A Bloomberg Terminal Application in an Intermediate Finance Course

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to provide a pedagogical tool for integrating practical, real time accounting and financial information in investment-related decision making. We develop and describe the Bloomberg Terminal-based instructional instrument designed to engage students in an experiential learning exercise. The instrument bridge the gap between textbook material in intermediate finance course and corresponding practical applications. The Bloomberg Terminal, a real-time computer platform, has become a prominent tool in business world. Proficiency in its functionality and applications is an important component of adequate training in finance, accounting, and business administration. Technical learning outcomes from the assignment include improved competency in obtaining and reading financial statements, formulating investment recommendations based on quantitative and theoretically proper assessment of financial and accounting data, and generating professional reports. The results from students’ surveys and final reports indicate that our application of the Bloomberg Terminal is effective for engaging students in experiential learning, integrating modern information technology into accounting and finance curricula, solidifying technical knowledge, and translating lecture material into practical business applications.

Keywords: Bloomberg; Business Education; Technology-Based Assignments; Instructional Resources; Project Sample; Experiential Learning

JEL Classification: G11, I22