Current Trends in Business Administration D, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The ambition of this course is to identify and uncover current trends. These trends have a strong long-term impact on society at large and thus form future premises and give rise to challenges for businesses. The aim of the course is to explore how business and society interact to tackle such present and future challenges. The expectation is that students participating in this course are well equipped with knowledge and skills related to one of the five sub-disciplines accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, management, and marketing in Business Administration. The course is given an examined in English.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing this course the student should be able to:

• analyse fundamental societal issues and what impact businesses have on these issues 
• identify and evaluate emerging trends in society
• critically discuss business decisions relating to current trends
• evaluate information, knowledge and policy in relation to current trends in terms of validity and reliability
• relate current trends to research in business administration
• be able to share multidisciplinary knowledge

Required Knowledge

90 credits with a minimum of 75 credits in Business Administration. Furthermore, at least 30 credits advanced level in Business Administration is required.
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6 or the equivalent.

Form of instruction

Learning is supported by lectures, guest lectures and guided exercises. Students are provided with relevant sources of information and scientific literature for supporting individual and  group works related to the themes of lectures and exercises.

Examination modes

The main mode of examination is an individual written essay with a subsequent oral examination. The essay requires convincing discussion of the importance and urgency of solving a specific problem related to any of the current trends from the disciplinary perspective of the student's major. Further, the examination consists of individual and group reflection papers related to the various course activities. Attendance at all work in progress and final presentation seminars, group work and guest lectures related presentation events are mandatory and thus a requirement to pass the course. A passing grade for each graded part of the course is required to pass. 
 
The following grading system is used:
Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, VG, 75% or more),
Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more)
and Fail (Underkänd U, less than 50%).
 
Grades on the course are awarded when the student has passed all examinations and compulsory course elements. The course is given and examined in English.
To receive the grade Pass with distinction (VG) in the 30 credits course consisting of four modules of the same size, the student must have achieved Pass with distinction (VG) in at least three out of four modules. In shorter courses for example 7,5 credit courses, 15 credit courses or 22,5 credits courses Pass with distinction (VG) is given when the student has achieved at least 75% of the total weighted points.

A student who does not pass the first examination will be offered an opportunity to sit a re- examination within two months. An additional examination opportunity is normally offered every academic year, one week prior to the start of the autumn term. If required by specific circumstances, other form of examination can be used. 

A student that has failed an examination on two occasions has a right to have another examiner or grading teacher appointed, unless there are special reasons against it. A written request addressed to the Director of Studies should be made no later than 14 days before the next examination opportunity. 

Adaptations 
Examiners may decide to deviate from the modes of assessment in the course syllabus. Individual adaptation of modes of assessment must give due consideration to the student's needs. The adaptation of modes of assessment must remain within the framework of the intended learning outcomes in the course syllabus. Students who require an adapted examination - and have received a decision on the right to support from the coordinator at the Student Services Office for students with disabilities - must submit a request to the department holding the course no later than 10 days before the examination. The examiner decides on the adaptation of the examination, after which the student will be notified. 

Academic integrity and cheating 
As a student, you are expected to act with academic integrity. This means writing and presenting within the limits of the academic rules and expectations communicated in the university's regulations and what is otherwise specified by the responsible department. Disciplinary action may be taken against students who use unauthorized help aids or in some other way try to mislead on a test or on another type of task for examination. Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to written assignments. Submitted material may be subject to plagiarism control. In addition, Umeå University rules and regulations for education and research apply.

Other regulations

Academic credit transfers are according to the University credit transfer regulations.

This course can not be included in the degree together with 2FE193, 2FE194, 2FE195, 2FE196, 2FE197.