Module Details

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 BUSINESS ETHICS
Code PHIL272
Coordinator Prof BE Bramble
Philosophy
B.E.Bramble@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 5 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To introduce and explain major contemporary perspectives on corporate behaviours. 

To introduce moral perspectives as they relate to managerial decision-making and corporate
structures.


To make students familiar with a range of recurrent ethical problems arising in business.


To improve students'' skills in identifying and analyzing ethical issues that managers and employees face.


To give students practice in formula ting, defending, and planning the implementation of action
plans managing ethical dilemmas.


    Learning Outcomes

    Students will be able to discuss the main theories concerning the place of ethics in business.

    Student will be able to explain assess the main approaches to normative ethics.
    Students will be able to state and discuss the broad ethical principles concerning costs and benefits, the challenge posed by uncertainty, professional roles, profits and the right of shareholder interests, and affirmative action.

    Students will be able to state and discuss the broad ethical principles concerning the obligations of complex organizations with respect to loyalty and whistle-blowing, insider trading, customer responsibility, and corporate responsibility.

    Students will be able to state and discuss the broad ethical principles concerning social justice and executive compensation.

    Students will be able to consider an ethical approach as a basis for sustainable marketing.


    Syllabus

    Background for Business Ethics: Is There Room for Ethics in Business?

    Basic Theory: Consequentialism and Deontology.

    Ethical Decisions, Costs and Benefits, and the Challenge Posed by Uncertainty.

    Professional Roles, Competition, and Adversary.

    Profits, What Else? The Rights and Interests of Stakeholders.

    Whom to Hire? The Question of Affirmative Action.

    Obligations in Complex Organizations: Loyalty and Whistle-Blowing.

    Obligations in Complex Organizations: Insider Trading.

    Responsibilities to Customers and Clients: Information Disclosure.

    Ethics in Employment: International Issues.

    Responsibility in the International Context: Core Values, Moral Minimums.

    Social Justice and Executive Compensation.

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    Teaching and Learning Strategies

    Lecture - 18 x 1 hour lectures.

    Workshop - 2 x 2 hours. Students in small groups analyze and discuss, with the help of tutors, a chosen case study.


    Teaching Schedule

      Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
    Study Hours 18
    18 x 1 hour lectures.
            4
    2 x 2 hours. Students in small groups analyze and discuss, with the help of tutors, a chosen case study.
    22
    Timetable (if known)              
    Private Study 128
    TOTAL HOURS 150

    Assessment

    EXAM Duration Timing
    (Semester)
    % of
    final
    mark
    Resit/resubmission
    opportunity
    Penalty for late
    submission
    Notes
    Open Book Written Exam  120  Assessment deadlines are consi  40  Yes    Examination (based on case studies like those discussed at workshops) 
    CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
    (Semester)
    % of
    final
    mark
    Resit/resubmission
    opportunity
    Penalty for late
    submission
    Notes
    Coursework  1 hour (online test)  Assessment deadlines are consi  15  Yes    Online Test 
    Coursework  1 hour (online test)  Assessment deadlines are consi  15  Yes    Online Test 
    Coursework  1,500 words  Assessment deadlines are consi  30  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Essay (based on workshop work). Notes (applying to all assessments) Note on online tests. Students are permitted to retake online tests as many times as they like within a one week period. It is the result of the best attempt at an online test that counts towards the student's final mark. The examination will be the equivalent of 120 minutes (1500-2000 words) but undertaken open book and submitted through Turnitin. Students will have one week to complete the task.  

    Recommended Texts

    Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
    Explanation of Reading List: