COURSE OUTLINE

Course Title Business Environment and Law

Course Code 1103-R3CG No. of Credits 3
Program PGDM, PGDM(BIFS) Academic Year 2021-22
& PGDM(BA)
Department Social Sciences No. of sessions 25
Faculty Balanji Reddy Mora Email & balanji@ssim.ac.in
Mobile 9885393343
Pre-requisite Courses Nil Co-requisite Courses None
Class/Section PGDM A & B, BIFS Class Email ssim2021@ssim.ac.
&BA in
Course Type (Core / Elective-major/ Elective-minor/ Elective-sectoral) Core
Term (Term I/ Term II/ Term III/ Term IV/ Term V/ Term VI) Term I

Prepared by Mr. Balanji Reddy Date of circulation 27.09.2021

Mora
Approved by Dr. Arijit Santikary & Date of last 25.09.2021
Dr. V Jayalakshmi modification

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides fundamental knowledge about the business law and business environment in
Indian context. Knowledge about Business environment including internal and external in nature
will be provided to the students. In addition, the legal framework for doing business in India will
be provided to them.
COURSE CONTENT (BASED ON SYLLABUS)
UNIT I: Introduction to Business Environment
Business- meaning-characteristics and objectives- divisions of business- Modern Business Economic
Environment: Different Types of Economic Systems-Capitalism, Socialism and Mixed Economy,
Economic Policies, Industrial policies.
UNIT II: Non-Economic Environment
Natural Environment, Socio Cultural Environment, Educational Environment, Politico-Legal
Environment, Demographic Environment, Technological Environment, Tax Environment, PESTIIL
Analysis. Globalization- MNCs in India - India and WTO-Agreements reached in the Uruguay round
including TRIPS, TRIMS, GATS, Disputes settlement mechanism- Dumping and Antidumping
measures – Critical review of WTO functions.
UNIT III: Legal Aspects of Business
Introduction to Law-The Indian Contract Act 1872-Essentials of a valid Contract-Performance of
Contract, Discharge of a Contract-Breach and Remedies for Breach of Contract - Company Law -
Formation of a Company-Board composition and Powers-Meetings-- Oppression and Mismanagement -
Winding up of the company. IPRs.
UNIT IV: Consumer Protection Act 1986
Constitution and Powers of Forums and councils- Defect and Deficiency of Service and Remedial
Measure for Defect and Deficiency of Service, Information Technology Act of 2000- Right to
Information Act 2005.
UNIT V: Application of various business legislations

1
Application of various business legislations in business operations, analysing factor wise business
environment

COURSE OUTCOMES (COs)

On successful completion of the course students should be able to:
CO 1 Describing the external, internal, economic and non-economic environmental factors
Influencing business organizations within a country accounting practice
CO 2 Summarizing the impact of country specific factors and governmental ideologies in the
adaptation of economic systems by different countries for growth and prosperity.
CO 3 Applying the essential provisions of various governing legislations affecting business
operations.
CO 4 Analysing the rights and remedies available to a Consumer under different laws in India.

COURSE OUTCOME ATTANMENT TARGETS (in two decimals)

CO 1 CO 2 CO 3 CO 4 CO 5 OVERALL

TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES

During this course of Business Environment and law, the student is exposed to different concepts of
Business Environment and Laws relating to Contracts, Companies, Consumer protection, Information
act and RTI. Keeping this mind, course design includes an appropriate mix of lectures, presentations,
case discussions, group exercises, role-plays.

COURSE ASSESSMENT METHODS

Assessment item Weightage Brief description (if any)

Multiple Short quizzes 10 Multiple-choice/ questions or true/false/fill in the
blanks/subjective question will be used to test your
knowledge of all materials associated with the
course, such as the text, lectures, videos, cases and
possibly outside guests’ discussions. The quizzes
may be or may not be announced in advance.
Group exercise project (1 x 10 marks) 10 Group learning activities.
Case Analysis (1 x 10 Marks) 10 Application of subject knowledge
Mid-term examination 20 Questions with short and medium length
descriptive answers covering concepts and
application.
Term-end examination 50 Questions with short and medium length
descriptive answers, a case study covering both
concepts and application.
Attendance -------- 80% attendance mandatory to qualify for writing
end-term exam.

2
Rationale for choosing the above assessment items (if any):
In keeping with the course objectives, continuous learning and continuous evaluation go hand-in-hand
in this course. The goal is to provide continuous feedback on students’ performance, thus giving them
an opportunity for self-reflection and self-correction.

Assessment tool - CO Matrix: (Note: If there ‘n’ quizzes, fill for each quiz separately)

Assessment item Course Outcomes (COs)

1 2 3 4 Remarks
Quiz 1 100 x x X Quiz on Unit 1
Quiz 2 100 x x X Quiz on Unit 1
Quiz 3 X 100 x X Quiz on Unit 2
Quiz 4 X 100 x X Quiz on Unit 2
Quiz 5 X x 100 X Quiz on Unit 3
Quiz 6 X x 100 X Quiz on Unit 3
Quiz 7 X x x 100 Quiz on Unit 4
Quiz 8 X x x 100 Quiz on Unit 4
Quiz 9 X x x 100 Quiz on Unit 5
Quiz 10 X x x 100 Quiz on Unit 5
Mid-term examination 50 50 x X MT on Unit 1 & 2
Term-end examination 20 20 30 30 All Units
Case Analysis 20 20 30 30 Covering Unit
1,2,3,4 and 5

Evaluation rubrics:
Assessment item Annexure no.
Case Analysis #1 2

Program Educational Objectives (PEOs):

Graduates will be able to
PEO-1: Continuously learn and adapt to a dynamic environment, exhibit analytical skills and effective
decision making.
PEO-2: Collaborate, network and act as a catalyst of change for business and society.
PEO-3: Champion social values and ethical behaviour in pursuit of sustainable development.
PEO-4: Demonstrate critical thinking, creativity and innovation to emerge as business leaders and
entrepreneurs.

Program Objectives (POs)

On successful completion of the program graduates will be able to:

1. Apply integrated knowledge of management to business decisions

2. Demonstrate analytical, critical thinking and problem solving abilities.
3. Able to work individually and lead teams.
4. Communicate effectively with all stakeholders.
5. Demonstrate entrepreneurial competencies.
6. Apply ethical principles in making decisions.
7. Engage in independent and life-long learning.

Program Specific Objectives (PSOs)

3
1. Understand, analyse and apply management concepts in the multi-functional areas of business like
marketing, human resources, finance etc. for efficient conduct of business organisations.
2. Apply the advanced tools of business analysis for providing solutions in a multi-disciplinary
environment.
3. Integrate the knowledge of global business environment in business decision making.

CO - PO Matrix (PGDM)

CO Description PO PO PO PO PO PO PO PSO1 PSO2 PSO3

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
CO1 Describing the external,
internal, economic and non-
economic environmental
3 2 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3
factors Influencing business
organizations within a
country accounting practice
CO2 Summarizing the impact of
country specific factors and
governmental ideologies in
the adaptation of economic 3 2 3 2 2 2 3 3 3 3
systems by different
countries for growth and
prosperity.
CO3 Applying the essential
provisions of various
governing legislations 3 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3
affecting business
operations.
CO4 Analysing the rights and
remedies available to a
3 2 3 3 3 2 2 3 3 3
Consumer under different
laws in India.

ESSENTIAL & SUGGESTED READINGS

Essential readings:
Text Book:
Business Environment by B.N. Ghosh, Oxford University Press, first published in 2015

Suggested Readings:
1. Business Environment by Shaikh Saleem, Pearson Publication, 2015.
2. Legal Aspects Akhileshwar Pathak, Mc Graw Hill Publications, 2014.
3. Business Environment by Prabhakaran Paleri, Cengage Learning, 2014
4. Legal Aspects of Business by Daniel Albuquerque, Oxford Publications 2013.
5. Legal Aspects of Business by Ravinder Kumar , Cengage Learning, 2013.
6.Business Environment by A.C. Fernando, Pearson Publication, 2011.
7. Business Laws Dr. S.N. Maheshwari and Dr. S.K. Maheshwari, Himalaya Publishing House,
2010
Newspapers
Economic Times Daily
Business Standard Daily

4
 Websites
www.epw.in
www.business.gov.in
www.vakil.com
www.indiakanoon.com

Journals
Economic and Political Weekly
Academy of Management Journal

STUDENT FEEDBACK

At the end of this course, students are required to provide feedback on the following items:

1. I understood all the topics taught in the course

2. The topics covered were according to the course outline given
3. Continuous Internal Assessment components were as per the course outline
4. Faculty member is presentable and punctual
5. Faculty member provided the necessary inputs to the class
6. Faculty member communicates clearly
7. I was helped to relate concepts to applications in corporate world
8. Classroom atmosphere created by the faculty was conducive to learning
9. Discussions facilitated in the class are subject-focused
10. I received helpful and timely feedback on my performance and progress throughout the trimester
11. Internal marks awarded to me were fair and impartial
12. I could easily approach the faculty for guidance and clarifications
13. I got a fair opportunity to present my views
14. I received satisfactory explanations for my queries/doubts
15. Overall usefulness of the course to me
Above feedback needs to be provided online at http://www.camu.in

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (IF ANY)

A very basic level of advance preparation for the class is a must for this course. It is expected that
participants will attend the class only after thoroughly reading the prescribed reading material. Class
room engagement is primarily to clarify doubts and to synthesize the participants. PARTICIPANTS
MUST CLEARLY NOTE THAT THE CLASSROOM ENGAGEMENT IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR
READING THE BOOK. THEY SHOULD READ THE BOOK BEFORE COMING TO THE CLASS.
They should also develop the habit of making brief notes of classroom discussions, expanding the same
after class hours.

5
 Annexure I
SESSION PLAN

Course Pedagogy / Pre-Readings /

Session
Topic Outcome Activity Case study/ Activities
Interaction
1 Briefing about Course outline, Evaluation &
pattern and academic expectation Discussion
Introduction to Business Environment 1 Lecture & Page no. 3 to 17
Business- meaning-characteristics and Discussion
2
objectives- divisions of business- Modern
Business Economic Environment
Different Types of Economic Systems- 1 Lecture &
3
Capitalism, Socialism and Mixed Economy Discussion
1 Lecture &
4 Discussion
Economic Policies, Industrial policies.
5 Quiz-1
1
Non-Economic Environment: 2 Lecture & Page no. 18 to 47 &
Natural Environment, Case Page no. 71 to 90
6 Socio Cultural Environment, Educational Discussion
Environment,
Politico-Legal Environment
Demographic Environment, Technological 2 Lecture& Page no.49 to 70
7 Environment, Tax Environment, PESTIIL Case
Analysis. Discussion
Globalization- MNCs in India - India and 2 Lecture &
8 WTO-Agreements reached in the Uruguay Case
round including TRIPS, TRIMS, GATS Discussion
Disputes settlement mechanism- Dumping 2 Lecture &
9 and Antidumping measures – Critical Discussion
review of WTO functions.
10 2
Quiz-2
2 Lecture &
11 Legal Aspects of Business Case
Introduction to Law Discussion
The Indian Contract Act 1872-Essentials of 3 Lecture &
12
a valid Contract Discussion
Performance of Contract, Discharge of a 3 Lecture &
13 Contract-Breach and Remedies for Breach Discussion
of Contract
3 Lecture &
14 Discussion
Company Law - Formation of a Company

6
 Board composition and Powers-Meetings- 3 Lecture &
15 Oppression and Mismanagement -Winding Discussion
up of the company.
16
3 Lecture &
Intellectual Property Rights(IPRs) Discussion
17 3
Quiz-3
Consumer Protection Act 1986 3 Lecture &
18 Constitution and Powers of Forums and
Discussion
councils
Defect and Deficiency of Service and 4 Lecture &
19 Remedial Measure for Defect and Discussion
Deficiency of Service
20
4 Lecture &
Information Technology Act of 2000 Discussion
21
4 Lecture &
Right to Information Act 2005 Discussion
22
4 Lecture and
Quiz-4 Discussion
3&4 Case
Discussions
23 Application of various business and
legislations in business operations (Cases Situational
and recent Business issues) analysis.
1&2 Case
Discussion
24 and Data
analysing factor wise business analysis and
environment (Using Real time data) discussion
25 Review

Annexure II

Evaluation Rubrics for Individual Assignment (PESTTEL) Analysis on One Country

(10 Marks)

Assignment -1 Environmental Scanning using PESTLE or STEEPLE

Students to choose any one country and identify the economic system prevalent in the country. The
factors of Business Environment to be thoroughly scanned and study the impact of the PESTLE factors
on the business models. The economic, social and demographic details including the language, religion,
natural resources to be identified and the sync between the resources available and the economic
systems to be explained and justified. The students should summarize the takeaways and learnings from
the assignment in the end.

