Corporate Governance and Quantitative Research Methods, 15 Credits

Contents

The course covers foundational theories of corporate governance, roles and responsibilities of boards of directors, regulatory frameworks, and the impact of governance on corporate performance and ethical practices. The second module focuses on quantitative research techniques to enhance students' abilities to critically evaluate and conduct research within the subjects of accounting and finance.

The following modules are included in the course:
Module 1. Corporate Governance, 7.5 credits
Modul 2. Quantitative Research Methods, 7.5 credits

Module 1. Corporate Governance, 7.5 credits 
Corporate governance is concerned with the management of interactions between investors and the reconciliation of possible conflicts of interest between various corporate stakeholders. The literature on corporate governance discusses, among other things, the role and responsibility of owners, the role and responsibility of boards, executive compensation, internal control, disclosure of governance arrangements as well as historical explanations for different corporate governance systems. Many countries also have corporate governance codes that public companies may or have to follow. During the course students are evaluating theoretical perspectives influencing regulatory practices as well as recent trends related to corporate governance, including sustainability and corporate responsibility.

Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
After completing this course, the student should be able to:

• describe common conflicts between stakeholders.

Skills and ability 
After completing this course, the student should be able to:

• analyse the purpose and the limits of corporate governance,
• compare the responsibilities of companies to different stakeholder groups and explain the role of stakeholders in corporate governance,
• analyse the role of corporate governance in relation to sustainability, ethics and corporate responsibility,
• communicate central concepts for the course in English, both orally and in writing.

Judgement and approach 
After completing this course, the student should be able to:

• evaluate the primary roles of various groups tasked with responsibilities for corporate governance (e.g. boards of directors, internal committees),
• contrast regulatory systems guiding approaches to corporate governance emphasizing the advantages and disadvantages of each system from various theoretical perspectives,
• discuss contemporary corporate governance research and its influence on practice.

Focus of instruction
Learning is supported by lectures, seminars and written and oral assignments in this course. The core topics will be covered by lectures and seminars, where students are expected to take an active part. Students will write reports and make oral presentations at seminars.

Module examination modes
Examination is based upon an individual written hall exam and group and individual assignments. A passing grade is required for each part of the module.

Module 2. Quantitative Research Methods, 7.5 credits
This course provides students with the fundamental concepts and techniques of quantitative research methods in accounting and finance. The course covers key topics such as research design, data collection, statistical modelling, and the application of econometric methods using statistical software. A strong emphasis is placed on empirical research, where students engage in hands-on data analysis and interpretation. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to critically assess research papers and conduct their own empirical research projects.

Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
After completing this course, the student should be able to:

• explain fundamental concepts in quantitative accounting and finance research,
• use econometric models, including panel data methods, instrumental variables, and time series analysis.

Skills and ability 
After completing this course, the student should be able to:

• formulate research questions and select appropriate empirical methods in accounting and finance,
• collect, clean, and analyse financial and accounting data using statistical software,
• implement multiple regression, panel data techniques, and instrumental variables in empirical research,
• interpret and critically evaluate results from empirical studies in finance and accounting,
• communicate central concepts for the course in English, both orally and in writing.

Judgement and approach 
After completing this course, the student should be able to:

• assess the validity and reliability of empirical studies in finance and accounting,
• recognize the limitations of different quantitative methods and potential biases in research,
• reflect on ethical considerations in financial research, including data integrity and transparency.

Focus of instruction
Learning is supported by lectures, workshops, seminars, literature i.e. textbook and research articles, and an empirical project. Compulsory course components are seminars, the empirical project and the exam. 

Module examination modes
Examination is based upon a written individual exam and written and orally examined group assignments. A passing grade is required for each part of the module.

Expected learning outcomes

See each separate module.

Required Knowledge

90 credits whereof at least 15 credits at advanced level in Business Administration, including 7,5 credits in accounting or finance. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Form of instruction

See each separate module.

Examination modes

The course examinations are carried out in English. All examinations must be passed to obtain a passing grade on module and course.

See each separate module and below.
 
The following grading system is used:
Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, VG, 75% or more),
Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more)
and Fail (Underkänd U, less than 50%).
 
To receive the grade Pass with distinction (VG) the student must have achieved at least 75% of the total weighted points.

A student who does not pass the first examination will be offered an opportunity for re-examination within 2 months. An additional examination opportunity is normally offered every academic year, one week prior to the start of the autumn term. If required by specific circumstances, another form of examination can be used.

A student that has failed an examination on two occasions has a right to have another examiner or grading teacher appointed, unless there are special reasons against it. A written request addressed to the Director of Studies should be made no later than 14 days before the next examination opportunity.

Adaptations 
Examiners may decide on deviations from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaptation of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaptation of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination - and have received a decision on the right to support from the coordinator at the Student Services Office for students with disabilities - must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaptation of the examination, after which the student will be notified.

Academic integrity and cheating
As a student, you are expected to act with academic integrity. This means writing and presenting within the limits of the academic rules and expectations communicated in the university's regulations and what is otherwise specified by the responsible department. Disciplinary action may be taken against students who use unauthorized help aids or in some other way try to mislead in examination. Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing is applicable to written assignments. Submitted material is subject to plagiarism control. In addition, Umeå University rules and regulations for education and research apply.

Transfer of credits
Student who considers themselves to possess knowledge from previous relevant studies or professional or vocational experience that can be comparable to a course or part of a course, can apply for transfer of credits. Approved transfer of credits means that the student does not need to take the or those parts of the course that the decision covers. Information about transfer of credits can be found on Umeå University's web site.

Other regulations

This course cannot be included in a degree together with 2FE211 or 2BA422.

This document has been translated from Swedish into English. If the English version differs from the original, the Swedish version takes precedence.