module specification

This module introduces students to essential principles and concepts of business law. Students are given the opportunity to examine the major sources of English law and to become familiar with the functioning of these in the context of social and cultural diversity and the modern day environment. Students will also develop an understanding of obligations in the form of commercial agreements and the c consequences of professional negligence. In addition, students will also learn about employment law issues relevant to finance professionals as well as an introduction to the law relating to the formation of different forms of business organisations

The module aims to develop knowledge and skills in the understanding of the general legal framework, and specific legal areas relating to business, recognising the need to seek further specialist legal advice where necessary.

The key skills developed in this module provides the basis for the study of specific legal aspects of corporate formation, financing and management of business organisations as well as issues of liability for specific civil activities and criminal behaviour at Level 5 and complements the accounting areas of financial reporting and audit and assurance.

There are four broad aspects of business Law to be covered in this module:

The module will introduce students to the legal structure and process including the definition and classification of the law; the structure and operation of the courts, legal personnel and the sources of law. LO1

The module then explores the law of obligations and professional practices that underpin business transactions. This section focuses on key aspects of contractual obligations including the formation, terms and liabilities for breach of contract as well as the meaning and application of tortious liability (including negligence). LO1

The third element of the module provides an over of employment issues relevant to finance professionals including contracts of employment, dismissal and redundancy. LO2

The final element of the module introduces students to the management of a company in terms of the legal requirements needed in the formation of business organisations. LO2

Detailed coverage of the formation, management and administration of business organisations including directors obligations and insolvency will be covered in Financial Reporting and Company Law (Level 5).

Students will be assessed by a combination of formative and summative assessment. The formative assessments will take place predominantly during the seminars through learning activities. Each week students are required to provide answers to discussion and practical problem questions to enable students to monitor and evaluate their progress in the module.  The lectures aim to be as interactive as possible using short answer questions during the lecture to enable students to assess their level of understanding during the class contact time.  Students will also be encouraged to submit answers to past assessment questions for feedback purposes.
The module will make use of a range of blended features including weblearn, podcasts, court and tribunal sessions.

1. Identify the essential elements of the legal system and to recognise and  apply the appropriate legal rules relating to the law of obligations (including contract and negligence) (aspects covered in assessment 1)

2. Explain and apply the law relating to employment relationships and to distinguish between the alternative forms of business organisations (assessment 2).

The assessment strategy will consist of two components:

1. 15-20 minute group presentation and in-class assessment which addresses Learning Outcomes 1.
This assessment aims to assess students’ ability to present and apply legal knowledge to practical/problem scenarios and identify the appropriate legal process.

2. Coursework (legal advice) of 1,000 words which addresses Learning Outcome 2. This assessment aims to assess the student’s ability to identify, interpret and apply legal rules and principles.

Textbooks:

Core Text: 
Marson, J, Ferris, K., Business Law, 5th edition, Oxford University Press, 2018; or
Ewan Macintyre, Business Law, 9th Edition, Pearson, February 2018

Other Texts:  
Adams, A., Law for Business Students, 1-th ed., Pearson, February 2018
Jones, Lucy, Introduction to Business Law, OUP, 4th ed. 2017
Roach, L., Card & James’ Business Law, OUP, 4th, April 2016
Gillespie, Alisdair, The English Legal System, Oxford University Press, 5th ed. 2015
Wilson, S. Rutherford, H., & others; English Legal System OUP, 2nd ed. April 2016
Wild, C. Weinstein, S, Smith & Keenan’s English Law, 17th ed., Pearson, 2013
Kelly, D, Hammer, R, Hendy, J, Business Law, 3rd ed., Routledge 2017

Journals:

The New Law Journal

Websites:

http://www.bailii.org/
www.bbc.co.uk
http://www.parliament.uk/
DirectGov
http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/

Electronic Databases:
Westlaw

Lexis Nexis