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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: 2011-09-05 valid to 2012-08-26 (newer version of the syllabus exists)

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

Contents

The core course consists of two modules, which will be further described below: Module 1. Perspectives on management and strategy (7,5 ECTS) Module 2. People – the human side of organizing (7,5 ECTS) 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. In the first module, alternative theoretical perspectives on strategic management will be presented in order to provide a comprehensive platform for the course. A distinction will here be made between the rational, decision-making oriented view in traditional management literature and the processual, relational view in front-line research. Students will be trained to think “strategically” from both an internal and external perspective. Concentrated and focused cases are used to illustrate the complexity of strategic issues, and students are trained to make priorities and strategic choices in an uncertain environment. In the second module, focus in turned to the human side of organizations, with the ambition 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 attends to the complexities created by issues of diversity, gender, ethics and emotions in organisational processes. Students will perform a group assignment in order to scrutinize and evaluate one of these dimensions.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to • identify and relate contemporary approaches on management and strategy, • analyze the complexity and critically assess strategic options in a dynamic environment, • appreciate leadership as a matter of mutual interaction through a social identity theory perspective, and • scrutinize and evaluate dimensions of diversity, ethics, emotions and gender in organizational processes. In addition, the course has a number of generic learning outcomes. After completing the course, the student should also be able to: • work effectively in multicultural teams and as team leaders, • appreciate diversity and multiculturality, and • integrate managerial expertise from different knowledge areas in order to identify, analyze and solve organizational problems.

Required Knowledge

University: Courses in Business Administration (75 ECTS) At Basic level (A-level) and Intermediate level (B-level) a minimum of 60 ECTS in Management, Marketing, Accounting and Finance courses. At the C-level (Bachelor), a minimum 15 ECTS. 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).

Form of instruction

The focus of instruction for the course is based on lectures that outline general theories related to the course topics. Seminars will be utilized to examine the details of the theories and the practice of the topics under study. Moreover, group or individual assignments with both oral and written presentations will be used throughout the course.

Examination modes

The examination for module 1 consists of active participation in seminars and successful completion of group or individual assignments as well as a written comprehensive examination. For module 2, the examination consists of one group assignment and several individual assignments which are both written and oral. The student’s active participation in seminars is required. Material from guest lectures may also be examined. 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%). To receive the grade Pass with distinction on the course, the student must have achieved at least 75% of the total of points on the separate modules or the equivalent In case of failure on seminar participation or individual and group assignments, compensating assignments must be completed in accordance with instructions given on each occasion. Students who do not pass the written examination will be offered a re-examination opportunity within 2-3 weeks. 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. 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 litterateur and other relevant course materials. Student who has passed an examination can not redo 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

This is a course at the D-level in a MSc-degree at Umeå University. The course can also be included in study programs in Business Administration and Economics at Umeå School of Business.

Literature

The literature list is not available through the web. Please contact the faculty.