Course overview
The course aims to equip students with a basic knowledge of how the law and ethics affects business decision-making and operations. It does so by examining a number of fundamental legal and ethical principles that facilitate yet impinge upon key business areas such as establishing a business, entering into commercial transactions, and protecting business assets. It also considers the relationship between business and regulators. Introduction to the Australian Legal System and Legal Ethics; Forms of Business Ownership; Business Obligations, Ethics and Privacy; Causing Harm; Contracts - Formation; Contracts - Enforceability and Remedies for Breach; Employing Staff and the Principles of Agency; Consumer Protection Law; Competition Law; An Introduction to the Law of Property.
Course learning outcomes
- Identify sources of business law.
- Compare and contrast forms of business ownership, identify and analyse legal issues associated with commercial transactions, and describe the legal requirements of the employment relationship.
- Evaluate ethical issues for business, government, and the not for profit sector including issues relating to privacy and the integrity of personal data.
- Identify and analyse the legal responsibilities for causing harm to persons and property and the legal principles that businesses must comply with when dealing with consumers.
- Explain the legal requirements of creating and protecting proprietary rights in business tenancies and assets, including goodwill and intellectual property rights.
- Effectively communicate how legal principles shape the Australian business environment and affect business practice and decision-making.
- Demonstrate Business Enterprise Skills in the context of Law: i) Problem Solving (foundation level); ii) Ethical Awareness (foundation level); and iii) Written Communication (foundation level).