Global business regulation always addresses competing principles and such regulation has distributive implications that create winners and losers. How do policymakers manage contested approaches to business regulation? Whose interests enjoy prominence when devising regulation? Who decides which institutions should administer business regulations? Who has access to these institutions? To what extent does power shape regulatory outcomes? Drawing on insights from political science, legal and regulatory scholarship the course will examine debates over theories of corporate power, competition policy, intellectual property, emerging technologies, global value chains, food regulation, platform capitalism and corporate social responsibility.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Compare and contrast different approaches to regulating global business
2. Critically engage with contemporary debates over business regulation
3. Demonstrate the ability to analyse value trade-offs in regulating global business
4. Critically analyse diverse approaches to regulating emerging technologies

Research-Led Teaching

Course based on professor's and guest lecturers' research on corporations, power and regulation

Field Trips

none

Additional Course Costs

none

Examination Material or equipment

none

Required Resources

all available on Canvas

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Class activities are not recorded for this course as they primarily consist of interactive discussions and activities.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Lecture, Discussion, Participation, Online Activities	Presentation of Global Business Regulation Example
2	Lecture, Discussion, Participation, Online Activities	Group discussion
3	Lecture, Discussion, Participation, Online Activities	Presentation of reading; group debate on platform capitalism
4	Lecture, Discussion, Participation, Online Activities	Presentation of reading, group exercise; peer review of essay outline

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Pre-class assignment - identify an issue in global business regulation: present the issue, the interests, the actors, and the stakes involved	10 %	01/10/2025	1,2,3,4
Participation in class	10 %	22/10/2025	1,2,3,4
Reflective precis	15 %	24/10/2025	1, 2,3
Essay outline	20 %	19/10/2025	1,2,3,4
Group work	10 %	15/10/2015	1,2,3,4
Major essay	35 %	02/11/2015	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

see above

Examination(s)

none

Assessment Task 1

Pre-class assignment - identify an issue in global business regulation: present the issue, the interests, the actors, and the stakes involved

Before our first class session, identify an issue for global business regulation, the interests and controversies involved, the key actors, and what is at stake in the issue. Be prepared to discuss your issue at our first class meeting, 1 October (about 5-7 minutes). 

Grade weighting: 10%; Due: 1st October 2025

Assessment Task 2

Participation in class

You are required to actively engage in class discussions on the topics for each Seminar. This will be much easier for you if you have read the required readings for that week. 

Grade weighting: 10%

Assessment Task 3

Reflective precis

Select any reading from the course (this includes required or further readings). 

Prepare a brief reflective precis on the reading. 

It must include your reflections on the reading and capture some of the group discussion reflections.

• In your view, what are the central concepts, themes and issues in the reading? 
• How does this reading change your understanding of the topic? 
• Draw a connection between the reading and something discussed during any of the classes.

Please refrain from just summarizing the contents of the required reading. You are strongly encouraged to include your own views, critiques, and interpretations of the readings.

Grades will be based on the quality of the written work, and ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the reading.

You are encouraged to use the above bullet points as headings. The word count does not include your name, title of the assesment, and headings; word count only includes your answers to the questions.

It should be no less than 300 words, and no more than 400. 

Grade weighting: 15% (5% for each of the three bullet points above). 

Assessment Task 4

Essay outline

Prepare a 500 word research and writing plan for your major essay. The word count does not include references/bibliography.

The essay outline should explain your plan for writing the major essay, including what sources you will draw on and how you will structure the essay. Please make sure you address the criteria listed in the guidelines for the major essay. Please write this essay outline using full sentences and paragraphs. You are encouraged to use headings.

You will receive Convenor feedback before Seminar 4, and we will also give peer feedback in Seminar 4, so it is important to submit this essay outline on time.

Grade weighting: 20%

Assessment Task 5

Group work

In Seminar 3 students will be divided into groups to debate content related to platform capitalism. Draw upon pages 175-204 of Cohen (2017).

Grade weighting: 10%; Due: 15 October 2025.

Assessment Task 6

Major essay

Research essay on a selected topic. Max. 2000 words. (references not included in word count)

Grade weighting: 35%; Due: 2nd November 2025. 

Essay guidelines

Select a global business governance problem that you are most interested in. Write an essay that addresses the following criteria: 

• The context and social or governance problem that you have selected. 
• Apply concepts, theories, and approaches discussed throughout the course that are most useful for understanding and explaining it.
• Directly engage with the literature from the course and be sure to justify your approach with specific examples to illustrate your points. Apply at least 2 readings from the course; this can include any of the 'further readings'.

Late penalty: a 5% penalty applies for each workday the assessment is late. For ANU policy on Assessment including Late Submission and Extension requests, please see: https://policies.anu.edu.au/ppl/document/ANUP_004604Links to an external site.

 

Word limit penalty: penalty of 2% for every 5% (or part thereof) by which the assignment exceeds 110% of the specified limit. 

Rubric

Marking Criteria	Pass	Credit	Distinction	High Distinction
Engagement with Literature	Occasional evidence of engagement with literature. Academic literature tends to be misunderstood and not clearly articulated.	Evidence of some engagement with literature. Theoretical ideas are understood and incorporated throughout the essay.	Evidence of solid engagement with theoretical literature and more than one theoretical element incorporated in essay.	Evidence of significant insight and originality of thought in dealing with theoretical literature. Displays a well-developed understanding of multiple theoretical elements.
Structure of argument and logic of connection between theory and evidence	Has a weak or unclear introduction. Conclusion barely draw together strands of argument persuasively. Shows limited use of theory in analysing the evidence. Makes assertions that are rarely substantiated.	Clear introduction with explicit research question. Introduction structures the essay in logical fashion. Theory is used to guide the analysis of the evidence and draw conclusions.	Persuasive introduction that sets out why research question matters. Followed by clear and robust argument. Competing theories used to analyse evidence and draw substantiated conclusions.	Sophisticated introduction that sets out why research question matters for both theory and empirics. Analysis is sophisticated and nuanced, evaluates competing theoretical ideas to draw conclusions that are relevant to the existing literature.
Presentation and clarity of expression	Does not demonstrate an understanding of what is expected in presentation of an essay. Spelling and grammar require editing. Some sentences require rewriting for clarity and/or paragraph structure poor in places.	Adheres to all expectations and conventions with all expected attributes present. Clear writing style with appropriately formatted sentences and paragraphs.	Spelling and grammar used with considerable accuracy and effectiveness. Some translation and interpretation of the conventions to suit personal style and specific execution. Consistent academic writing style and well-structured sentences and paragraphs.	Correct spelling and grammar used effectively almost all of the time. Complex sentence structure and sophisticated vocabulary used where appropriate. Highly effective academic writing style, with clear and consistent links to arguments in the thesis.
Quality of referencing	Basic referencing accurate and use of a bibliography or reference list, however, lacks consistency.	Consistent system of referencing with minor errors of style or presentation.	Use of academic conventions such as referencing and citation is accurate, consistent and appropriate for the discipline.	Use of academic conventions such as referencing and citation is accurate, consistent and appropriate for the discipline.
Note: these criteria re not weighted equally. They are guidelines for strengths and weaknesses of an essay.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Access and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students