Strategizing - planning and processes D, 7.5 Credits

Contents

Managers and entrepreneurs must all be able to design the future for their business or business area. The environment and the opportunities are likely to change over time, but strategic plans and programs are important tools in aiding the manager or business developer to make sense of environmental and organisational dynamics.
In this course students participate in a real-life strategic process which requires them to act on the basis of assembled knowledge and take part in the development of a business, for example by developing a strategic program for a company or an organisation.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing this course the student should be able to:

• Demonstrate analytical and integrative skills in solving advanced strategic problems.
• Apply acquired knowledge and understanding from this course as well as from previous courses to design a strategic program within given timeframes.
• Work effectively independently, in teams, and with external organisations.
• Orally and in writing for stakeholders, present analyses, ideas and conclusions developed and/or drawn by the team or individually.
• Evaluate his/her competence and need for competence development in order to work with strategic business development.

Required Knowledge

University: Courses in Business Administration (75 ECTS) At Basic level (A-level) and Intermediate level (B-level) a minimum of 60 ECTS in Management, Marketing, Accounting and Finance courses. At the C-level (Bachelor), a minimum 15 ECTS.

Language: Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 6.5 and no individual score below 5.5. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum score of 575 and a minimum TWE score of 4.5). TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum score of 90 and a minimum score of 20 on the Writing Section).

Form of instruction

In this course, the main pedagogical technique is work with a “real-life” organisation. This may entail students working in “consultant” teams with existing companies, organisations, or start-ups to develop a strategic program. The groups will work relatively independently but in dialogue with representatives of the organisations. Students will receive regular supervision from faculty and potentially by external experts in workshops, seminars and lectures.

Examination modes

The examination consists of four parts. First, a written strategic program and, second an oral presentation of this program to managers and other practitioner from the participating organisation. Third, a written individual home exam. Fourth, active participation in and contribution to seminars and meetings related to the work with their business program. 

A passing grade is required for each part of the course.
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%).

To receive the grade Pass with distinction on the course, the student must have achieved at least 75% of the total of points on the separate course parts or the equivalent

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.

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 another grading teacher. 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.

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.

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

Lectures are normally not obligatory. However attendance is expected because the lectures are designed to facilitate students towards achieving course specific learning objectives. In addition lectures often provide insightful explanations of, and can supplement and provide contrast to, the course literature and other relevant course materials.

A student who has passed an examination can not redo the examination to get a higher grading.

Grades on the course are awarded when students have passed all examinations and compulsory course elements. 

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