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Syllabus:

Managerial Perspectives on Strategy and People D, 15 Credits

Swedish name: Managerial Perspectives on Strategy and People D

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

Course code: 2FE040

Credit points: 15

Education level: Second cycle

Main Field of Study and progress level: Business Administration: Second cycle, has only 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 course highlights key issues for understanding and dealing with the challenges facing contemporary organizations in a globalized world. It integrates profound theoretical insights with practical applications in a learning environment characterized by active student participation, both individually and in groups.
 
The course is given and examined in English.
 
Generic learning outcome.
In addition to the specific learning outcomes for each module (see below), the  course has a number of goals for the development of generic competences. After completing the course, the student should be able to:

  • reflekt on equality, diversity and multiculturalism multiculturality and work effectively in multicultural teams
  • integrate expertise from different knowledge areas in order to identify, analyze and solve organizational problems,
  • plan, conduct, and present investigations, both orally and in writing, for an academic audience as well as an audience of business practitioners. 

Common expected learning outcome:

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

The core course consists of two modules, which will be further described below:
Module 1. Perspectives on Strategy, 7.5 credits. 
Module 2. People - the Human Side of Organizing, 7.5 credits. 
 
Module 1. Perspectives on Strategy, 7.5 credits
This module highlights key challenges facing contemporary firms in a globalized world. The students will gain an interdisciplinary understanding of the business context and the intertwined nature of its events and processes. Alternative theoretical perspectives on strategy will be presented to provide a comprehensive platform for the forthcoming core modules. Students will practice to think strategically from both an internal and external perspective. Module 1 integrates theoretical insights with practical applications in a learning environment characterized by active participation, both individually and in groups. Throughout the module the students are encouraged to develop their own strategic approaches. During the module, students will also be introduced to methods of working in international teams and 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:

  • describe and analyze the foundations of strategy and strategic perspectives,
  • propose solutions to cope with internal and external strategic challenges and complexities,
  • propose appropriate strategies to meet key dilemmas concerning for example innovation, products, process, organization, marketing and business models,
  • critically reflect upon the consequences of strategic choices and assess the need for further knowledge and skills,
  • describe, recognize and apply academic conduct to the student's own work. 

Focus of instruction
In addition to lectures and guest lectures, the learning is supported by cases and seminars. The module requires significant amount of independent study. This means reading the assigned compulsory book chapters and articles. It is the student's responsibility to come prepared for lectures and seminars, and to participate actively in discussions. Case studies are preformed in groups with  a written case report and an oral presentation. The group work is introduced with activities supporting the students in effectively working in groups characterized by equality, diversity and multiculturalism. Students also learn  academic ethics as well as academic conduct including referencing and how to avoid plagiarism and cheating.

Module examination modes
The basis of examination in this module consists of  written group assignment, a written hall exam, and an individual online test of academic conduct. Attendance at seminars is mandatory and is thus a requirement to pass the module. A passing grade for each examined part of the module is required to pass. Note as well examination modes below for the course as a whole.
 
Module 2. People - the Human Side of Organizing, 7,5 credits

In the second module, focus is turned to the human side of organizations, with the objective to show the importance of considering individual perceptions and identity construction, as well as group interaction, in order to effectively manage and lead an organization. Furthermore, the module addresses the complexities created by issues of diversity, gender, ethics and emotions in organizational processes. Students will perform a group assignment in order to scrutinize and evaluate one of these dimensions both theoretically and for realistic problem-solving.

Expected learning outcomes
1) After completing this module, the student should be able to:
appreciate organizational processes as a matter of mutual interaction through a social identity theory perspective, including the following sub goals:

  • understand how human interaction in organizational contexts emerge from social identification processes,
  • critically reflect upon issues of commitment, collaboration, group dynamics, leadership etc from the social identity point of view,
  • utilize the social identity framework to analyze and solve human problems in organizational contexts,

2) scrutinize and evaluate dimensions of diversity, ethics, emotions and gender in organizational processes, including:

  • critically reflect upon and apply one of these perspectives on a real-life organizational practice.

