AYN456 Business and Corporations Law
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | AYN456 |
|---|---|
| Equivalent(s): | AYX456, AYQ456 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,596 |
| International unit fee | $6,180 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | AYN456 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | AYX456, AYQ456 |
| Coordinators: | Shakoor Ahmed | s6.ahmed@qut.edu.au Julie-Anne Tarr | j.tarr@qut.edu.au |
Overview
As many business decisions involve consideration of business and corporate law, as a postgraduate accounting graduate, you will be expected to possess a functional understanding of Australia's legal system. Knowledge of business and company law will equip you with skills for professional practice and enhance your ability to navigate increasingly complex business landscapes. This unit introduces you to Australia's legal environment, developing your knowledge and understanding of core principles of law, while also introducing basic research and analysis skills essential to effective and ethically responsible decision-making in business.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a coherent, extensive, current theoretical and practical content knowledge of Australian business and corporate law, including the ability to describe the relevant sections, cases and principles of Australian business and corporations law. [KS 1.1, SE 5.1]
- Employ conceptual frameworks within which to analyse, discuss and resolve problems and issues relating to Australian business and corporations law. [HO 2.2, SE 5.1]
- Analyse and explain the dynamic nature of corporate laws which impact on the legal rights and obligations of all key stakeholders in the company. [HO 2.2, SE 5.1]
- Use written communication skills to analyse and discuss issues relating to Australian business and corporations law. [HO 2.2, PC 3.1, SE 5.1]
Content
In this unit, you will be introduced to:
- Australia's legal system
- Tort of negligence
- Business structure
- Contracts
- Company and company management
- Company dealings with others
- Corporate governance and management
- Company directors and officers duties
- Fundraising and disclosure
- Insolvency and external administration of a company
- Winding-up of a company
Ethically responsible decision-making will be examined through the lens of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and environmental sustainability, encouraging you to reflect on the broader social and ecological impacts of legal practices.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
The unit is designed to promote and assess understanding of the core legal concepts and principles introduced, along with the analysis and reasoning skills required for effective and ethically responsible decision-making. Content includes not only overview concepts and knowledge delivery but also the application of material covered through problem-based scenarios. You will have the opportunity to develop and demonstrate your competence through active participation in the weekly teaching activities, which will focus on addressing key concepts.
You are expected to regularly monitor your unit Canvas site for unit announcements, learning material updates, and assessment information.
In this unit, feedback will be provided by census in the form of optional formative quizzes.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
Assessment is designed to support and reflect students' progress against the learning outcomes for this Unit providing both:
- feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes (formative assessment); and
- capacity to demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Problem Solving Question
The assessment will explore a real-life fact situation involving the application of legal principles, the identification of governing law and legislation, and the balancing of competing commercial dynamics. You will make a recommendation on the best course of action to resolve the matter.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.2), PC (3.1), SE (5.1)
Assessment: Final Exam
This examination will assess your understanding of Topics 6-12.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This invigilated examination requires attendance on campus or at an assessment centre, regardless of your attendance mode for the unit.
This assessment item is a Verified Identity Assessment. Requirements are provided on the Unit Canvas site.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.2), SE (5.1)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Nickolas James, Ellie Chapple, Richard Baumfield, Richard Copp, Robert Cunningham , Akshaya Kamalnath, Louise Floyd, Alex Wong, Business and Company Law. (3rd Edition) Wiley
Reference book(s)
Jeff Fitzpatrick, Christopher Symes, Angelo Veljanovski, David Parker, Business and Corporations Law. (5th Edition) LexisNexis
Other
Additional references can be found on the unit's Canvas site
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the ordinary risks associated with learning and teaching activities in this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
KS (1.1): Discipline and Professional Practice Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO4, Problem Solving Question
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS11 Master of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
Relates to: ULO1, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Relates to: ULO4, Problem Solving Question - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
BS39 Graduate Certificate in Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
Relates to: Final Exam - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: Final Exam - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively in written forms and using appropriate media for diverse audiences.
Relates to: Problem Solving Question, Final Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical or legal principles and practices of business in responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
BS63 Bachelor of Business (Honours)
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including advanced knowledge of research, research principles and methods and how knowledge is created and evolves within the field.
Relates to: Final Exam - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence to systematically plan, design and execute research and formulate conclusions and recommendations that challenge and contribute to current knowledge in a discipline.
Relates to: Final Exam - Demonstrate written communication skills to structure and present complex thinking, including research results to a variety of audiences in relation to discipline knowledge and research.
Relates to: Problem Solving Question, Final Exam - Apply knowledge of the ethical dimensions of research to identify and address the potential risks of undertaking a research project.
