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Module Study Guide
Academic Year 2022–2023
Academic Partner: UK College of Business
and ComputingMicroeconomics Assignment
BA5UK58O – Business Ethics
Level: 5
Credits: 20
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Copyright © 2022 University of West London
Permission granted to reproduce solely for the purpose of teaching and learning at the University
of West London and its approved academic partners.
You are provided with study materials for your personal use only. You must not share these with
others or upload them to websites. Any student who is found to have shared materials, particularly
for personal gain, will be subject to disciplinary action if appropriate.
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Table of contents
Key team contact details 1
1 Module overview 2
1.1 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..2
1.2 Module summary content and aims………………………………………………………………………….3
1.3 Learning outcomes to be assessed………………………………………………………………………….3
1.4 Indicative Contact Hours ………………………………………………………………………………………..4
2 Assessment and feedback 5
2.1 Summative assessment grid …………………………………………………………………………………..5
2.2 Assessment brief – formative assessments and learning outcomes ……………………………..6
2.3 Learning materials……………………………………………………………………………………………….10
3 Things you need to know 12
3.1 Our Expectations…………………………………………………………………………………………………12
3.2 Getting Support …………………………………………………………………………………………………..12
3.2.1 Personal Tutors, Module Leaders, Subject Librarians, and Course Leaders ………………..12
3.2.2 Study Support Team…………………………………………………………………………………………..13
3.2.3 Meeting Deadlines……………………………………………………………………………………………..13
3.3 Making an Impact ………………………………………………………………………………………………..14
3.3.1 When there’s an issue ………………………………………………………………………………………..14
3.3.2 Module Evaluation Surveys …………………………………………………………………………………14
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Key team contact details
| Module Leader | Anthony Osei Owusu |
| Subject Area & School/College | Business and Management, UK College of Business and Computing |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone | 0208 518 4994 |
| Location | Eastgate House, 40 Dukes Street, EC3A 7LP |
| Module Tutor | Various |
| Various | |
| Location | Eastgate House, 40 Dukes Street, EC3A 7LP |
| Module/Course Administrator | Alexandra Lazar |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone | 0208 518 4994 |
| Location | Eastgate House, 40 Dukes Street, EC3A 7LP. |
| Subject Librarian | Sarwar Alam |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone | 0208 518 4994 |
| Location | Eastgate House, 40 Dukes Street, EC3A 7LP |
The Programme Leader overseeing this module is George Muwonge, and can be contacted at
[email protected]
The Course Director for all modules are George Muwonge, Dev Raj and Sobhi D’Cruz, and can be
contacted at: [email protected]
The Director of Education and Quality for all modules is Dr David Preston, and can be contacted
at: [email protected]
The Academic Partner Link Tutor (APLT) responsible for this module is Shafqat Abbas and can be
contacted at [email protected]
The External Examiner responsible for this module is TBC
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1 Module overview
1.1 Introduction
Welcome to Business Ethics, Level 5 module.
This module looks at the theory and practice of Business Ethics, Corporate Governance, and
Corporate Social Responsibility. This module is to deepen your understanding of current debates
on the conduct of business in a challenging global environment. The module engages with ethical
theory in a business context.
The module seeks to critically examine current debates on the nature of the enterprise and its role
and impact on society. The implications of creating and sustaining an ethical approach to
entrepreneurial activities are identified and examined and approaches to the management of
business ethics appraised. Different ethical theories are used to undertake this analysis.
Contemporary concerns relating to the need for effective corporate citizenship and governance
structures are addressed and discussed, together with the causes of emerging calls for improved
corporate accountability and social responsibility.
To understand how organisations, formulate and implement ethical stances, it is necessary to
analyse both relevant ethical theory and contemporary frameworks for governance structures and
processes.
The module examines influential ideas and philosophies of ethical behaviour, current
developments, governance issues, and the growth of codes and agreements guiding corporate
social responsibility.
This challenging and engaging subject reflects on some key contemporary business issues and to
developing an understanding of ethical perspectives. It is hoped that you find this module useful,
interesting, and a source of inspiration and practical support in your business career.
