CQUniversity Unit Profile
ACCT19083 Corporate Governance & Ethics
Corporate Governance & Ethics
All details in this unit profile for ACCT19083 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit aims to develop an understanding of the underlying concepts of corporate governance, ethics and organisational citizenship which are relevant to the contemporary business environment. To do this, the unit will focus on values, philosophies, theories and models of corporate governance and ethical practice. By using a combination of case study analysis and role-play, you will develop an awareness of the role that ethical issues play in business governance and management, and develop an ability to critically analyse ethical issues that arise in business life.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 3
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

Completion of 48 credit points in the first year of equivalent full-time study.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2025

Brisbane
Melbourne
Online
Sydney

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 10%
2. Group Work
Weighting: 40%
3. Report
Weighting: 30%
4. Oral Examination
Weighting: 20%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Student Evaluations

Feedback

More feedback requested on assessments

Recommendation

Provide more feedback to students for assessments

Feedback from Student Evaluations

Feedback

More support and guidance required for main assessments.

Recommendation

Provide more support and guidance for assessments.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Apply the fundamental principles of business ethics and corporate governance in a range of contexts
  2. Analyse ethical decision-making issues in the context of a case study at the individual, group and organisational levels
  3. Practice ethical decision-making using appropriate strategies and models in a given context
  4. Formulate solutions to ethical problems in organisations using effective ethics programs
  5. Discuss, debate and reflect on business ethics in a culturally-diverse global environment
  6. Construct and defend a position for a given ethical problem based on values and knowledge of ethical behaviour across cultures.

ACCT19083 supports external accreditation requirements for business acumen, critical thinking and communication competencies.

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 10%
2 - Group Work - 40%
3 - Report - 30%
4 - Oral Examination - 20%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Moral Issues in Business

4th Asia-Pacific Edition (2020)
Authors: William H. Shaw, Vincent Barry, Donata Muntean, Theodora Issa, Marcus Rodrigs
Cengage Learning
ISBN: 9780170441025
Binding: Paperback
Supplementary

Accountants' truth : knowledge and ethics in the financial world

1st Edition (2011)
Authors: Matthew Gill (Matthew James)
Oxford University Press
ISBN: 9780199603107
Binding: Paperback
Supplementary

Australian corporate governance : a review and analysis of key issues

(2009)
Authors: Psaros, James
Pearson Education Australia
Frenchs Forest, NSW Frenchs Forest, NSW
ISBN: 1-4860-1909-9
Binding: eBook
Supplementary

Corporate governance and accountability

2nd Edition (2007)
Authors: J. Solomon
Wiley
Chichester Chichester , England
ISBN: 0470034513
Binding: Paperback
Supplementary

Ethics, governance & accountability : a professional perspective

(2005)
Authors: Steven Dellaportas; Kathy Gibson; Ratnam Alagiah; Marion Hutchinson; Philomena Leung; David Van Homrigh
John Wiley & Sons
Milton, Qld Milton, Qld
ISBN: 0470804998
Binding: Hardcover

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Shawgat Kutubi Unit Coordinator
s.kutubi@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 10 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

The moral dimension of business

Chapter

Chapter 1

Events and Submissions/Topic

In this module, you will explore the significance of ethics in business and examine various moral and ethical principles that guide our behavior and decision-making.

Week 2 Begin Date: 17 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

The study of ethics and its theories

Chapter

Chapter 2

Events and Submissions/Topic

In this module, you will begin to explore various theories of ethics.    

Week 3 Begin Date: 24 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Corporate governance and business ethics 

Chapter

Chapter 5

Events and Submissions/Topic

In this module you will begin to appreciate the central role of good corporate governance in creating and maintaining an ethical organisation.  

Assessment 1 - Quiz 1 opens in week 1 - All Quizzes due on Friday Week 12 by 11.55pm (AEST) 

Week 4 Begin Date: 31 Mar 2025

Module/Topic

Corporate social responsibility 

Chapter

Chapter 4

Events and Submissions/Topic

In this module, you will explore the broad and narrow perspectives of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).          

Week 5 Begin Date: 07 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

The ethics of consumption 

Chapter

Chapter 6

Events and Submissions/Topic

In this module you will begin to realise the ethical pressures and dilemmas inherent in doing business across
countries and cultures. 
 

Assessment 1 - Quiz 2 opens this week - All Quizzes due on Friday Week 12 by 11.55pm (AEST)

Vacation Week Begin Date: 14 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 21 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Ethics and international business

Chapter

Chapter 7

Events and Submissions/Topic

In this module you will begin to realise the ethical pressures and dilemmas inherent in doing business across countries and cultures.    

