Students

BUSL301 – Corporations Law

2018 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Convenor
Michael Quilter
michael.quilter@mq.edu.au
Room 309, Building 4ER (4 Eastern Road)
By appointment
Lecturer
Julian Dight
julian.dight@mq.edu.au
Sessional Academic Staff Consultation Space, Room 223, 4ER
By appointment
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
(39cp at 100 level or above) including BUSL250
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit introduces students to corporate regulation in Australia and aims to create an awareness of corporate issues. It builds on the material covered in a general business law unit. Areas covered include: company formation; the legal status of a company; duties of directors; rights of members; and approaches to corporate insolvency. In this unit students gain an understanding of, and an interest in, corporate regulation, the role of companies and current corporate issues. The outcomes achieved assist in the development of critical thinking, problem solving, effective communication and adept professional judgement. The contents of and the issues raised in the unit, are of benefit to all students and particularly to those intending to enter commercial practice in accountancy or similar professions.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Comprehend the characteristics of business organisations and the Australian corporate legislative framework including ability to understand how companies are formed, different types of companies and the relevance of the company constitution
  • Effectively recognise and gain knowledge of corporate management issues, in particular the role and obligations of directors.
  • Capability to understand how shareholders rights are protected and how the Corporations Act regulates acquisition and disposal of shares.
  • Critically assess corporate insolvency in the current regulatory environment.
  • Analyse the legal aspects of particular sets of facts or case studies relevant to corporations law and identify and solve the legal problems associated with these.

General Assessment Information

 

Expected Workload - Activities

Hours

1

Weekly Seminars/Lectures/Tutorials

36

2

Assessment Task 1 (tutorial participation + preparation)

36

3

Assessment Task 2 (class test + preparation)

12

4

Assessment Task 3 (final examination + preparation)

42

 

 

  

5

Reading required material/self-study

24

 

TOTAL

150

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
1. Assessed Coursework 20% No Ongoing
2. Class Test 20% No Monday 10/9/18
3. Final Examination 60% No University Examination Period

1. Assessed Coursework

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 20%

Assessed Coursework involves participation in the tutorial classes. Preparation, attendance and contribution to the tutorial are required. See Assessment Guide on iLearn for more information.

Other than where a relevant application pursuant to the Special Consideration policy is approved, if a student attends less than 50% of the allotted tutorials the total available mark for tutorial participation will be reduced by 50%. 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Comprehend the characteristics of business organisations and the Australian corporate legislative framework including ability to understand how companies are formed, different types of companies and the relevance of the company constitution
  • Effectively recognise and gain knowledge of corporate management issues, in particular the role and obligations of directors.
  • Capability to understand how shareholders rights are protected and how the Corporations Act regulates acquisition and disposal of shares.
  • Critically assess corporate insolvency in the current regulatory environment.
  • Analyse the legal aspects of particular sets of facts or case studies relevant to corporations law and identify and solve the legal problems associated with these.

2. Class Test

Due: Monday 10/9/18
Weighting: 20%

The test will be held in class on Monday 10/9/18 (Week 7 of Session). 

See Assessment Guide on iLearn for more information.

Other than where a relevant application pursuant to the Special Consideration policy is approved no extensions will be granted.
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Comprehend the characteristics of business organisations and the Australian corporate legislative framework including ability to understand how companies are formed, different types of companies and the relevance of the company constitution
  • Effectively recognise and gain knowledge of corporate management issues, in particular the role and obligations of directors.
  • Analyse the legal aspects of particular sets of facts or case studies relevant to corporations law and identify and solve the legal problems associated with these.

3. Final Examination

Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 60%

Examination Conditions: Formal, invigilated examination. The examination will be a closed book exam with specific conditions attached - No notes or textbooks except as follows:

* An A4 sheet of paper with handwritten notes (not photocopied, not typed) – writing can be on both sides – students to put name and ID at top of page (this will be collected at the end of the exam)

* The Required Text for the Unit: Company Law Perspectives 3rd ed., 2017 (not photocopied) – this can be annotated (written notes on pages) and pages can be tabbed for reference – but must not contain any other sheets, pages or loose notes

You are expected to present yourself for examination at the time and place designated in the University examination timetable. See Assessment Guide on iLearn for more information.

Supplementary Exam:

If a Supplementary Examination is granted as a result of the Special Consideration process the examination will be scheduled as per the Supplementary Examination timetable of the Faculty. Please note that the supplementary examination will be of a similar format to the final examination.

