I. Course Details Course Code 14124 Course Name Corporate Governance Course Type Compulsory Credit and Contact Hours Credit: 3 Total Contact Hours: 36 (including 26 lecture hours, 8 seminar hours, and 2 assessment hours) Prerequisites Basic knowledge of business administration, finance, and accounting. Familiarity with economic principles and legal frameworks related to business operations is also beneficial. Instructor Information Name: Fulong He Email: hfl18888@qq.com Course Schedule The course is conducted over a semester, with 2 sessions per week, each session lasting 2 hours. The course covers various topics sequentially, starting with the fundamentals of corporate governance and gradually delving into more complex areas that incorporate ESG considerations. II. Learning Objectives 1. Knowledge Acquisition Understand the Basics of Corporate Governance: Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the traditional concepts and theories of corporate governance, including the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, such as shareholders, the board of directors, management, and employees. They will learn about corporate governance structures, mechanisms, and the legal and regulatory environment that govern corporate behavior.
Master ESG Concepts and Frameworks: Develop in-depth knowledge of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) aspects in corporate governance. Students will understand the key components of ESG, such as environmental sustainability initiatives (e.g., reducing carbon emissions, resource conservation), social factors (e.g., employee well-being, community engagement, human rights), and governance best practices (e.g., transparency, accountability, ethical decision-making). They will be able to analyze how ESG factors impact corporate performance, reputation, and long-term viability.
Explore the Intersection of ESG and Corporate Governance: Comprehend how ESG considerations are integrated into corporate governance strategies and decision-making processes. Students will study case studies and real-world examples of how companies align their ESG goals with their overall corporate governance frameworks, and how this integration can lead to enhanced value creation, risk management, and stakeholder satisfaction.
2. Skill Development Analytical Skills: Develop the ability to analyze corporate governance issues from an ESG perspective. Students will learn how to assess the ESG performance of companies, identify potential risks and opportunities associated with ESG factors, and evaluate the effectiveness of corporate governance mechanisms in addressing these issues. They will be able to use various analytical tools and techniques, such as ESG rating systems, sustainability reports, and financial analysis, to make informed judgments about corporate governance quality.
Problem-Solving Skills: Acquire practical skills in formulating solutions to corporate governance challenges in the context of ESG. Students will be able to develop strategies for companies to improve their ESG performance, enhance stakeholder engagement, and strengthen their corporate governance structures. They will learn how to balance the interests of different stakeholders, manage conflicts effectively, and make informed ethical decisions in complex corporate governance situations.
Communication and Presentation Skills: Enhance your communication and presentation skills by actively participating in class discussions, group projects, and case presentations. Students will be able to effectively communicate their ideas, analysis, and recommendations regarding corporate governance and ESG issues to different audiences, including classmates, instructors, and potential business professionals. They will learn how to utilize visual aids, data visualization techniques, and clear, concise language to convey their messages effectively.
3. Attitude and Values Cultivation Foster a Sense of Social and Environmental Responsibility: Instill in students a strong sense of social and environmental responsibility, emphasizing the importance of companies operating ethically and sustainably. Students will develop an understanding of the role that businesses play in society and the environment, as well as the need for corporate governance to promote long-term value creation for all stakeholders.
Encourage Ethical Decision-Making: Promote ethical decision-making in corporate governance by exploring the ethical implications of ESG issues. Students will learn about various ethical theories and frameworks, as well as how to apply them to corporate governance situations. They will be able to identify ethical dilemmas in corporate decision-making, analyze the potential consequences of different actions, and make decisions that are consistent with ethical principles and values.
Cultivate a Global Perspective: Develop a global perspective on corporate governance and ESG issues by studying international best practices, regulations, and trends. Students will understand the differences and similarities in corporate governance and ESG approaches across various countries and regions, as well as the importance of companies adapting to global standards and expectations. They will be able to appreciate the role of multinational corporations in promoting sustainable development on a global scale.
III. Course Content Module 1: Introduction to Corporate Governance Corporate Governance Structures and Mechanisms: Introduction to various corporate governance structures, such as the board of directors, executive management, and shareholder meetings, and the mechanisms used to monitor and control corporate behavior.
Module 2: Environmental Considerations in Corporate Governance Environmental Sustainability and Corporate Strategy: Analysis of the role of environmental sustainability in corporate strategy, including the development of environmental goals, targets, and action plans.
Environmental Risk Management: Examination of environmental risks faced by companies, such as climate change, pollution, and resource depletion, and the strategies and tools used to manage these risks.
Environmental Reporting and Disclosure: Overview of environmental reporting frameworks and standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Task Force on Climate - related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), and the importance of transparent environmental reporting in corporate governance.
Module 3: Social Considerations in Corporate Governance Employee Well-being and Human Resources Management: Discussion of the importance of employee well-being in corporate governance, including issues such as fair compensation, health and safety, career development, and work-life balance.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace: Examination of the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in corporate governance, and the benefits of a diverse workforce in terms of innovation, creativity, and performance.
Module 4: Governance Considerations in Corporate Governance Board of Directors and Corporate Governance: Examination of the role and responsibilities of the board of directors in corporate governance, including board composition, independence, and effectiveness.
Shareholder Rights and Engagement: Discussion of shareholder rights and the importance of shareholder engagement in corporate governance, including the role of proxy voting, shareholder activism, and corporate democracy.
Ethical and Legal Frameworks in Corporate Governance: Overview of ethical and legal frameworks that govern corporate behavior, including corporate law, securities regulations, and ethical codes of conduct.
Module 5: Integrating ESG into Corporate Governance Practice Module 6: Contemporary Issues and Future Trends in Corporate Governance and ESG Emerging Trends in Corporate Governance and ESG: Exploration of emerging trends in corporate governance and ESG, such as the rise of sustainable finance, the increasing importance of digital governance, and the impact of technological innovation on corporate behavior.
IV. Teaching and Learning Methods 1. Lectures In-depth explanations of key concepts, theories, and frameworks related to corporate governance and ESG. The instructor will utilize a combination of slides, videos, and real-world examples to illustrate complex concepts and enhance the learning process.
2. Seminars and Discussions During the seminars, students will have the opportunity to share their ideas, perspectives, and experiences with their classmates and to engage in critical thinking and debate on corporate governance and ESG issues. The instructor will facilitate the discussions, ask probing questions, and provide feedback and guidance to help students deepen their understanding of the subject matter.
3. Case Studies Analysis of real-world case studies will be an integral part of the course. Students will be presented with case studies of companies facing various corporate governance and ESG challenges, and they will be required to analyze the cases, identify the key issues, and develop recommendations for solutions.
Case studies will be used to illustrate the practical application of corporate governance and ESG concepts and theories, helping students develop their analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. Students will be encouraged to work in groups to analyze the cases and to present their findings and recommendations to the class.
4. Group Projects Students will be required to work in groups on a significant project related to corporate governance and ESG. The project will involve researching a specific topic, analyzing data, and developing a comprehensive report or presentation.
Group projects will provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical setting, developing their teamwork, leadership, and project management skills. The instructor will provide guidance and support to the groups throughout the project and will evaluate the projects based on the quality of the research, analysis, and presentation.
5. Guest Lectures Invitation of guest speakers from the industry, academia, and regulatory bodies to share their insights and experiences on corporate governance and ESG issues. Guest lectures will provide students with a real-world perspective on the subject matter, helping them understand the practical challenges and opportunities companies face when implementing corporate governance and ESG practices.
V. Assessment Methods 1. Mid-term Examination (30%) The mid-term examination will cover the first half of the course content, including the fundamentals of corporate governance, environmental considerations, and social considerations.
The examination will consist of multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and case-based questions. The purpose of the mid-term examination is to assess students' understanding of the key concepts, theories, and frameworks covered in the course and their ability to apply this knowledge to analyze real-world corporate governance and ESG issues.
2. Group Project (40%) The group project will be evaluated based on the quality of the research, analysis, and presentation. The project report or presentation should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the chosen topic, a clear and logical analysis of the issues, and well-developed recommendations for solutions.
The group project will also be evaluated based on the group's teamwork, communication, and leadership skills. Each group member will be required to contribute equally to the project, and the group will be expected to work effectively together to achieve the project objectives.
3. Class Participation (15%) Class participation will be evaluated based on students' active participation in class discussions, seminars, and case studies. Students are expected to attend all classes, arrive on time, and actively engage in the learning process.
Class participation will also be evaluated based on students' preparation for class, including reading the assigned materials, completing the homework assignments, and coming to class with questions and ideas.
4. Final Examination (15%) The final examination will cover the entire course content, including the governance considerations, integrating ESG into corporate governance practice, and contemporary issues and future trends in corporate governance and ESG.
The examination will consist of multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and essay questions. The purpose of the final examination is to assess students' overall understanding of the course content and their ability to synthesize and apply the knowledge and skills they have learned throughout the course.
VI. Recommended Readings 1. Textbooks "Corporate Governance: Principles, Policies, and Practices" by Tricker, R. I. and Tricker, B. A.
2. Academic Journals 3. Industry Reports This syllabus provides a comprehensive overview of the corporate governance course, incorporating ESG elements. If you have any specific needs, such as adjusting the content emphasis or assessment weight, please feel free to let me know.
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