The law affects the commercial world in many ways. This module focuses on how businesses fulfil their legal obligations to customers, suppliers and their workforce. As well as exploring how businesses are structured and the duties on directors and partners it also considers the legal obligations individuals and organisations have over those to whom they have a duty of care. The module further covers the main laws governing the employment of staff and contractors. By applying the law to real-world business situations students are able to fine-tune their problem solving skills, and their ability to construct well-reasoned and persuasive arguments.
Indicative topics are:
The English Legal System, Legal Process, Dispute Resolution and the impact of European Union Law in the UK;
Law of Negligence – including general principles and negligent misstatement;
Law of Business Organisations - classification of business organisations; main principles applying to general and limited liability partnerships and registered companies, and directors' duties;
Employment Law - the general scope of the legal obligations owed by employers to employees, including the employment contract, discrimination and dismissal.
Total contact hours: 34
Private study hours: 116
Total study hours: 150
Main assessment methods:
Researched Problem Question Essay (3,000 words) (40%)
Examination, 2-hour (60%)
Reassessment methods:
100% examination
Core textbook:
MacIntyre, E. (2018) Business Law. 9th edn. London: Pearson
Recommended reading:
Adams, A, Caplan, S and Lockwood, G. (2020) Law for Business Students. 11th edn. London: Pearson
Horsey, K and Rackley, E. (2019) Tort Law. 6th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press
MacIntyre, E. (2018) Essentials of Business Law. 6th edn. London: Pearson
Roach, L. (2016) Card and James' Business Law. 4th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Wild, C. and Weinstein, S. (2019) Smith and Keenan’s Company Law. 18th edn. London: Pearson
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
-Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the English Legal System and the impact of European Union Law in the UK
- Understand and critically evaluate the legal concepts and principles of law relating to
the obligations that can arise between parties in a business relationship.
- Critically apply detailed knowledge and understanding of the legal structure governing business organisations.
- Demonstrate an in depth understanding of the main laws governing the employment of staff.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Synthesise complex information and apply multi-faceted concepts to business situations, paying careful attention to detail.
- Apply enhanced problem-solving skills to analyse and resolve issues that arise in the course of carrying out business.
- Develop an enhanced ability to structure and formulate reasoned and persuasive arguments, and defend a position convincingly
- Carry out independent research to deepen understanding.
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