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Study information

Ethics Governance and Law

Module titleEthics Governance and Law
Module codeBEA3037DAZ
Academic year2024/5
Credits20
Module staff
Duration: Term123
Duration: Weeks

10

Number students taking module (anticipated)

50

Module description

In the dynamic landscape of modern business, where financial transactions weave a complex tapestry of economic interactions, the pillars of ethics, governance, and law stand tall as the guardians of integrity in accounting practices. As custodians of financial information, accountants play a pivotal role in shaping the economic narrative of organisations. However, the mere crunching of numbers is not enough; the ethical compass guiding these financial custodians is equally crucial. This module explores how ethics, governance, and law forms the bedrock upon which the credibility and reliability of financial information rest. 

In this intricate dance between numbers and principles, the importance of ethics, governance, and law in accounting emerges as a beacon that not only ensures financial transparency but also safeguards the trust that society places in the financial systems that underpin our global economy. Join us on a journey to unravel the intricate interplay of these forces, where numbers meet morality, and integrity becomes the cornerstone of financial stewardship

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of the Corporate and Business Law (English) syllabus is to develop knowledge and skills in the understanding of the general legal framework, and of specific legal areas relating to business, recognising the need to seek further specialist legal advice where necessary.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 1. Critically evaluate the principles of legal, professional, and ethical frameworks including regulations regarding money laundering, criminal finance, data protection, health and safety, computer misuse and cybercrime.(K8)
  • 2. Critically analyse the importance of taxation in society and its impact on government policy.(K17)

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 3. Critically evaluate internal and external factors relevant to the operational compliance of the organisation with all necessary legal, professional and ethical frameworks.(S7)

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

  • 4. Act with professional judgment and values. Apply ethical standards in making informed decisions about the courses of action that are appropriate to their business or their client including acting in the public interest.(B6)
  • 5. Act with professional scepticism including a questioning mind, being alert to conditions which may indicate a possible misstatement due to error or fraud and a critical assessment of evidence.(B5)

Syllabus plan

  • Essential elements of the legal system
  • The law of obligations (contract and tort)
  • Employment law
  • The formation and constitution of business organisation
  • Capital and the financing of companies
  • Management, administration and regulation of companies
  • Legal implications relating to companies in difficulty or in crisis
  • Governance and ethical issues relation to business

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching ActivitiesGuided independent studyPlacement / study abroad
201800

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

CategoryHours of study timeDescription
Scheduled teaching and learning activities? 20masterclasses and webinars?
Guided independent study 40Reading, research, web based activities on ELE??
Guided independent study 120Work activities??

Formative assessment

Form of assessmentSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Scenario case study Ethics Governance and Law4 Artefacts1-5Written
Scenario case study2 Artefacts5,6,8,9Written

Summative assessment (% of credit)

CourseworkWritten examsPractical exams
50500

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment% of creditSize of the assessment (eg length / duration)ILOs assessedFeedback method
Case study report502000 words with artefacts1-5Written
Exam5090 minutes1-5Written

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessmentForm of re-assessmentILOs re-assessedTimescale for re-assessment
Case study reportCase study report1-56 weeks
ExamExam1-56 weeks

Re-assessment notes

The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 40%

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

  • Davies, Worthington & Micheler (2021) Gower’s Principles of Modern Company Law, 11th edition, London: Sweet & Maxwell
  • ACCA Corporate & Business Law England Study Text : Kaplan Publishing
  • ACCA Financial Reporting Study Text : Kaplan Publishing

Key words search

Ethics Governance and Law

Credit value20
Module ECTS

10

Module pre-requisites

None

Module co-requisites

None

NQF level (module)

6

Available as distance learning?

Yes

Origin date

04/04/2024

Last revision date

04/12/2024