LAW 5504 Comparative Law and Business

STAFFING:

OTHER-REQUISITES:

RATIONALE:

It is essential that all business people have some awareness of the legal regulatory environment in which they operate. Globalisation has created the need for business people in one jurisdiction to have some awareness of different legal cultures and systems in other countries, in order to conduct transactions and business effectively with organisations worldwide.

SYNOPSIS:

Students will gain an overview of similarities and differences between selected legal systems, in so far as these impact on business transactions. Particular issues to be discussed include the law of contracts, business structures and legal liability in a variety of legal systems.

OBJECTIVES:

Students who successfully complete this course will:

1. have a basic understanding of the Australian legal system and how it functions;
2. have some understanding of the main similarities and differences between the Australian legal system and other selected legal systems;
3. acquire some detailed knowledge of significant areas of business law in Australia and other countries; and
4. understand how the law of different countries may apply to an international business transaction, and the implications of this for conducting business.

TOPICS:

TEXT and MATERIALS required to be PURCHASED or accessed:

ALL textbooks and materials are available for purchase from USQ BOOKSHOP (unless otherwise stated). Orders may be placed via secure internet, free fax 1800642453, phone 07 46312742 (within Australia), or mail. Overseas students should fax +61 7 46311743, or phone +61 7 46312742. For costs, further details, and internet ordering, use the 'Textbook Search' facility at http://bookshop.usq.edu.au click 'Semester', then enter your 'Course Code' (no spaces).

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

STUDENT WORKLOAD REQUIREMENTS:

ASSESSMENT DETAILS:

NOTES:

1.

The examination is scheduled to be held in the end-of-semester examination period. Students will be advised of the official examination date after the timetable has been finalised.

IMPORTANT ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

1. Attendance requirements:
   If you are an international student in Australia, you are advised to attend all classes at your campus. For all other students, there are no attendance requirements for this course. However, it is the students' responsibility to study all material provided to them or required to be accessed by them to maximise their chance of meeting the objectives of the course and to be informed of course-related activities and administration.
2. Requirements for students to complete each assessment item satisfactorily:
   Students must submit assignments that represent a reasonable attempt as determined by the Examiner. Students must obtain at least 50% of the marks available for the examination.
3. Penalties for late submission of required work:
   If students submit assignments after the due date without prior approval then a penalty of 20% of the total marks gained by the student for the assignment will apply for each working day late.
4. Requirements for student to be awarded a passing grade in the course:
   To be assured of receiving a passing grade a student must attempt all of the summative assessment items, achieve at least 50% in the examination and achieve an aggregated mark of at least 50% in the total marks allocated for the course.
5. Method used to combine assessment results to attain final grade:
   The final grades for students will be assigned on the basis of the weighted aggregate of the marks obtained for the summative assessment items in the course.
6. Examination information:
   This is an open examination. Candidates may have access to any material during the examination except electronic communication devices.
7. Examination period when Deferred/Supplementary examinations will be held:
   Any Deferred or Supplementary examinations for this course will be held during the next examination period.
8. University Regulations:
   Students should read USQ Regulations 5.1 Definitions, 5.6. Assessment, and 5.10 Academic Misconduct for further information and to avoid actions which might contravene University Regulations. These regulations can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/corporateservices/calendar/part5.htm. Students should also read the Faculty of Business Guide to Policies and Procedures of the Faculty which can be found at the URL http://www.usq.edu.au/handbook/current/buspolproc.html.

ASSESSMENT NOTES

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

1. Learning Resources: Prescribed text and materials (see above); prescribed reference materials (see above); printed Introductory Book, Study Book/s, and Book/s of Selected Readings; and course Website accessible via USQConnect.
2. It is expected by the Examiner that all students in this course will have Internet access, and can access materials on the course home page, as well as the course discussion group.