Module Information Booklet Taylors University

Foundation in Business

July 2013 Semester 1

BUS 0013

Introduction to Business Law

CONTENTS
Introduction Course Overview Assessments Course Calendar Assignment Cover Assignment Feedback Form

INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Introduction to Business Law! This course is designed for students who have a desire to gain an introductory understanding of the basic principles of Business Law. This unit aims to introduce the student to a study of the law in the business environment. It introduces sources of law and the court structure, the law of contract, business organisations, sale of goods, law of agency, law of insurance and civil wrongs in the business environment. An understanding of the laws in these areas is an essential requirement in the study of business operations, general corporate matters, banking, international organizations and in international business transactions and trade. Lecturer and Tutor Ms. Ambikai S T Singam B14, Block E, Level 9 Taylors Business School Taylors University Email : ambikai.sthuraisingam@taylors.edu.my

COURSE OVERVIEW SUBJECT SYNOPSIS

Introduction to Business Law is designed to create an awareness of how the Malaysian legal system operates. It provides students with an overview of the Malaysian legal system and a basic coverage of the underlying legal principles governing business. Students will have the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills in relation to issues pertaining to the role of law in business applying the legal principles in solving these issues.

SUBJECT OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this subject are: 1. To give students an in-depth understanding of law which are essential components in business and society. 2. To describe the fundamentals of law, particularly with respect to personal obligations arising under the contractual obligation, agency relationship, and other areas that affect the business. 3. To apply the knowledge and identify legal issues that has an impact on organisations and to apply the relevant legal principles in resolving the legal problems and issues affecting businesses. 4. To provide the knowledge and analytical skills required within the legal environment that is crucial for management decision making in business environment. 5. To provide exercises and assignments that allows students to interact and learn the legal applications in the business world. 2

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this module students should be able to: Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1. describe the role of law in society; 2. identify the legal framework and processes governing the Malaysian business environment; 3. describe the basic principles and concepts of business law and related ethical issues; 4. identify and apply the legal issues and problems in the business environment using well-structured and logical arguments.

TAYLORS GRADUATE CAPABILITIES (TGC)

Upon successful completion of this module, a student should be equipped with the following Taylors graduate capabilities:

Taylor's Graduate Capabilities- Foundation

Discipline Specific Knowledge

1.0

TGC: Discipline Specific Knowledge 1.1 Solid foundational knowledge in relevant subjects.

1.2 Understand ethical issues in the context of the field of study. * This TGC is further clarified according to the respective program-specific outcomes. Cognitive Capabilities

2.0

TGC: Lifelong learning 2.1 Locate and extract information effectively. 2.2 Relate learned knowledge to everyday life.

3.0

TGC: Thinking and Problem Solving skills 3.1 Learn to think critically and creatively. 3.2 Define and analyse problems to arrive at effective solutions.

Soft Skills

4.0

TGC: Communication Skills 4.1 Communicate appropriately in various settings and modes

5.0

TGC: Interpersonal Skills 5.1 Understand team dynamics and work with others in a team.

6.0

TGC: Intrapersonal Skills 6.1 Manage oneself and be self-reliant. 6.2 Reflect on ones actions and learning. 6.3 Embody Taylors core values.

7.0

TGC: Citizenship and Global Perspectives 7.1 Be aware of and form opinions from diverse perspectives. 7.2 Understand the value of civic responsibility and community engagement.

8.0

TGC: Digital Literacy 8.1 Effective use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and related technologies

On completion of this module, students should be able to achieve the following learning outcomes:

Learning Outcomes LO1

To be able to identify the role of law in society knowledge of the sources of law and the legal framework governing Malaysian business environment

TGC1 TGC2 TGC3 TGC4 TGC5 TGC6 TGC7 TGC8 X X X X

LO2 To develop a sound basic

LO3 To be aware of legal issues in the

business environment and be able to apply the law to resolve them To provide the opportunity to develop skills in researching and applying case law and legislation to solving legal disputes affecting business in Malaysia To provide the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills in approaching legal problems and issues

LO4

LO5

LO6 To be able to analyse and resolve

legal disputes using well-structured and logical arguments

Assessment Coursework Online Quiz(MCQ) Individual Written Assignment Group Presentation Group Reflective Journal Final Exams

