Module Details

Module Code: LEGS6012
Title: Business Law
Long Title: Business Law
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2019/20 ( January 2020 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 3800 - Law
Module Delivered in: 4 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will introduce students to key aspects of the Irish and European legal systems and their relevance to the current business environment. It will focus on significant principles and rules of law that have a direct bearing on doing business in Ireland and internationally. Core aspects of the legal system, contract law, company law and dispute resolution will be examined.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Describe the characteristics of both common law and civil law systems
LO2 Describe the range of methods of dispute resolution.
LO3 Discuss the legal rules applicable to the different types of business structure
LO4 Explain the key elements of the Law of Contract
LO5 Apply legal rules to resolve problems arising in the course of business transactions
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
The Legal System
Common law systems and civil law systems. Civil law and criminal law. Sources of Law. Influence of European Union Law. International Law. Separation of Powers and the Rule of Law.
Dispute Resolution
Different approaches to dispute resolution. Litigation and business disputes. The range of alternative methods of dispute resolution, and their advantages and disadvantages.
Business Structures
The legal rules relating to sole traders, partnerships and companies. Regulation and governance. Business entities and international trade.
Contract Law
Legal rules governing the formation, terms and discharge of a contract. Enforcement and remedies for breach of contract. International business contracts.
Problem solving
Applying legal principles to business problems. Identifying the legal issue, selecting the appropriate legal rules. Analysing the facts and applying the legal rules to resolve the problem. Constructing a legal argument and using legal authority to support the argument. Presenting a reasoned and clear conclusion.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination70.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,4,5
Assessment Description
Students will undertake a SAQ / MCQ type assessment focusing on aspects of the Irish legal system, common law and civil law systems in general and contract law.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 70
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Presentation of topic. Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Review of business law case studies and research. Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Presentation of topic. Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Learning Non Contact Review of business law case studies and research. Every Week 5.00 5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Aine Keenan,. (2012), Essentials of Irish Business Law, 6th. Gill and MacMillan, [ISBN: 9780717152612].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Anthony Thuillier and Catherine Thuillier. (2015), Business Law in Ireland, Clarus Press, [ISBN: 9781905536771].
  • Vaeni Mac Donnell. (2015), An Introduction to Business Law, 2nd. [ISBN: 9781910374337].
  • Eavan Murphy. (2014), Business and Company Law for Irish Students, Gill and Macmillan, [ISBN: 9780717143771].
  • Martin Dixon,. (2013), Textbook on International Law, Oxford University Press, [ISBN: 9780199574452].
  • Raymond Byrne, Paul McCutcheon, Claire Bruton and Gerard Coffey. (2014), Byrne and McCutcheon on the Irish Legal System, 6th. Bloomsbury Professional, [ISBN: 9781780435008].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_FHEBU_8 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Home Economics and Business 2 Mandatory
CR_BIBLA_8 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in International Business with Language 3 Mandatory
CR_BMRKT_8 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Marketing 3 Mandatory
CR_BBTCO_7 Bachelor of Business in Business Technology and Communications 4 Mandatory