Unit outline_

CLAW2208: Business Regulation, Risk and Compliance

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Over recent years there has been a dramatic rise in the volume and reach of regulation in response to a variety of social, environmental and economic issues. Much of this regulation impacts on business, and its management who are, increasingly, personally liable. This unit has been designed to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the overall regulatory infrastructure which impacts on all faculty disciplines. Business Regulation, Risk and Compliance addresses self-regulation as an alternative to regulation by law; the regulatory process and the scope for business to influence regulatory initiatives; the alternative regulatory instruments; the executive arm of government - the bureaucracy - and the avenues for challenging administrative decisions; the investigative and enforcement powers of the major regulatory agencies - ACCC, ATO and ASIC; personal and corporate liability for regulatory breach; indemnification; whistleblowing and whistle-blower protection: regulatory compliance with special reference to Australian Standard AS3806-2006 on Compliance Standards and the strategies which facilitate legal action including class actions and litigation funding as well as the major alternatives to litigation including arbitration and alternative dispute resolution with particular emphasis on mediation.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Accounting, Governance and Regulation
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
Completion of at least 24 credit points of study
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Andrew Terry, andrew.terry@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written exam Final Exam
Written exam covering all topics
50% Formal exam period 2 hours AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
In-person written or creative task Early Feedback Task
Extended response test
5% Week 03
Due date: 18 Aug 2026 at 17:30

Closing date: 18 Aug 2026
20 minutes AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1
Written test In-semester Test
1 hour test.
20% Week 07
Due date: 20 Sep 2026 at 12:10
1 hour AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Written work Individual Research Assignment
Research Assignment
25% Week 11
Due date: 19 Oct 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 29 Oct 2026
2000 words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

 

  • Early Feedback Test: A 20 minute closed book short essay test worth 5% and covering material from weeks 1-3 will be administered in class in Week 3. Results will be posted on the Monday of Week 4. 
  • Individual Research Assignment: A 2000 word research assignment, worth 25%, on a topic posted in Week 7 must be submitted via Turnitin by 23.59 on Monday 19 October (the Monday of Week 11). Generative AI can be used to assist in structuring your assignment and for generating ideas but its use must be acknowledged. The assignment will be discussed, and general feedback provided, in the Week 13 class. Further information will be posted on canvas. 
  • Mid-semester Test: A one-hour closed book test worth 20% will be administered by the Business School Exams Unit in Week 8. The test will cover material from weeks 1-7. The format of the test will be posted on Canvas by week 6.
  • Final Exam: A two-hour final exam, worth 50%,  covering the entire course will be administered during the formal exam period. The exam is closed book but students can bring a double-sided A4 page of notes into the exam room. 

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school. 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Regulation, Red Tape and the Challenge for Australian Business Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 02 Regulatory Frameworks and Processes Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 03 The Executive Government Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 04 Alternative Regulatory Strategies Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 05 Regulatory Reform Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 06 Regulatory Risk and Regulatory Compliance Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO3 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 07 Privacy Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6 LO7
Week 08 Business Disruption and the Regulation of New Business Models Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 09 The Regulatory Challenge of Social Media Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6 LO7
Week 10 The Regulatory Challenge of Digital Platforms Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO6 LO7
Week 11 The Regulatory Challenge of Big Data Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO6 LO7
Week 12 Surveillance and Other Current Regulatory Issues Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 13 Rethinking Regulation Lecture (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

Students are expected to attend, and participate in,  all classes. Comprehensive lecture slides and supporting material will be posted on the canvas site prior to each class and students are expected to be familiar with this material. 

 All lectures and seminars are recorded and will be available on Canvas for student use. Please note the Business School does not own the system and cannot guarantee that the system will operate or that every class will be recorded. 

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There is no one suitable text for this unit. Comprehensive readings and materials - which will include relevant journal articles, chapters, monographs and government reports - will be made available on the Canvas site.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. recognise and evaluate corporate and personal business risk arising from increasingly complex and comprehensive regulatory regimes
  • LO2. describe the frameworks and processes for prescribing regulatory schemes and identify and assess the alternative regulatory strategies available to governments to achieve particular policy outcomes
  • LO3. identify, explain and assess the nature and tools of regulatory enforcement available to regulatory agencies
  • LO4. identify and analyse the legal and administrative machinery that exists to challenge executive decisions
  • LO5. describe and evaluate the alternative strategies for dispute resolution and design regulatory compliance strategies to minimise the likelihood of contravening regulatory regimes
  • LO6. evaluate ethical considerations, including whistleblowing, relevant to business and its regulation
  • LO7. analyse and evaluate specific regulatory regimes addressed in this unit.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

More detail has been provided in relation to assessment tasks and assessments slightly changed to accommodate student feedback.

Relevant information will be regularly provided through the Announcements tab on the Canvas site.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.