Confessions of a faculty advisor: Development of a student managed investment fund program under constraints

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe how a student-managed investment fund (SMIF) moved from an idea to an operational program over the period of a year at Memorial University in Newfoundland, Canada. The aim is to provide insight to other institutions on how to build capacity when developing their own SMIF.

Design/methodology/approach

I summarize the choices made with respect to funding source, governance structure, faculty involvement, recruitment, investment activities and integration into curriculum.

Findings

Underlying these choices were challenges pertaining to capacity, student competencies, the existing finance program and ties to industry. Through the development of the SMIF, efforts ensured that capacity was suitably developed in each of these areas.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides insight to other institutions on how to build capacity while developing their own SMIF.

Practical implications

This account provides the field with a unique perspective. It is written following a year spent developing a SMIF that is about to launch.

Originality/value

This account provides the field with a unique perspective. It is written by a new faculty member following a year spent developing a SMIF that is about to launch.

Citation

Oldford, E. (2020), "Confessions of a faculty advisor: Development of a student managed investment fund program under constraints", Managerial Finance, Vol. 46 No. 4, pp. 576-586. https://doi.org/10.1108/MF-08-2018-0390