Relates to: Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
BS79 Graduate Diploma in Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
Relates to: ULO1, Final Exam - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Final Exam - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Relates to: ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2026, Online
| Unit code: | AYN456 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | AYX456, AYQ456 |
Overview
As many business decisions involve consideration of business and corporate law, as a postgraduate accounting graduate, you will be expected to possess a functional understanding of Australia's legal system. Knowledge of business and company law will equip you with skills for professional practice and enhance your ability to navigate increasingly complex business landscapes. This unit introduces you to Australia's legal environment, developing your knowledge and understanding of core principles of law, while also introducing basic research and analysis skills essential to effective and ethically responsible decision-making in business.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a coherent, extensive, current theoretical and practical content knowledge of Australian business and corporate law, including the ability to describe the relevant sections, cases and principles of Australian business and corporations law. [KS 1.1, SE 5.1]
- Employ conceptual frameworks within which to analyse, discuss and resolve problems and issues relating to Australian business and corporations law. [HO 2.2, SE 5.1]
- Analyse and explain the dynamic nature of corporate laws which impact on the legal rights and obligations of all key stakeholders in the company. [HO 2.2, SE 5.1]
- Use written communication skills to analyse and discuss issues relating to Australian business and corporations law. [HO 2.2, PC 3.1, SE 5.1]
Content
In this unit, you will be introduced to:
- Australia's legal system
- Tort of negligence
- Business structure
- Contracts
- Company and company management
- Company dealings with others
- Corporate governance and management
- Company directors and officers duties
- Fundraising and disclosure
- Insolvency and external administration of a company
- Winding-up of a company
Ethically responsible decision-making will be examined through the lens of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and environmental sustainability, encouraging you to reflect on the broader social and ecological impacts of legal practices.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
The unit is designed to promote and assess understanding of the core legal concepts and principles introduced, along with the analysis and reasoning skills required for effective and ethically responsible decision-making. Content includes not only overview concepts and knowledge delivery but also the application of material covered through problem-based scenarios. You will have the opportunity to develop and demonstrate your competence through active participation in the weekly teaching activities, which will focus on addressing key concepts.
You are expected to regularly monitor your unit Canvas site for unit announcements, learning material updates, and assessment information.
In this unit, feedback will be provided by census in the form of optional formative quizzes.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
Assessment is designed to support and reflect students' progress against the learning outcomes for this Unit providing both:
- feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes (formative assessment); and
- capacity to demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Problem Solving Question
The assessment will explore a real-life fact situation involving the application of legal principles, the identification of governing law and legislation, and the balancing of competing commercial dynamics. You will make a recommendation on the best course of action to resolve the matter.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.2), PC (3.1), SE (5.1)
Assessment: Final Exam
This examination will assess your understanding of Topics 6-12.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This invigilated examination requires attendance on campus or at an assessment centre, regardless of your attendance mode for the unit.
This assessment item is a Verified Identity Assessment. Requirements are provided on the Unit Canvas site.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.2), SE (5.1)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Nickolas James, Ellie Chapple, Richard Baumfield, Richard Copp, Robert Cunningham , Akshaya Kamalnath, Louise Floyd, Alex Wong, Business and Company Law. (3rd Edition) Wiley
Reference book(s)
Jeff Fitzpatrick, Christopher Symes, Angelo Veljanovski, David Parker, Business and Corporations Law. (5th Edition) LexisNexis
Other
Additional references can be found on the unit's Canvas site
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the ordinary risks associated with learning and teaching activities in this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
KS (1.1): Discipline and Professional Practice Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO4, Problem Solving Question
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS11 Master of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
Relates to: ULO1, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Relates to: ULO4, Problem Solving Question - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
BS39 Graduate Certificate in Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
Relates to: Final Exam - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: Final Exam - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively in written forms and using appropriate media for diverse audiences.
Relates to: Problem Solving Question, Final Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical or legal principles and practices of business in responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
BS63 Bachelor of Business (Honours)
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including advanced knowledge of research, research principles and methods and how knowledge is created and evolves within the field.
Relates to: Final Exam - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence to systematically plan, design and execute research and formulate conclusions and recommendations that challenge and contribute to current knowledge in a discipline.
Relates to: Final Exam - Demonstrate written communication skills to structure and present complex thinking, including research results to a variety of audiences in relation to discipline knowledge and research.
Relates to: Problem Solving Question, Final Exam - Apply knowledge of the ethical dimensions of research to identify and address the potential risks of undertaking a research project.
