Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2016-2017 (archived)

Module BUSS3101: CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Department: Business School (Business) [Queen's Campus, Stockton]

BUSS3101: CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Type	Tied	Level	3	Credits	20	Availability	Available in 2016/17	Module Cap		Location	Queen's Campus Stockton

Tied to	N102
Tied to	N200
Tied to	N201
Tied to	NN43
Tied to	N202
Tied to	N300
Tied to	N420
Tied to	NN12
Tied to	NN34
Tied to	N400
Tied to	N402
Tied to	NN24
Tied to	NN42
Tied to	N401
Tied to	N203
Tied to	N207
Tied to	N204
Tied to	N206
Tied to	N302
Tied to	N304
Tied to	N501
Tied to	N505
Tied to	N507
Tied to	N305
Tied to	N306
Tied to	N307

Prerequisites

None.

Corequisites

None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

None.

Aims

The module aims to analyse how corporate governance structures influence the behaviour of the relevant actors inside and outside of organisations. As both internal and external systems of corporate governance are explored, the module builds on the student's knowledge gained during their previous studies.

Content

The historical development of the system of corporate governance in British companies.
New Institutional Economic Theory (especially 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 corporate reporting and information intermediaries for corporate governance.
The rationale for and impact of codes of best practice for corporate governance.
The impact of financial markets and investor behaviour on corporate governance.
International differences in systems of corporate governance.

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 interdependence between corporate finance and corporate governance.

Subject-specific Skills:

Ability to apply institutional economic theories to the analysis of corporate governance mechanisms
Ability to analyse interdependence between corporate governance and corporate finance with the help of institutional economic and financial theories

Key Skills:

Interpersonal and Written 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, seminars and support for student-centred learning. Learning takes place through attendance at lectures, preparation for and participation in seminars and private study (including student-centred learning). Formative assessment is by means of a group presentation and online quizzes. Summative assessment is by means of a written examination.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total/Hours
Lectures	19 + 2 revision	1 per week	1 hour	21
Seminars	8	4 in term 1. 4 in term 2	1 hour	8	■
Preparation and Reading				171
Total				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
One written examination	2 hours 30 mins	100%

Formative Assessment:

Contribution to a group presentation, equivalent to a 1500 word essay. Participation in online quizzes.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University