Independent University, Bangladesh

School of Business
MBA Program

COURSE SYLLABUS
Academic Term:

Spring 2015 Semester

Course Number:

MBA 515

Course Title:

Legal and Ethical Issues in Business (3 Credits)

Catalog Description
and Prerequisites:

Introduction to Business, Organization Behavior, Marketing

Fundamentals, Management Fundamentals.

Pedagogy:

Phone:

Providing lecture on the topic, discussing real life case on

the topic, solving real life problems of customer
management. Case analysis and Article reading &
Presentation.
Dr. Abu Naser Ahmed Ishtiaque, Professor,
Department of Marketing, Faculty of Business Studies,
University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
9661920 Ext. 7983 (W)

E-mail:

anai@du.ac.bd

Consulting Hours:

Sunday and Tuesday before and after the evening classes

or by appointment.

Grading:

As outlined in the University policy.

Faculty:

Learning Resources:
Andrew Crane and Dirk Matten, Business Ethics (3rd
Edition), Oxford University Press, 2010
Commercial Law, A. K Sen and J. K. Mitra; A Manual of
Mercantile Law, MC. Shukla; Manual of Company Law
(Amendment 1994); Others.
Study materials and other necessary papers will be
provided or uploaded on and before the respective class.

Message:
Im glad you are here. I will do my best to make the course up-to-date, useful and
interesting. You will be expected to read (and think about) the chapters of the texts but
class will not be a simple re-hash of what you read. Lectures will be used to introduce
topics, to highlight key points, and to give you information that cant be given as
effectively any other way.
Regular and prompt attendance is an essential part of the educational experience. All
students are expected to attend every scheduled class on time. Exceptions may be made
for university or work sponsored activities, illnesses, or valid emergency situations. Best
of luck.

(Dr. Abu Naser Ahmed Ishtiaque)

Why Study Legal and Ethical Issues in Business?

In today's business world, employees and employers alike need to have some basic
familiarities with systems of law and their application to business activities. They should
have a foundation for thinking about ethical problems in our economic and social
environment. Learners would gain insights into such current issues as government
regulation of business, the duties and obligations of individuals and business entity in
their communities, and the scope of legal and ethical rules in directing human behavior.

Course Description:
In this course, students develop a critical appreciation of the basic thoughts and
practices of law and ethical issues and management strategy with an emphasis on
creating value for the business and building stakeholders relationships. The course
develops concepts and skills necessary for decision-making and illustrates how various
decision-making tools apply to actual business situations considering legal and ethical
rules.

Course Objectives:
The study on legal and ethical environment of business is designed to help students
accomplish the following objectives:
1. Understand business organization.
2. Recognize legal and ethical issues when making business decisions.
3. Gain an enhanced understanding of legal rules and ethical constraints.
4. Critically analyze the impact of the law on business management.
5. Improve analytical problem solving and ethical decision making skills.

Outline:
The course is structured to assist students to understand legal and ethical systems at the
individual and organizational level and the way in which these systems are influenced by
stakeholders; but also the way in which stakeholders attempt to influence the systems.

We
7Week4-6Week
1-3
ek

Time
Frame

Brief Contents
Introduction to Business and Ethics
Framing Business Ethics
Law of Contract- Part-I
Law of Contract- Part-II
Law of Contract- Part-III

Suggested Activities
Power Point Presentation
Open Discussion
Quiz
Class Test
Class Participation
Assignment

Midterm Examination

14Week 11-13Week
8-10Week

Time
Frame

Brief Contents
The Company Act- Part-I
The Company Act- Part-II
The Company Act- Part-III
Employees and Business Ethics
Consumers and Business Ethics
Government, Regulation, and Business
Ethics

Suggested Activities
Power Point Presentation
Open Discussion
Quiz
Class Test
Case Study
Class Participation
Assignment
Presentation
Term Paper

Final Examination

Group Presentations Other Important Acts:

Bangladesh Control of Essential Commodities Act: 1956 Pure Food Ordinance: 1969
Trade Marks Act: 1940 Patent Design Act: 1911 Standards of Weights and Measure
Ordinance: 1982 Drug Policy: 1982 The Payment of Wages Act: 1936 The Industrial
Relation Ordinance: 1969 The Shops and Establishment Rules: 1970 Other Laws,
Acts, and Ordinances relating to Business

Key Particulars:
Class Time and Procedure: Tuesday, 6:30pm to 9:30pm (Section: 02) in Room # 2022
and lecture through PowerPoint Presentation, citing real life examples, video case
analysis, solving case in the classroom and at home individually or in-group by the
students.
Makeup Classes: The day and time for the Makeup Classes (if needed) will be set
cordially with the students subject to the consent of the management.
Examinations Timetable: As stated by the University. Program and system of study for
examination will be decided warmly with the students.

Question Structure for Midterm and Final Examination:

Duration of Examination is 2 hours and an assigned total mark is 40, preferably with the
breakup of question paper under:
1. Terms and Concept of the Subject (5 out of 7)
5x01= 05
2. Draw Figures (5 out of 5)
5x02= 10
3. Short Questions (2 out of 3)
2x05= 10
4. Critical Broad Questions (1 out of 2)
1x10= 10
5. Critical Reasoning/ Case Study/ Marketing Debate (1)
1x05= 05
Total Marks
40
Note:
1. Entire syllabus will be covered.

2. Length of average answer will be such that the average student can just finish the
answers in two hours.

Evaluation:

Students will be evaluated in the following basis:

Focus on Accompanying
Proportion
Final Grade
Contributions
Class Attendance
10
Midterm Examination
[40]
Class Participation (4)
10
50% to be converted into
10
for contribution to Final
Quiz (4)
Grade
10
Final Term Examination
Class Test (2)
[40]
Assignment (2)
10
Accompanying
Contributions [80]
Case Analysis (2)
10
50% to be converted into
Term paper (1)
10
for contribution to Final
10
Presentation (1)
Grade
Total
80
Grand Total
*The mark distribution and weights mentioned above is subject to change.

Proportio
n
20

40
40

100

Notice
Form a group comprising of maximum 5/10 members and give an attractive name for your
group where one will be manager and rest of the member will be executive for group assignment
purpose.
DEADLINES for assignment, term paper will be deadly followed. Lame excuses will not be
entertained.
Regarding plagiarism and collision the instructor will follow the rules set by the university.
Students are advised to follow either Harvard or APA system of referencing.
All must maintain the class manners (side talking while in the class, noise by cell phone is
prohibited). Disobey of it will attract penalty.