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 from 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 supports the students written and 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 module introduces  students to the international business environment. The module highlights how environmental factors affect business in a global economy. The module will also facilitate students’ understanding of the challenges associated with working, communicating, and negotiating in a cross-cultural context. The module is divided into two major themes; global economy and geography in relation to international business, and cross-cultural business behaviour. During the module, students will also be introduced to the code of academic conduct, e.g. referencing, or how to avoid plagiarism and cheating.

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.
• identify and describe factors and forces that affect an organisation’s decision to internationalize its business
• describe and compare strategies for internationalization
• identify and analyse challenges in working, communicating, and negotiating in a cross-cultural context
• discuss the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in international business practice.
• describe, recognize and apply the code of academic conduct to the student’s own work.

Focus of instruction
The learning activities include lectures, seminars, and assignments. The major part of the learning is the individual student’s own responsibility and based on the student’s engagement in the provided learning activities including own assignments, individual or in groups. Learning activities and assignments are designed to improve students’ generic skills, specifically oral and written communication, presentation techniques, information searches, and teamwork.

Examination modes
The examination is based on seminars, a written case assignment conducted in groups, and an individual written exam and an individual exam on the code of academic conduct. A passing grade is required for each part. See also note 6 below.

Module 2. Marketing, 7.5 ECTS
The module aims to developing the student’s competencies and skills in identifying and analysing 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 behaviour 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, analyse and select appropriate strategies based on market intelligence and organizations' internal conditions
• explain and analyse 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 analyse 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. See also note 6 below.

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

Focus of instruction
Teaching is conducted through Case-based teaching. Students work in groups analyzing and addressing commonly occurring organizational problem situations that they could encounter in their future working lives. Group work is assessed through written submissions that are presented to and discussed in the student group. The group work is prepared on the basis of lectures and in-depth workshops. The groups' own experience of their cooperation and the group member’s individual reflection is used for additional insights into how individuals’ motivations, relationships and communication between people affect a workgroup’s efficiency and performance.

Examination
Case work is examined through written group assignments. The group's performance as a whole provides the basis for the grading and, in addition, each individual's active participation in seminars. The group process is examined with an individual written assignment. The module is also examined through an individual written exam. Each part of the examination must be approved separately. See also note 6 below.

Module 4.   Management Accounting, 7.5 ECTS
Initally, this module introduces participants to the link between the company`s visions, “business idea” and strategies, and the company´s planning-, control- and decision making activities; further, basic knowledge of the central concepts in management accounting will be presented.
Then, the areas of budgeting, costing and cost allocation are developed. Connections are also made to alternative management tools such as the balanced scorecard. Cost allocation and costing are discussed in regard to different methods for allocating the company´s cost and for calculating the total costs of the company´s products and services. The methods treated are for example traditional costing system and activity based costing system. Further, it is discussed how different costing methods and cost allocation can be used in the pricing process and in the process of choosing the long- and short- term product mix.

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

• Explain the central concept in management accounting
• Explain the link between the company´s vision, “business idea” and strategies
• Accomplish product costing based on complete or partial cost allocation
• Accomplish different budgets for the company
• Use costing programs for product costing

Focus of instruction
The module´s different parts will be treated through lectures, group exercises and supervision. The students will practically apply the theoretical knowledge from the lectures when they solve costing problems with the help of costing programs.

Examination modes
The examination is through a written exam and mandatory assignments. A passing grade is required for each part. See also note 6 below.

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.

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%).

To receive the grade Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd) on the course, the student must have achieved that grade at three of the four modules.

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.

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 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. (see instructions in the Thesis manual “Thesis writing in Business Administration”). Urkund records may be used for control.

Students who fail to present a photo ID at the occasion of a written examination cannot have their results registered.

Lectures are normally not obligatory. However attendance is expected because the lectures are designed to facilitate students towards achieving course specific learning objectives. In addition lectures often provide insightful explanations of, and can supplement and provide contrast to, the course literature and other relevant course materials.

A student who has passed an examination cannot retake 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

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.