78126 Corporate Governance

Description

Corporate governance is the framework of rules, relationships, systems and processes by which authority is exercised and controlled in corporations. Corporate governance provides a framework that shapes the dealings and relationships between directors, managers, shareholders and other parties with a stake in the corporation's success.

The subject deals with topics of central importance to the governance of large business corporations, especially those that are publicly held. This subject also explores in detail the various theoretical perspectives on corporate governance, such as director primacy theory, enlightened shareholder value theory and stakeholder theory. These theoretical constructs are examined with reference to the various models of corporate governance that exist around the world. This involves an investigation as to how authority within business corporations is allocated, exercised, reviewed and controlled. The examination of corporate powers and responsibilities involves a close study of the evolution of corporate governance, its central concerns and the resulting mix of law, quasi-prescriptive practice and social norms that simultaneously function to govern corporations. Students are introduced to a comparative perspective, which takes account of key developments in the principal markets and legal systems in Australia and other relevant jurisdictions. Students learn though seminar presentations with emphasis on application of principles of corporate governance via case study presentations (real-world application). Students also learn through participation in forum discussions and by undertaking critical research on selected governance topics.