LO1 X X X X X

LO2 X X X X X

LO3 X X X X X

LO4

LO5

LO6

X X X X

X X X

X X X

SUBJECT DELIVERY/ TEACHING AND LEARNING ARRANGEMENTS

Lectures All the lectures are two-hours long (usually with a short-break in the middle, as directed by the lecturer). Lecture attendance is compulsory. Students are STRONGLY advised to attend lectures as core knowledge of the subject will be delivered in a continuous pattern. Failure to attend one lecture may lead to confusion at subsequent lectures. In addition, students are required to prepare for tutorials which will incorporate and emphasise the information conveyed in lectures. Tutorials Tutorials are interactive sessions between one tutor and 20 to 25 students. Students are expected to prepare and participate in the discussions and Q & A sessions. This is an opportunity for students to seek clarification on subject/topic areas they have not had a clear grasp yet. There will also be 2 sessions of online tutorial in the form of discussion/debate on a topic. Class Quizzes may be conducted as part of tutorials. Tutorial attendance is compulsory. 5

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Students who fail to achieve 80% attendance will be excluded from the final examination. Self and Independent Study Students cannot expect lecturers to be the sole provider of knowledge and information as these are unlimited. Students are expected to practice self and independent studies for at least 80 hours for this subject.

UNIT VALUE OF SUBJECT

3 credit hours

LEARNING RESOURCES
Main References: Lee Mei Pheng & Ivan Jeron Detta, 2009, Business Law, Oxford University Press Additional References: Teo Say Eng, 2007, Your Rights and the Law, LexisNexis Wan Arfah Hamzah, 2009, An Introduction to the Malaysian Legal System, Penerbit Fajar Bakti Syed Ahmad S A Alsagoff, 2008, Principles of Law of Contract in Malaysia, 5th Edition, Lexis Law Publication Sharifah Suhana Ahmad, 2007, Malaysian Legal System, 2nd Edition, Malayan Law Journal Nor' Adha Abdul Hamid, Surinom Miskam, 2009, Commercial Law in Malaysia: Theories & Principles, Bangi Centre for Research & Development, Kolej University Islam Antarabangsa, Selangor Beatrix Vohrah and Wu Min Aun, 2009, The Commercial Law of Malaysia, Longman Publication

ONLINE SUPPORT
Taylors University provides a program website (TIMES) to allow students convenient access to module resources. Materials available include: Module Information Booklet Study Guide Lecture slides Assignment Cover Sheet Assignment Feedback Form Other information on the module

ASSESSMENT ASSESSMENT SUMMARY

Form of assessment

Length

Weightage

Due date

Learning Outcomes being assessed

TGC Achieved

Online Quiz(MCQ) Individual Written Assignment Group Presentation Group Reflective Journal Final Examination

10% 10%

09.09.2013 17.9.2013 by 12 noon

1,2&3 1,2,3,4,5&6

1,2,6 & 8 1.2.3.6 & 8

10% 20%

Tutorial 11 7.10.2013 by 12 noon

1,2,3,4,5&6,

1,2,3,4,5 6,7 & 8

1,2,3&4

1,2,4,5,6,7 & 8

50%

1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6,7 &8

2,3 & 4

ASSESSMENT DETAILS
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT COMPONENT

The continuous assessment component for this module shall comprise of: Online Quiz(MCQ) Individual Written Assignment Group Presentation Group Reflective Journal

Online Quiz (MCQ)(10%) 2 separate assessments in the form of online quizzes(MCQ) will be held (5% each). This is to encourage students to read the textbook in preparation for the quizzes.

Individual Written Assignment(10%) Students will be given a problem based question which they will have to research, analyse and then answer in essay form. 7

Group Presentation (10%) Students will be assigned to groups. Each group will be given an assignment that may include any current issue or a scenario problem which they will have to discuss/answer and present. Group Reflective Journal (20%) Each group is required to prepare a Group Reflective Journal based on the following: FIVE articles selected from various sources relating to the topics taught in the Business Law subject content (p10-12). There should be one article from each topic area of the subject. Reflective journals are simply a record, kept throughout the semester, of thoughts students have about the learning students are undertaking from the perspective of the Business Law subject. Studies on reflective journal writing reveal its great potential as a means of encouraging meaningful learning. The purpose of the article commentaries is to develop critical thinking and writing skills within the context of the study of Business Law. The challenge for students is to move beyond mere description of the newspaper articles and to engage in an attitude of reflective skepticism towards the information .

