Organisational Change and Leadership, 7.5 credits

Contents

This course examines the strategic and tactical dimensions that leaders consider when preparing to implement organisational change. It combines established and contemporary conceptual frameworks with practical guidance to overcome the challenges of leading successful organisational changes. The course is designed to guide students through each stage of the change process – diagnosis, design, delivery, and evaluation – ensuring they understand both the theories and the practical applications. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to recognise the complexities of organisational change and make informed decisions as future leaders.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding:
Students must be able to

• describe and apply the theoretical foundations and practicical approaches to organisational change,
• analyse different perspectives on the management of organisational change.

Skills and ability:
Students must be able to

• develop strategies for leading and managing organisational change,
• apply organisational change tools and analyse the implications of decisions for leading and managing change,
• communicate central concepts for the course in English, both orally and in writing.

Judgement and approach:
Students must be able to

• analyse the impact of external forces on leading organisational change,
• evaluate leaders’ responsibilities towards employees and society when leading organisational change.

Required Knowledge

60 credits completed courses whereof 45 credits in Business Administration. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2.

Form of instruction

Learning is supported by lectures, seminars, and group discussions.

The seminars involve group evaluation of company cases and provide the students with the opportunity to discuss the application of theoretical frameworks with other students.

Examination modes

The examination consists of

- a written individual hall exam,
- written group assignments with an oral presentation.

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%).

The grades on the course is awarded when the student has passed all examinations.

A student who does not pass the first examination will be offered the opportunity to sit a re-examination within two months. An additional examination opportunity is 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 who has failed an examination on two occasions has the 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 two weeks before the next examination opportunity.

Adaptations
Examiners may decide on deviations 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 in examination. Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing is applicable to written assignments. Submitted material is subject to plagiarism control. In addition, Umeå University rules and regulations for education and research apply.

Other regulations

This course cannot be included in a degree together with the course 2FE138 or 2BA300.

Transfer of credits
Student who considers themselves to possess knowledge from previous relevant studies or professional or vocational experience that can be comparable to a course or part of a course, can apply for transfer of credits. Approved transfer of credits means that the student does not need to take the or those parts of the course that the decision covers. Information about transfer of credits can be found on Umeå University's web site.

This document has been translated from Swedish into English. If the English version differs from the original, the Swedish version takes precedence.