Modules | Management School | University of Liverpool

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 Governance
Code	ACFI320
Coordinator	Dr J Poletti Hughes Finance and Accounting J.Poletti-Lau@liverpool.ac.uk
Year	CATS Level	Semester	CATS Value
Session 2025-26	Level 6 FHEQ	Second Semester	15

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

ACFI101 INTRODUCTION TO FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING 2023-24; ACFI107 INTRODUCTION TO ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE (NON-SPECIALIST) 2023-24; ACFI103 Introduction to Finance 2024-25

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	24	6					30
Timetable (if known)
Private Study							120
TOTAL HOURS							150

Assessment
EXAM	Duration	Timing (Semester)	% of final mark	Resit/resubmission opportunity	Penalty for late submission	Notes
Assessment 2: Final Written Unseen Examination Assessment Type: written exam Duration: 2 hours Weighting: 50% Reassessment Opportunity: Yes Penalty for Late Submission: Standard UoL penalty appli	2		50
CONTINUOUS	Duration	Timing (Semester)	% of final mark	Resit/resubmission opportunity	Penalty for late submission	Notes
Assessment 1: Group Report Assessment Type: Coursework Size: 3000 words Weighting: 50% Reassessment Opportunity: Yes Penalty for Late Submission: Standard UoL penalty applies Anonymous	0		50

Aims

The aim of this module is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the importance of corporate governance and its role in ensuring accountability, transparency, and long-term success in businesses. Students will gain insight into the key principles of corporate governance frameworks, with a particular focus on the UK Corporate Governance Code, recognized as a benchmark globally. The module aims to develop critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling students to evaluate and discuss governance practices in various organisations. By bridging theory with practical applications and real-world case studies, the module prepares students to navigate and contribute to governance challenges in diverse business contexts.

Learning Outcomes
(LO1) Students will be able to understand the need for corporate governance and the reasons for its continued development;
(LO2) Students will be able to understand the key principles within corporate governance frameworks, with specific reference to the UK Corporate Governance Code;
(LO3) Students will be able to critically analyse and discuss the corporate governance arrangements for several types of organisation.
(S1) Organisational skills
(S2) Communication skills
(S3) International awareness
(S4) Lifelong learning skills
(S5) Ethical awareness

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method: Lecture
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 24
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method: Seminar
Scheduled Directed Student Hours: 6
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Self-Directed Learning Hours: 120

There are the following non-modular requirements:
At least one of the following: ACFI101; ACFI103; ACFI107

Skills/Other Attributes Mapping

Skills / attributes: Ethical awareness
How this is developed: Ethical awareness is developed through critical analysis of real-world corporate governance practices, exploring case studies that highlight ethical challenges and decision-making in boardroom contexts.
Mode of assessment: group coursework and final exam

Skills / attributes: Lifelong learning skills
How this is developed: Lifelong learning skills are developed through engaging with evolving corporate governance frameworks, current news analysis, and applying critical thinking to real-world and fictional case s tudies, fostering adaptability and a habit of continuous professional development.
Mode of assessment (if applicable)

Skills / attributes: International awareness
How this is developed: International awareness is developed by examining the UK Corporate Governance Code as a global benchmark and analyzing its application across diverse international organisations, alongside discussions on governance practices and challenges in various cultural and regulatory contexts. Mode of assessment (if applicable): Group Report

Skills / attributes: Communication skills
How this is developed: Communication skills are developed through group discussions in seminars on corporate governance topics, as well as through the group written analysis.
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Group Report

Skills / attributes: Organisational skills
How this is developed: Organisational skills are developed through managing the group projects and preparing structured analyses of c ase studies in preparation for the seminars.,
Mode of assessment (if applicable): Group project

Syllabus

History and development of Corporate Governance;

Relevant theories of Corporate Governance, e.g., Agency Theory;

Regulation of corporate governance

Leadership - The Board of Directors;

Effectiveness – governance and boardroom practice

Accountability – reporting to shareholders and external audit

Remuneration – directors and senior executives

Relations with shareholders

Governance outside listed companies

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