Relates to: Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
BS79 Graduate Diploma in Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
Relates to: ULO1, Final Exam - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Final Exam - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Relates to: ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | AYN456 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | AYX456, AYQ456 |
| Coordinators: | Shakoor Ahmed | s6.ahmed@qut.edu.au |
Overview
As many business decisions involve consideration of business and corporate law, as a postgraduate accounting graduate, you will be expected to possess a functional understanding of Australia's legal system. Knowledge of business and company law will equip you with skills for professional practice and enhance your ability to navigate increasingly complex business landscapes. This unit introduces you to Australia's legal environment, developing your knowledge and understanding of core principles of law, while also introducing basic research and analysis skills essential to effective and ethically responsible decision-making in business.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a coherent, extensive, current theoretical and practical content knowledge of Australian business and corporate law, including the ability to describe the relevant sections, cases and principles of Australian business and corporations law. [KS 1.1, SE 5.1]
- Employ conceptual frameworks within which to analyse, discuss and resolve problems and issues relating to Australian business and corporations law. [HO 2.2, SE 5.1]
- Analyse and explain the dynamic nature of corporate laws which impact on the legal rights and obligations of all key stakeholders in the company. [HO 2.2, SE 5.1]
- Use written communication skills to analyse and discuss issues relating to Australian business and corporations law. [HO 2.2, PC 3.1, SE 5.1]
Content
In this unit, you will be introduced to:
- Australia's legal system
- Tort of negligence
- Business structure
- Contracts
- Company and company management
- Company dealings with others
- Corporate governance and management
- Company directors and officers duties
- Fundraising and disclosure
- Insolvency and external administration of a company
- Winding-up of a company
Ethically responsible decision-making will be examined through the lens of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and environmental sustainability, encouraging you to reflect on the broader social and ecological impacts of legal practices.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
The unit is designed to promote and assess understanding of the core legal concepts and principles introduced, along with the analysis and reasoning skills required for effective and ethically responsible decision-making. Content includes not only overview concepts and knowledge delivery but also the application of material covered through problem-based scenarios. You will have the opportunity to develop and demonstrate your competence through active participation in the weekly teaching activities, which will focus on addressing key concepts.
You are expected to regularly monitor your unit Canvas site for unit announcements, learning material updates, and assessment information.
In this unit, feedback will be provided by census in the form of optional formative quizzes.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
Assessment is designed to support and reflect students' progress against the learning outcomes for this Unit providing both:
- feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes (formative assessment); and
- capacity to demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Problem Solving Question
The assessment will explore a real-life fact situation involving the application of legal principles, the identification of governing law and legislation, and the balancing of competing commercial dynamics. You will make a recommendation on the best course of action to resolve the matter.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.2), PC (3.1), SE (5.1)
Assessment: Final Exam
This examination will assess your understanding of Topics 6-12.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This invigilated examination requires attendance on campus or at an assessment centre, regardless of your attendance mode for the unit.
This assessment item is a Verified Identity Assessment. Requirements are provided on the Unit Canvas site.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.2), SE (5.1)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Nickolas James, Ellie Chapple, Richard Baumfield, Richard Copp, Robert Cunningham , Akshaya Kamalnath, Louise Floyd, Alex Wong, Business and Company Law. (3rd Edition) Wiley
Reference book(s)
Jeff Fitzpatrick, Christopher Symes, Angelo Veljanovski, David Parker, Business and Corporations Law. (5th Edition) LexisNexis
Other
Additional references can be found on the unit's Canvas site
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the ordinary risks associated with learning and teaching activities in this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
KS (1.1): Discipline and Professional Practice Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO4, Problem Solving Question
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS11 Master of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
Relates to: ULO1, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Relates to: ULO4, Problem Solving Question - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
BS39 Graduate Certificate in Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
Relates to: Final Exam - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: Final Exam - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively in written forms and using appropriate media for diverse audiences.
Relates to: Problem Solving Question, Final Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical or legal principles and practices of business in responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
BS63 Bachelor of Business (Honours)
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including advanced knowledge of research, research principles and methods and how knowledge is created and evolves within the field.
Relates to: Final Exam - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence to systematically plan, design and execute research and formulate conclusions and recommendations that challenge and contribute to current knowledge in a discipline.
Relates to: Final Exam - Demonstrate written communication skills to structure and present complex thinking, including research results to a variety of audiences in relation to discipline knowledge and research.
Relates to: Problem Solving Question, Final Exam - Apply knowledge of the ethical dimensions of research to identify and address the potential risks of undertaking a research project.
