Overview

The module is designed to provide an opportunity to discuss and analyse how our corporations are run, and how they should be run. This is a complex question that has a global impact as corporations, large and small, integrate with daily life of nearly all people on the planet. The module looks at the role the corporation plays in the economic life of many countries. This debate has become even more complex as a result of the sustainability debate, where, alongside the broad discussion on how corporations should be run, an additional element of sustainability had pervaded discussions.

Students will study a range of topics, including but not limited to:

Introduction to Corporate Governance. Historical views of Corporate Governance. How are Companies Run? Corporate Social Responsibility and its role modern Corporate Governance. The Role of Directors Corporate Governance. The Role of Shareholders in Corporate Governance. Regulatory Architecture in UK, Europe and Beyond. Corporate governance of Banks. Stakeholder Theory and Sustainability. The Future of Corporate Governance and Sustainability.

Assessment Strategy

threshold -C- to C+ (50-59%) • Knowledge of key areas/principles • Understands main areas • Limited evidence of background study • Answer focussed on question but also with some irrelevant material and weaknesses in structure • Arguments presented but lack coherence • Has several factual/computational errors • No original interpretation • Only major links between topics are described • Limited problem solving • Some weaknesses in presentation and accuracy.

-good -B- to B+ (60-69%) • Strong knowledge • Understands most but not all • Evidence of background study • Focussed answer with good structure • Arguments presented coherently • Mostly free of factual/computational errors • Some limited original interpretation • Well known links between topics are described • Problems addressed by existing methods/approaches • Good presentation with accurate communication.

-excellent -A- to A* (70%+) • Comprehensive knowledge • Detailed understanding • Extensive background study • Highly focussed answer and well structured • Logically presented and defended arguments • No factual/computational errors • Original interpretation • New links between topics are developed • New approach to a problem • Excellent presentation with very accurate communication

Learning Outcomes

• Critically analyse the framework underpinning theories of corporate governance.

• Critically analyse contemporary theories of corporate governance set against the sustainability debate.

• Critically analyse sustainability in the corporate governance debate while demonstrating the ability to synthesise complex information from research undertaken, and to effectively communicate that research in writing making use of appropriate legal and commercial terminology and correct referencing technique

• Critically analyse the role of corporate governance in line with the emerging sustainability debate.