FINAL EXAMINATION (50%)

Final examination is a closed-book examination of two hours. It seeks to determine students individual effectiveness in responding to specific questions under time-constrained invigilated conditions. It consists of 2 sections: Section A: Students are required to answer 10 short-answer questions @ 4 marks each Section B: Students are required to answer 4 short essay questions @ 15 marks each.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Students are required to sit/attempt the final examination. Failure to do so would result in a fail grade (F). Plagiarism Plagiarism is the use of someone else's language, ideas, information or original material without acknowledging the source. All students are expected to attend a course on proper usage of referencing. Information about referencing is available from the Learning and Academic Skills Centre (LASC) and from the library webpage at:http://library.taylors.edu.my/taylor_customize/Information_Skills/Reference/reference_mainpage.h tm Plagiarism is a serious offence and any individual (who is suspected of plagiarism) would be referred to the Academic Integrity Committee of Taylor's University. Please refer to the Student Handbook for further information.

Late Penalties Guidelines A late penalty will be applied to an assessment item submitted after the date for submission as stated in the assignment specification, or a later date agreed to by the subject coordinator in response to an application for an extension of time. The late penalty will take the form of a deduction of 5% of the total marks per day up until a maximum period of five (5) days, at which time the assignment will be assigned zero marks.

MODULE REQUIREMENTS You are required to achieve an overall weighted average of at least 50% for the module assessment components to pass this module. All students must adhere to the Taylors Universitys Examinations, Assessment Policies and Procedures Manual. Key information can be found at program website (http://portals.taylors.edu.my)

REFERRED EXAM A re-sit examination is only granted if students obtain a marginal pass (D- to D+) in their final examination.

PERFORMANCE IN ASSESSMENT
Your performance in an assessment will be given various grades. For details, please refer to the Taylors University Student Handbook/ Dual Award Program Guide.

MODULE CALENDAR MARCH SEMESTER 2013

Week Starting 22nd July 2013 29th July 2013 Week / Lecture 1 2 Topic / Activity Topic 1: Introduction to law a) Define law b) Distinguish types of law Topic 2: Malaysian Legal System a) Court Structure b) Application of Judicial Precedent c)The law making process Readings / Tutorials / Coursework Deadlines Lee Mei Pheng, 2009,(Chap 1 and 2) (pg 1-24) Lee Mei Pheng, 2009, (Chap 2 and 3)(pg 2968) Tutorial 1 Teo Say Eng, 2007, (Chap 4)(pg53-58) Tutorial 2

5th August 2013

Topic 3: Malaysian Legal System a) The Constitutional rights & fundamental liberties
HARI RAYA BREAK

12th August 2013

19th August 2013

Topic 4: The Law of Contract a) Explain the meaning of offer and distinguish it from invitations to treat. b) Explain the meaning and consequence of acceptance. c) Analyse the elements of a contract and the presumptions of intention to create legal relations. 9

Lee Mei Pheng, 2009, (Chap 6) (pg 133-147) Tutorial 3

26th August 2013

Topic 5: The Law of Contract a) Explain the need for consideration. b) Certainty c) Contractual Capacity Topic 6: The Law of Contract a) Terms of Contract - Meaning, Classification b) Explain the difference between terms and mere representations c) Explain the effect of exclusion clauses and evaluate their control Topic 7: The Law of Contract Vitiating Factors : Fraud, Misrepresentation, Mistake, Coercion and Undue Influence Topic 8: The Law of Contract a) Void and Illegal Contracts b) Discharge of Contract c) Discharge and effects of frustration d) Discharge by performance e) Discharge by breach Topic 9: The Law of Contract a) Effects of breach b) Remedies - Damages - Specific performance - Injunction Topic 10: Law of Tort a) Explain the meaning of Law of Tort b) Identify types of tort Topic 11: Law of Tort a) Analyse the elements to prove negligence Topic 12: Law of Tort b) Defences c) Professional Negligence Topic 13: Business Structures Company Law a) Types of Companies b) Concept of Separate Legal Entity Topic 14: Business Structures Partnership Law a) Definition and Nature of Partnership b) Liability and Dissolution of Partnership 10

Lee Mei Pheng, 2009, (Chap 6) (pg 148-157) Tutorial 4 (Online) Lee Mei Pheng, 2009, (Chap 6) (pg 158-170) Tutorial 5

2nd Sept 2013

9th Sept 2013

Lee Mei Pheng, 2009, (Chap 6) (pg 170-179) Tutorial 6 (Online Quiz) Lee Mei Pheng, 2009, (Chap 6) (pg 170-179) Tutorial 7

