International Business Administration A, 30 Credits

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 modules are:

1. International Business Environment, 7,5 ECTS
2. Marketing, 7.5 ECTS
3. Organisation and management of the firm, 7.5 ECTS
4. Management Accounting, 7.5 ECTS

The course shall, besides offering a basic understanding of business administration from an international perspective, 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.

The course will also support the students in their written as well as spoken English through lectures, written feedback on the English language on of the assignments, and oral feedback on the student’s spoken English.

Module 1.  International Business Environment, 7.5 ECTS
The purpose of this module is to introduce the students to the global business environment. This module, therefore, highlights how environmental factors affect business in the global economy.  A second purpose of this module is to facilitate the students’ understanding of the challenges associated with working, communicating, and negotiating in a cross-cultural context. Following these two purposes the module is divided into two major themes; the global economy and geography, and cross-cultural business behavior.

The economic, political, and social changes over the last decades have dramatically altered the landscape of global business, which affect business practices worldwide. Companies constantly have to remain flexible to react rapidly to global trends. Therefore, the world as consisting of developed-, emerging-, and undeveloped markets will be discussed with focus on how geographical factors, natural resources and traditions affect the economic development of countries and regions.

In an era of increased globalization, it is important to understand how different cultures impact the business environment. To facilitate the students’ understanding of such influences the module examines patterns of cross-cultural business behavior. Gaining such insights is critical since modern business people need to manage cultural differences when communicating, traveling, or negotiating with people from other cultures.
In addition, students are introduced to what good scientific practice means, how students and instructors can create and maintain a constructive learning environment while preventing misconduct and fraudulent behavior such as plagiarism. Students are, therefore, required to carefully study the guide of ethical and professional behavior, which is aligned with the rules and regulations of Umeå University. Since knowledge of these rules and regulations are fundamental for coming courses and thesis writing this module includes a web-based test to ensure that students understand how to follow these guidelines in practice.

Expected learning outcomes
After completing this module, the student should be able to:•define international business and describe how it differs from domestic business with respect to laws, regulations and taxation.

• explain why companies engage in international business and why its growth has accelerated.
• describe the major forces that affect international business.
• Identify and analyze the challenges in working, communicating, and negotiating in a cross-cultural context.
• identify and discuss  corporate social responsibility (CSR) in international business practice.
• describe, understand and apply ethical/professional learning and research conduct

Focus of instruction
The process of learning is based on lectures, assignments and discussions. The major part of the learning process is done by the student’s own engagement in his/her own assignments, individual or in groups.
Additional to the expected learning outcomes, assignments may be designed to improve students’ generic skills (e.g. verbal, written, presentation, information searches, and cooperation) as a preparation for subsequent courses and the expectations of future employers.

Examination modes
The examination is based on an individual written exam, written case assignments conducted in groups, and literature seminars. A passing grade is required for each part.

Module 2. Marketing, 7.5 ECTS
The module aims to developing the student’s competencies and skills in identifying and analyzing the organization's opportunities and problems from a marketing perspective. This is done both from a theoretical perspective based on marketing concepts, and partly through the application of marketing tools. The module has its starting point in the organization's external environment and how from this will it is possible to offer value to the customers. From strategic marketing decisions the marketer will then choose between various marketing tools in order to properly communicate with the potential customers.

The module is divided into four themes:
Market intelligence: Organizations’ market environment, consumer behavior and analytical tools such as market researches.

Strategic marketing decisions: Decisions on segmentation, differentiation and positioning.

Tools for value creating processes: Approaches used to create together with the customer and attract and reach selected segments through the marketing mix and the tools for integrated marketing communication.

Marketing from different perspectives: Marketing is discussed with regard to ethics, accountability, sustainability, gender, and laws and regulations. This is achieved by approaching marketing from the perspectives of the organizations, the consumers and society at large.

Expected learning outcomes
After completing the module the student should be able to:•describe what a market intelligence includes and illustrate how factors in the organizations' market environment can influence marketing decisions

• explain and give examples overall strategic concepts in marketing
• identify, analyze and select appropriate strategies based on market intelligence and organizations' internal conditions
• explain and analyze the various tools in the marketing mix
• describe different communication channels’ advantages and disadvantages and relate them to the choice of strategies and choices within the marketing mix
• critically discuss marketing from different perspectives

Generic competencies
The arrangement of the module provides opportunities for, and requires, the development of the ability to:•plan your own work and meet deadlines

• relate theoretical knowledge with practical examples
• communicate both orally and in writing

Focus of instruction
The module’s four themes are explored through lectures, seminars and a case analysis that is used throughout the module. In order to increase understanding of these themes, and how they are related to each other, the students are given the possibility through case studies to analyze prospective and actual marketing problems. Case work is done in groups.

Examination
Examination is based on an individual written exam and written group assignments that also include oral presentations in seminar groups. Together with the group assignments are also seminars that are examined individually. A passing grade is required for each part.

Module 3.   Organisation and management of the firm, 7.5 ECTS
The module aims to prepare the student for leadership of groups and teams in business and society with emphasis on interpersonal relationships. The module provides a basic understanding of why organizations exist and how people in different time periods have chosen to implement a division of labor. The main issues in the field of organizational behavior will be addressed during the module. After the education the student shall have gained a vocabulary that enables communication regarding organizational issues in future work places and also an opportunity for continued self-betterment.

