Investment Management

The Investment Management course provides a complete introduction to the principles, techniques, and ethical practices involved in managing investments in today’s dynamic financial environment. This course equips learners with the knowledge and analytical tools required to understand how financial markets function, how investment instruments are structured and valued, and how portfolios are designed to balance risk and return. Through a combination of conceptual frameworks, real-world case studies, and practical examples, learners will gain the competence to make informed investment decisions, manage portfolios effectively, and uphold professional ethics in financial practice.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the structure and functioning of global financial markets and institutions.
2. Analyse various investment instruments, including equities, bonds, funds, and alternative assets.
3. Evaluate the relationship between risk and return and apply strategies to optimise portfolio performance.
4. Apply modern portfolio theory to design diversified investment portfolios.
5. Assess companies and securities using fundamental and technical analysis.
6. Perform valuation of different asset classes using established methods.
7. Implement asset allocation, hedging, and risk management strategies.
8. Interpret fund performance measures such as the Sharpe, Treynor, and Jensen ratios.
9. Recognise behavioural biases that influence investor decision-making.
10. Apply ethical standards and professional responsibility in investment practice.

Who Should Enrol

This course is ideal for:

• Aspiring investment analysts and portfolio managers
• Finance and business students seeking practical investment understanding
• Entrepreneurs and professionals managing personal or corporate investments
• Anyone interested in improving their financial literacy and investment decision-making

No prior financial background is required. The content progresses logically from foundational concepts to advanced applications.

Mode of Study

• 100% online and self-paced
• Accessible 24/7 through the digital learning platform
• No live sessions required

Course Structure

The course consists of 20 lessons, each focusing on a core aspect of investment management.

Lesson 1 — Introduction to Investment Management

Overview of the investment process, types of investors, investment objectives, and the role of investment managers in wealth creation.

Lesson 2 — Understanding Financial Markets

Structure and functioning of global financial markets; role of stock exchanges, intermediaries, and regulators.

Lesson 3 — Investment Instruments and Asset Classes

Examination of major asset categories: equities, fixed income, money markets, derivatives, and alternative assets.

Lesson 4 — Risk and Return in Investments

Measurement of returns, risk quantification (variance, standard deviation, beta), and the risk–return trade-off.

Lesson 5 — Portfolio Theory and Diversification

Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT), correlation, efficient frontier, and optimal diversification strategies.

Lesson 6 — Asset Allocation Strategies

Strategic, tactical, and dynamic asset allocation; balancing capital preservation and growth objectives.

Lesson 7 — Fundamental Analysis: Evaluating Stocks

Company analysis using financial ratios, earnings forecasts, dividend discount models, and economic indicators.

Lesson 8 — Technical Analysis: Charting and Indicators

Use of price charts, moving averages, RSI, MACD, and volume indicators to forecast market trends.

Lesson 9 — Valuation Methods for Investments

Valuation techniques for equities, bonds, real estate, and projects: DCF, P/E ratio, NAV, and CAPM.

Lesson 10 — Fixed Income Investments: Bonds and Treasury Bills

Bond pricing, yield curves, duration, convexity, and interest rate risk management.

Lesson 11 — Equity Investments: Stocks and Equity Funds

Equity market instruments, growth versus value stocks, and characteristics of equity mutual funds.

Lesson 12 — Alternative Investments: Real Estate and Commodities

Role of property, gold, and commodities in diversification; evaluating returns and inflation hedging benefits.

Lesson 13 — Mutual Funds and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Fund structures, NAV, management styles, fees, and performance measurement.

Lesson 14 — Hedge Funds and Private Equity

Introduction to alternative investment vehicles, their strategies, risk profiles, and investor suitability.

Lesson 15 — Investment Strategies: Value, Growth, and Momentum

Comparison of major investment styles; factors influencing their performance under different market conditions.

Lesson 16 — Behavioural Finance: Understanding Investor Psychology

Cognitive biases (overconfidence, anchoring, herd behaviour) and their impact on investment decisions.

Lesson 17 — Investment Performance Measurement and Evaluation

Use of risk-adjusted metrics (Sharpe, Treynor, Jensen’s Alpha) and performance attribution analysis.

Lesson 18 — Investment Risk Management and Hedging Strategies

Identification and mitigation of risks through derivatives, futures, options, and portfolio diversification.

Lesson 19 — Ethics in Investment Management

Professional codes of conduct, fiduciary duties, conflict of interest management, and ESG considerations.

Lesson 20 — Case Studies in Investment Management

Analysis of real-world investment cases, including the 2008 Financial Crisis, Warren Buffett’s value investing, and Barings Bank collapse.

Key Highlights

• Self-paced, flexible online learning
• Practical examples and case-based approach
• Covers both traditional and alternative investment instruments
• Integrates ethics, risk management, and behavioural insights
• Designed for both beginners and professionals seeking structured knowledge

Conclusion

The Investment Management course provides a solid foundation for understanding how financial markets function and how professional investors evaluate, construct, and manage portfolios. By combining academic theory, practical analysis, and ethical insight, the course prepares learners to make sound investment decisions, manage risk effectively, and build sustainable long-term wealth in a complex global economy. Whether pursuing a career in finance or managing personal investments, this course offers the essential knowledge and analytical skills required to excel in modern investment practice.