Analysis of Business Culture, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course focuses on developing intercultural competence using different analytical approaches to define and analyze various cultural components prevalent in business. In areas such as leadership, organizational behavior, decision-making, communication and business negotiations, a cultural awareness is particularly needed. Furthermore, the essential nature of culture as a static and bounded phenomenon is critically examined.

The course is given and examined in English.

Expected learning outcomes

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

• identify and appreciate cultural differences and similarities (e.g. regional similarities in the Nordic countries) in global business processes,
• critically examine the concept of business culture from alternative theoretical perspectives, analysing sources for relevance and credibility
• analyse and communicate key business issues in a cross-cultural context,
• explain and evaluate the influence of culture on managerial issues such as leadership, negotiation or decision-making
• communicate central concepts for the course in English, both orally and in writing.

Required Knowledge

Completed courses totalling 60 credits. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Form of instruction

The learning is supported by lectures, cases and written and oral assignments.

Examination modes

Examination consists of active participation in seminars, completion of written group assignments and a written individual hall exam. A passing grade is required for each part. All examinations will be in English.

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. 

A student who does not pass the first examination will be offered an opportunity for re-examination within 2 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, another 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 on deviations 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 in examination. Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing is applicable to written assignments. Submitted material is subject to plagiarism control. In addition, Umeå University rules and regulations for education and research apply.

Transfer of credits:
Student who considers themselves to possess knowledge from previous relevant studies or professional or vocational experience that can be comparable to a course or part of a course, can apply for transfer of credits. Approved transfer of credits means that the student does not need to take the or those parts of the course that the decision covers. Information about transfer of credits can be found on Umeå University's web site.

Other regulations

This course can not be included in a degree together with the course(s) 2FE152.