Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit introduces the law of companies, and examines areas of topical interest in greater detail. Topics include: the role and functions of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission; the concepts of the company as a separate legal entity and limited liability; the corporate veil; the corporate constitution; the company's relationship with outsiders; the board of directors; duties of directors and officers; rights of members and minority shareholder protection; share capital and dividends; forms of corporate insolvency administrations: receiverships, voluntary administration and liquidations.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

1. identify the important elements in the regulation of companies and how they may be applied
2. understand the important features and characteristics of companies as a form of business organisation
3. analyse hypothetical case studies involving corporate law issues and formulate a legal argument by the application of statute and case law
4. develop critical research skills
5. critically evaluate the effectiveness of aspects of corporate law in the context of the changing needs of the community
6. develop written and verbal presentation skills

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 50%
Examination: (3 hours) 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Mr Phillip Lipton

Contact hours

3 hours per week

Prerequisites

Students must have passed one of the following: BTF2220, BTC2210, BTG2220, BTW2220 or BTX9541 before undertaking this unit.