Question 5

Brent is a very talented accountant with ambitions to become the general manager of his firm. The directors advise Brent that he will be promoted as soon as he obtains a Master of Business Administration degree at his own expense. Brent spends a considerable sum of money and every spare minute of his life studying and manages to finish the qualification within two years. Although the directors know about Brent's graduation they appoint someone else as general manager.

Explain whether Brent would succeed in a legal action based on promissory estoppel against the company. Use the IRAC method to answer the question.