Relates to: Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
BS79 Graduate Diploma in Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
Relates to: ULO1, Final Exam - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Final Exam - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Relates to: ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Online
| Unit code: | AYN456 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | AYX456, AYQ456 |
Overview
As many business decisions involve consideration of business and corporate law, as a postgraduate accounting graduate, you will be expected to possess a functional understanding of Australia's legal system. Knowledge of business and company law will equip you with skills for professional practice and enhance your ability to navigate increasingly complex business landscapes. This unit introduces you to Australia's legal environment, developing your knowledge and understanding of core principles of law, while also introducing basic research and analysis skills essential to effective and ethically responsible decision-making in business.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a coherent, extensive, current theoretical and practical content knowledge of Australian business and corporate law, including the ability to describe the relevant sections, cases and principles of Australian business and corporations law. [KS 1.1, SE 5.1]
- Employ conceptual frameworks within which to analyse, discuss and resolve problems and issues relating to Australian business and corporations law. [HO 2.2, SE 5.1]
- Analyse and explain the dynamic nature of corporate laws which impact on the legal rights and obligations of all key stakeholders in the company. [HO 2.2, SE 5.1]
- Use written communication skills to analyse and discuss issues relating to Australian business and corporations law. [HO 2.2, PC 3.1, SE 5.1]
Content
In this unit, you will be introduced to:
- Australia's legal system
- Tort of negligence
- Business structure
- Contracts
- Company and company management
- Company dealings with others
- Corporate governance and management
- Company directors and officers duties
- Fundraising and disclosure
- Insolvency and external administration of a company
- Winding-up of a company
Ethically responsible decision-making will be examined through the lens of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and environmental sustainability, encouraging you to reflect on the broader social and ecological impacts of legal practices.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
The unit is designed to promote and assess understanding of the core legal concepts and principles introduced, along with the analysis and reasoning skills required for effective and ethically responsible decision-making. Content includes not only overview concepts and knowledge delivery but also the application of material covered through problem-based scenarios. You will have the opportunity to develop and demonstrate your competence through active participation in the weekly teaching activities, which will focus on addressing key concepts.
You are expected to regularly monitor your unit Canvas site for unit announcements, learning material updates, and assessment information.
In this unit, feedback will be provided by census in the form of optional formative quizzes.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:
- Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
- Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
- Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
- Indirect: to the whole class
Assessment
Overview
Assessment is designed to support and reflect students' progress against the learning outcomes for this Unit providing both:
- feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes (formative assessment); and
- capacity to demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Problem Solving Question
The assessment will explore a real-life fact situation involving the application of legal principles, the identification of governing law and legislation, and the balancing of competing commercial dynamics. You will make a recommendation on the best course of action to resolve the matter.
The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.2), PC (3.1), SE (5.1)
Assessment: Final Exam
This examination will assess your understanding of Topics 6-12.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is prohibited during this assessment.
This invigilated examination requires attendance on campus or at an assessment centre, regardless of your attendance mode for the unit.
This assessment item is a Verified Identity Assessment. Requirements are provided on the Unit Canvas site.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1), HO (2.2), SE (5.1)
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Nickolas James, Ellie Chapple, Richard Baumfield, Richard Copp, Robert Cunningham , Akshaya Kamalnath, Louise Floyd, Alex Wong, Business and Company Law. (3rd Edition) Wiley
Reference book(s)
Jeff Fitzpatrick, Christopher Symes, Angelo Veljanovski, David Parker, Business and Corporations Law. (5th Edition) LexisNexis
Other
Additional references can be found on the unit's Canvas site
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the ordinary risks associated with learning and teaching activities in this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
KS (1.1): Discipline and Professional Practice Knowledge
Relates to: ULO1, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)
Relates to: ULO4, Problem Solving Question
SE (5.1): Ethical and Legal Understanding
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.BS11 Master of Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
Relates to: ULO1, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Relates to: ULO4, Problem Solving Question - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
BS39 Graduate Certificate in Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
Relates to: Final Exam - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: Final Exam - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively in written forms and using appropriate media for diverse audiences.
Relates to: Problem Solving Question, Final Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical or legal principles and practices of business in responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
BS63 Bachelor of Business (Honours)
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including advanced knowledge of research, research principles and methods and how knowledge is created and evolves within the field.
Relates to: Final Exam - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence to systematically plan, design and execute research and formulate conclusions and recommendations that challenge and contribute to current knowledge in a discipline.
Relates to: Final Exam - Demonstrate written communication skills to structure and present complex thinking, including research results to a variety of audiences in relation to discipline knowledge and research.
Relates to: Problem Solving Question, Final Exam - Apply knowledge of the ethical dimensions of research to identify and address the potential risks of undertaking a research project.
Relates to: Problem Solving Question, Final Exam
BS79 Graduate Diploma in Business
- Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
Relates to: ULO1, Final Exam - Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Final Exam - Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Relates to: ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam - Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Problem Solving Question, Final Exam