Using the Curriculum:

The four modules of the EiF curriculum may be used in their entirety in sequence, representing about 15 hours of instructional time, and are easily expandable. For a shorter alternative, the course could begin at Module 2 or even at Module 3. Materials may also be pulled from the various modules and used flexibly, customized to individual courses or class sessions by topic.

  • Ethics-related topics within finance courses, selecting specific sections or case studies (e.g. the Madoff Case, Module 1; the Abacus Case, Module 2).

  • Stand-alone business ethics or ethics in finance courses, using the full four-module sequence (or specific modules, e.g. Modules 2-4).

  • Introduction to Chartered Financial Analyst designation. Several sections in the curriculum (within Modules 2 and 4) are specific to the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Professional Standards and may be especially helpful as an introduction for students who are considering taking or preparing for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation exams.

EiF curriculum Learning Objectives:

  1. Have students better understand the philosophical and conceptual foundations of ethical conduct in the field of finance.

  2. Provide students with an understanding of psychological factors (influences, biases) that may affect ethical decision-making.

  3. Provide students with articulated ethical principles and a decision-making framework to help them analyze and respond effectively to concrete ethical issues in finance.

  4. Provide students an opportunity to apply and practice ethical decision-making skills through case study exercises.

  5. Help students become aware of how professional organizations (including medical, legal, financial) set ethical expectations for members, conveyed through codes of ethics and standards.

  6. Provide students an introduction to CFA Institute's principles-based Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct and an understanding of the role it plays in promulgating standards of ethical conduct in the field of investment finance.