AY18/19 - Semester 1

The semester has been rather jam-packed and taking 50% more workload than the average student is definitely not a painless process. Just as a reference, these will be the classes I am taking! The initial idea is to clear my classes in 4.5years, so the sudden decision to graduate in 4 years resulted in my packed schedule. As a result, I have to do 30MCs for the upcoming 2 semesters. Some of you might ask why? Well, the reason is pretty straightforward. A year more of income + a year less of tuition fees + faster advancement in career.

p.s. My timetable doesn't look that ridiculous. Most of the business modules are quite light in terms of hours and FSP was not reflected here, so it looks like a decent semester. 

Anyways, the reviews for modules taken are as follows!

BSP2005 Asian Business Environment
Thoughts before: Really keen to learn more about how the business environment in Asia and how companies can thrive in such an environment. Hopefully, I can get to understand how to do business in Asia, which would help if I want to do a startup (know how to scale to the rest of Asia), or even in a company (how to access and thrive in other Asian markets).

General overview: This module is really interesting and gives a great perspective to the Asian business environment (as the name suggests). It introduces different angles to look at businesses and how it can thrive in the countries it does businesses in. These include PEST (political, economic, social, technological) factors and how various factors gel together to aid/hinder the growth of a business.

Format: This module consists of a 1X 2hrs lecture (which is webcasted = less commitment), and 1X 1hrs tutorial. Grading consists of tutorial participation (10%), 2 case presentations during tutorial timing (10% + 25%), and a final exam (55%).

My opinion: The case presentation was good as you get to work in teams to study the environment of a real business and suggest strategic directions moving forward (Strategy consulting kind of work). Teams would present their ideas and analysis to the tutorial classes, but the TA which grades your work and asks questions seem to have a fixed answer in their minds. But between your presentations, you basically have nothing to do (workload is great). Lectures were insightful and filled with real examples which gave detailed context but could have been slightly more organized. Finals was basically a 100 MCQs which seems easy, but very tricky.

Difficulty: Medium
Grade obtained: A-

MNO2009 Entrepreneurship 
Thoughts before: Really want to understand the best way to think as an entrepreneur and how to identify business opportunities through the various framework.

General overview: Module gives a framework to understand how a startup should be structured, and how it can be lean and effective. The first half of the module is very theoretical but it does shed some lights on how to structure a startup for success. It shares some ideas on identifying opportunities, and how VCs might select a startup based on their traction and performance. The second half focused more on developing a business idea and pitching the idea to the professor as well as a group of VCs (real industry professionals) for a taste of how the real pitching would be like. It was rather interesting to experience doing so, although not much relevance to the first half.

Format: Classes was made up with 1X 2hrs lecture (No webcast) and 1X 1hrs tutorial. Grades were determined based on an individual assignment (42.5%), a group assignment (42.5%) and class participation (15%).

My opinion: Good module that provides some framework to help structure a startup to perform better. The execution was not that great, but seeing that it is teaching about entrepreneurship, there is no easy way to execute it.

Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Grade obtained: B+



FIN3103 Financial Markets
Thoughts before: Understand the different components that make up the financial market and how to navigate it.

General overview: This class introduces the various aspects of the financial market and how it works. This includes a brief introduction to financial institutions and their role in the economy, as well as bank risk management to prevent their demise. It also includes an introduction to the debt market instruments, focusing on Singapore's debt market. In addition, the equity market is briefly explored with regards to its instruments and technicalities of the market (tick size, odd lot trading, taxes, margin trading, etc.). Lastly, the foreign exchange market and the derivatives market are also introduced.

Format: This module consists of 4 assessment components. Firstly, there are two closed book exams with no cheat sheet- term test (30%) and a final test (25%). There is also a group project (30%) where you work in groups to research and present an assigned topic related to the course in both a written report as well as a presentation. Finally, class participation takes up 15% of the overall grade.

My opinion: A decent introduction to the world of finance in terms of the different markets and how it is structured. Not too much math or technical background needed to navigate this class, hence I don't see much commitment for it. Quite a relaxing module to take, only requiring some effort for the tests and project when they are due.