For this module, all classes will be delivered in person, on campus. This module study guide
(MSG) is designed to help you follow and successfully complete the module. It contains important
information so you are encouraged to read it carefully and ask any questions you might have. The
MSG will be referred to each week so you need to bring it along to your classes or keep it in a
place where you can easily refer to it. Like all modules, this one also expects hard work and that
you take an active role in its study. Please do not hesitate to ask for guidance or assistance should
you require it and tutors are always happy to receive student feedback. Full attendance on this
module is expected. Students who need to miss a class must email their tutor and Administration
via Evision prior to the class.
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1.2 Module summary content and aims
The aims of the module are to:
• Critically analyse the drivers of enterprise and wealth creation from the perspective of their
ethical implications.
• Investigate changing approaches and attitudes to sustainability and corporate social
responsibility.
• Critically evaluate frameworks for the discussion of business ethical issues and the use of
tools for managing business ethics.
• Examine the impact of globalisation on enterprise.
• Evaluate diverse ethical models and theories (normative and descriptive).
• Debate the role of alternative approaches: ‘values’ and “virtues” in business leaders.
Expectations
Specific expectations students can have of tutors:
• Drop-in support by emailing the tutors, and if needed, support will be provided during on
face-to-face teaching hours.
• Constructive formative feedback will be provided. See details on Section 2.1 and on BB.
• Lecture slides, seminar activities and any relevant solutions, if appropriate, will be made
available on BB.
Specific expectations tutors will have of students:
• Attend all classes and arrive at classes punctually.
• Students are expected to watch lectures, attend all classes (lectures and seminars) and
undertake further readings attached to all the sessions and behave professionally.
• Actively participate and engage in class activities.
• Inform tutor via email in advance when not able to attend any classes.
1.3 Learning outcomes to be assessed
On completion of the module you should be able to:
LO1. Analyse stakeholder perspectives on business behaviour.
LO2. Evaluate the importance of business ethics at an academic level and its managerial
implications.
LO3. Identify and examine the most relevant normative and descriptive business ethics
theories.
LO4. Investigate and evaluate approaches to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
LO5. Make informed judgements of business ethics dilemmas.
LO6. Access and utilise a wide variety of learning resources in the subject area.
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1.4 Indicative Contact Hours
| Teaching Contact Hours | 48 hours |
| Independent Study Hours | 152 hours |
| Total Learning Hours | 200 hours |
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2 Assessment and feedback
2.1 Summative assessment grid
| Assessment | Teaching Weeks in which Assessment Support Takes Place |
Outline of Type and Form of Assessment Support to be Provided |
Student Preparation Required Prior to or After the Support Session |
How will the Support Session to be Delivered |
| Task 1 | Week 5 | Support will be provided on the design and content of group presentation (in class group activity) |
Students are expected to bring their ideas/outlines In-class group activity (presentation slots) should be booked in week |
Students will be supported on face-to-face verbally in class. |
| Week 6/7 | Formative feedback will be provided soon after students present. |
Students will present on face-to face in groups |
Students will be supported on face-to-face verbally. |
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| Task 2 | Week 8 | Part 1: Individual feedback. |
Students will submit drafts via email to tutors to get feedback. |
Students will be supported on face-to-face during classes. |
| Week 10 | Part 2: Individual feedback. |
Students will submit drafts via email to tutors to get feedback. |
Students will be supported on face-to-face during classes. |
| Type of Assessment |
Word count or equivalent |
Threshold (If Professional Body-PSRB applies) |
Weighting | Pass Mark |
Indicative Submission Week |
Method of Submission & Date of Feedback (refer to BB) |
| Individual Written Assignment LO1 – LO6 |
3,000 words in total (+/- 10%) (500 words Individual Reflection +2500 words Individual Report) |
N/A | 100% | 40% | Week 14 | Submission through Turnitin |
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| Week 12 | Part 3: Individual feedback. |
Students will submit drafts of their reports on BB to get formative feedback. |
Formative feedback will be posted on BB. Students will be supported on face-to-face during classes. |
| Week 14 | Final Submission |
2.2 Assessment brief – formative assessments and learning
outcomes
Assessment: An Individual Written Assignment (LO1 –LO6)
There is ONE summative assessment consisting of TWO coursework tasks submitted as one
document:
• Task 1 (30%) – Individual Reflection on a Group In-class Activity (Presentation). The
presentations will take place during weeks 6 and 7. Your Individual Reflection will be
submitted in Week 14.
