2021/22 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

LAW5245M Business Thinking and Commercial Awareness

15 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Tim Cummins
Email: T.D.Cummins@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2021/22

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module draws heavily on case studies, examples and recent research to examine critical issues and trends in the business environment and how these are impacting commercial policies and practices, including contracts and the law. It explores and introduces practical methods through which individuals and organisations are addressing challenges such as sustainability, social value, inclusion, innovation and market volatility, at both a local and international level.

Objectives

The purpose of this module is to provide an understanding of the commercial pressures on business today and the impact these have on commercial policies and practices and overall trading relationships, including contract models and terms. It also examines how individual attitudes and behaviours impact business outcomes.

Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this module, a student will be able to demonstrate:
1. An ability to explain and provide examples of the impact of ‘mindset’ in a business context
2. An ability to undertake stakeholder mapping and analysis
3. The analytical skills to evaluate an organisation’s commercial capabilities
4. An ability to describe the need for balance in assessing risk and opportunity
5. The ability to evaluate underlying business conditions and apply different models for supplier management and contracts
6. An understanding of the growing role and application of legal technology in commercial and contract relationships

Skills outcomes
An appreciation of the impact that commercial and contracting practices can have on behaviours and in achieving business and societal goals.

Syllabus

· The impact of ‘mindset’ on behaviour and communications / relationships
· The effects of culture and leadership on commercial policies, practices and organisational roles · Stakeholder mapping and analysis; leadership and influencing skills
· Assessing commercial capability: case studies and examples in aligning commercial policies and contracts with business goals and objectives
· The impact of uncertainty on contract terms and models: managing risk through transparency and trust
· Supply chains, networks and ecosystems: how business and legal structures deal with market volatility
· International commercial law: practical lessons from COVID-19 regarding enforceability and exploring new principles and standards
· Legaltech: case studies and research on weaknesses exposed by the pandemic, emerging technology solutions and dependencies for their success

Teaching methods

Private study hours			150.00
Total Contact hours			0.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

The School is committed to providing an excellent student education and experience. This will involve a variety of teaching methods and follow a blended learning model, including meaningful on-campus in-person teaching for all students. Further information regarding teaching delivery will follow.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Through extensive use of case studies and applied research, students will be required to offer reflections throughout the program, both written and verbal, demonstrating their grasp of each content topic and its practical application in a business context.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Project	10 minute (+ opportunity for Q&A audio presentation examining approved case study	60.00
Reflective log	Maximum 400 word summary per content topic (2,000 words in total)	40.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 18/10/2021 09:02:39

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

• Undergraduate module catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
• Undergraduate programme catalogue
• Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD