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KAP001 Capstone Project

This subject focuses on the advanced knowledge and skills needed to design and undertake a finance or financial planning related project. Students will explore the processes and key elements of a research proposal, including identifying contemporary issues within the financial services industry, undertaking a literature review, applying research methodologies and writing a research proposal. The capstone project will enable students to develop their theoretical knowledge further in an area of interest to themselves or their workplace. Through critical analysis of the literature relevant to their research topic, students will be able to apply their knowledge in a unique research context to construct a research proposal based on issues related to the financial services industry.

Note: Name change from Study Period 6 2022, previously KAP001 Research Project.

For more information, please refer to the subject outline here.

  • Learning outcomes

    • On successful completion of this subject, individuals should be able to:

      1. Construct a significant research topic based on finance industry issues.
      2. Review the academic literature and existing theory relevant to a chosen finance-related research topic and communicate significant findings.
      3. Evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
      4. Develop research methodology and design in order to investigate finance-related research questions.
      5. Critically analyse the major ethical issues and limitations involved in applied research.
      6. Develop, present and justify a research proposal as a basis for a finance-related research project.
  • Subject content
    • Topic Content
      Topic 1 Introduction to research
      Topic 2 Literature review
      Topic 3 Qualitative methods
      Topic 4 Quantitative methods
      Topic 5 Surveys and questionnaires
      Topic 6 Data analysis and interpretation
      Topic 7 Research Proposal

  • CPD

    • Kaplan Professional has assessed this subject. Click here for the following CPD hours applicable from 1 January 2019 on successful completion of this course. For subjects or courses completed prior to this date, please contact Kaplan Professional’s CPD Support team on 1300 527 526 or pdmail@kaplan.edu.au.

  • Duration

    • The duration of this subject is one study period (12 weeks).

  • Assessment
  • Prerequisites

    • There are no prerequisites for this subject. However, individuals should review the ‘Assumed Knowledge’ tab to understand the prior knowledge Kaplan advises they should hold before enrolling in this subject.

  • Assumed knowledge

    • Whilst there are no prerequisites for this subject, Kaplan assumes:
      Individuals enrolled in the Master of Applied Finance have completed FIN101 Financial Markets and Economic Principles, FIN102 Regulation Ethics and Risk Management, FIN103 Financial Analysis and Valuation, FIN201 Quantitative Applications in Finance, and seven (7) elective subjects (two (2) from 300-level) or understand the content covered in those subjects, prior to undertaking KAP001 Capstone Project.

      Individuals enrolled in the Master of Financial Planning have completed all other subjects including nine (9) core and two (2) elective subjects, prior to undertaking KAP001 Capstone Project.

  • Course transition subject equivalence

    • Individuals may not be required to complete this subject if they have transitioned from a SIA/Finsia/Kaplan course and have completed the following subjects:

      • KAP001 Research Project
  • Reading list

    • BPP Learning Media 2015, Business Essentials Course Book: Research Project, BPP Learning Media Ltd, London

      Note: Provided within course notes, purchase not required.