• Task 2 (70%) – Individual Report to be submitted alongside Task 1 in Week 14.
Task 1: 500-word Individual Reflection (Weightage 30%, LO2)
For task one, students will be provided a Case Study (see the Assessment Folder on BB) and
expected to undertake individual independent research and participate in a group in-class activity
(presentation) face-to-face in weeks 6/7. For the presentation you will be divided into groups of 4
to 5 students.
You will then write an individual 500-word reflection based on your performance in the group and
how you view ethical issues raised in the Case Study. The Individual Reflection will be submitted
in week 14 along with task 2 (Report) in one document.
You will also include in this submission (in the appendices) your preparation and research
undertaken for this group activity (presentation). This must be included in the appendices for you
to receive a mark for this task. Legible handwritten notes may be scanned and submitted in the
appendices as a part of your research.
Groups will be arranged by module tutors in weeks 4/5 in class. Please note this work will be
individually graded.
There will be opportunities in class to receive support and formative feedback on this task
therefore, attendance and engagement is highly recommended if you wish to succeed in this task.
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Task 2: 2500-word Individual Report (Weightage 70%, LO1 – LO6)
This is a complex task entailing considerable research. It is best to approach it step by step. You
are strongly advised to make a draft timetable of when you expect to complete each section.
You must choose ONE case study from the list below (Assessment Folder on BB).
1. VW Emissions Scandal – Case Study
Or
2. Facebook – Cambridge Analytica Scandal – Case Study
Or
3. Apple “Batterygate” scandal – Case Study
Required Outline and Assessment Criteria
| Section/Criteria | Marks |
| Task 2 | |
| Company Background Provide evidence from the company’s annual reports and/or websites (e.g., from the Financial Times, other respected journalistic sources, NGOs). |
5% |
| Part 1: Carefully define the concept you are investigating with reference to the chosen case. The concept could be either: • Corporate Governance or • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or • Sustainability (choose one concept for your assignment) |
20% |
| Part 2: Investigate and evaluate the approaches of the chosen case to one of the above concepts, from the perspective of the most relevant normative and descriptive business ethics theories. |
20% |
| Part 3: Using the same case, analyse stakeholder perspectives on the business behaviour. |
15% |
| Conclusion | 5% |
| References | 5% |
| Task 1 | |
| Evidence of pre-class preparation (submitted notes and in-class performance) | 5% |
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| Application of theories/concepts/models • Concept of normative ethical theories. • Role of ethical theories. • Differences between non-consequentialist (Kantian or Locke or Rawls) and consequentialist approach (egoism or utilitarianism) knowing the strengths and limitations, by focusing on one of each. All the above must be applied to the case dilemmas |
15% |
| Quality of analysis/critical argument/use of sources to support argument | 10% |
Marking Scheme
| 100-80% | 79-70% | 69-60% | 59-50% | 49-40% | 39-30% | 29-0% |
| The work produced is exceptional in most/all aspects, substantiall y exceeding expectation s for this level. |
The work produced is of excellent quality, exceeding expectation s for this level in many aspects. |
The work produced meets all of the intended learning outcomes and exceeds the threshold expectation s for this level in several of them. |
The work produced meets all of the intended learning outcomes and exceeds the threshold expectation s for this level in some of them. |
The work produced meets all of the intended learning outcomes at, but rarely exceeding the threshold expectation s for this level. |
The work produced fails to meet all of the intended learning outcomes and is marginally inadequate for this level. |
The work produced fails to meet all of the intended learning outcomes and is inadequate for this level. |
For guidance on online submission of assignments, including how to submit and how to access
online feedback, please refer to the UWL Blackboard student-help pages at: uwl.ac.uk/currentstudents/online-learning-tools
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Employability Skills
This assessment covers the following employability skills, which you could demonstrate on your
CV and at job interviews if you successfully pass the assessment:
• Communication
• Writing
• Speaking
• Listening
• Presenting
• Problem solving
• Take initiative and self-motivating
• Critical thinking
• Can work under pressure and to deadline
• Planning and organisation skills
• Team working
• Ability to learn and adapt
• Valuing Diversity
• Industry/commercial aware
• Reflective lifelong learners
• Creativity/lateral thinking
• Time management
• Project management
• Influencing
• Intellectual curiosity
• Interpersonal
• Leadership
• Confidence
• Global/cultural awareness
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2.3 Learning materials
The reading list for this module is available on Blackboard in the module area and online by
searching uwl.rl.talis.com. and also on ulearn by searching
https://ulearn.ukcbc.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=83.
