This course examines the evolution and extant nature of corporations, fundamental concepts and principles of corporate governance, and current practices, and provides a framework for analysing significant corporate governance policy issues and practices. Topics include the roles of markets, regulators and various stakeholders in corporate governance. Attention is also given to diversity in practices between jurisdictions and contemporary international corporate governance issues. Students in this course also attend BUSN7045 classes and should also consult the relevant course description.

This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and issues associated with corporate governance practices and mechanisms, and critical understanding of corporate governance research. Students are expected to acquire a solid understanding of:

• The purpose and nature of corporations
• Different stakeholders roles and significance in relation to corporate governance
• The importance of regulation, markets and information in corporate governance
• International differences and similarities in relevant institutions and developments
• The ability to critically assess governance concerns for individual corporations
• A critical understanding of corporate governance research

Students taking this course are expected to commit at least 12 hours a week (including non-teaching weeks) to completing the work. This will include attending classes, course reading, research, writing and assignment work.

Students in this course attend BUSN7045 (3 hours) plus a 1-hour seminar per week. Students do not enrol in BUSN7045. In addition to the reading and preparation prescribed for BUSN7045, there are prescribed readings and key issues that are to do addressed each week. In addition to participating in general discussion, each student is required to lead the class discussion for assigned discussion questions. The reading load is typically the equivalent of 2-4 journal papers per week in addition to the BUSN7045 reading load.

It is assumed that students familiar with basic corporate structures, concepts of accountability and control, the general form and content of corporate finance reports, and the general nature and functioning of financial markets. Students are expected to have completed or be enrolled in a basic research training course equivalent to honours (e.g. BUSN8013).

No formal prerequisites but this course is normally taken only by students enrolled in or preparing for a higher degree by research.

This course is incompatible with BUSN7045

This course is based on the critical analysis of published research in addition to materials prescribed for BUSN7045