ULMS Electronic Module Catalogue
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Code ULMS251
Coordinator Dr AI Rostron
Work, Organisation and Management
A.Rostron@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2023-24 Level 5 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:
 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 22

 9

         31
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 119
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Assessment 2: Written Unseen Examination Assessment Type: Written Exam Duration: 2 hours Weighting: 50% Reassessment Opportunity: Yes Penalty for Late Submission: Standard UoL penalty ap  2    50       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Assessment 1: Coursework Assessment Type: Coursework Size: 2000 words Weighting: 50% Reassessment Opportunity: Yes Penalty for Late Submission: Standard UoL penalty applies Anonymous As  0    50       

Aims

This module will provide students with a critical introduction to the institution of the corporation in its wider context. Key areas of study will include corporate governance, the history of the corporation, corporate social responsibility, and business ethics. These issues will be explored through the use of a range of theoretical perspectives and case studies and scenarios. Broadly the syllabus covers: the history and position of the corporation in society; corporate governance and strategy; the ethics of corporate behaviour; corporate codes, boards and regulation; corporate social responsibility; philanthropy. Knowledge of cases relevant to the study of the corporation and of corporate social responsibility.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Develop an understanding of contemporary changes in the business world such as business ethics

(LO2) Demonstrate an understanding of key ethical frameworks and ideas

(LO3) Appreciate how frameworks and ideas can be used to develop ethical decision-making skills and reasoning

(LO4) Understand the current ethical challenges facing managers and employees in organizations today

(S1) International awareness

(S2) Lifelong learning skills

(S3) Ethical awareness

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method – Lecture
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 22
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method - Seminar
Description: Students will be expected to complete work provided by the module leader in advance of the seminar, which will then be discussed in class.
Scheduled Directed Student Hours – 9
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Self-Directed Learning Hours: 119
Description: Students are expected to complete tasks ahead of seminars, and to read widely to prepare for lectures and seminars. A reading list will be provided in the module handbook.

This module is a pre-requisite for the following modules:
ULMS352

Skills/Other Attributes Mapping

Skills / attributes: Ethical awareness
How this is developed: Lectures; seminars; reading; preparation for assessment
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Coursework and Examination

Skills / attributes: Lifelong learning skills
How this is developed: Develo ping ability to apply theory to commercial practice
Mode of assessment (if applicable)

Skills / attributes: International awareness
How this is developed: Lectures; seminars; reading; preparation for assessment
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Coursework and Examination

Syllabus
 

Introduction to the course;

Setting the scene: What is responsibility and who is responsible?;

Narrating the rise of the corporation: an historical perspective;

Self interest and the new economy;

Agency Theory;

Corporate Governance – The principal/agent problem;

The case of Enron, BP and the Royal Bank of Scotland;

The effectiveness of codes and regulation;

Whistle blowing, virtue ethics and systems of accountability: the issues;

In what circumstances is it right to reveal perceived ‘wrong doing’ of an organization and what are the possible consequences?;

Should corporations put systems in place to allow for the reporting of failures, errors and dangers? Should we always make public the doing of wrong?;

Ethical theories: rights and duties; utilitarianism and utility;

Ethical dilemmas in business;

The environment and corporate involvement;

Stakeholder theory, stewardship theory a nd shareholder theory;

Corporate Philanthropy.

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.