Corruption in Business and International Development (936M9)

15 credits, Level 7 (Masters)

Spring teaching

This module is divided into three main parts, plus an introduction and conclusion.

The introduction gives you an overview of types and patterns of corruption, both bribery in international business, state capture and facilitation payments - building on and recapping the session on the 'Interdisciplinary Approaches' module.

In the first part of the module, you focus on specific sectors (one per week), such as:

• defence
• construction
• pharmaceuticals
• finance.

In the second part of this module, you consider the legal environment and corporate responses.

You begin with the theory of legislating against bribery, looking at Optimal Deterrence theory and the Klitgaard approach to anti-corruption.

You are then introduced to the main Anti-Bribery Laws and conventions, covering FCPA/OECD ABC/Bribery Act. You analyse changing enforcement patterns and new developments, discuss exceptions such as facilitation payments, and then evaluate the main corporate responses to AB laws (compliance, risk assessment, corporate disclosure and reporting).

This section includes a teaching case based on a recent enforcement.

In the third part of this module, you focus on Voluntary Private Regulation and Collective Action Initiatives. You start by elaborating on the theory of collective action and clubs, before evaluating some key industry initiatives, with engagement from external speakers such as:

• EITI
• Maritime Anti-Corruption Network
• PACI etc.
• TI guiding principles etc.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 22 hours of contact time and about 128 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2021/22. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.