Focus of instruction
The learning is supported by lectures, seminars, individual- and group assignments. The lectures on the social identity perspective, are followed by three literature seminars, each with an individual statement memo. These memos will be graded and comments will be given in order for students to develop their capacity for effective written communication. Based on the student's choice of one of the dimensions; diversity, ethics, emotions, or gender, groups are formed and will explore how the chosen dimension can be applied in an organizational setting. The group assignment will be presented in one theme literature seminar and one integrative case seminar; both prepared with a written group report.

Module examination modes
The examination consists of active participation in seminars and successful completion of written group assignments and written individual assignments. A passing grade is required for each part of the module. Note as well examination modes below for the course as a whole.

Expected learning outcomes

See under each separate module.

Required Knowledge

90 credits out of which 75 credits in Business Administration whereof 15 credit bachelor courses or equivalent. Approved 52,5 credits whereof 7,5 credits in bachelor courses.

It is required to have broad knowledge of different specializations within the subject of Business Administration i.e. Management, Marketing, Accounting and Finance.

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6 or the equivalent.

Form of instruction

See under each 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.
 
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 cannot 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 2fe201, 2fe409, 2fe2408, 2fe194,

Literature

  • Valid from: 2023 week 31

    Module 1

    Literature

    Exploring strategy
    Whittington Richard, Regnér Patrick, Angwin Duncan
    Thirteenth Edition. : Hoboken, NJ : Pearson : [2023] : pages cm :
    ISBN: 9781292428758
    Mandatory
    Search the University Library catalogue

    Scientific articles (approx. 50-80 pages) available from Umeå University library's databases will be added at the start of the module.

    Module 2

    Social identity processes in organizational contexts
    Hogg Michael A., Terry Deborah J.
    Hove : Psychology : cop. 2001 : xiv, 339 s. :
    ISBN: 1-84169-007-4 (inb.)
    Mandatory
    Search the University Library catalogue

    3-4 scientific articles will be added as required reading, approx. 70 pages. In addition to the required reading for all, students will also read three articles or book chapters within one of the themes Gender, Emotions, Ethics, or Diversity. The additional literature will comprise approx. 80-100 pages per theme. A selection of case material will also be added according to instructor's directives.

    Reference literature

    Business ethics : managing corporate citizenship and sustainability in the age of globalization
    Crane Andrew, Matten Dirk
    3. ed. : Oxford : Oxford University Press : 2010 : xxv, 614 s. :
    ISBN: 978-0-19-956433-0 (pbk.)
    Search the University Library catalogue

    Business ethics : managing corporate citizenship and sustainability in the age of globalization.
    Crane Andrew, Matten Dirk, Glozer Sarah, Spence Laura J.
    Fifth edition : Oxford : Oxford University Press : 2019 : xxiv, 608 pages :
    ISBN: 9780198810070
    Search the University Library catalogue

  • Valid from: 2021 week 34

    Module 1

    Literature

    Exploring strategy
    Whittington Richard, Regnér Patrick, Angwin Duncan, Johnson Gerry, Scholes Kevan
    Twelfth Edition. : Harlow, England : Pearson : 2020 : xxvii, 566 pages :
    ISBN: 9781292282510
    Mandatory
    Search the University Library catalogue

    Scientific articles (approx. 50-80 pages) available from Umeå University library's databases will be added at the start of the module.

    Module 2

    Social identity processes in organizational contexts
    Hogg Michael A., Terry Deborah J.
    Hove : Psychology : cop. 2001 : xiv, 339 s. :
    ISBN: 1-84169-007-4 (inb.)
    Mandatory
    Search the University Library catalogue

    3-4 scientific articles will be added as required reading, approx. 70 pages. In addition to the required reading for all, students will also read three articles or book chapters within one of the themes Gender, Emotions, Ethics, or Diversity. The additional literature will comprise approx. 80-100 pages per theme. A selection of case material will also be added according to instructor's directives.

    Reference literature

    Business ethics : managing corporate citizenship and sustainability in the age of globalization
    Crane Andrew, Matten Dirk
    3. ed. : Oxford : Oxford University Press : 2010 : xxv, 614 s. :
    ISBN: 978-0-19-956433-0 (pbk.)
    Search the University Library catalogue

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