Corporate GovernanceModule Details

Rationale

The Corporate Governance course addresses the imperative need for effective corporate governance mechanisms following global scandals involving among others, Enron, WorldCom, and Lehman Brothers. It provides students with a comprehensive understanding of corporate governance, including its various systems, reform initiatives as well as various factors affecting its effectiveness/function. By delving into topics such as corporate accountability and socially responsible investment students develop the skills essential for assessing corporate governance frameworks and their impact on organisational functioning.

The aim of this course is to impart a critical understanding of the role, structure, and mechanisms of corporate governance and its practical relevance in the governance and performance of modern corporations.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course students will be expected to:

(i)     Illustrate the historical and theoretical development of corporate governance. 
(ii)    Identify the link between corporate governance reform and financial performance. 
(iii)   Analyse the initiatives introduced in order to improve the effectiveness of boards of directors. 
(iv)   Articulate ways in which institutional investors are becoming more active in corporate governance. 
(v)    Analyse the role and importance played by financial accounting and internal control systems in corporate governance. 
(vi)   Outline the differences and characteristics of different corporate governance systems. 
(vii)  Analyse the growth of corporate social responsibility and its impact on stakeholders and financial performance.
(viii) Interpret the growth of socially responsible investment and its impact on companies.