Change and Entrepreneurship in Organizations C, 15 Credits

Contents

How to handle change and how to innovate and act entrepreneurially is a core question for most organizations. The course aims to provide students with an understanding of change and entrepreneurship within organizations, and to develop an active approach in dealing with external and internal change as well as in seizing entrepreneurial opportunities. The course is based on two modules. The first module deals with the concept of change and various approaches to understanding organizational change, while the second module focuses on corporate entrepreneurship in different types of organizations:

Module 1. Organizational Change, 7.5 credits
Module 2. Corporate Entrepreneurship, 7.5 credits

Common expected learning outcome:

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

The course is given and examined in English.

Module 1. Organizational Change, 7.5 credits

The module provides a roadmap for understanding and managing organizational change in a global environment. This module begins with an overview of the theoretical foundations of organizational change. It then provides different conceptual and research-based frameworks to understand the process of change management (diagnose, design, deliver and evaluate). This module concludes by discussing the opportunities and challenges for organizational change conferred by digital technologies and sustainability transitions.

Expected learning outcomes
After completing this module, the student should be able to:

• understand the theorical foundations and processes to lead organizational change
• apply organizational change tools and analyze the implications of decisions
• analyze the external forces that trigger large organizational transformation.

Focus of instruction
Learning is supported by lectures and seminars. The seminars involve individual evaluation of a real company case and provide the students with the opportunity to discuss the application of theoretical frameworks or models with other students.

Examination modes
Examination consists of a written individual hall exam, written group assignments with oral presentation, and seminars. See also examination for the course below.

Module 2. Corporate Entrepreneurship, 7.5 credits

In this module, focus is placed on the entrepreneurial and innovative activities of established organizations, so-called corporate entrepreneurship. Topics include, for example, how to create an organizational architecture that stimulates intrapreneurship and innovation, how to utilise alliances, joint ventures, and acquisitions as part of renewal and innovation efforts, and how to configure an organization's overall system of entrepreneurial and innovative activities. Factors that support and hinder corporate entrepreneurship, such as leadership, culture, people, are also considered, as well as and diversity aspects and what it is like to lead and work in an entrepreneurial organization. Strategies for corporate entrepreneurship and innovation are discussed in relation to the conditions characterizing different types of organizations and industries.

Expected learning outcomes
After completing this module, the student should be able to:

• describe and compare different forms of corporate entrepreneurship in different types of organizations
• analyze and discuss how factors both within the organization and in the organizational environment support or hinder entrepreneurship and innovation in an established organization
• analyze and discuss the role and outcome of entrepreneurial leadership in an established organization 
• evaluate an organization's conditions for and work with corporate entrepreneurship, and give specific recommendations for the continued work
• present and communicate the evaluation and recommendations referred to above
• analyze the relevance and credibility of sources used as basis for evaluation and practical recommendations

Focus of instruction
Emphasis is placed on student activity, and learning is supported by different seminars, case analyses, group work and lectures.  As an integrating assignment, students will conduct an evaluation of an organization, resulting in practical recommendations.
 
Examination modes
The examination comprises individual written assignments, seminar discussions, a written individual hall exam and a written group case assignment including seminar presentation. A passing grade is required for each part. See also examination modes below.

Expected learning outcomes

See each module.

Required Knowledge

60 credits in Business Administration. At Basic level (A-level) and Intermediate level (B-level) or equivalent whereof approved 45 credits.

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

Form of instruction

See each 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 2FE185.