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Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2011/12


SP50123: Business, society and states: corporate power and accountability

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1
Click here for further information Assessment: CW 100%
Click here for further information Supplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites:
Click here for further information Description: Aims:
1. To review systematically, and to evaluate critically, the application of alternative approaches and paradigms in the areas of business-society interactions in which students are specialising; in particular: 2. to review and evaluate the interface of business and society in the areas of socio-political demands for business accountability and social support for business activity; so that: 3. students reflect on the major forms of these interfaces and the theories which inform them.

Learning Outcomes:
Students will have developed a comprehensive and critical understanding of, and the ability to develop rigorous arguments relating to:
* inter-disciplinary considerations in researching contemporary business;
* contemporary economic, social and political developments and their relevance for social science research in given business areas;
* contemporary social problems relating to business and how they emerge;
* the origins, development, activities and organisation of typical business practices;
* the historical and cross-national differences in business policy and contexts.

Skills:

* Evaluate research and evidence critically to appropriate postgraduate standards using a variety of academic and non-academic sources;
* Synthesise information from a variety of academic perspectives and non-academic sources for a relevant understanding of theoretical and practical approaches;
* Communicate complex issues and perspectives through written and oral media;
* Reflect on the appropriateness, strengths and weaknesses of management and social science theories, perspectives and policy making;
* Recognise and understand selected management strategies for social aspects of business;
* Advise others effectively and work effectively in teams.

Content:
The rise of the managerial-shareholder corporation. Social challenges to corporate power from collectivism to environmentalism; The role of social capital: social foundations of business enterprise from interpersonal to societal institutions, The Anglo-Saxon corporate model in comparative perspective, e.g. Italian, Japanese, and German models. Corporate social responsibility movements.
Click here for further informationProgramme availability:

SP50123 is a Designated Essential Unit on the following programmes:

Department of Social & Policy Sciences

SP50123 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Social & Policy Sciences
  • THSP-AFM13 : MSc International Public Policy Analysis (Full-time)
  • THSP-APM13 : MSc International Public Policy Analysis (Part-time)
  • THSP-APM04 : MSc International Social Policy (Part-time)
  • THSP-AFC13 : PG Cert International Public Policy Analysis (Full-time)
  • THSP-AFL13 : PG Dip International Public Policy Analysis (Full-time)
  • THSP-APL13 : PG Dip International Public Policy Analysis (Part-time)

NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.