School of Management, Unit Catalogue 2009/10 |
MN50455: Corporate governance in international comparison |
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Masters |
| Period:
| Semester 1 |
| Assessment:
| CW 30%, EX 70% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| |
| Description: | Aims: This unit aims to introduce students to key theoretical concepts in corporate governance, and use these concepts to understand the different economic, social and political contexts across advanced industrial and emerging economies. Learning Outcomes: This unit should enable students to develop a systematic understanding of key aspects of corporate governance systems in a number of different countries, and critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of these systems in comparison. Students should gain a comprehensive understanding for the importance of social and political factors in shaping different models of firm organization across countries, and critically understand how new social science concepts were developed in response to changes in the real world of business management. Skills: Critical and creative writing: developing the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, and generalise appropriately (F, A) Application of theories from economics, law, political science and sociology to real world cases (T, A) Ability to conduct research into business and management issues through research design, data collection, analysis, synthesis and reporting (F). Data analysis: using information and knowledge effectively, organising data, synthesising and analysing (T, A). Content: The unit outlines key theories in the field of corporate governance, such as the agency, stewardship and stakeholder perspectives. It explores key dimensions of corporate governance in an internationally comparative perspective, outlining key differences around the world in patterns of ownership, the role and structure of boards, executive compensation and careers, the market for corporate control, and forms of employee participation. Different public policy approaches will be explored critically with regard to law, politics, culture, and other institutional factors. The unit will also look at selected countries in depth, including the UK, USA, Japan, Germany, and emerging economies such as China. |