Corporate governance - an international perspective

• Defining corporate governance - evolution of concept and theoretical framework
• Examples of corporate governance failures
• Corporate governance in Norway and the UK
• Corporate governance and composition and role of boards
• Role of shareholders and institutional investors
• Corporate governance - creditors and risk classification companies (credit rating agencies)
• Corporate governance - transparency, risk management, internal control, accountants and auditors
• Corporate takeovers
• Corporate governance - an international approach
• A reference dictionary of corporate governance systems in several countries (about 65)
• Social responsibility, sustainability, socially responsible investment strategies, etc.
• Future directions for corporate governance and accountability

Knowledge:

Students should:

• Have knowledge about corporate governance and corporate management, especially regarding management and control in international corporations
• Be able to discuss different approaches to corporate governance Have developed understanding of how management principles and systems for risk management are used by corporate leaders, especially the board of directors

Skills:

Students should:

• Have acquired the ability to be an active and interesting discussant in relation to topics concerning corporate governance in international business

Competence:

Students should:

• Have understanding of the importance of attitudes regarding accountability, social responsibility and sustainable development when competing on international markets

Lectures, cases, and an individual term paper that must be handed in and approved before taking part in the exam. The topic and length of the term paper will be provided at the term start. The term paper may be used during the exam.

Mandatory assignments:

Group presentations: During the course groups of students will have to make one short presentation (10 minutes) of an assigned paper. Each student has to provide a one-page summary of the article.Individual theory paper: During the course each student has to provide a 5 page paper on a corporate governance topic that is relevant in a particular market and upload the paper to Fronter. Group case paper: During the course students should apply corporate governance codes (and implicitly also theory) to a practical case firm. When addressing the case, Powerpoint should be used.