Assessment 3 (PART 1) -Upload a 75-100 words introduction on the case you have selected for the assessment 3  

Due at 23:55 (11:55 PM) AEST, Friday of Week 6

Week 7 Begin Date: 28 Apr 2025

Module/Topic

Business ethics and the environment

Chapter

Chapter 8

Events and Submissions/Topic

In this module we consider the impact and responsibilities of business to the environment.       

Assessment 1 - Quiz 3 opens this week - All Quizzes due on Friday, Week 12 by 11.55pm (AEST)

Week 8 Begin Date: 05 May 2025

Module/Topic

The ethics of the organisation 

Chapter

Chapter 9 

Events and Submissions/Topic

In this module, you will examine employment relationships, focusing on the rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees.  

Week 9 Begin Date: 12 May 2025

Module/Topic

Ethics in the workplace 

Chapter

Chapter 10

Events and Submissions/Topic

In this module you will continue to explore current ethical issues in the workplace.  


Assessment 1 - Quiz 4 opens this week - All Quizzes due on Week 12, Friday by 11.55pm (AEST)

Assessment 2 -Submission of the video recorded presentation and Report 

Due- Week 9, Friday at 11:55 pm AEST


Assessment Due: Week 9 Friday (16 May 2025) 11:55 pm AEST
Week 10 Begin Date: 19 May 2025

Module/Topic

Ethics, leadership and culture

Chapter

Chapter 11

Events and Submissions/Topic

In this module you will explore the interaction between ethics, culture and leadership.  

Week 11 Begin Date: 26 May 2025

Module/Topic

Ethical decision-making

Chapter

Chapter 12

Chapter 4 of Dellaportas et al. (2005)

Events and Submissions/Topic

In this module you will get insights into some internationally accepted models for ethical decision-making. 

Assessment 1 - Quiz 5 opens this week - All Quizzes due on Week 12, Friday  by 11.55pm (AEST)

Assessment 3 (PART 2) -Submission of the Report Due  on Week 11, Friday at 23:55 (11:55 PM) AEST 

Assessment 3 Due on Week 11 Friday at 11:55 pm AEST


Report Due: Week 11 Friday (30 May 2025) 11:55 am AEST
Week 12 Begin Date: 02 Jun 2025

Module/Topic

Revision

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment 1 - All Quizzes due on
Friday Week 12 by 11.55pm (AEST)

Assessment 1 Due: Week 12 Friday at11:55 pm AES


Assessment Due: Week 12 Friday (6 June 2025) 11:55 pm AEST
Oral assessment Due: Week 12 Tuesday (3 June 2025) 5:00 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 09 Jun 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 16 Jun 2025

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Assessment

Task Description

In weeks 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 there will be five short review quizzes. These quizzes will come online at the start of each of these weeks and remain open until 11:55pm on Week 12. They will not be re-opened after Week 12.
Each Review Quiz will equate to 2% of total assessment.

Each quiz will cover the unit contents completed in previous two weeks. 


 


 


Number of Quizzes

5


Frequency of Quizzes

Fortnightly


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (6 June 2025) 11:55 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 12 Friday (6 June 2025)

Results are made available as soon as the test is submitted


Weighting
10%

Assessment Criteria

The assessment may include a variety of question types, with varying mark allocations.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply the fundamental principles of business ethics and corporate governance in a range of contexts
  • Analyse ethical decision-making issues in the context of a case study at the individual, group and organisational levels
  • Formulate solutions to ethical problems in organisations using effective ethics programs

2 Group Work

Assessment Title
Assessment

Task Description

This assessment item is a group exercise. You are required to submit a report and a video recorded presentation.
Each group will provide an overview of how the corporate governance principles of control, accountability and
transparency can be applied to the case study provided for Assessment Item 2.
Groups will be created during the first four weeks of the term.
Each group will present using a standard PowerPoint template supplied on Moodle. The report and and the recorded
video presentation will have to be submitted in week 9. 
The conditions of the presentation are:
1. No more than 10 slides in total
2. No more than 10 minutes to be used for the presentation
3. The group will submit one report and one recorded video presentation
4. Only the team members who participated in the presentation will receive marks. 
The report guideline is provided in Moodle.
The organisation of groups
Groups will be self-selecting and will consist of (no more than) five students each.

On-campus students will have the first four weeks of term to organise themselves into groups which must be within the same class. Your campus lecturer will be able to help students find groups. The campus lecturer will also advise the unit coordinator about the numbers of groups in their classes and the membership of each group.
Online students will have an online link provided in Moodle connecting all online students, to discuss and find a group. You are strongly encouraged to attend the online classess to connect with your group members within the first 4 weeks of the semester. 

"This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity."

This assessment must be prepared following AI scale level. You should add the following statement at the first page of your assessment report. 


Assessment Due Date

Week 9 Friday (16 May 2025) 11:55 pm AEST

Submit the deliverables using the links provided in Moodle


Return Date to Students

Week 11 Friday (30 May 2025)


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

The video recorded presentation is worth 10% and the Report is worth 30%.
The video recorded presentation will be assessed as follows:
• 7% for the quality of the scholarship, and
• 3% will be for the quality of your participation and the presentation overall.
The report will be assessed as follows:
• 4% for the Introduction 
• 3% for the Organisation/structure 
• 14% for the Content knowledge
• 4% for the Quality of writing & presentation 
• 5% for the Conclusion, summary, recommendations 
The marking rubric is shared in Moodle under Assessment 2.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online Group

Submission Instructions
Include student ID of each group members on the cover page of the assessment report

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply the fundamental principles of business ethics and corporate governance in a range of contexts
  • Analyse ethical decision-making issues in the context of a case study at the individual, group and organisational levels
  • Practice ethical decision-making using appropriate strategies and models in a given context
  • Formulate solutions to ethical problems in organisations using effective ethics programs
  • Discuss, debate and reflect on business ethics in a culturally-diverse global environment
  • Construct and defend a position for a given ethical problem based on values and knowledge of ethical behaviour across cultures.

3 Report

Assessment Title
Report

Task Description

This is an individual assessment.
You will select a case related to a corporate governance breach incident. You will research on it and write a report about what the organisation could have done better to avoid this issue and the underlying reasons for your view.
The report guideline is provided in Moodle.
You will need to submit your work in two stages:
In week 6 - Upload a 75-100 words introduction on the case you have selected for the assessment 3 - Close at 23:55
(11:55 PM) AEST Monday of Week 6
In week 11 - Submission of the Final Report - Close at 23:55 (11:55 PM) AEST Friday of Week 11
Further details on this assessment item will be provided in Moodle during term.

"This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity."

In preparing this assessment you are required to follow the following AI scale level and add the following information at the first page of your report. 


Assessment Due Date

Week 11 Friday (30 May 2025) 11:55 am AEST

Make sure your report has a cover page which includes your name, ID and date of submission


Return Date to Students

Review/Exam Week Friday (13 June 2025)


Weighting
30%

Assessment Criteria

The 75-100 words introduction submitted will be worth 5%.
The final report submitted will be worth 25% 
The report will be assessed as follows:
• 4% for the Introduction 
• 3% for the Organisation/structure 
• 10% for the Content knowledge
• 4% for the Quality of writing & presentation 
• 4% for the Conclusion and summary 
The marking rubric is shared in Moodle under Assessment 3


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply the fundamental principles of business ethics and corporate governance in a range of contexts
  • Analyse ethical decision-making issues in the context of a case study at the individual, group and organisational levels
  • Practice ethical decision-making using appropriate strategies and models in a given context
  • Formulate solutions to ethical problems in organisations using effective ethics programs
  • Discuss, debate and reflect on business ethics in a culturally-diverse global environment
  • Construct and defend a position for a given ethical problem based on values and knowledge of ethical behaviour across cultures.

4 Oral Examination

Assessment Title
Oral assessment

Task Description

This is a Question and Answer session on the following:
1. The Assessments 2 completed by your group
2. the Assessment 3 that you completed individually, and
3. The content covered in the unit during the term (only from selected weeks; selected by the UC/lecturer).
Further details will be provided in Moodle and during classes. 


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Tuesday (3 June 2025) 5:00 pm AEST

Time and date will be declared before week 12


Return Date to Students

Grade will be release in due dates


Weighting
20%

Assessment Criteria

Apply the fundamental principles of business ethics and corporate governance in a range of contexts
Analyse ethical decision-making issues in the context of a case study at the individual, group and organisational
levels
Practice ethical decision-making using appropriate strategies and models in a given context
Formulate solutions to ethical problems in organisations using effective ethics programs
Discuss, debate and reflect on business ethics in a culturally-diverse global environment
Construct and defend a position for a given ethical problem based on values and knowledge of ethical behaviour
across cultures.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply the fundamental principles of business ethics and corporate governance in a range of contexts
  • Analyse ethical decision-making issues in the context of a case study at the individual, group and organisational levels
  • Practice ethical decision-making using appropriate strategies and models in a given context
  • Formulate solutions to ethical problems in organisations using effective ethics programs
  • Discuss, debate and reflect on business ethics in a culturally-diverse global environment
  • Construct and defend a position for a given ethical problem based on values and knowledge of ethical behaviour across cultures.

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?