Reference no: EM132323149

1. Group presentation and report

There are four case studies for presentation during the course: Logically, then, we need to have four groups presenting on the case studies. The four topics/foci for these case studies are:
• Organisational structures (1)
• Managing relationships (2)
• Obligations (3)
• Future-proofing (4)

Given the fact we have 10 participants we need to have 2-3 members in each group. I am happy if you self-select but I reserve the right to shift people around to get the right distribution.

Details of cases: Case studies offer an opportunity to research and apply legal principles to scenarios where such issues arise. It is also an opportunity to solve problems around identification and management of legal issues and risk within a complex environment. Hence the following aspects will be taken into account when assessing the presentations and reports completed by each group (the presentations are 15 minutes long with 10 minutes for questions and the reports should be 2-3 pages long). The actual cases will be provided via Moodle at least by the session prior to the presentation (the first is already available).

2. Research portfolio

This portfolio, built up over the course (until week 9) is your opportunity to show me, and prove to yourselves, how you have expanded your knowledge and understanding of issues and strategies around legal risk management. You can submit this in either a printed or electronic format. As a minimum it should include:
• Information on the research/referencing workshop (what you found, problems you might have had finding material and a bibliography of the references you have collected in your refworks account).
• Your reflections and comments on your case study and the research you conducted outside what was provided as part of the case study itself.
• Your analysis and conclusions on the other case studies.
• Your reflections on what you have found and read/analysed on legal risk, rules and management.
• Your annotated bibliography for the major assignment (see below for details).

Note that a structured annotated bibliography should use the following headings:
(a) Relevant textbooks
List at least three textbooks are useful. Write down which chapters/pages appear relevant, where the text can be/was obtained, and BRIEFLY why the text will be useful. You can also include texts that appeared to look useful (eg via their title) but which you have found are not - eg out of date?
(b) Relevant academic journal articles
List at least two journal articles, with at least one being refereed (peer-reviewed). These may include articles from journals found on electronic databases as well as paper journals.
In relation to each article, briefly comment on how it might be or is relevant to your selected issue and organisation.
If this is not explicit from the reference style, indicate where each journal article is available (ie. database name or library at which the journal is held).
(c) Other materials
You may find useful discussion papers, submissions made by industry bodies, reports, notes by individuals etc. from the internet or elsewhere. PLEASE use the correct style for these: See the University's General Guide for the Presentation of Academic Work for assistance.
For each reference, please comment briefly on where and how you found it, why it is relevant and how authoritative it is.
(d) Cases and Legislation
List any cases that appear useful, where you found them and why they may be useful. You are NOT expected to spend a large amount of time searching for case judgments eg via the Austlii database or to read long cases, although the CCH online library cases do have a summary headnote at the beginning you could use. As much as possible, though, you should find cases from secondary sources (eg texts, journals).
List legislation that you have found to be relevant.
(e) Comment on whether you think you have sufficient resources, and/or what type of resources you think you will need to find to write your essay and where you will look to find them!

3. Written Report

This is the major piece of work for this course and as such, should satisfy the following criteria:

• Demonstrate understanding of the legal/regulatory environment and relevant laws as well as economic, ethical, social/cultural, international and political issues
• Demonstrate the ability to investigate, synthesise and analyse
• Demonstrate understanding as to the most appropriate, efficient and effective means of managing the legal risks that arise from the circumstances
• Clearly and convincingly communicate the findings
• Be between 4000-5000 words

Topic: EITHER: For a selected organisation:

(a) Summarise in about 250-500 words the characteristics/features of the organisation (you can choose a statutory/government body or select a business or not-for-profit organisation if you prefer and describe what goods/services it provides).

(b) Outline any legal governance, management and relationship issues that affect the organisation as a whole (this is to link you into the lecture material) (about 250-500 words - awareness not depth is required at this stage)

(c) List any general and specific legislation that is of particular importance in regulating the organisation and any relevant industry or similar bodies

(d) Outline areas of high legal risk for the organisation as a whole and SELECT ONE to be the centre of your discussion and analysis

(e) Explore the reasons and implications of this legal risk for the organisation both short -term and those that may arise in the long-term.

(f) Identify and describe strategic options for management of this legal risk and evaluatethose options in terms of cost and benefit to the organisation

(g) Offer recommendations as to the most appropriate option and the rationale for those recommendations.

OR: for a selected piece of legislation, legal policy area or area of common law:

(a) Summarise in about 250-500 words the focus/rationale/intent of this policy, legislation or common law

(b) Outline any legal governance, management and relationship issues that are shaped by the above (this is to link you into the lecture material) (about 250-500 words - awareness not depth is required at this stage)

(c) Listhow the legislation etc applies to organisations and any relevant industry or similar bodies

(d) Outline areas of high legal risk for organisations that emerge from the policy etc and SELECT ONE to be the centre of your discussion and analysis

(e) Explore the reasons and implications of this legal risk for such organisations both short -term and those that may arise in the long-term.

(f) Identify and describe strategic options for management of this legal risk and evaluate those options in terms of cost and benefit to organisations

(g) Offer recommendations as to how this legal risk might be managed, the most appropriate option and the rationale for those recommendations.