Editorial

Citation

Gale, C. (2012), "Editorial", International Journal of Law and Management, Vol. 54 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijlma.2012.01054baa.001

Editorial

Article Type: Editorial From: International Journal of Law and Management, Volume 54, Issue 2

This second edition of 2012 sees four articles from contributors old and new and, hopefully, continues the tone already set for an interesting year of contributions. Contributions for the Journal are of course now made through ScholarOne (details on the publisher’s website and the inside cover of hard copies) and this does indeed seem to be streamlining the refereeing and acceptance process to the benefit of all concerned.

Bijan Bidabad from Iran wrote in the last two editions about “Public international law principles: an Islamic Sufi approach”. His thoughts in this edition are the first part of an article on foreign policy principles from the same approach. This fascinating background should inform and intrigue lawyers and managers alike.

Tahir Ashraf, a practitioner from the south of England, brings an article with some contemporary insights into directors’ duties in the UK. The article considers not just Companies Act 2006 as might be expected but also the Corporate Homicide and Corporate Manslaughter Act 2007 and the Bribery Act 2010 in the context of directors’ duties. It is interesting and informative and a useful aide memoire for those involved in the day to day running of companies.

Saptarshi Ghosh and Swetketu Patnaik, both based in the UK, talk about the independent Banking Commission report and reach conclusions readily transferable to other jurisdictions, so this unusually UK-centric issue has clear points of reference for the international community.

Finally, Michael Blissenden of the University of Western Sydney, Sandra Clarke of the University of Greenwich and Caroline Strevens of the University of Portsmouth, submit a paper whose aim was to develop and evaluate the use of a closed community for first year law students. The purpose of the closed community, which could be a wiki or a discussion board, is twofold. The first purpose is to assist new undergraduates in making the transition to University. A second purpose is to encourage students to learn from each other but to understand when the line is crossed and plagiarism results. The use of social networks for learning is an interesting subject for study both for its potential pedagogic value and as a means of developing “employability” particulalry for those considering a career as in house counsel. This paper will be of interest not only to those considering new methods of encouraging use of virtual networks to promote student learning but also to those who see virtual networks having potential commercial relevance.

Yet again, it is hoped all articles offer stimulating and thought provoking reading – do enjoy them!

Chris Gale