BSB107 Readings

readings from topic 2-12

Happy Money

In Chapter 1, “Buy Experiences,” of Happy Money: The New Science of Smarter Spending, Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton explain that spending money on experiences, such as travel or events, often creates greater long-term happiness than buying material possessions. The chapter discusses how experiences strengthen social connections, become part of personal identity, and are remembered more positively over time, making them more valuable for overall wellbeing.

Satisfaction Trap

In Arthur Brooks’s reading “The Satisfaction Trap,” Brooks explains how people often chase success, money, and achievement believing these will create lasting happiness, but instead they can lead to constant dissatisfaction and comparison with others. The reading argues that true happiness comes from meaning, relationships, gratitude, and personal growth rather than endlessly pursuing external rewards or higher levels of success.

Scam me if you can

In Scam Me If You Can, Frank W. Abagnale explains how scammers manipulate trust, emotions, and technology to deceive people through financial fraud and investment scams. Chapters 1 and 5 focus on exposing the common tactics used by rip-off artists and providing practical strategies individuals can use to recognise warning signs, protect personal information, and avoid fraudulent investments.

Money smart

Money Smart explains the different types of financial scams, including investment, cryptocurrency, banking, and superannuation scams, and outlines how scammers manipulate people into giving away money or personal information. The resource also provides practical strategies to identify warning signs, protect against scams, and report suspicious activity, emphasising the importance of critical thinking and verifying information before making financial decisions.

Payday lending

Payday lending’s examines the ethical issues surrounding payday lending and the collapse of the fintech company Wonga. It explains how high-interest loans, aggressive debt collection practices, and the exploitation of financially vulnerable consumers created serious social and ethical concerns, while also highlighting the importance of transparency, responsible lending, and stronger financial regulation.

Payday loans

Explains how payday loans work, including their high fees, short repayment periods, and the financial risks they can create for borrowers. The resource highlights how these loans can lead to ongoing debt and financial stress, while encouraging consumers to consider safer alternatives, understand loan conditions carefully, and seek financial support before borrowing.

Global Impact Investing Network

Explains that impact investing involves making investments intended to generate both positive social or environmental outcomes and financial returns. The resource highlights how impact investing supports areas such as sustainability, education, healthcare, and social development, while encouraging investors to measure and evaluate the real-world impact of their investments alongside profitability.

BBC

The BBC Worklife article about Sam Bankman-Fried and effective altruism explains the philosophy of using wealth and resources to create the greatest positive impact for society through careful, evidence-based decision-making. The article also discusses how Bankman-Fried claimed to follow effective altruism while leading FTX, raising questions about ethics, accountability, and whether good intentions can justify risky or harmful business behaviour.

The moral metric

In 'The Moral Metric,' Martin Sandbu examines the philosophy of effective altruism and its growing influence on business, philanthropy, and decision-making. The article explores whether measuring moral actions through efficiency and maximum impact has limitations, questioning if the philosophy can overlook ethical complexity, human values, and the unintended consequences of pursuing outcomes based mainly on measurable results.

Reflective writing

Reflective writing involves looking back on an experience, analysing it using different perspectives or theories, and explaining how it influences future learning or professional growth. Effective reflective writing goes beyond description by identifying significant experiences, evaluating their meaning, and outlining future improvements or actions.

Wirecard scandal

Reflective writing encourages students to critically examine experiences, analyse their thoughts and actions, and identify areas for future improvement and professional growth. It also supports deeper learning by connecting personal experiences with theory, helping learners develop self-awareness, critical thinking, and reflective practice skills.

Total return

The article examines how insider trading investigations into hedge fund manager Steven Cohen highlighted issues of ethics, power, and accountability within the finance industry. It also demonstrates how wealth, legal strategy, and institutional influence can shape outcomes in white-collar crime cases, despite significant evidence and public scrutiny.

Reflective practice

The reading explains how reflective practice helps individuals evaluate experiences, connect theory with real-world situations, and improve future decision-making and professional development. It also highlights that critical reflection encourages deeper self-awareness and continuous learning by analysing both strengths and areas needing improvement.

Reflective practice on experiences

The reading emphasises that reflective practice involves critically analysing experiences to improve understanding, professional competence, and future actions. It also explains that effective reflection requires individuals to evaluate emotions, assumptions, and outcomes in order to support continuous personal and professional growth.

Moral on business

The reading discusses how reflective learning enables individuals to critically evaluate experiences, identify strengths and weaknesses, and apply new understanding to future situations. It also highlights that reflection supports personal growth and professional development by encouraging continuous learning and informed decision-making.

Importance of reflective practice

The reading explains that reflective practice is an important process for developing critical thinking, self-awareness, and professional competence through analysing experiences. It also highlights that reflection helps individuals identify improvements, adapt their behaviour, and apply learning to future personal and professional situations.

Encouraging critical examination

The reading highlights that reflective practice encourages individuals to examine experiences critically to improve learning, self-awareness, and professional performance. It also explains that effective reflection involves analysing actions, emotions, and outcomes to support continuous development and future improvement.