16th Sept 2013

23rd Sept 2013

Lee Mei Pheng, 2009, (Chap 6) (pg 202-214) Tutorial 8

30th Sept 2013

10

Lee Mei Pheng, 2009, (Chap 7) (pg 230, 248252) Tutorial 9 (Online) Lee Mei Pheng, 2009, (Chap 7) (pg 230-248) Tutorial 10 Lee Mei Pheng, 2009, (Chap 7) (pg 230-248) Tutorial 11 (Group Presentation ) Lee Mei Pheng, 2009, (Chap 12) (pg 444-468) Tutorial 12 Lee Mei Pheng, 2009, (Chap 13) (pg520-552) Tutorial 13 (Online Quiz)

7th October 2013

11

14th October 2013

12

21st October 2013

13

28th October 2013

14

4th November 2013 11th November 2013 15

DEEPAVALI BREAK Topic 15: Rights of consumer under Sale of Goods Lee Mei Pheng,2009, (Chap 9)(pg520-552) Teo Say Eng, 2007, (Chap20)(pg235-243) Tutorial 14

a) Consumer protection legislations b) Rights provided under the legislations c) Avenues to enforce the rights

18th November 2013

16

Topic 16: Insurance a)Nature of Insurance Contracts b)Conditions and Warranties c) Exemption Clauses
Revision & Past Year Exam Paper Discussion Revision & Past Year Exam Paper Discussion STUDY LEAVE FINAL EXAMINATION

Lee Mei Pheng, 2009, (Chap 8)(pg274-294) Tutorial 15 Tutorial 16 Tutorial 17

25th November 2013 2nd December 2013 9th December 2013 16th 23rd December 2013

17 18

11

ASSIGNMENT COVER SHEET

An Assignment cover sheet needs to be included with each assignment. Please complete all details clearly. If you are submitting the assignment on paper, please staple this sheet to the front of each assignment. If you are submitting the assignment online, please ensure this cover sheet is included at the start of your document. Please check with your subject lecturer for assignment submission locations. Name/s (Optional): Student/s ID: Programme : TAYLORS BUSINESS FOUNDATION Email (Individual/Group Leader): Contact No (Individual/Group Leader) :

Subject code and title: BUS0013 INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS LAW Course Lecturer: AMBIKAI S T SINGAM Assignment number: Due date:

Assignment topic as stated in the guidelines provided

Further Information: (e.g. state if extension was granted and attach evidence of approval and Revised Submission Date)

I have read and understood the TUC Regulations on cheating, plagiarism and collusion and state that this piece of work is my own and does not contain any unacknowledged work from any other sources. I authorise the University to test any work submitted by me, using text comparison software, for instances of plagiarism. I understand this will involve the University or its contractor copying my work and storing it on a database to be used in future to test work submitted by others. Note: The attachment of this statement on any electronically submitted assignments will be deemed to have the same authority as a signed statement. Signed: Date received from student: Date: Received by: 12

ASSIGNMENT FEEDBACK PROFORMA

GRADE

A. A feedback proforma template needs to be included with each assignment. Please complete all details clearly.
Student ID: Programme: TAYLORS BUSINESS FOUNDATION Email : Course Lecturer: AMBIKAI S T SINGAM Assignment number: Due date: Word Count: 800 Assignment topic as stated in the guidelines provided: B. This section will be completed by the lecturer/tutor assessing your assignment: Key: 1. Outstanding 2. Very Good 3. Good 4. Satisfactory 5. Weak 6. Unsatisfactory Contact No : Subject code and title: BUS0013 INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS LAW

(Lines left blank by the tutor are not relevant to this assignment) Structure & Presentation Executive Summary Introduction Findings/ Discussion Appropriate Headings and subheadings Appropriate Layout Conclusion (linked to discussion) Appropriate recommendations Overall presentation Content Demonstrate engagement with topic Good reference of sources Demonstrates critical thinking Clearly identifies problem/ topic and provides appropriate recommendations Language Grammatical sentences Correct spelling Effective/accurate use of figures and tables Any additional comments (if there is any):Comments: 1 2 3 4 5 6 Little relevance to question Unstructured/lacking continuity Many Inaccuracies Inappropriate headings Inappropriate numbering system Lacks cohesion Inappropriate Recommendations Messy presentation Lacking logical flow/poorly set out Inadequate range Text book response Lacks clarity

Weak grammatically Many incorrect spelling Use ineffective or inaccurate

Assessed by: Sample Moderated by (if any):

Date : Date :

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