Difficulty: Easy-Medium
Grade obtained: A-

FIN4122 Entrepreneurial Finance
Thoughts before: Understand how to value a startup and the factors to consider as CAPM and typical assessment criteria would not apply to startups.

General overview: A good class on how to navigate financially as a startup by understanding how startups are valued and how to make sure you don't run out of money. You get to understand how financing and valuation work from both the startup perspective and the VC's perspective. In terms of the startup perspective, you'll understand how to manage cash flow properly by paying attention to key metrics in business. In terms of the VC's perspective, you'll see how they choose companies and value them. More importantly, this class also explores the various considerations in a funding round, what they mean, and their implication for both a VC as well as a startup.

Format: 1 Group project (40%), 1 individual tests (30%), Class participation (30%)

My opinion: This was my favorite class of the semester and one of the most refreshing classes during my time as a business undergraduate. I was always interested in entrepreneurship and this class delivers fundamental concepts to navigate the world of financing. It brings a rare insight into the world of Venture Capital funds by putting students through a valuation process from identifying potential companies to fund, to doing due diligence, and finally building and negotiating a term sheet (offer to the startup). The class is split into groups who take on the role of startup and venture capitalist throughout the course, where they will get the opportunity to pitch, value and negotiate a contract. The final event would see two groups face off to negotiate the contract (Super tense and exciting - Venture Capital VS Startup), which could be really daunting. I loved the way in which the class was conducted, and the hands-on experience was unlike any other class.

Difficulty: Medium

Grade obtained: A+

IE4102 Independent Study Module
Thoughts before: Mini thesis on predicting flight prices.

General overview: Essentially a thesis module, you can either choose a topic of interest and propose to a professor, or ask a professor to give you a topic to study. Since it is a mini-thesis of sorts, expectations are slightly lower, but the deliverables are more or less the same.

Format: It consists of two parts - class attendance (5%) which had 3 lectures throughout the whole semester and project assessment (95%). Project assessment consisted of working attitude (15%), research methodology (20%), project execution and achievement (20%), report writing (20%) and final oral presentation (20%). In other words, put in the effort and make sure your professor acknowledges your work and you'll be fine.

My opinion: I was pretty busy throughout the semester and did not put much effort into this so I'm quite happy with the grade and what I've done. I contacted a couple of professor with my research topic of interest and basically did my own work throughout the module. My topic was on developing an automated flight price scrapping program along with building a flight price prediction model based on millions of data points. Pretty flexible module to apply your ISE concepts!

Difficulty: Depends
Grade obtained: B+


NOTE: Field Service Project and System Design Project were done throughout year 4 and is in a seperate post

AY 17/18 Semester 2 - Georgia Institute of Technology

So this was the semester that I went for an student exchange program (SEP) to USA. Perhaps one of the most chill semester ever, and I got the chance to travel without being so worried about exams or my grades! Being on exchange with many bright minds from ISE as well as NUS and NTU, there were many motivated students who wanted to seize the opportunity to learn more from their US education system. They took on 6-7 modules and overloaded in an attempt to clear more classes and map these back to NUS. As a result of peer pressure and also because I wanted to learn more as well, I took on 6 modules (The normal student takes 4 modules in the US). As a result, most of us were constrained by our timetable and could not travel as flexibly as we wanted to. So, please know your priorities when going on exchange!

This post will simply run through the classes I did briefly, as it is not as applicable to NUS.

PUBP4140 Leadership --> MNO2007 (NUS)
This was a module on leadership and taught by a very enthusiastic teacher. Assessment was done three ways: Reading a book on leadership and coming up with a poster as a team (33%), Reading another book on leadership and applying it to a particular organization that we are involved in (33%), Doing up journal entries based on the lessons in class and how it relates to our leadership journey (33%).

This module introduces some of the concepts relating to productivity, leadership types and traits, and some of the framework and leading ideas regarding leadership. It was a very different module that promoted learning and self development, and gave opportunities for improvement in whatever organization we were in. Unfortunately, as I wasn't actively involved in many organizations while in US, I couldn't apply most of what I learnt. However, the lessons learnt here and the tools I take back were helpful and contributed to the reflective and prioritizing process when I got back. It was truly refreshing.

