The course introduces the MBA candidate to tax research and to the existence of a large body of fascinating court cases dealing with numerous valuation issues, typically not covered in conventional finance courses. The course has two distinct parts. This is followed by a discussion of many of the discounts and premiums often incorporated in these valuations. Cases are used extensively during this part of the course. Additionally, every effort is made to facilitate technologically efficient communication across the class participants, including the instructor.
Students design the content of the second part of the course.
They select at least eight topics, which relate to valuation and the tax code, or to valuation issues only. In conjunction with the instructor, they identify the literature and cases pertaining to these topics which will be read and discussed. Students are encouraged to propose topics they are enthusiastic about, and which relate to their particular work setting. Every student will participate in leading the discussion of a topic and writing a paper which summarizes the questions and controversies related to that topic, including an assessment of the evidence used to support the various positions identified. During the first six meetings of the course the following subjects will be addressed in the sequence shown.