Remember to log into Blackboard daily to receive all the latest news and support available
at your module sites!
Subject guides (subject-guides-libguides) are also available to help you find relevant information
for assignments, with contact details of the Subject Librarian for your School.
Essential Reading:
Crane, A., Matten, D., and Glozer, S. (2019) “Business Ethics: Managing corporate citizenship and
sustainability in the age of globalization” 5th Edit, UK: Oxford University Press.
Domenec, M. (2019) “Business Ethics in Action: Seeking human excellence in organizations” 2nd
Edit, Electronic Books.
Crane, A., and Matten, D. (2016) “Business Ethics” 4 th Edit, UK: Oxford University Press.
Recommended Reading:
Collins, D. (2012) “Essentials of Business Ethics: Creating an Organization of High Ingegrity and
Supplior Performance” https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/book/10.1002/9781118386163.
Chryssides, G., and Kaler, J. (1996) “Essentials of Business Ethics” Europe, Middle East and
Africa: McGrawHill Education.
De George , R. T. (2006) “Business Ethics” 6th Edit, Pearson. Dienhart, J. W. (2000) “Business,
Institutions, and Ethics” OUP.
Fisher, C., and Lovell, A. (2009) “Business Ethics and Values” Prentice Hall. McGraw Hill. Mallin,
C. (2004) “Corporate Governance” Oxford University Press.
Mele, D. (2009) “Business Ethics in Action” Palgrave. McIntosh, M. et al (2003) “Living Corporate
Citizenship” Prentice Hall.
Post, J., Lawrence, A., and Weber, J. (2005) “Business and Society” McGraw Hill.
Wicks, A., Freeman, R., Werhane, P., and Martin , K. (2010) “Business Ethics: A Managerial
Approach” Prentice Hall.
Journals
Journal of Business Ethics
Business Ethics Quarterly
European Journal of Business Ethics
Harvard Business Review
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Long Range Planning
Remember, all your work must have Academic Integrity; it must be an honest and fair submission,
complying with all the requirements of the assessment, that properly references and credits any
other people’s work you have used. Failure to meet these standards of behaviour and practice is
academic misconduct, which can result in penalties being applied under the Academic Offences
Regulations.
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3 Things you need to know
3.1 Our Expectations
You are expected to behave in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, and treat others
with kindness and respect whether at university or online. It’s important to consider your safety
and the safety of others around you, especially how to stay safe online and ensure your
communications are secure and appropriate.
Teaching at UKCBC during the academic year 2022–23 will be conducted using blended learning
framework. This model helps you maximise your learning by providing you with materials to:
engage with before class (“Investigate”) so you can maximise your hands-on learning during your
taught session
Help you demonstrate and check your understanding by applying your prior learning during class
(“Apply”)
Help you enhance your knowledge and skills by reflecting on or consolidating your learning after
class (“Consolidate”)
Whether you are engaging with teaching and learning activities onsite or online, we expect the
same level of commitment and engagement from you. If you are unable to attend scheduled onsite
or online activities, or complete activities in the time frames set out, you should let your tutors
know.