MGT4450 Project Management --> IE4240 (NUS) 
This module introduces concepts related to managing a project, as well as some tools used in managing projects (Gantt Chart, critical path, etc). Generally boring class, but the tools can be applicable if you are taking on project manager roles. The class was conducted such that grades were determined mostly from quizzes and a group project. If you can memorize, this class will be a walk in the park for you. I only starting chugging down materials the day before the quiz and manage to do well!

CS4400 Database Management --> IE4604 (NUS)
This module introduces the language of SQL, and designing the database of a typical relational database model. A really refreshing module for me after learning the operational languages of programming (C, C++, Java) and coding up functions. This module introduces how data is stored and how it would be retrieved, etc. There are a multitude of database designs today, and this class of relational database is slightly outdated, but it provides a good introduction to database designs which can be applicable to newer ideas of databases. I used this for my internship when I got back too, so that was useful!

MGT3084 Financial Derivatives --> FIN3116 (NUS)
This module introduces concepts used to value derivative securities such as your put/call options. Concepts such as Black-Scholes model, binomial option pricing as well as application to valuing options (option to sell off project if it fails, or option to expand, etc) was introduced. We used Matlab to run simulation models and derive a fair share value for derivatives. We also learned the idea of replicating portfolio to hedge risks as well. Altogether, it was a demanding module that introduces new ways of valuation as compared to the typical CAPM model. Very refreshing, although the professor that taught this class was slightly poor at communicating his ideas.

ISYE3103 Supply Chain Modelling --> IE4220 (NUS)
This module introduces many algorithms and tools related to optimizing supply chain processes. This included EOQ models for multiple facilities and assembly systems, shortest path problems in transportation, minimum cost network flow model as well as travelling salesman problems. This class introduces in-depth modelling and some of the leading algorithms that used to optimize network problems. A very applicable module that can add value to an organization. Rigorous and applicable class.

ISYE4031 Regression Forecasting --> IE4505 (NUS)
This module focuses on the idea of advanced regression models that is built to predict outcomes. A very industrial model based on statistics that can be applied to many of the world's problems. Although statistics has some severe drawbacks (confounding, causation vs correlation, etc), this module is pretty useful in the realm of statistics and develops on basic statistics that I've learn in ISE.

You will be able to build multiple regression models and even non-linear models to predict the outcome of a particular phenomenon. This class includes concepts such as residual analysis, time series regression, exponential smoothing and box-jenkins models. I will be using most of this concepts for my mini-thesis this upcoming semester so it was really helpful for me!


Advice: Please do something else besides studying!
Apart from studying, I also did quite a bit of travelling around US and Canada. Places include: Vegas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Miami, Florida, New York and Toronto. It made my whole exchange program experience very rich and enjoyable. So please take time off studies and expand your perspective on life if it is something you want. You probably won't regret it.

AY 17/18 Semester 1

HAPPY NEW YEAR beautiful people. Kicking the new year with another post on the semester that just passed while I'm here in the US preparing for my exchange semester to Georgia Institute of Technology :) The past semester was a business-focused semester for me, and I took 4 business modules and 2 ISE modules in total. I took two lv3000 finance modules which was pretty tough, but it was also really enjoyable to learn and practice valuation on actual data and stocks. Afterall, if we learn but don't apply, are we really learning? 

I also learnt that doing my cheatsheet on my laptop would allow me to squeeze more stuff inside so I started doing it all on my laptop. Thus, I've also included my cheatsheet for some of the stuff below! :) 

IE3110 – Simulation

This module is a 5MC module, with 2X 2hrs lecture and 1X 1hr tutorial (which is basically another hour of lecture since it is also taught in the LT). There is also 6 lab sessions throughout the semester, where a teaching assistant will teach students the various functions and tools in automod (simulation software). 

