Module Code: H7ECG
Long Title Ethics and Corporate Governance 
Title Ethics and Corporate Governance 
Module Level: LEVEL 7
EQF Level: 6
EHEA Level: First Cycle
Credits: 10
Module Coordinator:  
Module Author: Isabela Da Silva
Departments: School of Business
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff  
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Demonstrate an understanding of the major ethical theories, and their application in a business context.
LO2 Analyse the principles of Business Ethics in an international context, and the impact of cultural differences on the application of ethics in business.
LO3 Analyse the role of the Human Resource Function in the application of good business ethics and ethical decision making.
LO4 Evaluate the key principles of corporate governance and the management of risk via internal controls, audit, reporting including the role of the Remuneration Committee and the Nomination Committee
LO5 Evaluate the role of both the Board of Directors and the Human Resource Function in the management of Corporate Governance.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements

As per programme requirements.
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Ethical Theory
Utilitarian ethics, Deontological ethics, Virtue ethics
Business Ethics
The business, legal and social responsibilities of organisations  Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)  The role of business ethics in the community and the wider society   Primary and secondary stakeholders   Stakeholder influences on Ethical Decision making
Business Ethics in an International Context
Impact of Cultural and Societal Diversity on business decision making.   Role of Ethics in International, Multinational and Transnational organisations.   Impact of Globalisation on Business Ethics
Corporate Governance & Ethics
Introduction to theory of Corporate Governance.  The link between Corporate Governance & Business Ethics and an outline of current issues
Theory of Corporate Governance
Conflict of Interest, Ownership, Agency Theory, Oversight, Stakeholder Theory
Responsibilities of Corporate Directors
Obligations of Directors and the legal constraints imposed on them.
Controls both Internal and External
Role of Internal & External Audit  Remuneration Committee,  Audit  Committee & Nomination Committee.
Risk Management & Assessment
Environmental influences (internal)   Risk Assessment and Internal control activities  Information and Communication   Monitoring risk
Role & Responsibilities of Human Resources Corporate Governance and Ethics
Distribution of Employee Benefits and Remuneration Policy  Application of Best Practice HR Policy in ethical decision making   Communication channels for employees   Company Values
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Formative Assessment % of total: Non-Marked
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4,5
Non-Marked: Yes
Assessment Description:
Formative assessment will be included by the provision of class case studies and short answer questions. Feedback will be provided individually or as a group in written and oral format, or on-line through Moodle. In addition, in class discussions will be undertaken as part of the practical approach to learning.
Assessment Type: Continuous Assessment % of total: 100
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3,4,5
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Analysis of a case study of the learner's choice or provided by lecturer   Evidence to be produced   This consists of an individual written submission requiring learners to Critically Analyse the Ethical and Corporate Governance challenges facing an organisation of your choice. Identifying the role of HR and providing  suitable recommendations. Learners will be assessed on the basis of a 3,000 word report in teams of 2.   Note: The assignment brief will be issued to learners at the start of the module
No End of Module Assessment
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture Classroom and demonstrations 36 Per Semester 3.00
Tutorial Mentoring and small-group tutoring 12 Per Semester 1.00
Independent Learning Independent learning 196 Per Semester 16.33
Directed Learning Directed e-learning 6 Per Semester 0.50
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.50
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • Dowson, P, & Robinson, S , (2012), Business Ethics in Practice, 1st ED, CIPD, London.
  • Kirwan, C. McBride, H. and O' Riordan, C. (2018), Cases in Corporate Governance and Business Ethics, Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ireland.
  • Simpson, J. and Taylor, J. (2013), Corporate Governance Ethics and CSR, Kogan Page.
  • Fisher, C. & Lovell, A, (2009), Business Ethics and Values – Individual, Corporate and International Perspectives, 3rd ED, Prentice Hall, London, UK.
  • Crane, A. and Matten, D ,(2010), Business Ethics: Managing Corporate Citizenship and Sustainability in the Age of Globalization, 3rd ED, Oxford University Press.
  • Velasquez, M.G, (2011), Business Ethics, Concepts and Cases, 7th. 7th ED , Pearson Education, New Jersey.
  • Blowfield, M. and Murray, A,(2011), Corporate Responsibility – A Critical Introduction, 2nd. ED, Oxford University Press.
  • Ghillyer, A,(2009), Business Ethics – A Real World Approach, 2nd.ED, McGraw Hill, New York.
  • Velasquez, M, (2011), Business Ethics: Concepts and Cases, 7th. ED, Pearson, London.
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Stanwick, P, & Stanwick, S,(2014), Understanding Business Ethics, 2nd ED, Sage.
  • Crane, A , & Matten, D, (2007), Business ethics, 2nd ED, Oxford University Press, Oxford.
  • Danowitz, M, Hanappi-Egger, E., & Mensi-Klarbach, H. (2012), Diversity in organizations: concepts and practices, Palgrave Macmillan, Basingstoke.
Supplementary Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: