ICT Contract Law Basics

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject provides an introduction to law from a business perspective. A wide range of topics is covered, with an emphasis on contract law and developing an ability to find and apply the law to resolve specific problems. Topics include: the nature and purpose of law; how law develops and changes; how new law is made; how to read and understand legislation and case-law; how legally binding agreements (contracts) are created; how to understand the terms of a contract; what must be done to perform contractual obligations; how contracts are enforced if there is a breach of contract; special circumstances in which performance of a contract can be avoided; liability in tort law for injury or loss caused to other people or their property; liability or false representations; misleading conduct and unconscionable conduct. In particular, the subject will consider outsourcing contracts, including those for software licences, hardware, application development, and consulting services.

Upon completion of this subject, students should have a good lay-person’s understanding of the principles of contract law, particularly those that apply to the sourcing of IT services. They should be able to demonstrate the ability to find and apply the law to resolve specific contracting problems.

Written assignments and project work totaling no more than 6000 words due during the semester (50%); a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (50%).

Further details will be made available to students prior to the commencement of the subject.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students should have honed their generic skills such as:

• clear thinking,
• improved reading and writing,
• enhanced ability to work in a team of people, and
• presentation skills.