What factors inform the choice of business organisation used by commercial actors? For example, why do certain business models prefer partnerships over limited liability companies despite the perceived advantages of the latter? How do commercial actors’ selection of business organisation impact their relationships with a range of stakeholders? Rather than seeing the options of business organisations as neutral choices available to commercial actors, in this module you will interrogate how capitalism, an ideology and economic model that underpins the commercial system in the United Kingdom and beyond, informs the unique characteristics and perceived advantages and disadvantages of the available business organisations. By comparatively evaluating the lifecycle of various business organisations—from formation, management, and financing to dissolution - you will critically evaluate how fundamental principles such as separate legal personality and key legal actors such as directors and partners have played a crucial role in the evolution of, and popularity of specific business organisations over others.
Lectures 16 hours, Seminars 16 hours, Independent Study 118 hours, Assessment Preparation 50 hours
Essay. Assessment Details: Essay (2000 words) worth 40% of total marks for the module.
Examination. Assessment Details: Examination (2 hours) worth 60% of total marks for the module.
Reassessment Method: Like for Like
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On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Compare and contrast the suitability of different business organisations for specific business objectives and scenarios, considering legal, policy and practical implications.
2. Critically analyse the impact of statutory and common law principles on the formation, operation, and dissolution of business organisations, applying your understanding to real-world contexts.
3. Identify and critically evaluate policy debates surrounding the legal frameworks and underpinning principles governing business organisations in the United Kingdom.
4. Apply a detailed understanding of the law on business organisations in the United Kingdom to hypothetical problem scenarios to give clear advice and predict legal outcomes.
5. Independently acquire further knowledge and understanding of law and associated debates covered in the module.
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