 
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Comprehend the characteristics of business organisations and the Australian corporate legislative framework including ability to understand how companies are formed, different types of companies and the relevance of the company constitution
  • Effectively recognise and gain knowledge of corporate management issues, in particular the role and obligations of directors.
  • Capability to understand how shareholders rights are protected and how the Corporations Act regulates acquisition and disposal of shares.
  • Critically assess corporate insolvency in the current regulatory environment.
  • Analyse the legal aspects of particular sets of facts or case studies relevant to corporations law and identify and solve the legal problems associated with these.

Delivery and Resources

Classes

Students will attend lectures and tutorials - each lecture and tutorial has been scheduled as a block (3 hours) - the class will commence with the relevant lecture topic and this will be followed by the tutorial. There may be some reorganisation, overlapping, and/or integration of areas to accommodate assessment and unit structure. 

The timetable for classes can be found on iLearn and on the University web site at: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/ 

Prizes

Information concerning prizes in this unit can be found on the following web page:

http://www.businessandeconomics.mq.edu.au/undergraduate_degrees/prizes_scholarships

Required and Recommended Texts and/or Materials

Required: Quilter, Company Law Perspectives, 3rd ed. 2017, Thomson Reuters (Lawbook Co.)  

The following is not required but may assist in understanding unit content and assessment tasks: Lipton, Herzberg and Welsh, Understanding Company Law, Thomson Reuters (Lawbook Co.).

Company Law Perspectives 3rd ed. can be purchased from the Co-op Bookshop, and is available in the Macquarie University library.

After considering the law of partnership the unit will focus on corporate issues and the relevance and effect of the Corporations Act. Note that certain relevant sections of the Corporations Act are set out in Company Law Perspectives 3rd ed. 2017. Both statutes (the Partnership Act and the Corporations Act) may be viewed in full at www.austlii.edu.au

Useful websites

By using www resources students are able to gain a perspective on their studies and be aware of real world situations where company law is relevant. Newspaper coverage of company law gives depth and realism to the formal explanations of the law in texts.

Technology Used and Required

Lectures and tutorials may make use of PowerPoint; overhead projectors; visualisers.

Unit Web Page

  • Unit material is available on the learning management system (iLearn)
  • There is a web page for this unit. 

Learning and Teaching Activities

This unit is taught by way of lectures and tutorials. Practice questions are discussed to enable application of content.

What is expected of students – criteria for success

Students should take responsibility for their own learning and this will incorporate reading as required, attendance at lectures and tutorials, developing effective study strategies, reflection on their abilities, and a task oriented approach to assessment – that is, do not think solely about gathering information - think about what will be required - what makes for successful performance in tests and exams - how you will use the law you have studied. There are 2 main components of successful company law study: one is that students must have some knowledge of the core issues of the relevant topics [take short clear notes in lectures, think about your task, involve yourself in classes], the second is that students will only be successful if they can apply what they have learned, that is, in your test or exam you have to be able to use the law to solve problems [either multiple-choice or written answer style].

 

Unit Schedule

 

 

  Lecture Areas
 

COMPARISON OF BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS

Agency; Associations; Sole Traders; Partnerships

Quilter, Company Law Perspectives, 3rd ed. 2017, Thomson Reuters (Lawbook Co.) - [referred to herein as "Q"]  Ch. 4 and 5

The following is not required but may assist in understanding unit content and accordingly chapter references have been included: Lipton, Herzberg and Welsh, Understanding Company Law, Thomson Reuters (Lawbook Co.) 18th ed. 2016 [referred to herein as "L&H"] Ch.2

 
 

HISTORY AND LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK, REGISTRATION AND TYPES OF COMPANIES

Evolution of modern company and Australian developments: Q Ch. 6; L&H Ch.1;

Applying for registration and the consequences of incorporation: Q Ch. 8; L&H Ch.2

Types of Companies: Q Ch. 7; L&H Ch.3

Corporations Act: www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ca2001172/
 

THE COMPANY CONSTITUTION AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND OUTSIDERS

The company constitution and the replaceable rules: Q Ch. 9; L&H Ch 4

Company liability in contract, tort and crime: Q Ch. 10 and 11; L&H Ch 5

Promoters and pre-registration contracts: Q Ch. 12; L&H Ch 6
 

CORPORATE FINANCING and DIVIDENDS

Disclosure to Investors – fundraising: Q Ch. 14; L&H Ch 7

Share capital: Q Ch. 15; L&H Ch 8

Membership: Q Ch. 13; L&H Ch 9

Debentures and Loan Capital: Q Ch. 17; L&H Ch 11

Dividends: Q Ch. 16; L&H Ch 10 
 

DIRECTORS and MANAGEMENT

Q Ch. 18; L&H Ch 12
 

DIRECTORS DUTIES and CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Q Ch. 19, 20 and 21; L&H Ch 13 
 

