Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Available to students on NN14/NN49 only

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

This module aims to equip students with an understanding of the important themes in corporate governance and ethics. The syllabus covers a number of interconnected topics that underpin these themes including risk and internal controls. The subjects covered have become increasingly important as public confidence in business has dropped and as professional bodies have included governance and ethics as core learning outcomes for their members.

Outline Of Syllabus

Corporate governance including the ‘agency problem’, the roles of directors, boards, committee structures, regulatory and legal constraints, accountability and reporting. The importance of risk assessment and management are covered as themes within corporate governance. Corporate and professional ethics.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to:
Understand and explain the important themes in corporate governance;
Explain how risk management is important in corporate governance
Describe internal controls and their importance to shareholders and regulators
Understand and explain corporate and professional ethics

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to carry out:
Analysis of case studies (real and fictional) covering relevant course content
Peer discussion of case analyses

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Key concepts and theories relating to Corporate Governance and Ethics will be explained in lecture materials and time will allow for application of the material covered to case studies. Students will develop their understanding of the 'real life' focus of the subject during sessions and can also track their progress. Reading is required to support the module and is essential to developing an understanding of the context of the subject matter.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The module will be formally assessed by a 3 hour written examination of six theory questions. Students will be required to attempt four questions of their choice, each of which will carry equal marks. Questions will contain elements of analysis and evaluation consistent with meeting the learning outcomes.

Online alternative to a formal exam hall sitting of the paper could be considered if necessary as was undertaken in 2019/20 and 2020/21.

General Notes

N/A