LAW5357 - Corporate governance and directors' duties - 2018

This unit provides a thorough study of the law and practice of corporate governance in an international setting with particular reference to Australia. It covers general concepts of corporate governance, focusing on the legal core, including the area of directors' duties. It builds upon the area of self regulation and other contemporary issues. Principal topics include: the concept of corporate governance; overview of the current framework of corporate governance and the role, duties and powers of directors, managers and shareholders; a specific examination of major duties of directors and recommendations for reform; duties of good faith, care and diligence.

On completion of this unit students will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of, and understanding of recent developments in relation to corporate governance including the rights, powers and duties of directors, managers and auditors with creativity and initiative to new situations in professional practice and/or for further learning
• Investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories in relation to corporate governance and directors' duties
• Conduct research in corporate governance and directors' duties based on knowledge of appropriate research principle and methods
• Use cognitive, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate at an abstract level complex ideas and concepts relevant to current reform proposals; an awareness of law-and-economics perspective; and an introduction to comparative corporate law.

Research paper (3,750 words): 50%

Take-home examination (3,750 words): 50%

24 contact hours per semester (either intensive, semi-intensive or semester long, depending on the Faculty resources, timetabling and requirements)