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Pitt Business Celebrates Grand Opening of Financial Analysis Lab
On October 3, business faculty, staff, students, and corporate partners gathered to celebrate the grand opening of the Pitt Business Financial Analysis Laboratory. The event included a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by an interactive demonstration in the lab. Afterwards, the enthusiastic guests enjoyed a luncheon reception held in the Charles M. Steiner Atrium.
Remarks at the event were provided by Pitt Business Dean John Delaney and University of Pittsburgh Provost James Maher. In his comments, Dean Delaney touted the advantages of the facility, explaining how finance students will benefit from hands-on experience that mimics what they will be doing on the job. Using a football analogy, the Dean indicated that the lab will allow students to practice their skills under "game day conditions." Following the remarks, the interactive demonstration was lead by Pitt Business finance professor Kuldeep Shastri. The trading simulation, conducted by Dr. Shastri and a group of students, showcased the capabilities of the system, as well as the learning opportunities that are available when students practice taking on differing roles within the financial marketplace.
The impressive $2.3 million facility is located on the second floor of Mervis Hall. It occupies about 3,000 square feet and resembles the trading floor maintained by an investment bank or financial firm. The lab provides students with the opportunity to gain training on the technology and equipment used in the capital markets industry. In the lab, students enjoy exposure to real-time financial information flows, news feeds, and sophisticated analytic tools. Significant technology, telecommunications, and infrastructure upgrades were included in the development of the lab.
The financial analysis lab houses 58 computer stations in a classroom arrangement, as well as technology-enhanced breakout and conference rooms, a lab manager's office, an operations room, and flexible office space. The space is also equipped with tote display boards, a ticker, plasma display screens, and presentation technologies.
A number of CBA courses, including corporate finance, investment management, capital markets, and a new course in financial modeling, are being taught in the lab this semester.