Skip to main content

Module

ACC4056 : Corporate Governance and Ethics

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Mrs Amy Thompson
  • Lecturer: Dr Kirsty Munro
  • Owning School: Newcastle University Business School
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System

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.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture182:0036:00PiP lecture
Guided Independent StudyAssessment preparation and completion601:0060:00Time for students to prepare and complete formative and summative assessments.
Guided Independent StudyDirected research and reading501:0050:00Estimated based on preparation for small group seminars.
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study541:0054:00N/A
Total200:00
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 Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination1802A100Organised in house by NUBS in BAF Assessment Period.
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Written exercise1MIn class question practice with feedback
Written Examination2MIn class question practice with feedback
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.

Reading Lists

Timetable