Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The purpose of the course is to provide students with legal building blocks on how to start and run a business. Students gain a topical overview of current legal business environment in Finland, and learn different legal aspects to consider when starting and running a business.

Credits: 6

Schedule: 06.03.2021 - 10.04.2021

Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Kalle Kyläkallio

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Kalle Kyläkallio

Contact information for the course (valid 11.02.2021-21.12.2112):

Course teacher: kalle.kylakallio@aalto.fi

CEFR level (applies in this implementation):

Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):

Teaching language: English

Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Law is ever-present in the daily life of an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs learn quickly that there are many legal issues they must face in setting up and running a new venture, bringing a product or service to market, hiring employees and financing an entrepreneurial enterprise. The purpose of the course is to provide students with legal building blocks on how to start and run a business. Students gain a topical overview of current legal business environment in Finland, and learn different legal aspects to consider when starting and running a business.

    The course addresses different areas of law, such as contract law, company law, intellectual property rights, insurance and social security, consumer law, tax law and employment law. The aim of the course is to provide basic legal tools for anyone who wants to build a startup: How to form a company? How to choose a company form? What do I need to know about contracts? What to consider when hiring employees? How do I protect my excellent business ideas? What is a trademark or patent and how to register one? Does my company have to pay taxes? Do I need an insurance as an entrepreneur? What about my social security?

    The course is open for all Aalto students. If you are wondering if this course is for you, it is definitely for you!

    Content-wise, the 6 ECTS and 3 ECTS courses are similar, but the 6 ECTS course offers a more thorough experience. Master’s students in Business Law can include only the 6 ECTS course in their business law major studies.

    Students can complete either the 6 ECTS or the 3 ECTS course, not both of them.

    Online-course.

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Quizzes (30 %) and written portfolio (Legal Business Plan) (70 %)

    Multiple choice quizzes in MyCourses.

    Individual portfolio, which can also be done in pairs or in small groups of 3 to 5 persons. In the portfolio, students make a legal business plan about a real or an imaginary company/startup, consider and explain why they have done certain legal choices. Personal feedback is provided on the portfolio.

Workload
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Videos and reading materials 40 h

    Quizzes 30 h

    Independent/group work (portfolio) 90 h

DETAILS

Study Material
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    Videos and reading materials in MyCourses Course platform. 

Prerequisites
  • Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:

    No prerequisites. The course is open for all Aalto students.

SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    8 Decent Work and Economic Growth

    9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure