Failing corporate governance of financial institutions has often been mentioned as an important cause of the crisis. Consequently, having a deeper understanding how corporate boards are formed and how they act have become a topic of increasing importance. It also is already clear that the Covid-19 crisis will have a material effect on corporate governance. Do you want to know how corporations are directed and how we can make them perform better? This course will provide you with the answers!
Hundreds of billions of dollars in valuation were lost by scandals caused by failing corporate governance. Notable examples of this include Lehman Brothers, Parmalat and Ahold. These scandals also contributed to a climate in which trust between consumers and companies, between investors and directors, is harmed. Together with the Financial Crisis, these scandals inspired (semi) self-regulating bodies, governments, the EU and organizations like the OECD to take initiatives to improve corporate governance routines and safeguards. Corporate Governance Codes were altered and Codes for Financial Institutions were drafted to stimulate boards and shareholders to pursue a long-term strategy. The question remains however whether these changes will successfully prevent short-termism and excessive risk-taking, and, if not, what else can be done?
Many changes took place in doing business because of the Covid-19 crisis. You can see this crisis as the ultimate test of the Corporate Governance of many companies. But was Covid-19 a watershed point after all? The pressure from society, corporate citizenship, and stakeholders resulted in new challenges, while New Normal and it's environment include a different set of features which made an impact on routines, decision-making processes and structural models. So, what are the new complications besides basic bounds? What issues has corporate governance faced?
These main questions will be dealt with in the lectures of the course “Corporate Governance after the Financial Crisis” from both economic and legal perspectives.
Target audience
Bachelor and Master students with an interest in Law & Economics. Ph.D. students and young professionals are also welcome to apply.
Aim of the course
To equip students and young professionals with an insight into the background and development of key issues in Corporate Governance. The assignment will stimulate participants to apply this knowledge to one of the big scandals and ongoing global issues whilst also practicing academic writing skills. This course is also an excellent introduction to the Master Law & Economics of Utrecht University.
Study load
Contact hours daily: 4-5 hours (lectures, group assignments). Self-study daily: 4 hours (preparation and research).
Participants take an online exam on the last day. Grading is based on a 10-point scale on the weighted sum of different elements.
Course fee: €650
Housing cost: €200
For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.