EXC 3632 Corporate Governance

EXC 3632 Corporate Governance

Course code: 
EXC 3632
Department: 
Law and Governance
Credits: 
7.5
Course coordinator: 
Knut Sogner
Course name in Norwegian: 
Corporate Governance
Product category: 
Bachelor
Portfolio: 
BBA - Specialisation in International Business
Semester: 
2024 Spring
Active status: 
Active
Level of study: 
Bachelor
Teaching language: 
English
Course type: 
One semester
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, and discusses if sustainability challenge is a possible game changer when it comes to corporate governance.

Learning outcomes - 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
Learning outcomes - Skills

After completed course students shall be able to:

  • Analyze the incentives and payoffs of different corporate structures
  • Use corporate governance analytical tools
General Competence
  • Respect for the ethical issues in corporate governance
  • Understanding of sustainable business practices both in economic, social, cultural and environmental terms
Course content
  • Introduction to the course, the history of the corporate governance field
  • Corporate governance theories
  • Comparative approaches
  • 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 vs. control
  • Corporate governance standards
  • New trends, course wrap up
Teaching and learning activities

The course is focused around a term paper that integrates the course content and encourages and demands the students to formulate their own approach. Students are expected to participate actively in class and to have completed the reading assignments before each class. They will be encouraged to present their views on the topics as the course progresses. 

The term paper question is given at the beginning of the semester. There will be a hand-in of a term paper proposal that will be graded. It is recommended that the students work in groups of three. 

All important topics will be covered in lectures. In addition to the lectures asynchronous material is added, primarily to facilitate a practical understanding of the corporate governance. Students will get digital group/indivual feedback of their term proposal.

Computer-based tools: It's Learning, Word, Excel, Powerpoint/Prezi etc. Youtube, other tool introduced if needed.

Software tools
No specified computer-based tools are required.
Qualifications

Higher Education Entrance Qualification

Disclaimer

Deviations in teaching and exams may occur if external conditions or unforeseen events call for this.

Required prerequisite knowledge

Required study progress for BBA-degree.

Assessments
Assessments
Exam category: 
Submission
Form of assessment: 
Written submission
Weight: 
30
Grouping: 
Group/Individual (1 - 3)
Duration: 
1 Semester(s)
Comment: 
Proposal for term paper (mid-term)
Exam code: 
EXC 36323
Grading scale: 
ECTS
Resit: 
Examination every semester
Exam category: 
Submission
Form of assessment: 
Written submission
Weight: 
70
Grouping: 
Group/Individual (1 - 3)
Duration: 
1 Semester(s)
Comment: 
Term paper
Exam code: 
EXC 36324
Grading scale: 
ECTS
Resit: 
Examination every semester
Type of Assessment: 
Ordinary examination
All exams must be passed to get a grade in this course.
Total weight: 
100
Student workload
ActivityDurationComment
Teaching
30 Hour(s)
Prepare for teaching
20 Hour(s)
Student's own work with learning resources
60 Hour(s)
Group work / Assignments
80 Hour(s)
Feedback on proposal.
Digital resources
10 Hour(s)
Sum workload: 
200

A course of 1 ECTS credit corresponds to a workload of 26-30 hours. Therefore a course of 7,5 ECTS credit corresponds to a workload of at least 200 hours.