Current Trends and a Minor in Management 30 credits

About the course

The course gives the opportunity to further develop within the major subject in a module on the latest development and in a module on research methodology. The course also gives a Minor subject in Management. The course is given and examined in English.

Common expected learning outcome:

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

Module 1. Research Methodology in Business Research, 7,5 credits
Module 2. People - The Human Side of Organizing, 7.5 credits
Module 3. Project Management, 7.5 credits
Module 4. Current Trends in Business Administration, 7,5 credits

Module 1. Research Methodology in Business Research, 7,5 credits
The overarching aim of this course is to develop advanced knowledge of perspectives, strategies and design in research. This will increase the student's ability to carry out and assess business research and investigations. Important building blocks are the problem formulation, frames of reference, scientific approaches, including the ontological and epistemological points of departure, and methods for data collection and analysis.
 
Expected learning outcomes
After completing this module the student should be able to:

• identify and discuss how fundamental assumptions, scientific ideals, perspectives and frames of reference influence a process of scientific knowledge creation
• formulate and argue for relevant research questions, including the theoretical relevance and positioning
• discuss characteristics of research strategies and discuss and evaluate the suitability of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods respectively, to solve different research questions
• apply acquired knowledge in the planning, design, implementation and reporting of scientific studies
• demonstrate an ability to assess and discuss social, environmental and ethical aspects of the business research process

Focus of instruction
Lectures, seminars, practical assignment(s), individually or in groups, and the reading material complement each other to help students to develop deep knowledge of what scientific research in business and management fields is all about.
 
Examination modes
The assessment is based on an individual written hall exam and reporting of individual written assignment(s). Participation at all seminars and presentations is compulsory to pass the module. The final grade is awarded when the student has passed all assignments and compulsory module elements. The course is given and examined in English. Note as well examination modes for the course below.

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, the module will address a variety of themes on human side complexities that may also contribute to shape organizational processes.

Expected learning outcomes

• explain how organizational processes emerge in human interaction through from a social identity perspective,
• critically reflect upon issues of commitment, collaboration, group dynamics, leadership, etc. from the social identity point of view,
• utilize the social identity framework to analyze and solve human problems in organizational contexts,
• critically scrutinize alternative themes relating to current concerns regarding human side complexities in organizational processes and apply one of these themes on a real-life organizational practice,
• integrate social identity theory and assigned theme on human side complexities to critically examine organizational processes and develop solutions to related problems.

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

Module 4. Current Trends in Business Administration 7,5 credits
The ambition of this module is to identify and uncover current trends.  These trends have a strong long-term impact on society at large and thus form future premises and give rise to challenges for businesses. The aim of the module is to explore how business and society interact to tackle such present and future challenges. The expectation is that students participating in this module are well equipped with knowledge and skills related to their own major, one of the five sub-disciplines accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, management, and marketing in Business Administration.

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

• analyse fundamental societal issues and what impact businesses have on these issues 
• identify and evaluate emerging trends in society
• critically discuss business decisions relating to current trends
• evaluate information, knowledge and policy in relation to current trends in terms of validity and reliability
• relate current trends to research in business administration within the field of the student's major
• be able to share multidisciplinary knowledge

Focus of instruction
Learning is supported by lectures, guest lectures and guided exercises. Students are provided with relevant sources of information and scientific literature for supporting individual and group works related to the themes of lectures and exercises.
 
Examination modes
The main mode of examination is an individual written essay with a subsequent oral examination. The essay requires convincing discussion of the importance and urgency of solving a specific problem related to any of the current trends from the disciplinary perspective of the student's major. Further, the examination consists of individual and group reflection papers related to the various course activities.
Attendance at all work in progress and final presentation seminars, group work and guest lectures related presentation events are mandatory and thus a requirement to pass the course. A passing grade for each graded part of the course is required to pass. The course is given and examined in English. Note as well examination modes for the course below.