EXC 3632 Corporate Governance

APPLIES TO ACADEMIC YEAR 2016/2017

EXC 3632 Corporate Governance


Responsible for the course
Knut Sogner

Department
Department of Law

Term
According to study plan

ECTS Credits
7,5

Language of instruction
English

Introduction
The aim of the course is to introduce the students to the importance of corporate governance in developing sustainable business enterprises. Recent experiences in Norway and other countries have highlighted the effect that poor corporate governance can have on firm performance, survival and reputation. Today, not only investors, but also public authorities and high performance employees are examining a company’s corporate governance and control systems before committing to that firm. This course examines the evolving view of corporate governance in a global perspective.


Learning outcome
Acquired Knowledge
After completed course students shall have learned of:

  • Basic corporate governance concepts and theories
  • International and national standards for corporate governance
  • Corporate governance mechanisms and processes

Acquired Skills
After completed course students shall be able to:
  • Analyze the incentives and payoffs of different corporate structures
  • Use corporate governance analytical tools

Reflection
  • Respect for the ethical issues in corporate governance
  • Understanding of sustainable business practices both in economic, social, cultural and environmental terms

Prerequisites
Required study progress for BBA-degree

Compulsory reading
Books:
Huse, Morten. 2007. Boards, governance and value creation : the human side of corporate governance. Cambridge University Press. Chapter 1-9, pp. 1-236
Larcker, David F. and Brian Tayan. 2016. Corporate governance matters : a closer look at organizational choices and their consequences. 2. utg.. FT Press


Book extract:
R.Edward Freeman. Strategic management: A Stakeholder approach.. 2010. Cambridge University Press. Chapter 9. Conflict at the Board Level, pp. 195-213

Articles:
Porter, M.E. and Kramer, M.R.. 2011. Creating Shared Value. Harvard Business Review. Jan.-Feb.:Reprint R1101C.. pp. 62-77

Recommended reading

Course outline
Course outline (order of introduction may be adjusted)
  • Introduction to the course, the history of the corporate governance field
  • Corporate governance theories
  • Board composition, interaction and performance
  • Organization strategy, business models and risk assessment
  • Incentives and compensation
  • Reporting, audit and control
  • Shareholder and stakeholder engagement
  • Value creation and profit sharing
  • Corporate governance standards
  • New trends, course wrap up

Computer-based tools
It's Learning, word, excel, powerpoint/prezi etc. youtube, other tool introduced if needed

Learning process and workload
The course consists of weekly lectures over a period of 12 weeks.

The progress is secured through discussions and debates during the lectures. Students are expected to participate actively in class and to have completed the reading assignments before each class. They will be asked to present their views on the assigned cases, and to clearly argue their position in discussions of the cases.

Recommended workload in hours
Activity
Hours
Participation at lectures
36
Preparations for lectures
72
Readings
72
Preparation of case
20
Total recommended use of time
200


The learning process includes are two coursework assignments where the first is preparation of a case presentation and a question for discussion in class. The presentation may be done in in groups of up to 5 students. The list of possible cases will be presented in the beginning of the semester. The second assignment is a multiple choice test given on Itslearning.



Examination
A three hours individual witten exam concludes the course.
Examination code(s)
EXC 36321 Written exam, counts 100% towards the final grade in the course EXC 3632 Corporate Governance 7,5 credits.

Examination support materials
Bilingual dictionary.

Re-sit examination
Re-sit examination is offered every term.

Additional information