Instructional goals
The course provides an introduction to the design and implementation of internal control systems and organizational models pursuant to Italian Legislative Decree No. 231/2001 within business organizations.
Through case studies and practice-oriented exercises, students will acquire both methodological and operational skills in risk assessment, risk management and internal auditing, as well as in corporate criminal compliance.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of criminal law and the legal framework governing corporate criminal liability under Italian Legislative Decree No. 231/2001.
Intended learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding: Students will acquire advanced knowledge of corporate compliance programs under Italian Legislative Decree No. 231/2001, the role of the Supervisory Body, whistleblowing mechanisms, internal control systems, and internal auditing.
Applying knowledge and understanding: Students will be able to identify and assess risks, design appropriate internal controls, prepare audit reports, and develop compliance programs.
Making judgements: Students will develop the ability to critically and independently evaluate data and other relevant materials, applying the principles, concepts, and legal frameworks covered in the course to practical scenarios. They will also be able to formulate well-reasoned solutions to complex legal and corporate compliance issues.
Communication Skills: Students will be able to use the technical terminology of corporate compliance and internal auditing accurately and effectively, and to communicate the results of their analyses and practical activities clearly in both written and oral form.
Learning Skills: Students will acquire the methodological tools necessary to independently deepen their understanding of the evolving legal and regulatory framework governing corporate criminal compliance and internal control systems.
Course Contents
The course is structured into three modules:
Compliance Programs under Italian Legislative Decree No. 231/2001 and the role of the Supervisory Body;
Internal Control Systems, internal auditing, and compliance monitoring under Italian Legislative Decree No. 231/2001;
Risk assessment and the design of Corporate Compliance Programs.
Reference Books
Teaching materials will be made available throughout the course on the MyLuiss platform.
Teaching Methods
Lectures; discussion of case studies with students; practical simulations; and group-based case analysis and discussion
Assessment Method
Attending students (attendance of 80% or more):
participation in both practical workshops held during the course (Modules 2 and 3);
a final oral examination covering the topics addressed in Module 1.
Non-attending students:
a final oral examination covering all course topics and materials made available on the MyLuiss platform.
Thesis assignment criteria
Week 1
Course presentation
Week 2
Module 1
Introduction to corporate compliance programs under Italian Legislative Decree No. 231/2001: structure, key components (General Part and Special Part), and functions of compliance programs.
Week 3
Monitoring and updating of compliance programs.
Week 4
The role of the Supervisory Body. Whistleblowing and internal reporting channels.
Week 5
Module 2
Introduction to internal control systems: objectives, key institutional actors, and best practices.
Week 6
The role of the internal audit function and the audit process in supporting compliance monitoring under Italian Legislative Decree No. 231/2001.
Week 7
Module 3
Introduction to risk assessment methodologies and the design of compliance programs.
Week 8
Overview of an internal audit engagement.
Case Study – Risk assessment and identification of internal controls.
Case Study – Testing the operating effectiveness of internal controls.
Case Study – Preparation of an internal audit report (to be completed as a take-home assignment).
Week 9
Presentation of a case study on the design of a corporate compliance program, followed by an in-class group exercise.
Week 10
Case Study: in-class oral presentation and discussion of the internal audit report (Module 2).
Week 11
Presentation of a case study on the design of a corporate compliance program, followed by an in-class group exercise.
Take-home assignment.
Week 12
Case Study: student oral presentations of the corporate compliance programs (Module 3).