Leading and Organizing in an International Context, 7.5 Credits

Contents

This course evaluates the opportunities, challenges, and trade-offs facing organisations in a global environment. Students will learn the organisational resources and processes that are required to lead and organise in an international context. Furthermore, the course explores the managerial strategies and organisational structures that international firms typically adopt to compete effectively in the global marketplace, as well as the future directions that these firms are likely to take. The course also covers different entry mode dynamics to lead and operate both in developed markets and the global south. After taking this course, students will be prepared to cope with the challenge of achieving global effectiveness and local responsiveness in functional areas.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing this course, the student should be able to: 

Knowledge and understanding

• Define and compare different international business concepts and frameworks.
• Explain different motivations and processes of a firm's internationalisation.

Skills and ability

• Analyse the managerial actions and processes to lead and organise different functional units.
• Use, evaluate and recommend strategies to compete in a global marketplace.
• Communicate central concepts for the course in English, both orally and in writing. 
• Provide recommendations for how to organize an international organization.

Judgement and approach

• Critically reflect on the importance of long-term corporate renewal.

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

The teaching and learning methods include the delivery of lectures, seminars, and the critical evaluation of the literature (e.g., articles, textbook, case studies). Whilst the lectures are mainly designed to illustrate and explain theoretical concepts, the seminars provide the opportunity to reflect and present ideas about and for international coordination.  This course employs case studies to illustrate the application of international business theory. The course is given and examined in English.

Examination modes

The examination consists of group assignments, including oral presentations and written group assignments and individually written hall exam.

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.

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.