Managerial Perspectives on Strategy and People D, 15 Credits

Contents

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.
 
Generic learning outcome.
In addition to the specific learning outcomes for each module (see below), the  course has a number of goals for the development of generic competences. After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• reflekt on equality, diversity and multiculturalism multiculturality and work effectively in multicultural teams
• integrate expertise from different knowledge areas in order to identify, analyze and solve organizational problems,
• plan, conduct, and present investigations, both orally and in writing, for an academic audience as well as an audience of business practitioners. 

Common expected learning outcome:

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

The core course consists of two 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 1. Perspectives on Strategy, 7.5 credits
This module highlights key challenges facing contemporary organizations 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 strategic decision making in the forthcoming core modules. Students will practice strategic thinking from both an internal and external perspective. The module  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, themodule will address  a variety of themes on human side complexities that may also contribute to shape organizational processes. 

Expected learning outcomes
After completing this module, the student should be able to:
1) appreciate organizational processes as a matter of mutual interaction through a social identity theory perspective, including the following sub goals:

• understand how human interaction in organizational contexts emerge from social identification processes,
• critically reflect upon issues of commitment, collaboration, group dynamics, leadership etc from the social identity point of view,
• utilize the social identity framework to identify, analyze and solve human problems in organizational contexts,

2) scrutinize and evaluate alternative themes relating to current concerns regarding human side complexities in organizational processes, including:

• critically reflect upon and apply one of these themes on a real-life organizational practice.

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 including successful completion of written group and individual assignments. A passing grade is required for each examination part of the module. Note as well examination modes below for the course as a whole.

Expected learning outcomes

See under each separate module.

Required Knowledge

90 credits out of which 75 credits in Business Administration whereof 15 credit bachelor courses or equivalent. Approved 52,5 credits whereof 7,5 credits in bachelor courses.

It is required to have broad knowledge of different specializations within the subject of Business Administration i.e. Management, Marketing, Accounting and Finance.

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

Form of instruction

See under each separate module.

Examination modes

See each separate module and below.
 
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 2fe201, 2fe409, 2fe2408, 2fe194,