LAW41430 Commercial Networks: Business, Law and Relationships

Academic Year 2021/2022

This is a core module for students on the MSc in International Law and Business. As such it provides an advanced and critical introduction to: the dynamic relationship between law and business, with particular emphasis on the international arena; differences between the law in theory and the law in practice; business relationships, with emphasis on, for example, relational contracting; business organisations (for example partnership, corporate and group forms), with a focus on the relationship between business and human rights, and sustainable development as examples of governance complexities. The module will examine, in detail, network theory, the context for which is that, while a traditional focus contrasts hierarchical (or organisational) business forms with market (or transactional) forms, it is now clear that a variety of forms of organisational and personal networks are central to a wide range of business activity. Network theory has become a central focus for joining up the various actors involved in supporting business activities. This module asks questions such as what are networks, how law facilitates and constrains businesses in using network forms, and what impact network theory can have on more traditional corporate law?

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:


At the end of this module students should be able to:
• critically discuss the dynamic relationship between law and business, particularly in the international arena;
• critically discuss differences between the law in theory and the law in practice in the business context;
• critically discuss relational contract theory;
• critically discuss specific regulatory frameworks in the business context;
• critically discuss network theory;
• critically discuss different business organisations, with particular emphasis on the corporate form.
• demonstrate an understanding of the main and emerging governance instruments and approaches on the responsibilities of businesses vis-à-vis human rights and sustainability
• possess a critical understanding the merits and limitations of these
• be familiar with the main governance instruments and be able to competently undertake research in these areas.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Seminar (or Webinar)

21
Autonomous Student Learning

180
Total

201
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module is primarily taught by interactive seminars, which will build upon guided independent study. Full details are given in module handbook. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: Research essay in selected topic. Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

80
Group Project: Group presentation Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

20

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

The major component of assessment in this module is an end of module research essay which is directly based on the seminars throughout the module. Students will be expected to produce a 5,000 word research essay on a topic related to the seminars offered in this course. The purpose of this assignment is to offer the student the opportunity to explore in much greater depth, an area of their interest related to the course; develop skills in research, analysis and critique, as well as in the development of an argument or narrative, and the writing and citation skills necessary to communicate effectively. In addition, students will complete and present a group exercise. One of the aims of this group exercise is for students to learn from each other, both within their group and from other groups. Skills that are developed in this form of work include team and leadership skills, communication skills and organisational skills. It also involves some informal peer review.

Name Role
Dr Emer Hunt Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Mr Brian Hutchinson Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Andrew Jackson Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Cliona Kelly Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Mary Catherine Lucey Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Joe McGrath Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Noel McGrath Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Colin Scott Lecturer / Co-Lecturer