You should aim to meet assessment deadlines; if you are concerned that you will not be able to
complete your assessments on time, you should talk to your tutors. Your engagement, whether
online or onsite, will be tracked and if we see that you are not engaging, we will get in contact with
you.
Please remember that your course team is here to support you so if you are having problems, let
us know so we can work with you to find solutions and get you back on track as soon as possible.
Give yourself the best possible chance to succeed by engaging with the full range of learning and
teaching activities available to you on Blackboard. You can also email your tutor or reach the
Module Leader online through Microsoft Teams or via email
3.2 Getting Support
Graduating from UWL will open up a world of opportunities for you, but we understand that the
journey to get there is not always easy – especially when you are combining studying with work,
caring for others, or dealing with illness. That is why we offer lots of support to help you meet your
full potential.
3.2.1 Personal Tutors, Module Leaders, Subject Librarians, and Course Leaders
Your Personal Tutor can help if you’re worried about your studies, need academic advice, or want
to find the best way for you to succeed.
Your Module Leader can help if you’re struggling with work, don’t think you can meet a deadline,
or there was something you didn’t understand or want to know more about.
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Your Librarian can help you with finding, evaluating, reading, and referencing sources. They offer
drop-ins and workshops throughout the year.
Your Programme Leader can help with any questions about the course you’re studying, such as
any course-specific requirements or options.
3.2.2 Study Support Team
The Study Support Team helps you enhance your academic writing and study skills through oneto-one support opportunities and workshops throughout the academic year. This support consists
of:
• Study Skills Support
• English Language Support
• Maths and Statistics Support
• Peer Mentoring Scheme
• Online Resources
Apart from the College-wide support framework, which encompasses the Module Leader,
Programme Leader, the Librarian, and your Course Administrator, you will also have at your
disposal the UKCBC Student Engagement Team.
3.2.3 Meeting Deadlines
You should always try your best to submit your work on time. If you submit coursework late, within
10 calendar days of the deadline, then the maximum mark you will be able to get for that work will
be the pass mark. Anything submitted after this would be counted as a non-submission.
We understand that there may be times when you experience circumstances outside of your
control that mean you are not able to submit on time. It’s a good idea to talk your Module Leader if
you’re not going to be able to submit on time so that they can support you and make you aware of
any services that can help.
Where exceptional circumstances mean you’ll be submitting your coursework late, you can
request an extension before your deadline. An extension means that the penalty for submitting up
to 10 calendar days late will not apply.
If your circumstances are so serious that you are not able to submit at all or are unable to attend
an in-person assessment like an exam or in-class test, then you can request mitigation for the
assessment. Mitigation means that you can submit work at the next available attempt instead.
If you request an extension or mitigation before the deadline you can choose to self-certify,
meaning that you do not have to provide evidence, so long as you provide a valid reason for the
request. You can only self-certify three assessments per academic year. If you have used all your
self-certification opportunities, or requested mitigation after the deadline, you will need to provide
evidence of your exceptional circumstances for your request to be granted.
To apply for an Extension or Mitigation, login to Evision, student 360 view and complete a request
form via https://evision.ukcbc.ac.uk/urd/sits.urd/run/SIW_LGN
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3.3 Making an Impact
3.3.1 When there’s an issue
If something’s negatively impacting your experience at university, you should raise this informally
with your Module Leader or Programme Leader.
If the issue is affecting several students, you could talk to your Course Rep about it, and they can
either raise your concerns with your Module Leader or Programme Leader on the group’s behalf,
or at the Course Committees which take place each semester.
We aim to ensure that any issues are resolved informally as quickly as possible to have minimum
impact on your studies.
3.3.2 Module Evaluation Surveys
Towards the end of the module, you will be invited to provide some anonymous feedback to the
Module Leader through an online survey. This is your opportunity to give direct feedback about the
module through a series of questions and free text.
Your constructive feedback will help the Module Leader and teaching team to understand the
module experience from your perspective and helps inform the development of the module. At the
end of the survey period, a response to the survey will be available so that you can see the impact
your voice has had.