Organisation and Management of the Firm A, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course aims to prepare the student for leadership of groups and teams in business and society with emphasis on interpersonal relationships. The course provides a basic understanding of why organizations exist and how people in different time periods have chosen to implement a division of labor. The main issues in the field of organizational behavior will be addressed during the course. After the education the student shall have gained a vocabulary that enables communication regarding organizational issues in future work places and also an opportunity for continued self-betterment.

The first part of the course aims at deepening the understanding of different individuals' motivation to work within organizations and workgroups and how individual goals, motivation and work satisfaction influence the work. The second part of the course provides a deeper understanding of
interpersonal relationships and the development and effectiveness of workgroups. Thereby the student's ability to lead individuals and groups to improve efficiency is strengthened by, for example, improved communication, customized reward system and good conflict management.

Expected learning outcomes

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

• describe theories, models and concepts explaining how individuals and workgroups function in organisational contexts
• understand and influence groups and group development in an organisational context
• reflect upon one’s own way of relating to others, including one’s own contribution to, and role within, a workgroup
• analyse and respond to organisational problems and changes in activities

Generic Competencies
The arrangement of the course provides opportunities for, and requires the development of the ability to:

• work in groups, as well as independently, within specified timeframes
• present and discuss own views and material as well as discussing others’.

Required Knowledge

To enter the course general admission requirements are demanded (exemption is given for required courses in Swedish) as well as special requirements for the subject’s mathematics and social science.
The students should have mathematics corresponding to C-level at Swedish Gymnasium (approximately three years in upper secondary education) and social science corresponding to A-level at Swedish Gymnasium.

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B, English/6.
 

Form of instruction

Teaching is conducted through Case-based teaching. Students work in groups analyzing and addressing commonly occurring organizational problem situations that they could encounter in their future working lives. Group work is assessed through written submissions that are presented to and discussed in the student group. The group work is prepared on the basis of lectures and in-depth workshops. The groups' own experience of their cooperation and the group member’s individual reflection is used for additional insights into how individuals’ motivations, relationships and communication between people affect a workgroup’s efficiency and performance.

Examination modes

Case work is examined through written group assignments. The group's performance as a whole provides the basis for the grading and, in addition, each individual's active participation in seminars. The group process is examined with an individual written assignment. The course is also examined through an individual written exam. Each part of the examination must be approved separately.

The following grading system will be used:
Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, Vg, 75% or more),
Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more)
Fail (Underkänd, U, less than 50%).

All examination will be in English

Students are required to pass each part of the total examination of this course, i.e. the mini-exam, the group work, and the home-exam, in order to gain a grade for this course. This means that at least 50% of the points awarded for each form of examination during the course are required to pass the course. To achieve a Pass with distinction, at least 75% of the total possible points are required.

Students who fail to present a photo ID at the occasion of a written examination cannot have their results registered.

Students who do not pass the written examination will be offered a re-examination opportunity within a month. Beyond that, additional opportunities to complete the written examination normally arise every academic year one-week prior to the start of the autumn term.

When a student has failed an examination on two occasions, he or she has a right to have an alternative examiner. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the director of studies no later than two weeks before the next examination opportunity.

Student who has passed an examination can not redo the examination to get a higher grade.

In case of failure on seminar participation or individual and group assignments, compensating assignments must be completed in accordance with instructions given, no later than two weeks after the completion of the course.

Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to all written assignments. (see instructions in the Thesis manual. Thesis writing in Business Administration.) Urkund records may be used for control.

Lectures are normally not obligatory. However, lectures are designed to facilitate for students to achieve course specific learning objectives as lectures for example can provide insightful explanations of, and can supplement and provide contrast to, the course litterateur and other relevant course materials.

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

Other regulations

The course is included in the International Business Program at Umeå School of Business. The course is also offered to exchange students within formal exchange agreements.