LAW07017 2016 Foundations of Company Law and Governance
The purpose of this course is to give the student a good working knowledge of the law in relation to Companies and Partnerships and to facilitate the student in exploring legislation in these areas. It is intended that this module will create an awareness of areas where legal expertise may need to be sought.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
Outline the steps required to set up a company and describe the relevant documentation;
Discuss the practical duties and responsibilites of running a company, to include statutory books, records and returns of a company;
Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of the maintenance of capital and distributions.
Conduct a valid company meeting;
Communicate information accurately and effectively using written and visual forms;
Demonstrate the ability to cooperate and work effectively with peers.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
This module will be delivered by lecture and tutorial support as appropriate. The learner will be supported in developing an understanding of the theory and key principles in this area and how these apply in the commercial environment. Reference will be made to case study material to support this objective.
Module Assessment Strategies
This module will be assessed by Continuous Assessment (20%) during the semester and by an end of semester exam (80%).
Repeat Assessments
Repeat assessments will be developed as appropriate to assess failed elements.
Module Dependencies
Indicative Syllabus
1. Formation of Companies
- Compare companies with other forms of business organisation;
- Demonstrate an understanding of incorporation, non-incorporation and the separate legal personality";
- Outline how a company is set up and the relevant documentation required;
- Working knowledge of the Companies Act 2014 and relevant EU legislation.
2. Shareholders
- Distinguish between different types of shares and securities;
- Understand the rights of shareholders, debenture holders and minority protection;
- Outline the rules on capital maintenance, distribution and share transfers.
3. Company Administration
- Outline annual return requirements;
- Understand the requisites of a valid meeting - voting, quorums, resolutions and proxies;
- An awareness of money laundering legislation;
- Demonstrate an understand of the role and responsibilities of directors.
4. Corporate Governance
- Fundamental principles of ethics and regulation;
- Regulatory governance framework for Irish companies.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Written Report , Case study, Exam, Other | Coursework Assessment | UNKNOWN | 20 % | Week 8 | 1,2,3,4,5 |
2 | Formative and Summative Assessment Weekly activities in class such as question and answer sessions, quizes, role play etc. | Formative | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN % | OnGoing | 1,2,3,4,5 |
End of Semester / Year Assessment
Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Final Exam | Final Exam | UNKNOWN | 80 % | End of Term | 1,2,3,4 |
Full Time Mode Workload
Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lecture | Flat Classroom | In class learning | 4 | Weekly | 4.00 |
Independent Learning | UNKNOWN | Self study | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Module Resources
"Irish Company Law" by Grainne Callinan - Gill & Macmillan.
"The Law of Companies" by Thomas B. Courtney.
"Cases and Materials on Irish Company Law" by Michael Forde - Thompson Roundhall.
Companies Act 2014.
Partnership Act, 1890.
Various legal, government and European websites such as:
www.oireachtas.ie;
www.courts.ie;
www.westlaw.ie
www.constitution.ie;
www.irishstatuebook.ie;
www.europa.eu;
www.injuriesboard.ie.
www.irlii.org;
www.cro.ie.
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