Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This course aims to equip students with an understanding of some key aspects of business, company and commercial law and introduce some fundamental concepts. The course will be relatively broad covering a range of topics including:

Business Law - an introduction to the different types of business organisations, how they are established and how they operate.

Issues to consider when starting a business including taxation, succession planning and business name.

Commercial Law – an introduction to the sale of goods and supply of services.

Business Insights - the course will also look at some current legal issues impacting on businesses in the UK.

Outline Of Syllabus

Business Law – the different types of business organisations, sole traders, partnerships, forming and terminating a partnership, private limited companies, public limited companies, incorporating a company, the role of directors, the role of shareholders and company meetings.

Key considerations when setting up a new business including name, basic taxation and succession issues.

Commercial law - an introduction to the sale of goods and supply of services.

Business insight - an understanding of current issues impacting on UK businesses.

Consideration of corporate social responsibility.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of the module, students will have acquired knowledge and understanding of:

• Basic concepts of business, company and commercial law
• The main forms of business available in English Law and factors to consider when deciding on the most suitable form
• Different types of partnerships
• How to form a partnership
• The concept of separate legal personality
• The difference between a private limited company and a public limited company
• How to incorporate a company and manage a company including a knowledge of the role of directors, shareholders and decision making
• Basic company finance
• Basic company taxation
• Business names
• A basic understanding the law relevant to sale of goods and supply of services
• Current legal issues impacting on businesses in the UK
• Corporate Social Responsibility considerations

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students should also be able to:

• Understand and use key terminology in business, company and commercial law
• Identify relevant issues, apply relevant concepts and rules, and makes legally sound judgements and
• Structure an argument based around the knowledge gained.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The teaching methods are designed to reflect a blended and more interactive and inclusive approach to teaching through online discussions, activities and guided student activities.

Lectures aim to provide an overview of the background and main principles/issues. Lectures will be supported with structured online guidance and activities. There will be time in the lectures for tasks to be completed and group discussions providing the opportunity to develop oral, analytical and critical skills. Discussion is structured to consider questions focusing on key principles and problem areas.

MCQs and short anser questions will support the lecture materials by allowing students to check their knowledge and understanding of areas by attempting MCQs. The MCQ opportunities should be completed within 30 minutes. These MCQs will provide an instant check on understanding and will include feedback or guidance relevant to individual performances. Q&A’s will be via a discussion board. Points of answer will be provided for the short answer questions.

Guided Independent Study is to be divided between preparing for lectures, consolidation, and revision.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The coursework will test practical understanding of the topics and will require application of student’s knowledge to address the question(s) posed. The question will require students to identify the relevant issues and apply principles and case law logically to provide a balanced answer; this approach will also reduce the risk of plagiarism.

General Notes

N/A