Foundations of Law and Business
Module 1
Foundations of Law
Prof. Christopher Bisping, Prof. Dr. Jörn Axel Kämmerer
The legal systems of different countries resemble each other in some ways but differ in others. The similarities stem from factors such as common legal heritages, efforts to achieve international harmonization of laws, and others; but even similarity does not imply uniformity. Lawyers and businesspeople are often unaware that the legal structures and concepts that they take for granted in their home countries are not shared elsewhere. An awareness of these similarities and differences is particularly important for businesspeople and lawyers working in the international arena.
The Foundations of Law module considers a number of topics, an understanding of which is of significant practical use to businesspeople and lawyers. The Comparative Law section of the module will focus on contract law as contracts underpin all commercial activity. It will also consider the differences and similarities in the concepts, organization, and functioning of national legal systems. Unlike much comparative law instruction, this module section analyzes not just directly relevant substantive law, but also other legal principles that can be decisive in any given situation.
The EU section of the module covers the foundations, the institutional structure, the powers, and the guiding rules of the European Union as one of the largest economic players, whose legal order plays a prominent role in international business. Following an introduction to the Union’s legal foundations and institutions, the course will focus on the “internal market” as the core of the Union and specifically on the freedoms they convey for the transfer of goods, services and capital and the free movement of persons and, if appropriate, have a sideways glance at Brexit.
Cost Accounting
Prof. Dr. Matthias Meyer
Information provided by cost accounting is crucial for making rational decisions and controlling activities. Therefore, it is fundamental for understanding management in modern corporations. The course offers a comprehensive introduction to the basics of cost accounting. More precisely, it will provide an overview of essential concepts and tools of cost accounting. Students’ understanding will be deepened by giving practical examples.
Financial Reporting
Prof. Dr. Rolf Uwe Fülbier
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to financial accounting and reporting. Basic accounting techniques, the legal environment for accounting in Europe and Germany, the institutional and conceptual framework of accounting and, finally, accounting for specific issues such as intangibles, provisions or financial instruments are explored in this course. Participants gain a deeper knowledge of the corporate communication process expressed in financial statements. Aspects of financial statement analysis are also discussed to better understand the impact of financial data on firm contract partners.