The first part of the module aims at deepening the understanding of different individuals' motivation to work within organizations and workgroups and how individual goals, motivation and work satisfaction influence the work. The second part of the module provides a deeper understanding of interpersonal relationships and the development and effectiveness of workgroups. Thereby the student's ability to lead individuals and groups to improve efficiency is strengthened by, for example, improved communication, customized reward system and good conflict management.

Expected learning outcomes
After completing this module, the student should be able to:•describe theories, models and concepts explaining how individuals and workgroups function in organisational contexts

• understand and influence groups and group development in an organisational context
• reflect upon one’s own way of relating to others, including one’s own contribution to, and role within, a workgroup
• analyse and respond to organisational problems and changes in activities

Generic Competencies
The arrangement of the module provides opportunities for, and requires the development of the ability to:•work in groups, as well as independently, within specified time limits

• present and discuss own views and material as well as discussing others’.

Focus of instruction
Teaching is conducted through so-called Case-based teaching, i.e. from problem solving and management of sequences of events, events and situations in real or fictitious organizations. Students work on group projects which aim to bring order, clarity and understanding of both the big picture and the details of the described situations. Group Work is assessed through a written submission that is presented to and discussed in the student group. The group work is prepared on the basis of lectures and in-depth workshops. Further, the group's use their own experience of their cooperation to create additional insight into how individual aspirations, relationships and communication between people affects a workgroup’s efficiency and performance. The group’s and group members' own analysis of its way of functioning is thus another important form of teaching in the module.

Examination
The examination on the module consists of the following:•Case work is examined by a written group assignment that is processed in a seminar. The group's performance as a whole provides the basis for the grading and, in addition, each individual's active participation in seminars. If the group does not pass a Case work then they are assigned an additional assignment. If the additional assignment is not approved then the students are referred to take a new Case work the next time the course is given. The group process is examined with an individual written assignment that is to be submitted.

• An individual written exam. If the student does not pass the exam the opportunity for a resit is given alternatively with a the follow-up exam.
• Each part of the examination must be approved separately. In order to achieve the grade Pass on the module the student is thus required to achieve at least 50% of the score on each part. To achieve the grade Pass with Distinction the student needs to achieve at least 75% of the total possible score.

Module 4.   Management Accounting, 7.5 ECTS
This module is intended to introduce participants to the fundamental concepts of management accounting. An emphasis is put on the creation of an understanding of management accounting as a link between the company’s visions, “business idea” and strategies, and the company’s planning-, control- and decision making activities on the strategic, tactical and operational level. To achieve this understanding participants will work with basic models of budgeting and cost allocation these provide an input for planning-, control- and decision making activities.

In order to form the basic foundation for a thorough understanding of a company’s budget system and cost allocation, the concepts of costs and profit will first be discussed. When the budget system is discussed, emphasizes will be put on: the roles of budgets; models for building budgets; the building and interrelation between budgets for income statement, balance sheet and cash flow budgets as a tool for a company’s planning and decision making. When cost allocation is discussed the principal issue of allocating a company’s costs on different products and services are discussed. Models ranging from for full cost allocation to no cost allocation at all are discussed and evaluated with regard to how models can be used for pricing products and services, and as one input for making long and short term decisions regarding a company’s product mix.

Expected learning outcomes
After completing this module, the student should be able to:•describe how costs and revenues can be classified

• construct budgets and explain interrelations between budgets
• apply cost allocation for pricing decision and decision on product mixes
• analyse consequences for a company with regard to outputs of budgeting and cost allocations
• evaluate models for cost allocation
• enhance skills in oral and written presentation
• use Excel templates in order to generate information for decision making.

Focus of instruction
All teaching, materials and examinations will be in English.
In lectures, concepts and models central for the topic will be presented and discussed. Participants will also be introduced to the practical application of budgeting and cost allocation.

Examination modes
Case (group assigment) and a written exam (individual assigment). A passing grade is required for each part.

Expected learning outcomes

See respective module.

Required Knowledge

To enter the course general admission requirements are demanded (exemption is given for required courses in Swedish) as well as special requirements for the subject’s mathematics and social science. The students should have mathematics corresponding to C-level at Swedish Gymnasium (approximately three years in upper secondary education) and social science corresponding to A-level at Swedish Gymnasium. 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) The course is in the International Business Programme at Umeå university. The course is only available for students admitted to the programme.

Form of instruction

All teaching will be in English. See also under respective module.

Examination modes

See also respective module. Examination of modules 1-4 will be based upon the student’s active participation in seminars, a written individual comprehensive exam (tentamen), and successful completion of group or individual coursework as assigned.

All examinations will be in English.

See also respective module. Examination of modules 1-4 will be based upon the student’s active participation in seminars, a written individual comprehensive exam (tentamen), and successful completion of group or individual coursework as assigned.

All examinations will be in English.

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%).

Case (group assigment) and a written exam (individual assigment). A passing grade is required for each part.

Students who fail to present a photo ID at the occasion of a written examination cannot have their results registered.
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 an alternative examiner. 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.
Student who has passed an examination can not redo the examination to get a higher grade.

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.

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.

Lectures are normally not obligatory. However, lectures are designed to facilitate for students to achieve course specific learning objectives as lectures for example can provide insightful explanations of, and can supplement and provide contrast to, the course litterateur and other relevant course materials.

Grades on the course are awarded when students have passed all examinations and compulsory course elements. In order to pass the course, the student must complete all parts of the examination i.e. reach 50% of the points of each part. To receive the grade pass with distinction, the student must reach at least 75% of the total points on the course.

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

Other regulations

The course is a part of the International Business Program at Umeå School of Business and Economics. The course is also offered to exchange students within formal exchange agreements.