This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.

Undergraduate Handbook 2005-2006 (archived)

Module BUSI3061: CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Department: ECONOMICS FINANCE AND BUSINESS (BUSINESS)

BUSI3061: CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Type	Level	Credits	Availability	Module Cap	Location
Open	3	20	Available in 2005/2006	None.	Durham

Pre-requisites

One level 2 Economics or Finance module.

Corequisites

None.

Excluded Combinations

None.

Aims

To analyse how corporate governance structures influence the behaviour of the actors inside an organisation.
As both internal and external systems of corporate governance are explored, the module builds on the students' knowledge gained during their previous studies, especially of Business Decisions, the Business Environment and Business Systems.

Content

The historical development of the system of corporate governance in British companies.
New Institutional Economic theory (Transaction Cost Theory, Principal-Agent Theory, Property Rights Theory) as an instrument to analyse corporate governance structures.
the role of the Board of Directors and the Shareholders in the governance of companies.
The functions of auditors and disclosure requirements in corporate governance.
the development of codes of best practice for corporate governance.
Corporate governance and the market for corporate control.
Financial aspects of corporate governance.
Financial markets, investment behaviour and international differences in systems of corporate governance.
Corporate governance in the public sector.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge

To have a critical appreciation of the role and the development of corporate governance, including an awareness of international differences in systems of corporate governance.
To be able to discuss in an informed way the development of corporate governance structures and the interdependance between corporate finance and corporate governance.

Subject-specific Skills

Application of institutional economic theories to the analysis of corporate governance mechanisms
Analysis of interdependence between corporate governance and corporate finance with the help of institutional economic and financial theories

Key Skills

Interpersonal Communication - communicating ideas in exams
Planning, Organisation and Time Management - e.g. by preparing for examinations.
Problem Solving and Analysis - by applying the necessary analytical skills, as well as the ability to manipulate concepts in corporate governance, in undertaking assessed work.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Teaching is by lectures, tutorials and support for student-centred learning. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in tutorial classes and private study (inlcuding student-centred learning). Formative assessment is by means of 1500 word essay plus contribution to group presentation. Summative assessment is by means of an unseen written examination of two hours duration.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total Hours
Lectures	21	1 Per Week	1 Hour	21
Seminars	8	4 in Term 1, 4 in Term 2	1 Hour	8
Structured Reading Week	1	In Term 2		0
Preparation and Reading				171
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component	Component Weighting	Element	Length/Duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
Examination	100%	two-hour examination	2 hours	100%

Formative Assessment

One 1500 word essay

Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University.