7
Evaluation Rubrics
Apt, Well worded, Apt, Well worded, Apt, Well worded, Apt, Well worded,
well explained (all) well explained (any well explained (any well explained (none)
three) one)
3 2 1 0

Analysis
Characteristics of Economic Features of the economic Features of the economic
System country specific system not properly covered system not mentioned
properly covered
5 3 1

Observations and findings

Grasped the meaning of criteria *and* Did not grasp the meaning *or* incorrect
evaluation and justification was proper evaluation and justification
2 0

Annexure – 2

Assignment – 2 (Global Competitiveness Index of a Country)

Students should select one country and identify the status of the Global Competitiveness Index
computation and ranking of the country selected. The history, evolution and status of the 12 pillared
indicators of the GCI to be explained in the context of the country.
1. Institutions
2. Infrastructure
3. ICT adoption
4. Macroeconomic stability
5. Health
6. Skills
7. Product market
8. Labour market
9. Financial system
10. Market size
11. Business dynamism
12. Innovation Capability

Rubrics for Individual Written Assignment

No. Criteria Excellent (5) Good (4) Average (3) Below Avg Poor (1)
(2)
1 Relevancy Overall Most of the A part of the Few content Content
content content content demonstrates doesn’t
demonstrates demonstrates demonstrates the topics demonstrate
the topics the topics the topics assigned. the topics
assigned. assigned. assigned. assigned.
2 Summary Main points of Most of the A part of the Few points of Not even a
the topics are points of the of the topics the topics are single point
summarized topics are are summarized of the topic
accurately, summarized summarized accurately, is
thoroughly accurately, accurately, thoroughly summarized
and are thoroughly thoroughly and are accurately,
and are and are thoroughly

8
 organized in a organized in a organized in a organized in a and are
logical way. logical way. logical way. logical way. organized in
a logical
way.
3 Content Content is Most of the A part of the Few content is Content is
logically and content is content is logically and not at all
sequentially logically and logically and sequentially logically and
organized, and sequentially sequentially organized, sequentially
opinions ideas organized, organized, and opinions organized,
and arguments and opinions and opinions ideas and and opinions
are clearly ideas and ideas and arguments are ideas and
presented. arguments are arguments are clearly arguments
clearly clearly presented. are not
presented. presented. clearly
presented.
4 Documentation/ Report is Report is Most of the Report is Report is not
Appearance/ original (no original (no report is original to original (no
Layout plagiarism), plagiarism), original (no some extent, plagiarism),
neat, no neat, some plagiarism), neat, some clumsy,
grammar or grammar or neat, no grammar or grammar or
spelling spelling grammar or spelling spelling
errors, and errors, and spelling errors, and errors, and
writing style writing style errors, and writing style writing style
(font (font writing style (font (font
type/size, type/size, (font type/size, type/size,
spacing and spacing and type/size, spacing and spacing and
information information spacing and information information
required) is required) is information required) is required) is
according to according to required) is somewhat not
format. format. according to according to according to
format. format. format.

GROUP PRESENTATIONS TOPICS

Each group has been given one topic and are required to make a comprehensive presentation

1. UKIBC’s 6th Annual Doing Business In India Report: The UK Perspective

https://www.ukibc.com/reports/ukibcs-6th-annual-doing-business-in-india-report-the-uk-
perspective

2. World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report 2020

https://www.doingbusiness.org/en/rankings

3. BRICS Nations

4. Big Emerging Markets (BEM) economies

5. WTO – World Trade Organisation

6. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Countries

7. The World Bank & IMF

8. NITI Aayog – Latest reports ( SDG)

9
 9. WHO

10. United Nations

11. CII – Chambers of Commerce & Indian Chambers of Commerce

12. FICCI – India’s voice for policy change

13. Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM)

14. The National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM)

15. ATMA NIRBHAR BHARAT

16. Rating Agencies in India

17. Financial Regulators in India

Evaluation Rubrics
Students will be evaluated majorly based on Group Performance and also on the basis of
individual’s contribution in the group. The total 10 marks of Group presentation will be
evaluated as 5 marks for performance as a group and 5 marks for individual contributions.
Rubrics for these two aspects are as follows:

Group Performance
No Criteria Excellent Good (4) Average (3) Below Avg (2) Poor (1)
. (5)
1 Content Content is Content is Content is Content is either Content is
accurate and accurate but accurate but questionable or inaccurate.
all required some some incomplete. Information is
information required required Information is incomplete,
is presented information information not presented in a inaccurate, or
in a logical is missing is missing logical order, not presented
order. and/or not and/or not making it in a logical
presented in a presented in a difficult to order, making
logical order, logical order, follow. it difficult to
but is still making it follow.
generally difficult to
easy to follow.
follow.
2 Teamwork/Personal Every Most of the Most of the Some members No member is
Appearance member is members are members are are appropriately appropriately
appropriatel appropriately appropriately dressed, well dressed, well
y dressed, dressed, well dressed, well groomed, well groomed,
well groomed, groomed, organized, and well
groomed, well well demonstrates a organized,
well organized, organized, little cooperation and doesn’t
organized, and and and contribution. demonstrate
and demonstrates demonstrates cooperation
demonstrate cooperation fair and no fair
s and fair cooperation contribution.
cooperation contribution.

10
 and fair and fair
contribution contribution.
.
3 Creativity of Visual Visuals are Visuals are Visuals are Visuals are a bit Visuals are
Presentation appropriate, appropriate, appropriate, appropriate, inappropriate,
complete, Clearly but complete, incomplete,
professional labelled and lack clarity professional, unprofessiona
, and complete. and are and are not l,
Clearly However, a Incomplete clearly labelled. and are not
labelled. Professional and/or not clearly
touch is labelled. labelled.
missing.

Individual Performance
Student’s individual contribution will be evaluated based on their presentation skills and query
answering ability for 10 marks. However, for getting minimum scores in this component,
students must be present during the presentation.
No. Criteria Excellent Good (4) Average (3) Below Avg (2) Poor (1)
(5)
1 Presentation Looks at Occasionally Occasionally Talks to slide Doesn’t look at
Skills audience talks to slide talks to slide almost as much audience while
while rather than rather than as to audience, talking, read
talking, audience, audience, reads from from slides.
doesn’t read rarely read rarely read slides. Speech Speech hard to
from slides. from slides. from slides. hard to hear at hear at back of
Speaks Speaks Most speech back of room; room;
loudly and loudly and loudly and pace too slow Presentation
clearly. clearly. clearly. or too fast. reflects need for
Presentation Presentation Presentation Presentation more practice.
reflects lots reflects reflects reflects need
of practice, some some for more
and practice, and practice, and practice.
sequence of sequence of sequence of
the slide the slide the slide
presentation. presentation presentation

2 Query Every Every Every Every member All the members

Answering member is member is member is is poorly are not prepared
Ability well adequately moderately prepared with with the facts and
prepared and prepared and prepared and the facts and figures of the
updated with updated with updated with figures of the industry and do
the facts and the facts and the facts and industry and not answer any
figures of figures of the figures of the exhibits low questions.
the industry industry and industry and confidence in
and is is fairly shows answering the
confident to confident to moderate questions.
answer all answer some confidence
questions. questions. in answering
some
questions.

11
Case Study Write-up (2 Legal Cases)

This is an individual Assignment. The students are required to select a Case study from the original
case files available in IndiaKaanoon and summarise the case facts and learnings in their own words.

Case Study Write-up (2 Video Cases)

The students are required to draw the management lessons from the following video cases and
summarize them.
1. India Uninc: Management lessons from streets of India.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQGaoj9Iwro

2. Mumbai Dabbawalas (Study the impact of pandemic and suggest alternatives for the
sustainability of their business) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOzXkVwp3b8

Evaluation Rubrics for Case Study

S.No. Criteria Excellent (5) Good (4) Satisfactory Poor (1-2)

(3)
1 Introduction Demonstrates Demonstrates Demonstrates Demonstrates
of Case study thorough & considerable some limited
insightful knowledge of knowledge of knowledge of
knowledge of the the case. the case. the case.
case.
2 Presentation All components All Most Most
of case in the components components components
presentation of in the in the in the
case study are presentation presentation presentation
thoughtfully of case study of case study of case study
addressed & are addressed are addressed are
supported with a & supported & generally inadequately
thorough with a supported addressed &
discussion of all thorough with a or not
key issues. discussion of thorough supported.
key issues. discussion of
key issues.
3 Understanding Demonstrates a Demonstrates Demonstrates Demonstrates
sophisticated an an acceptable an inadequate
understanding of accomplished understanding understanding
the case. understanding of the case. of the case.
of the case.

Faculty Program Chair IQAC Director

12