International Business Culture and Communication C, 15 Credits

Contents

Today, the business environment is truly international, or global. Export and import activities are increasing and foreign direct investment activities have grown over the decades. Therefore, the core functions of business management, such as procurement, marketing, product development, human resource management etc, need to account for cultural differences and cross-cultural relations. This course is designed to enhance the student’s understanding of business cultures and cross-cultural communication in a business context and to develop the student’s cross-cultural analytical skills.

The course is given and examined in English.

The course contents of these modules:

Module 1. Analysis of business culture, 7.5 ECTS
Module 2. Practical business communication and negotiation, 7.5 ECTS

Module 1.   Analysis of business culture, 7.5 ECTS

The first module focuses on available analytical approaches to define and analyze various cultural components prevalent in business. In areas such as marketing, organizational behavior, decision-making, communication and business negotiations, a cultural awareness is particularly needed.  Furthermore, the essential nature of culture as a static and bounded phenomenon is critically examined.

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

• assess and appreciate cultural differences and similarities (e.g. regional similarities in the Nordic countries) in global business processes
• critically examine the concept of business culture from alternative theoretical perspectives
• analyse key business issues in a cross-cultural context

Focus of instruction
The teaching methods include lectures, cases and written and oral assignments.

Examination modes
Examination consists of active participation in seminars, completion of written group assignments and a written comprehensive individual exam. A passing grade is required for each part. See also note 6 below.

Module 2.   Practical business communication and negotiation, 7.5 ECTS

In the second module, theoretical skills acquired in the first part of the course will be applied. The students will be expected to use theoretical cultural concepts to analyse and understand everyday business practices such as communication and negotiation.

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

• demonstrate ability to transfer theoretical knowledge on business culture to practical business settings
• exhibit their intercultural competence with focus on negotiation
• communicate in a cross-cultural business context

Focus of instruction
The module will employ a combination of lectures and guest lectures, casework, and seminars, including both individual and group assignments.

Examination modes
Examination consists of group case assignments, written exam, active participation in seminars and a group term paper, which should be designed to highlight some aspects of the course’s overall theme and a written comprehensive individual exam. A passing grade is required for each part. See also note 6 below.

Expected learning outcomes

See respectively module.

Required Knowledge

Courses in Business Administration (60 ECTS) At Basic level (A-level) and Intermediate level (B-level) a minimum of 60 ECTS. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B, English/6.

Form of instruction

See respectively module

Examination modes

See also above under respectively module.

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%).

To receive the grade Pass with distinction in the course, the student must have achieved at least 75% of the total of points in the separate modules 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 on each occasion.

Students who do not pass at the time of the normal written examination will be offered an opportunity to sit a further examination within 2-3 weeks. Beyond that, additional examination opportunities 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.

Guest lectures during a module might be used as basis for examination.

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.

Other regulations

This is a course at the C-level in a BSc-degree at Umeå University. The course can also be included in study programs in Business Administration and Economics at Umeå School of Business and Economics.