, derivatives, and commodities.
The student was advised to analyze:

• How each instrument works
• Levels of risk and expected return
• Suitability within the portfolio

This foundational clarity ensured informed portfolio construction.

Step 3: Data Collection Using Real Market Sources

The mentor guided the student on how to access University of Kent financial databases, market reports, and price history tools. The student learned to gather:

• Current stock prices
• Index performance
• Market news
• Interest rate trends

This allowed the portfolio to be built on evidence rather than assumptions.

Step 4: Portfolio Construction

The mentor helped the student select instruments by applying concepts like:

• Diversification
• Risk–return trade-off
• Asset allocation strategies
• Market timing considerations

The student built a balanced portfolio with clear justification for each asset choice.

Step 5: Monitoring Monthly Performance

Throughout the month, the mentor showed the student how to track performance using:

• Daily/weekly price movements
• Portfolio valuation metrics
• Percentage gains/losses
• Benchmark comparisons

The student learned to document trends and market reactions systematically.

Step 6: Critical Analysis

The mentor emphasized that the analysis must move beyond description.
The student was coached to examine:

• Macroeconomic factors
• Market sentiment
• Company-specific news
• Global events
• Interest rate changes

The student was trained to connect these factors to observed portfolio outcomes, demonstrating critical reasoning.

Step 7: Reflection and Learning

The mentor encouraged reflective thinking by asking:

• What decisions were effective?
• Which investments underperformed and why?
• What would you change next time?

This helped the student form a meaningful learning narrative.

Step 8: Structuring and Writing the Report

The mentor guided the student to use a clear academic structure:

• Introduction (purpose, portfolio overview)
• Main Body (instrument choices, data, analysis, monthly performance)
• Critical Reflection
• Conclusion (key takeaways and future improvements)

The student followed formal writing standards and aligned the work with the marking criteria.

Final Outcome and Learning Objectives Achieved

By following this structured mentorship approach, the student successfully:

• Built a well-reasoned investment portfolio using appropriate financial instruments.
• Used real market data for decision-making.
• Demonstrated critical thinking through performance evaluation.
• Applied financial theories to justify choices and results.
• Reflected on personal learning, market behavior, and portfolio management strategies.

Learning Objectives Covered:

• Analytical Skills: Understanding risk-return trade-off, market behavior, and investment principles.
• Critical Thinking: Evaluating external factors and explaining performance outcomes.
• Practical Financial Application: Using real market data and applying theories to real scenarios.
• Reflective Practice: Identifying strengths, weaknesses, and learning growth.
• Academic Structuring: Producing a coherent, well-organised analytical report.

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