Module: BM7037-15 Governance, Ethics and Risk Management

Level: 7

Credit Value: 15

Module Tutor: Mark Coombs

Module Tutor Contact Details: m.coombs@bathspa.ac.uk

1.Brief description and aims of module

The main aim of this module is to help student to apply relevant knowledge, skills and exercise professional judgement in carrying out the role of the accountant relating to governance, internal control, compliance and the management of risk within an organization, in the context of an overall ethical framework. This module will allow students to acquire essential and core technical skills and knowledge through introduction of ethics, corporate governance and risk will have been introduced in a subject-specific context such as identification and evaluation of risk, responses to strategic risk and internal controls.

In this module, you will be able to demonstrate the following Graduate Attribute:

• Employable: equipped with the skills necessary to flourish in the global workplace, able to work in, and lead, teams;
• Internationally networked: studying abroad for part of their programme, or studying alongside students from overseas;
• Critical thinkers: able to express their ideas in written and oral form, and possessing information literacy;
• Ethically aware: prepared for citizenship in a local, national and global context.

2.Outline syllabus

The module commences by examining the whole area of governance within organizations in the broad context of the agency relationship. It focuses on the respective roles and responsibilities of directors and officers to organizational stakeholders and of accounting and auditing as support and control functions. It covers internal review, control and feedback to implement and support effective governance, including compliance issues related to decision-making and decision-support functions.

It moves on to examine the whole area of identifying, assessing, and controlling risk as a key risk aspect of responsible management.

Finally, personal and professional ethics, ethical frameworks – and professional values – as applied in the context of the accountant’s duties and as a guide to appropriate professional behavior and conduct in a variety of situations are covered.

3.Teaching and learning activities

The module will include a mix of tutor input, lectures, case studies, group work and discussions. The style will be interactive but there will be an emphasis on the application of key skills, namely the ability to acquire analytical and reporting skills that will be highly valued by their future employers. Where appropriate, additional selected readings designed to support learning and understanding will be presented as the module develops. All teaching and learning activities will aim to develop ethically aware, innovative and creative global citizens with excellent communication skills and decision making ability.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work
• Description: Report (2,000 words)
• % Weighting: 40%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: EXAM
• Description: Exam (2 hours)
• % Weighting: 60%