The purpose of this course is to introduce students early on to those key aspects of the legal framework that will be most relevant for their studies in business and economics. This will include how to organize the legal structure of a business and its governance system. Additionally, the legal context of financing a business will be explained. Furthermore, students will be made familiar with the legal framework of international business activities.

Topics covered:

• Company Law - Basic Concepts
• Limited Liability and Creditors
• Management of Companies
• Membership in Companies
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Constitutional Law and Business Law
• Development, Legal Foundations and Dynamics of European Integration
• The EU Internal Market
• Fundamental Rights - General Issues
• Selected Fundamental Rights of Businesses
• International Law and Globalisation

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• understand basic company law issues concerning the treatment of creditors, managing the business and membership in the company.
• understand the different methods of financing a business and legal instruments by which to achieve external growth.
• understand the process of European integration and to autonomously assess current and future developments.
• understand current and future developments in globalisation.

While attendance is not mandatory, it is highly recommended! Students are expected to actively participate in the live sessions.

This course will be held in English in presence on the campus. The first part will be held by Dr. Philipp Fidler and the second part by Dr. Andreas Orator.

It combines the approach of a traditional lecture with interactive elements such as case studies, aiming at a thorough comprehension of the topics of the course relevant for the exams and practice.

Assessment is based on two exams: an intermediate exam (December 18th, 2024) covering the contents of the first half of the course (50 %) and a final exam (January 29th, 2025) covering the contents of the second half of the course (50 %). The exams may consist of multiple-choice as well as open questions. The lecture room(s) for the final exam will be announced on January 2025.  

To pass the course successfully you need to obtain 50 % in total.

Grading Scheme:       

• Very Good: ≥ 87,50%
• Good: ≥ 75%
• Satisfactory: ≥ 62,50%
• Adequate: ≥ 50%
• Unsatisfactory: < 50%

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Students who have questions should personally address the convenors of the course at the end of the respective unit, if possible (as regards other queries, on the first part (class 1-6 and intermediate exam): iplaw@wu.ac.at; on the second part (class 8-13 and final exam): andreas.orator@wu.ac.at