DIRECTORS DUTIES (cont.); FINANCIAL and REPORTING OBLIGATIONS; AUDIT

Duties of directors and other officers (continued): Q Ch. 19, 20 and 21; L&H Ch. 13

Financial and Reporting Obligations of Directors: Q Ch. 22; L&H Ch. 15

The Role of Auditors and Issues of Audit Liability: Q Ch. 23; L&H Ch. 16

ASIC Investigation: Q Ch. 24; L&H Ch 21 

     - In Class Test -

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Mid Session Break

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First week after break (Week 8 of Session) Monday is Public Holiday - NO CLASS
 

MEETINGS AND MEMBERS RIGHTS

Members Rights and the position of the Minority: Q Ch. 25; L&H Ch. 17 

Members Meetings: Q Ch. 26; L&H Ch.14
 

TAKEOVERS; FINANCIAL SERVICES AND MARKETS

Takeovers: Q Ch. 27; L&H Ch. 18

Financial Services and Markets: Q Ch. 28; L&H Ch. 19
 

RESTRUCTURING & LIQUIDATION (PART 1)

Insolvency Arrangements and Reconstructions; Receivership; Voluntary Administration Q Ch. 29, 30, 31 and 32; L&H Ch. 22, 23, and 24
 

RESTRUCTURING AND LIQUIDATION (PART 2)

Liquidation - Insolvent trading Q Ch. 33; L&H Ch. 25 (for insolvent trading Ch.13)
 

 

 

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Comprehend the characteristics of business organisations and the Australian corporate legislative framework including ability to understand how companies are formed, different types of companies and the relevance of the company constitution
  • Effectively recognise and gain knowledge of corporate management issues, in particular the role and obligations of directors.
  • Capability to understand how shareholders rights are protected and how the Corporations Act regulates acquisition and disposal of shares.
  • Critically assess corporate insolvency in the current regulatory environment.
  • Analyse the legal aspects of particular sets of facts or case studies relevant to corporations law and identify and solve the legal problems associated with these.

Assessment tasks

  • 1. Assessed Coursework
  • 2. Class Test
  • 3. Final Examination

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Effectively recognise and gain knowledge of corporate management issues, in particular the role and obligations of directors.
  • Capability to understand how shareholders rights are protected and how the Corporations Act regulates acquisition and disposal of shares.
  • Critically assess corporate insolvency in the current regulatory environment.
  • Analyse the legal aspects of particular sets of facts or case studies relevant to corporations law and identify and solve the legal problems associated with these.

Assessment tasks

  • 1. Assessed Coursework
  • 2. Class Test
  • 3. Final Examination

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Comprehend the characteristics of business organisations and the Australian corporate legislative framework including ability to understand how companies are formed, different types of companies and the relevance of the company constitution
  • Effectively recognise and gain knowledge of corporate management issues, in particular the role and obligations of directors.
  • Capability to understand how shareholders rights are protected and how the Corporations Act regulates acquisition and disposal of shares.
  • Critically assess corporate insolvency in the current regulatory environment.
  • Analyse the legal aspects of particular sets of facts or case studies relevant to corporations law and identify and solve the legal problems associated with these.

Assessment tasks

  • 1. Assessed Coursework
  • 2. Class Test
  • 3. Final Examination

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Effectively recognise and gain knowledge of corporate management issues, in particular the role and obligations of directors.
  • Capability to understand how shareholders rights are protected and how the Corporations Act regulates acquisition and disposal of shares.
  • Critically assess corporate insolvency in the current regulatory environment.
  • Analyse the legal aspects of particular sets of facts or case studies relevant to corporations law and identify and solve the legal problems associated with these.

Assessment tasks

  • 1. Assessed Coursework
  • 2. Class Test
  • 3. Final Examination

Changes from Previous Offering

In previous sessions the mid-session assessment has been by way of an online quiz - in Session 2 2018 the mid-session assessment will be by way of an in class test.

Research & Practice, Global & Sustainability

This unit addresses global and sustainability issues as direct areas of study and as necessary implications arising from the materials, assessment and academic discussion and debate in classes. We promote sustainability by developing ability in students to research and locate information within the legal context as it relates to the accounting discipline. We aim to provide students with an opportunity to obtain skills which will benefit them throughout their career.

The text for this unit (Company Law Perspectives) is the result of research in relation to the area of company law. The material found in the text provides you with a thorough coverage of the relevant issues. Interested students can pursue  further research (not a compulsory requirement of this unit) into any of the areas of this unit via the various scholarly journals focusing on company law. Examples of journals that can be consulted to follow up matters of interest are: Australian Journal of Corporate Law; Company and Securities Law Journal.