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.
The module covers the following topic areas:
• The English Legal System, Legal Process and Dispute Resolution;
• Law of Negligence – including general principles and negligent mis-statement
• 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
Lectures 22
Total contact hours: 33
Private study hours: 117
Total study hours: 150
Main assessment methods
Research Topic Essay (3000 words) (40%)
Examination, 2 hours (60%)
Reassessment methods
100% examination
Core textbook:
Riches S., and Allen, V. (2013) Keenan and Riches Business Law. 11th edn. London: Pearson
Recommended reading:
Adams, A. (2014) Law for Business Students. 8th edn. London: Pearson
Horsey, K and Rackley, E. (2015) Tort Law. 13th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press
MacIntyre, E. (2015) Essentials of Business Law. 4th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Pitt, G. (2016) Employment Law. 10th edn. Yorkshire: Sweet and Maxwell
Wild, C. and Weinstein, S. (2016) Smith and Keenan's Company Law. 17th edn. London: Pearson
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the English Legal System and methods of dispute resolution in the UK.
8.2 Understand and critically evaluate the impact of legal obligations on individuals and businesses to those with whom they owe a duty of care.
8.3 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the legal structure governing business organisations.
8.4 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:
9.1 Synthesise complex information and apply multi-faceted concepts to business situations, paying careful attention to detail.
9.2 Apply enhanced problem-solving skills to analyse and resolve issues that arise
in the course of carrying out business.
9.3 Develop an enhanced ability to structure and formulate reasoned and
persuasive arguments, and defend a position effectively both orally and in writing.
9.4 Carry out independent research to deepen understanding.
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