ICT Contract Law Basics

This subject is not offered in 2009.

Students who are enrolled in the two year 200 point Master of Information Systems must have completed 50 points of study to enrol in this subject.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their active and safe participation in a subject are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

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 report of 6,000 words due mid semester (50%); a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (50%).

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.