Introductory description

The module addresses the areas of law applicable to businesses operating in an international context, thus providing an awareness of the many aspects of the law that are relevant to the management task. This awareness is developed sufficiently to allow the appropriate initial action to be taken when an event occurs, calling on specialist legal support whenever necessary. The module also introduces methods of best practice to minimise problems of a legal nature.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

• Structure of law in the context of global systems, including the WTO as well as domestic and international jurisdictions
• Introduction to the legal system and the legal status of a company
• Types of business entity. The legal implications of carrying on a business
• The law relating to specific areas such as: legal obligations (contractual and non-contractual), intellectual property, employment, health and safety and the environment
• Obligations of the employer in relation to the individual employment relationship, as well as the impact of external regulation, including relations with trade unions
• Basic distinctions between legal systems
• Case studies
• Comparisons of legal issues relating to traditional and electronic business transactions

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Determine those aspects of the law that are likely to impact on their day-to-day job as a manager in a company operating internationally;
• Evaluate: i) potential legal implications of operational and functional management and; ii) the need for and sources of specialist legal advice
• Analyse the legal consequences of various traditional and emerging forms of business structure
• Analyse the distinctions between the legal systems of the UK, the European Union and elsewhere
• Determine the legal principles that relate to e-business, particularly in appropriate B2B areas and assess the impact of information technology on legal obligations
• Relate legal issues to conventional and virtual enterprises

Indicative reading list

Bradgate, R., White, F. and Llewelyn, M. (2011). Commercial Law. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
ISBN 0199602700, 9780199602704.

Collins, H. (2008). The Law Of Contract. 4th Ed. Cambridge. Cambridge University Pres.
ISBN 0521606438, 9780521606431.

Davis, J.S. (2003). Intellectual Property Law. 2nd Ed. London. Butterworths.
ISBN 406963797.

O'Brian, J. (2001). International Law. London; Portland, Or: Cavendish.
ISBN 1859416306, 9781859416303.

Wright, D.M. (2004). Law For Project Managers. Aldershot; Burlington, Vt: Gower.
ISBN 566086018.

Subject specific skills

Develop the ability to work in teams to prepare and present a critical analysis of the legal aspects of an important international business scenario and be able to make a critical judgment of the merits of particular arguments/approaches.

Carry out written work alone demonstrating a critical analysis of the legal aspects of an important international business scenario and being able to make a critical judgment of the merits of particular arguments/approaches.

Transferable skills

The students will be given the opportunity to develop their presentation skills.