The Zagreb School of Economics and Management is a private business school located in Zagreb, Croatia. It was established in 2002. The School is accredited by AACSB.

MBA Finance and Banking

The ZSEM Graduate MBA Program in Finance and Banking is currently ranked among the 10 best programs of its type in Eastern Europe.

The program aim is to prepare students for a career in commercial banks, investment funds, insurance companies, and other similar organizations.

The program consists of two semesters.

The first semester features introductory courses, such as Financial Mathematics 2 and Introduction into Financial Econometrics.

First semester:

Financial Mathematics 2
Introduction into Financial Econometrics
Financial Statement Analysis
Financial Management
Second semester:

Financial Derivatives
Financial Institutions and Markets
International Financial Management
Financial Institutions Risk Management
Financial Law
Business Ethics, CSR and Sustainability
Portfolio Management and Investments

Course description

FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS 2 (2 ECTS)

The aim of this course is to acquire basic theoretical knowledge related to financial intermediation through transferable financial instruments, which serves as a basis for understanding modern finance and the problems that arise in this context and which should make rational decisions. Students will, through the development of specific numerical examples, gain a basis for developing an analytical approach to decision making on investments in financial instruments in the context of the adopted mathematical tools and theoretical knowledge about these instruments. Through the acquired knowledge of all basic types of debt instruments and derivatives and their valuation in financial markets, students will gain the ability to understand quantitative aspects of the functioning of modern financial markets and a mathematical foundation for building a business strategy for them.

INTRODUCTION INTO FINANCIAL ECONOMETRICS (2 ECTS)

Financial econometrics is the econometrics applied to time sequence series of variables in financial markets: in particular, value of securities and their return. Most of the available financial data represents a time sequence, and accordingly, financial econometrics is mainly econometrics of time sequences. This subject will provide an overview of the financial dana features, in an attempt to introduce a framework model for this process.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT ANALYSIS (5 ECTS)

The course is primarily focused on acquiring basic concepts for interpretation of financial reports as a ground for business decision making process at management level. The course emphasizes the valuation of debtor's instruments and capital, based on internationally adopted standards.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (9 ECTS)

The course is divided into several basic units of crucial importance to financial management such as: basic theoretical concepts of modern finance, valuation and return on investment in securities, portfolio risk securities, valuation of debt and equity options, the theory of capital structure, and analysis of value creation within the company (NPV, IRR, PBP, WACC, EPS ...) etc. in modern financial theory this course is dealing with modern analysis of corporate securities in the primary and secondary capital markets and financial strategies. Separate financial focus will be on investing in stocks, investing in bonds and real estate. Using input values such as the spread, rating, solvency, capital cost, yield, maturity, business and financial risk objective of this course is to show how the practice works in Croatia and in foreign capital markets to facilitate student understanding and successfully managing the modern corporate finance.

PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENTS (9 ECTS)

The course consists of two parts: in the first part students will acquire basic knowledge of the principles of investing, they will analyze the types and characteristics of securities available for investment, and financial markets in which are they traded and investment environment. It will also be considered the valuation of financial instruments and their selection criteria for the investment portfolios of individuals and businesses. The course covers the modern theory of investment as well as traditional approaches to selecting and managing investments. Students will acquire the analytical skills needed to conduct evaluations of shares, debt securities and alternative investments. in the second part the focus is on major topics related to modern portfolio management, from asset allocation strategies to risk management. Their study, students will get the latest information on portfolio management in terms of globalized financial markets. Combining theory with practice, the course will be presented to the entire flow of the portfolio management process - from formulating investment strategy and portfolio composition, and monitoring and adjusting portfolio.

FINANCIAL LAW (2 ECTS)

The main objective of this course is to provide students valuable knowledge about the application of legal concepts in national and international business transactions, as well as prepare students for success in a business environment where more and more intertwined influences of different legal systems. Topics of this cours are focused on issues faced by companies operating in the domestic and international markets, and will therefore be of particular interest to students interested in careers of managers in various economic fields including banking, finance and consulting local international company.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS RISK MANAGEMENT (5 ECTS)

This subject is an introduction to the main financial risks faced by banks and other financial institutions. Within this framework, students will learn the role and importance of efficient functioning of risk management in financial institutions.

FINANCIAL DERIVATIVES (5 ECTS)

The course deals with market strategies based on financial derivatives, and different concepts of risk insurance (hedging). The theory that deals with the lectures extensively supported by practical examples from the world of finance, so that students get a detailed insight into the issues and challenges they face every day of the investment company, and meet customer requirements. The very principle of valuation of futures and options requires a mathematical approach, since the basic relations are based on the principle of''the impossibility of the existence of arbitration''(concept of no arbitrage).

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (5 ECTS)

This course indicates potential risks and investment opportunities which modern financial managers face in the world of volatile exchange rates, interest rates, and different financial and accounting systems. The course is divided into the following basic units: foreign exchange market, international money and capital markets, liability to interest rate and exchange rate risk, using derivatives in risk management, including options, futures and swaps, and financial innovations on global markets. Additionally, the course deals with historic and current credit crises, including debates on the topic of occurrence, effects and lessons in which the newest research in the field is applied.

FINANCIAL MARKETS AND INSTITUTIONS (5 ECTS)

This course deals with financial markets, where participants are given asymmetrical information. The main intention is to cover basic concepts, as well as to review current issues within the area of financial markets and institutions. We'll examine the role of financial intermediaries in the process of resolving information asymmetry on the loan market and in promoting economic growth.

BUSINESS ETHICS, CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY (3 ECTS)

Conceived as a continuation of the undergraduate course, in this course student will gain an ability to identify moral dilemmas in doing business and to formulate and solve these processes in a quicker and transparent way. Certain case studies will be critically evaluated and ethical decisions will be made in a transparent way. The course includes the following topics: ethical systems, ethical decision making in doing business- all in relation to customers, market, environment, procurement and international business. Furthermore, the place and role of a corporation will be analyzed in terms of its position towards culture, religion, tradition, government policy and legislation etc.

GRADUATE THESIS (8 ECTS)

At the end of the program, students are expected to write a graduate thesis. We recommend them to focus on research of issues related to banking and finance in the Croatian economy. Research areas can be recommended by sponsoring institutions, which shall directly benefit from the outcome of the thesis, in sense of implementing or improving/realizing certain business areas and project.

Contact address

Zagreb School of Economics and Management
College
Jordanovac ulica 110, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia