"False"
Skip to content
printicon
Main menu hidden.
Syllabus:

International Business Administration B, 30 Credits

Swedish name: Företagsekonomi med internationell inriktning B

This syllabus is valid: 2021-08-23 and until further notice

Course code: 2FE095

Credit points: 30

Education level: First cycle

Main Field of Study and progress level: Business Administration: First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements

Grading scale: Three-grade scale

Responsible department: Business Administration

Revised by: Rector of Umeå School of Business and Economics, 2021-05-27

Contents

The objective of this course is to give the student an integrated basic education within the area of business administration, taking an international perspective. The course is given and examined in English.

The modules are:
Module 1. Financial Accounting, 7.5 credits / Extern redovisning, 7,5 hp
Module 2. Foundations of Finance, 7.5 credits / Finansiering, 7,5 hp
Module 3. Research Methodology in Business Administration, 7.5 credits / Vetenskaplig metod inom företagsekonomi, 7,5 hp
Module 4. Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Resource Planning Systems, 7.5 credits / Entreprenörskap med beslutsstöd, 7,5 hp

The course shall, besides offering a basic understanding of business administration, also provide the student with an understanding of economic problems and their relations on society, company/organization and individual level. Included are also perspectives on methods practicable in companies and organizations.

Common expected learning outcome:

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

Module 1. Financial Accounting, 7.5 credits
An understanding of how to use, interpret, and analyze financial reports is important for those operating in an international business environment. The international financial reporting standards are introduced through a brief overview of financial accounting concepts and a description of the general accounting model. The interpretation of specific business transactions and approaches to the preparation of financial reports are also taught in this module. The approach enables students to see how accounting information is used, interpreted, and analyzed in real world decision making. The students will get an introduction and practical use of business systems in order to understand business processes.

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

  • understand the basics of double-entry book-keeping and annual accounts
  • possess the basic skills to independently analyze, interpret, and use information in financial reports
  • describe the content and identify the links between the balance sheet, the income statement and statement of cash flows
  • understand the importance of ethics in the accounting profession
  • at an introductory level understand how to use business systems and accounting systems

Focus of instruction
The learning is supported by lectures, exercises, workshops and a project. An individual computer-based assignment is included where students are given the opportunity to practically use business systems in different business processes.

Module examination modes
Examination will be based upon at least one group assignment and an individual written hall exam. A passing grade is required on each part of the module. The course is given and examined in English. Note as well examination modes for the course below.

Module 2. Foundations of Finance, 7.5 credits
This course is intended to introduce participants to the basic concepts, theories and methods used in financial management. The focus is on the acquisition and use of financial resources, including methods for analyzing investment decisions and interest rates. The course also deals with how the company´s capital structure is affected by financial decisions. The course also aims to develop an understanding and knowledge of the concepts of risk and return associated with the investment decision.

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

  • explain the basic concepts  of financial management
  • explain and calculate the time value of money
  • utilize tools to calculate the present and future value of cash flows and the value of stocks, bonds and other firm investments, utilize tools to calculate and assess the impact of financial decisions
  • explain the concept of risk as well as measure systematic and unsystematic risk
  • apply capital budgeting techniques and undertake sensitivity analysis using spread sheets
  • analyze how companies can raise capital and explain factors that affect their optimal capital structure
  • explain the agent problem and its consequences for corporate financial decisions

Focus of instruction
The learning is supported by lectures, tutorials, workshops and a practical problem solving case.

Module examination modes
Examination will be based upon one or more individual assignments, a group work and an individual written exam. A passing grade is required on each part of the course. The course is given and examined in English. Note as well examination modes for the course below.

Module 3. Research Methodology in Business Administration, 7.5 credits
The overarching aim of this module is to acquire a basic knowledge of scientific paradigms and research methods. Further, the aim is to develop the student's ability to first, plan and in written form report a scientific study, and second, to evaluate and use scientific as well as other reports.

The module begins with a discussion on the process of knowledge creation, with an emphasis on the production of scientific knowledge. Important building blocks in this process are frames of reference, scientific ideals, problem formulation, scientific approaches and methods for data collection and analysis.

Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of a well thought-out choice of topic, problematisation, and a careful specification of the problem statement (research question). To this general scientific approach, research design and different types of research strategies are addressed. Further, the possibilities and limitations of quantitative and qualitative methods are discussed. Methods for sampling and data collection are scrutinized, among other things based on the possibilities of accessing information.

The module also includes activities that develops the student's ability to find information in databases, to use different types of information in an appropriate manner, and to evaluate this information and the sources according to relevant criteria.

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

  • describe the main scientific ideals, and explain how different values and perspectives influence the process of knowledge creation
  • describe the different characteristics of qualitative and quantitative methods and evaluate the suitability of different methods to solve different types of research questions
  • independently search, critically evaluate and use different types of information
  • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of research ethics, and what is plagiarism
  • argue for the formulation of a particular problem (research question), scientific strategies and methodological choices, and analyze an empirical and theoretical material
  • critically examine other scientific studies from different perspectives
  • Within a given timeframe plan and design a scientific study

Focus of instruction
The learning is supported by lectures, seminars and supervision. Attendance is obligatory for activities that are part of the examination.

Module examination modes
The module is examined through seminars and written assignments where the student in groups implement the phases of a research process, and an individual written exam. A passing grade is required on each part of the module. The course is given and examined in English. Note as well examination modes for the course below.

Module 4. Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP), 7.5 credits
The module introduces entrepreneurship as a phenomenon and knowledge field. The purpose is to develop the knowledge of and understanding about entrepreneurship and business development processes. The focus of this module is entrepreneurship related to business development, as manifested in the establishment of new ventures. As part of the course different aspects of enterprising, including sustainability and internationalization, are integrated when previously gained knowledge in business administration is utilized to develop a business idea that is specified in a business plan. To be able to conduct business development in a successful way, access to, and managing supportive systems are of crucial importance. This module include computer based exercises using enterprise resource planning.

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

  • describe and problematize the concept of entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial perspective
  • describe and analyze the entrepreneurial process.
  • describe and analyze creativity, entrepreneurship and new business activity in a societal context.
  • as member of a student-group take initiative and develop a business idea and use knowledge gained from earlier courses in business administration, including knowledge related to sustainability, in order to develop this idea in a business plan draft
  • search and evaluate information and information sources in the development of a business plan
  • argue for, and sell, a business idea
  • choose, analyse and apply information from enterprise resource planning systems to make business decisions

Focus of instruction
The module develops the student's creative abilities for the purpose of idea generation and business development. Learning is supported by lectures that give students the foundations for working with entrepreneurship and business development, supplemented with guest lectures. Students perform a business development assignment, formulate an idea and a business plan for a new venture, which is presented through an oral presentation and a written report.
 
Module examination modes
The students are assessed through an individual written hall exam, a business development assignment conducted in a group, and an exercise on business support systems (group based). A passing grade is required on each part of the module. The course is given and examined in English. Note as well examination modes for the course below.

Expected learning outcomes

See under each separate module.

Required Knowledge

International Business Administration A 30 credits or similar. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Form of instruction

All teaching will be in English. See also above under 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 at the time of the written examination will be offered an opportunity to sit a further examination within two months. Beyond that, additional examination opportunities normally arise every academic year, one week prior to the start of the autumn term. If required by specific circumstances, the Director of Studies may decide on other forms of examination

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 module. Mandatory assignments (seminars, written assignments, cases, computer assignments etc.) that have not been handed in within stipulated time must be done the next time the course is offered. If the form of examination does not permit repetition other forms of re-examination may be used.

Exceptions from examination form as stated in the syllabus can be made for a student who has a decision on pedagogical support for disabilities. Individual adaptations of the examination form should be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form shall be adapted within the framework of the expected learning outcomes stated in the course syllabus. At the request of the student, the course responsible teacher, in consultation with the examiner, must promptly decide on the adapted examination form. The decision must then be notified to the student.

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.

A student who has passed an examination can not redo the examination to get a higher grade.
If a student fails to present a photo ID at the occasion of a written exam in an exam room will not be allowed to take the exam.

Disciplinary action may be taken against students who uses unauthorized help aids or in some other way tries to mislead on a test or when another type of task is being evaluated. 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. In addition, Umeå University rules and regulations for education and research applies.

Educational activities are designed to facilitate students towards achieving expected learning outcomes and can explain, supplement and provide contrast to the course literature and other relevant course materials.

Other regulations

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



This course can not be included in the degree together with 2fe096, 2fe097, 2fe098, 2fe170, 2fe099.

Literature

Valid from: 2021 week 34

Module 1

Horngren Charles T.
Introduction to financial accounting
11., Pearson new, international ed. : Harlow : Pearson : cop. 2014 : [2], II, 526 p. :
ISBN: 9781292040578
Mandatory
Search the University Library catalogue

Articles will be added at the start of the module, approximately 40 pages in total.

Module 2

Berk Jonathan
Corporate Finance plus Pearson MyLab Finance with Pearson eText, Global Edition
Pearson : 2019 :
ISBN: 9781292304281
Mandatory
Search the University Library catalogue

Articles will be added at the start of the module, approximately 40 pages in total.

Module Reference literature: Financial Dictionary, eg. http://www.investopedia.com/dictionary/ Additional individual literature focusing on specific topics may be needed to be able to complete module assignments.

Module 3

Business research : a practical guide for undergraduate & postgraduate students
Collis Jill, Hussey Roger
Fifth edition. : London : Macmillan Education : 2021 : 1 volume :
ISBN: 9781352011814
Mandatory
Search the University Library catalogue

Additional readings can be presented at the beginning of the module.

Module 4

Module 4

Entrepreneurship in theory and practice : paradoxes in play
Løwe Nielsen Suna, Klyver Kim, Evald Majbritt Rostgaard, Bager Torben
Third edition. : Cheltenham, UK : Edward Elgar Publishing : [2021] : xxvi, 321 pages :
ISBN: 9781789908039
Mandatory
Search the University Library catalogue

Articles and reports comprising 50-80 pages will be added. In addition students may need to search articles and information for different assignments during the module

Reference literature

Thomas Kubr, Heinz Marchesi, Daniel Ilar & Herman Kienhuis (1998) Starting up, achieving success with professional business planning. Amsterdam: McKinsey & Company https://umu-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/primo-explore/fulldisplay?docid=UMUB_ALMA51184329680004996&context=L&vid=UmUB&lang=sv_SE&search_scope=default_scope&adaptor=Local%20Search%20Engine&tab=default_tab_umub&query=any,contains,mckinsey%20starting%20up%20business%20planning&mode=Basic

Course literature from Business Administration A and Business Administration B on marketing, accounting, budgeting, management control and financing constitutes an important foundation for analyses in the business plan.

Course reference literature

Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics USBE. Thesis writing in Business Administration. Thesis manual. (latest edition)
USBE Business Administration :
https://www.umu.se/en/student/usbe/thesis-and-degree-project-work/