2012/2013  KAN-CM_M91  Comparative Corporate Law and Governance

English Title

Comparative Corporate Law and Governance

Course information
Language	English
Exam ECTS	7.5 ECTS
Type	Elective
Level	Full Degree Master
Duration	One Semester
Course period	Spring Changes in course schedule may occur Monday 13.30-15.10, week 6,8,10,12,16,18,20,22 Wednesday 08.00-09.40, week 6,8,10,12,16,18,20
Time Table	Please see course schedule at e-Campus
Study board	Study Board for MSc in Economics and Business Administration
Course coordinator
Søren Friis Hansen - Law Department
Secretary - Trine Buch: tb.jur@cbs.dk
Main Category of the Course
Business Law Globalization, International Business, markets and studies Management Corporate and Business Strategy
Last updated on 31-10-2012

Learning objectives

We will analyse how law can best respond to business’ needs, in particular taking into account factors such as shareholder structure and industrial activities. Against this benchmark, we will evaluate various topics such as board structure, the role of shareholders, takeovers, creditors, etc., and see how the various objectives may be reconciled. The focus will be on the laws of the US, the UK, and Germany. The course offers a unique opportunity to reflect about the role and impact of law on business organization. discussions of recent cases, and interactive forms of teaching such as presentations and discussion sessions. Detailed instruction on how to complete the final exam will be conveyed throughout the course.

Prerequisite

No previous legal training is necessary

Examination

4 hours written, open book exam.

-: Type of test Written Exam Marking scale 7-step scale Second examiner No second examiner Exam period May/June Aids Open Book, Written Aid is permitted Duration 4 Hours

Examination

The exam is a 4 hour written, open book exam. The exam is PC-based with no internet access. It is also possible to write in hand.

Course content

Course Content The course intends to explore the implications of corporate law (including corporate governance) for business activity. Every firm normally chooses to operate under a specific legal system in order to derive a number of benefits such as having a separate legal personality or enjoying limited liability. Yet corporate legal systems around the world vary in how they respond to the needs of business organisation. We will analyse how law can best respond to business’ needs, in particular taking into account factors such as shareholder structure and industrial activities. Against this benchmark, we will evaluate various topics such as board structure, the role of shareholders, takeovers, creditors, etc., and see how the various objectives may be reconciled. The focus will be on the laws of the US, the UK, and Germany. The course offers a unique opportunity to reflect about the role and impact of law on business organization.

Teaching methods

The teaching will take the form of lectures, discussions of recent cases, and interactive forms of teaching such as presentations and discussion sessions. Detailed instruction on how to complete the final exam will be conveyed throughout the course.

Expected literature

Kraakman et al, The Anatomy of Corporate Law (2nd edition 2009)