Project-Based Learning in Financials Advice

Abstract

[EN] The efficient use of the economic resources of companies, both large enterprises and SMEs, as well as the different means to obtain these resources, are critical aspects. For this reason, the new generation of students of degrees such as Business Administration and Management should know in depth the different types of banking entities, the main asset and liability operations of banking entities and the existing risk, as well as the main challenges of the banking sector for the following years. In the same way, a profound comprehension about the stock market and the simulation models to analyse different financial situations are aspects highly valued by companies. Based on this, learning requirements arise to seek active methodologies that allow students to acquire the knowledge and key competencies that companies currently require. Among these methodologies, we would like to highlight the Project-based Learning (PBL) through which the teaching-learning process is carried out through the development of a project that tries to give an answer to a real problem. Through PBL, students develop a high degree of autonomy and responsibility, since they are responsible for planning, structuring the work and preparing the project to solve a specific problem or situation. The lecturers¿ work in this methodology is to guide and support students throughout all the process of project development. Therefore, this article defines a PBL model to satisfy the current needs of the market in terms of financials advice. The PBL model involves two subjects: (i) Banking and Stock Market and (ii) Advanced financial simulation techniques taught in the Degree of Business Administration and Management in the Campus of Alcoy of Universitat Politècnica de València (Spain). The PBL model has been defined collaboratively to be performed on both subjects during one academic year. This PBL model provides students with the necessary skills and abilities to perform financial advisory tasks in the today's business context.