Course Resources Archive

The module provides an advanced level course into the nature and importance of accountability of corporate organisations and in particular of larger public entities. The political and economic pressures on corporate governance and accountability in the UK are explored, and related to the various international financial reporting regimes and current developments to the City Code and similar regulations. The course will also consider international and cultural issues arising in this area.

The course will undertake a detailed study of developments in the area of corporate governance in the light of corporate failings. Students will gain an understanding of the importance of corporate governance, and of the historical difficulties that have arisen in the past leading to the current Combined Code and ongoing developments. The various elements of “Corporate Governance” will be examined, and the work of the various committees which have contributed to the Code. The course will include the evaluation of risk management within the corporate governance framework and of the ethical issues arising in the corporate governance arena.

A student passing this module should be able to;

1. Discuss a range of definitions of corporate governance, and compare and contrast several theoretical frameworks of corporate governance;
2. Appreciate the importance of effective corporate governance and the causes and consequences of weak corporate governance, and evaluate the links between corporate governance and corporate financial performance;
3. Discuss the findings of academic research relating to the effectiveness of boards as a corporate governance mechanism;
4. Consider the place of risk management for corporate entities within the corporate governance structures;
5. Evaluate the importance of institutional investors in corporate governance and assess the evidence on the impact of shareholder activism on corporate performance and company value;
6. Consider the evolution of corporate governance worldwide and assess the concept of global convergence in corporate governance;
7. Appreciate the importance of ethical standards for both individuals and corporate entities in achieving good corporate governance.
8. Use an analysis of companies’ compliance with codes of corporate governance to evaluate the effectiveness of different approaches

Scheduled learning and teaching activities:  24 hours

Guided independent study:  126 hours

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.