This module introduces the thinking steps taken in simulation and what it entails (input data, generating numbers, analysing data, validating data, and model formulation). It is a comprehensive and useful module to help students develop models based on statistics that mirror real life systems so that solutions/strategies can be tested before implementation. Assessments are as follows: midterms (15%), finals (50%), lab test (10%), group project (20%) and assignments (5%). The group project is on formulating a simulation model for a real-life problem/system and is where you apply what you’ve learn into something concrete. Many students focus a huge amount of time and effort into the group project but the grades that come back are more or less the same (8/10 to 9.5/10) so it might not be wise to focus so much on this. Focusing more on the other components would help get better grades. That being said, the project really helps to apply concepts to real-life systems and would help a lot with learning. My advice? Put effort into the project to learn, but don't stress too much on the outcome. It is a great module to take up, though relatively time consuming, but definitely worth a shot.

Difficulty: medium

Grade Obtained: A-

Cheatsheet for finals

IE3101 – Engineering Statistics

This is one of the worst module I have done in NUS, probably due to the way it was taught. It is a 4MC module with 1X 1hr lecture and 1X 2hr lecture, along with a 1X 1hr tutorial (which nobody ever goes for).

This module teaches about the statistics, with the context of applying it to engineering problems and systems. It consist of data communication (charts, bar plots, etc), hypothesis testing with z-test and t-test, designing and testing the validity of a model (linear and multi-linear), ANOVA (analysis of variance) control charts (X-bar and R charts) as well as process control (Cpk, etc). The content taught in this module gives a comprehensive understanding of how to validate and determine if a particular claim (equation, statement, etc) is statistically valid or not, based on the balance of probability and statistics (type 1 error and type 2 error). It repeats many of the previous module’s syllabus on control charts, SPC, hypothesis testing, etc but introduces some useful concepts such as ANOVA. Assessment is 40% group presentation and 60% finals. 

The professor decided to radically change the teaching format this semester, and divided the cohort into different presentation weeks. Essentially, students would have to read up the section that they are to present, and then present the material for the rest of the students to understand during each lecture time-slot. This means the professor fundamentally doesn’t teach much. Why come up with a module that the students just self-learn everything and the professor doesn't teach? I missed most of the lectures (except the one I had to present for) and just studied on my own by reading the textbook. The finals were just as ridiculous as the way the class was taught, and had little relevance to the material taught in class. 

Difficulty: medium

Grade obtained: B+

DSC2006 – Operations Management

This class is a 4MC module with 1X 2hrs lecture and 1X 1hr tutorial each week. Webcast was webcasted for the first half (taught by Qimei), but not the second half (taught by a new prof). This module introduces concepts related to process management, which includes things such as waiting time analysis, job scheduling, batch size management, control charts, process capability analysis, project scheduling, balanced transportation model, inventory management, capacity planning, lean management and supply chain management. 

It is basically an introduction to the various facets of process management, at an almost touch-and-go fashion. You will be able to appreciate the various uses of operations management, and is similar to ISE in many ways. Assessment is done through midterms (30%) , finals (60%) and class participation (10%). The good news is that both midterms and finals are 100% mcq based, so it made life so much easier. In addition, there is cheatsheet, so it makes the module much easier. All you have to learn is to apply the concepts 😊 Coming from ISE, many of the concepts are very easy to absorb and a less in-depth version of what I have learnt. As a result, I spend very little time on it. Many business students I met also felt that it was easy nonetheless. That means that bell-curve might be slightly higher, so do note. Altogether, a decent introductory module to learn about the different concepts involved in being an operations manager, though many of the formula derivation (which is based on statistics) was not covered.

Difficulty: Easy

Grade Obtained: A

Cheatsheet for finals 

BSP2001 – Macro and International Economics

This is a 4MC module with 1X 2hr lecture (webcasted) and 1X 1hr tutorial each week. The class teaches concepts to understand the macroeconomic system in the short run, the medium run as well as the long run using various models ranging from AS-AD model, IS-LM model to the international economics which includes exchange rate policy. Assessment is done through midterms (25%), finals (50%)and tutorial assignments and presentations (25%). 

