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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2010 - 2011

Module Title Corporate Governance
Module Code AC405
School DCUBS

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

This module is designed to provide students with an understanding of Anglo-American corporate governance and the Irish corporate governance system with a specific emphasis on listed public companies. It thus provides a framework for analysing how different stakeholders, both internally and externally, influence the behaviour of key parties within a listed public company. Students are expected to attend lectures, seminars and contribute towards group based activities.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify and explain the main themes, perspectives and issues in the area of corporate governance.
2. Describe the role and the development of corporate governance, particularly the Anglo-American model.
3. Describe and appraise corporate governance in Ireland as well as differentiate between international differences in systems of corporate governance.
4. Discuss in an informed way the development of corporate governance structures.
5. Analyse and discuss the influence of different stakeholders on the behaviour of actors within a listed public company.
6. Work together as part of a team to identify, research, analysis and resolve a specific corporate governance problem.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture242 Hours Lectures Per Week
Independent Study20Self study
Group work42Group work on case studies
Independent Study24Reading and assessing lecture notes and case study information
Assignment Completion15Preparation for Presentation
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Corporate Governance Development
The Historical Development of the Anglo-American System of Corporate Governance; The Various Codes and Laws of Corporate Governance and their Importance; Insider/Outsider Dominated Corporate Governance Systems; Principles Based and Rules Based Corporate Governance Systems

Global Corporate Governance Systems
International Differencesa and Similarities in Systems of Corporate Governance

The Role of the Various Actors in Corporate Governance
The Role of the Board of Directors and the Shareholders in the Governance of Listed Public Companies; Sub-Committees of the Board; Directors' Remuneration; The Role of Information Providers and Information Standards in the Governance of Listed Public Companies; The Role of Government and Regulators in the Governance of Listed Public Companies.

Theories of Corporate Governance
Agency Theory; Stakeholder Theory; Transaction Cost Theory; Stockholder Theory.

Corporate Governance Context
Defining Corporate Governance; Attributes and Principles of Effective Corporate Governance; Corporate Governance Concepts; The Role of the Accountant in Corporate; Governance; Irish Corporate Governance Systems; Corporate Governance and the Market for Corporate Control.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Solomon: 2010, Corporate Governance and Accountability, Third Edition, Wiley,
  • Keasey: 2005, Corporate Governance: Accountability, Enterprise and International Comparisons, Wiley, London,
  • Kim, Nofsinger and Mohr: 2010, Corporate Governance, Third Edition,
Other Resources

1130, Report, 0, The Combined Code on Corporate Governance (2008), London, 1131, Report, 0, The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (2002), 1132, Report, 0, The Cadbury Report (1992), 1133, Report, 0, The Turnbull Report (1999), 1134, Report, 0, The Higgs Report (2003), 1135, Report, 0, The Smith Report (2003), 1136, Report, 0, The Greenbury Report (1995), 1137, 0, The UK Corporate Governance Code (2010),
Programme or List of Programmes
AFBA in Accounting & Finance
BSBachelor of Business Studies
BSIBusiness Studies ( with INTRA )
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