Course Overview

Basic Economics : Understanding Market Forces, Consumer Behavior, and the Global Economy

Instructors:

1. Dr. Munmun Shabnam Bipasha
• Position: Asst. Professor, Dept. of Business Admin, DIU.
• Qualifications: PhD in Economics (JU), MSS Criminology (DU), MSc Economics (JU).
• Experience: 15+ Research Articles published.
2. Prof. Dr. Mohammad Jahangir Alam
• Position: Professor, Economics Dept., Jahangirnagar University.
• Qualifications: PhD (Hiroshima University, Japan).

⏱ Duration: 12 Hours (6 weeks - 2 Hours per seasson) | Mode: In-person | Class Day: Weekend (Friday/Saturday) or Scheduled Workshop Day

Evidence of Demand

Understanding the fundamentals of economics is essential for individuals across all disciplines, as economic principles directly influence business decisions, government policies, and everyday personal choices. There is currently a strong demand for economic literacy among non-economics professionals—including engineers, healthcare providers, and entrepreneurs—who need to understand market behavior and apply economic reasoning in real-life situations.

Purpose and Objectives

This course aims to provide participants with a foundational understanding of core economic concepts and theories. Objectives:

• Analyze Markets: Enhance analytical skills related to market dynamics.
• Understand Behavior: Understand consumer behavior and production costs.
• Macro Analysis: Analyze macroeconomic policy and national income.

Detailed Course Content (Syllabus)

• Module 1: Introduction: Micro vs. Macro Economics, Scope.
• Module 2: Basic Problems: Scarcity, Opportunity Cost, Production Possibility Curve (PPC).
• Module 3: Demand & Supply: Laws, Determinants, and Curves.
• Module 4: Market Equilibrium: Price mechanism and Shifts.
• Module 5: Consumer Behavior: Utility and Indifference curves.
• Module 6: Production & Costs: Short-run vs. Long-run costs.
• Module 7: Market Structures: Perfect competition, Monopoly, Oligopoly.
• Module 8: National Income: GDP and GNP concepts.
• Module 9: Inflation & Unemployment: Causes and Business Cycles.
• Module 10: Money & Banking: Monetary policy.
• Module 11: Fiscal Policy: Taxation, Budget, and Public Expenditure.
• Module 12: International Trade: Balance of payments and Exchange rates.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Analyze basic economic problems such as scarcity and choice.
• Evaluate market behavior using demand and supply analysis.
• Understand consumer behavior and pricing mechanisms.
• Assess national income, inflation, and unemployment trends.
• Evaluate the role of monetary/fiscal policies and international trade.

Target Audience

• Undergraduate/Graduate students.
• Corporate professionals and Executives.
• Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners.
• Individuals interested in Banking and Public Policy.

Entry Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from any discipline.
• Background: No prior background in economics required.
• Minimum Age: 22 Years.

Progression Pathway

After completing this course, learners may:

• Build a foundation for further studies in Business or Economics.
• Pursue careers in Banking, Public Policy, and Corporate Strategy.
• Engage in entrepreneurial ventures requiring market analysis.

Assessment Criteria

• Method: MCQ-based examination.
• Pass Requirement: Minimum 80% score.
• Certification: Certificate in Basic Economics.

Resource Requirements

Learning Materials & Tools:

• Facilities: Multimedia classroom setup.
• Class Size: 25–30 Participants.

Course Overview

 Principles of Investment and Portfolio Management

⏱ Duration: 12 Weeks (25 Hours Total / 25 classes, 1 hour each) | Equivalent to 1 Credit Hour | Blended (In-person + Online)

Course Description

To provide foundational knowledge and practical skills in investment analysis and portfolio management, enabling informed decision-making and effective portfolio strategies.

Instructor

• Dr. Md. Azizur Rahman, Associate Professor & Head, Dept. of Business Administration, DIU. (Holds a PhD in Finance)
• Md Golam Rabby Ariyan, Chief Executive Officer, Amar Securities Limited
• Limon Moinur Rasul, Manager, UCB Investment Ltd.

Evidence of Demand

A 2024 DIU survey highlights a skills gap in capital market knowledge, with 60% of Business Department students seeking investment training. BICM course statistics show a 20% rise in enrollment for portfolio management courses, reflecting demand in merchant banks and broker houses (e.g., UCB Investment Ltd.). Job postings on bdjobs.com also emphasize skills in equity valuation and risk analysis.

Purpose and Objectives

This course aims to:

• Understand risk, return, diversification, and asset allocation.
• Analyze financial instruments (stocks, bonds, mutual funds).
• Evaluate investments using fundamental/technical analysis.
• Construct diversified portfolios based on goals/risk tolerance.
• Assess portfolio performance with metrics (e.g., beta, ratios).
• Interpret market trends and economic indicators.

Course Content & Class Plan (Modules)

• Weeks 1-2: Financial Markets & Macroeconomic Indicators - Financial Markets, Capital Market, Impact on Investor Decisions & macroeconomic factors.
• Weeks 3-4: Financial Statements Analysis - Income Statement, Balance Sheet & Cash Flow Statement.
• Weeks 5-6: Fundamental Analysis & Company valuation - Sector Analysis, Company Analysis, enterprise value & Valuation Techniques.
• Weeks 7-8: Technical Analysis - Candlestick, Dow Theory, Support and Resistance & Chart Patterns.
• Weeks 9-10: Risk-Return, Market trend & sentiment - Measuring Risk & Return Portfolio Risk and Diversification & Tools to Identify Market Trends.
• Weeks 11-12: Investment and Trading Strategies Portfolio Management - Investment Strategies, Trading Strategies, Portfolio Construction & Monitoring and Rebalancing.

Practical & Field Work

• Company Analysis: Practical analysis of financial reports.
• Demo Trading: Real-time simulation of market trading strategies.
• Live Investment/Term Paper: Hands-on application of portfolio construction and market analysis.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course, participants will be able to:

• Explain core investment concepts (risk, return, diversification).
• Analyze stocks, bonds, and mutual funds effectively.
• Evaluate market opportunities using fundamental and technical tools.
• Build diversified portfolios aligned with financial goals.
• Assess performance using beta, ratios, and relevant metrics.
• Interpret market trends for data-driven decision-making.

Target Audience & Requirements

Target Audience

• Business & Economics students (undergraduates/graduates).
• General investors seeking wealth-building skills.

Entry Requirements

• Current undergraduates or graduates in the Business Department.
• Basic interest in financial markets.
• Minimum Age: 20 Years.

Career Pathways

After completing this micro-credential, learners may:

• Jobs: Roles in merchant banks, broker houses, asset management firms (e.g., UCB Investment Ltd.).
• Business: Investing in Dhaka/Chattogram Stock Exchanges.
• Advanced Studies: Advanced certifications in portfolio management or CFA.

Assessment Criteria

• Attendance – 10%
• Class tests – 20%
• Assignments – 20%
• Demo trading – 20%
• Live investment/term paper – 20%
• Presentation – 10%

Tools & Resources

Facilities & Equipment

• Multimedia classroom with internet access.
• Computers with trading software.
• Class Size: 25 Participants.

Learning Materials & Software

• Trading software: TradingView, Excel.
• Financial databases: Bloomberg, DSE, CSE, Bangladesh Bank.

Financial Information, Certification

• Tentative Course Fee: 1,500 BDT.
• Certification: Certification issued by DIU-MCA upon completion.