Through this class, you will be able to better analyse and appreciate how the economy behaves in the SR,MR and LR in response to economic policies that governments implement. I was a little lazy and webcasted most of my lectures, but they were quite detailed and informative, and perhaps worth a shot. Concepts were difficult to grasp at first glance, so multiple re-reading of notes and practising on questions (tutorials, practise mcq) would help solidify understanding of the class. For tutorials, you would be divided into groups to present on one of the problem sets’ question in a casual fashion, so no stress! Mark, our tutorial teacher was very good at communicating ideas and concepts and did very well to help enhance understanding of the concepts. Class participation was very chill, and not forced at all. There is 4 problem sets spread throughout the 13weeks that counts towards the 25%, and working on it well would help in getting good grades. Bell curve for this module was not too competitive, as I think many of the questions were slightly tricky. Think fast and think carefully when answering questions for this module!

Difficulty: medium

Grade Obtained: A

FIN3101 – Corporate Finance

This is a 4MC module with 1X 3hrs sectionals each week, though the workload seems to be understated. The class introduces ideas about how to choose projects (capital budgeting), raising funds and the impact of these decisions, with different degree of leverage. This class also highlights the implication of taxes, choosing a dividend policy based on different corporate objectives and determining the value of mergers and acquisitions. Assessment is done through class participation (12%), 3 tutorial assessment (12%), 1 group based case study (20%), 2 group based case critique (6%) and 2 tests (20%+30%). 

Concepts were difficult to comprehend, and the class moves fast. Self directed learning is very important here, as you need to be familiar with valuation of companies (which is not a trivial affair). I had to spend much of my time learning different ideas and concepts online, so be prepared for many google searches. I liked the module as it helped with understanding various methods and ways to valuate a company, and might prove useful in determining a fair share price for a company. Many students in the class were quick and had prior knowledge, so be prepared to study hard for this just to keep up. Case study questions were not easy as well, but very useful as you are able to apply real concepts to real situations and valuate companies (I had to valuate the share price of an IPO). Altogether a recommended module, though not an easy one.

Difficulty: Hard

Grade Obtained: A

Cheatsheet for finals

FIN3102 – Investment analysis and Portfolio Management

This is a 4MC module with 1X 3hrs sectionals each week. This module introduces ideas on valuing assets and optimizing risk-reward ratio for a portfolio of various asset classes, as well as various methods in which assets are valued (technical analysis, fundamental analysis, relative valuation) and finally bond pricing. This class is assessed by class participation (10%), group project (25%), 2 tests (30%+30%) and a ethics test (5%). The assessment criteria varies across different professors, and mine was one of the more chill professor so take note! 

Concepts taught was very interesting for me, and helped with understanding how to valuate companies, and how to optimize a portfolio. In addition, bond pricing was something extra from FIN2004 that was insightful. The tests were not easy, but bell curve is not that steep, so just make sure you understand the concepts and how to apply it. Case study was the best part of the module, where we had the chance to apply concepts to real situations. My group had to valuate a company that was at risk of bankruptcy and we managed to come up with ideas outside of class to value it (typical valuation fails due to the bankruptcy risk factor). It was altogether a very interesting experience, and we even got to access a stock simulation game where we managed a “fake” portfolio based on real time data. 

Difficulty: Hard

Grade Obtained: A

Cheatsheet for finals

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For those out there who are struggling in school, PRESS ON, and do your best. You might be like me and those around me who might focus a little too much on grades and get disheartened and get all too caught up in this grade-centric mindset. Here is a tip I hope to remind myself and perhaps whoever is reading this as well

1. GRADES MATTER, but just a little.

Growing up in Singaporean society, I have been constantly pressured by those around me to do well in school. In fact, it is the only measure of success that most people understand, even at such an old age. And the truth is, IT DOES MATTER. Although not the best yardstick to measure intelligence and how much one can contribute to a potential employer, it has some measure of how much effort and seriousness you put into your work. And that's why it is important.

That being said, THE TRUTH IS, that grades don't really matter at all if you constantly work to improve yourself. This would show very naturally, be it in the CCAs you participate in, or the opportunities you work to make for yourself. And in the long run, these are the true measure of success, because they bring you experience, and build your character. These would be the things you bring along with you after your leaving school, and determine where your future lies. It is not so much the grades, but how much effort you put into the things you want in life that would matter at the end. So don't give up in whatever you are pursuing. Do your best, and soon enough, people will notice.