Managerial Perspectives on Strategy, People, Projects and Processes D 30 credits

About the course

The course highlights key issues for understanding and dealing with the challenges facing contemporary organizations in a globalized world. It integrates profound theoretical insights with practical applications in a learning environment characterized by active student participation, both individually and in groups. The course is given and examined in English.

Common expected learning outcome:
After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• communicate central concepts for the course in English, both orally and in writing

The core course consists of four modules, which will be further described below:
Module 1. Perspectives on Strategy, 7.5 credits.  
Module 2. People - the Human Side of Organizing , 7.5 credits.  
Module 3. Project Management, 7.5 credits.
Module 4. Strategizing - Planning and Processes, 7.5 credits.

Module 1. Perspectives on Strategy, 7.5 credits

This module highlights key challenges facing contemporary firms in a globalized world. The students will gain an interdisciplinary understanding of the business context and the intertwined nature of its events and processes. Alternative theoretical perspectives on strategy will be presented to provide a comprehensive platform for the forthcoming core modules. Students will practice to think strategically from both an internal and external perspective. Module 1 integrates theoretical insights with practical applications in a learning environment characterized by active participation, both individually and in groups. Students will also practice making strategic analyses, identifying options, and recommending appropriate solutions that are both rooted in theory and actionable. During the module, students will also be introduced to methods of working in international teams and the code of academic conduct, e.g. referencing, or how to avoid plagiarism and cheating.

Expected learning outcomes
After completing this module, the student should be able to:

• describe and analyze the foundations of strategy and strategic perspectives,
• propose solutions to cope with internal and external strategic challenges and complexities,
• propose appropriate strategies to meet key dilemmas concerning for example innovation, products, process, organization, marketing and business models,
• critically reflect upon the consequences of strategic choices and assess the need for developing the organizational capabilities and knowledge base,
• understand and be able to apply an academic approach to avoid plagiarism in academic work.

Focus of instruction
In addition to lectures and guest lectures, the learning is supported by cases and seminars. The module requires significant amount of independent study. This means reading the assigned compulsory book chapters and articles. The module also requires a significant amount of group work.  Case studies are carried out in groups with a written case report and an oral presentation. The group work is introduced with activities supporting the students in effectively working in groups characterized by equality, diversity and multiculturalism. Students are also introduced to academic conduct, for example how cheating and plagiarism can be avoided and referencing techniques.

Module examination modes
The examination consists of written group assignments, a written individual hall exam, and an individual computer based examination on plagiarism and referencing. Attendance at seminars is mandatory and is thus a requirement to pass the module. A passing grade for each examined part of the module is required to pass. Note as well examination modes below for the course as a whole.

Module 2. People - the Human Side of Organizing, 7,5 credits
In the second module, focus is turned to the human side of organizations, with the objective to show the importance of considering individual perceptions and identity construction, as well as group interaction, in order to effectively manage and lead an organization. Additionally, the module will address a variety of themes on human side complexities that may also contribute to shape organizational processes.

Expected learning outcomes

• explain how organizational processes emerge in human interaction through from a social identity perspective,
• critically reflect upon issues of commitment, collaboration, group dynamics, leadership, etc. from the social identity point of view,
• utilize the social identity framework to analyze and solve human problems in organizational contexts,
• critically scrutinize alternative themes relating to current concerns regarding human side complexities in organizational processes and apply one of these themes on a real-life organizational practice,
• integrate social identity theory and assigned theme on human side complexities to critically examine organizational processes and develop solutions to related problems.

Focus of instruction
The learning is supported by lectures, seminars, individual- and group assignments. 

Module examination modes
The examination consists of active participation in seminars and successful completion of written group assignments and written individual assignments, and a written individual hall exam. A passing grade is required for each part of the module. Note as well examination modes below for the course as a whole.

Module 3. Project Management, 7,5 credits
The third module is associated with the current trend "projectification" of business and public organizations who increasingly rely on projects in their operations. The overall aim of the module is to provide an understanding of the challenges of working in and with projects. To fulfill the aim, the module takes its point of departure in methods and processes traditionally associated with project management, but the focus of instruction is behavioral consequences of temporality (e.g. leadership, team dynamics, organizational routines). The first part of the module aims to create a common basis for understanding what a project is, and the practice in terms of a selection of common methods for planning and control of the single project. Some attention is given to the project within the surrounding organization. In the second part of the module we use the insights from the first part to thoroughly explore the consequences of working in and with projects. The aim is to prepare the student for working with projects by addressing common challenges related to human behavior in temporary settings.

Expected learning outcomes
After completing this module, the student should be able to:

• explain and discuss the nature of projects within the context of organizations
• explain and apply a selection of commonly used tools and methods for project management
• analyze and discuss challenges and opportunities associated with working in a temporary setting, from an individual and organizational point of view

Focus of instructions
Learning in the first part of the module is supported ed by lectures. This part of the module is partly assessed in the final exam, and a group assignment. Learning in  the second part, that relates to behavioral consequences of working in temporary settings, is provided by lectures, literature seminar(s) and workshop(s). This part of the module is assessed by individually written short reflective memos on the literature, active participation in literature seminars and workshops and the final exam. The group assignment consists of applying traditional project management methodologies to the planning of a project of the student´s choice. The project will address a current challenge in society and should have the potential to make a significant impact.
 
Module examination modes
The examination consists of seminars, group and individual assignments and an individual written hall exam. A passing grade is required for each assignment.

Module 4. Strategizing - Planning and Processes 7,5 credits
Managers must be able to design the future strategies for their business or business area. The environment and the opportunities are likely to change over time, but strategic plans are important tools aiding the strategic manager to make sense of environmental and organizational dynamics.
 
In this module students participate in a real-life strategic process in an organization which requires them to act on the basis of knowledge acquired during the current and earlier semesters. Students analyze a business area, company, or organization and develop a strategic development program for them.
 
Expected learning outcomes
After completing this module, the student should be able to:

• demonstrate analytical and integrative skills in solving advanced strategic problems,
• apply acquired knowledge and understanding from this module as well as from previous courses to, within given timeframes, design a strategic program that follows general ethical principles, cementing student's understanding of the managerial implications of research and learning.
• critically reflect upon the individual's and the group's ability to work effectively with external organizations,
• orally and in writing, present analyses, ideas, and strategic programs developed for stakeholders,
• evaluate his/her competence and need for competence development in order to work with strategic management

Focus of instruction
In this module, the learning is supported by work with a "real-life" organization. This means that students work in groups as  "consultant" teams with existing companies, organizations, or start-ups to develop a strategic program. The groups will work independently but in dialogue with representatives of the organizations. Students will receive regular supervision from faculty and in workshops, seminars and lectures.
 
Module examination modes
The examination consists of four parts. First, a written group assignment  and, second an oral presentation to the participating organization. Third, a written individual home exam. Fourth, active participation in and contribution to seminars and meetings related to the work with their business program. A passing grade is required for each part of the module. Note as well examination modes below for the course as a whole.