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Syllabus:

Managerial Perspectives on Strategy, People, Projects and Processes D, 30 Credits

Swedish name: Managerial Perspectives on Strategy, People, Projects and Processes D

This syllabus is valid: 2019-08-19 valid to 2020-08-16 (newer version of the syllabus exists)

Course code: 2FE047

Credit points: 30

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, 2019-05-09

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:

  • appreciate diversity and 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 four 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 3. Project Management, 7.5 credits.
Module 4. Strategizing - Planning and Processes, 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 carried out in groups with oral and written presentation.  

Module examination modes
The basis of examination in this module consists of case reports, a written exam, and an individual test of academic conduct. Case reports are performed in groups and the exam is individual. Attendance at case-seminars is mandatory and is thus a requirement to pass the module. A passing grade for each graded part of the module is required to pass. The course is given and examined in English. 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 organisational processes. Students will perform a group assignment in order to scrutinize and evaluate one of these dimensions.

Expected learning outcomes
1) After completing this module, the student should be able to:
appreciate leadership 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, and 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 group and individual assignments. A passing grade is required for each part of the module. The course is given and examined in English. Note as well examination modes below for the course as a whole.

Module 3. Project Management, 7,5 credits
The third module is associated with the current trend "projectification" of business and public organizations who increasingly rely on projects in their operations. The overall aim of the module is to provide an understanding of the challenges of working in and with projects. To fulfill the aim, the module takes its point of departure in methods and processes traditionally associated with project management, but the focus of instruction is behavioral consequences of temporality (e.g. leadership, team dynamics, organizational routines). The first part of the module aims to create a common basis for understanding what a project is, and the practice in terms of a selection of common methods for planning and control of the single project. Some attention is given to the project within the surrounding organization. In the second part of the module we use the insights from the first part to thoroughly explore the consequences of working in and with projects. The aim is to prepare the student for working with projects by addressing common challenges related to human behavior in temporary settings.

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

  • Explain and discuss the nature of projects within the context of organisations
  • Explain and apply a selection of commonly used tools and methods for project management
  • Analyze and discuss challenges and opportunities associated with working in a temporary setting, from an individual and organizational point of view

Focus of instructions
Instructions in the first part of the module is provided by lectures. This part of the module is partly assessed in the final exam, and a group assignment. Instructions to the second part, that relates to behavioral consequences of working in temporary settings, is provided by lectures, literature seminar(s) and workshop(s). This part of the module is assessed by individually written short reflective memos on the literature, active participation in literature seminars and workshops and the final exam. The group assignment consists of applying traditional project management methodologies to the planning of a project of the student´s choice. The project will address a current challenge in society and should have the potential to make a significant impact.

Module examination modes
The examination consists of active participation in seminar(s), workshop(s) and successful completion of group and individual assignmentsans an indiviual written hall exam. A passing grade is required for each assignment. The course is given and examined in English.

Module 4. Strategizing - Planning and Processes 7,5 credits
Managers must all be able to design the future for their business or business area. The environment and the opportunities are likely to change over time, but strategic plans are important tools in aiding the strategic manager to make sense of environmental and organisational dynamics.

In this module students participate in a real-life strategic process which requires them to act on the basis of assembled knowledge and take part in the development of a business, for example by developing a strategic program for a company or an organisation.

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

  • demonstrate analytical and integrative skills in solving advanced strategic problems,
  • apply acquired knowledge and understanding from this module as well as from previous courses to, within given timeframes, design a strategic program that follows general ethical principles, cementing student's understanding of the managerial implications of research and learning.
  • Critically reflect upon the individual's and the group's ability to work effectively with external organizations,
  • orally and in writing for stakeholders, present analyses, ideas and conclusions developed and/or drawn by the team or individually, 
  • evaluate his/her competence and need for competence development in order to work with strategic management

Focus of instruction
In this module, the learning is supported by work with a "real-life" organisation. This may entail students working in "consultant" teams with existing companies, organisations, or start-ups to develop a strategic program. The groups will work relatively independently but in dialogue with representatives of the organisations. Students will receive regular supervision from faculty and potentially by external experts in workshops, seminars and lectures.

Module examination modes
The examination consists of four parts. First, a written strategic program and, second an oral presentation of this program to managers and other practitioner from the participating organisation. Third, a written individual home exam. Fourth, active participation in and contribution to seminars and meetings related to the work with their business program. A passing grade is required for each part of the module. The course is given and examined in English. Note as well examination modes below for the course as a whole.

Expected learning outcomes

Information is found under each seperate module.

Required Knowledge

90 credits with a minimum of 75 credits in Business Administration. At Basic level (A-level) and Intermediate level (B-level) a minimum of 60 credits in Management, Marketing, Accounting and finance.  At the C-level (Bachelor), a minimum 15 credits.

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

Form of instruction

Information is found under each seperate 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.
 
Exceptions from examination form as stated in the syllabus can be made for a student who has a decision on pedagogical support for disabilities. Individual adaptations of the examination form should be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form shall be adapted within the framework of the expected learning outcomes stated in the course syllabus. At the request of the student, the course responsible teacher, in consultation with the examiner, must promptly decide on the adapted examination form. The decision must then be notified to the student.

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 can not 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 addtion, 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 done according to the University credit transfer regulations.



This course can not be included in the degree together with 2fe201, fe040, 2fe409, fe2408, 2fe194, 2fe122, 2fe221

Literature

Valid from: 2019 week 34

Module 1

Literature

Exploring strategy
Johnson Gerry, Whittington Richard, Scholes Kevan, Angwin Duncan, Regner Patrick
Eleventh Edition : New York : Pearson : [2017] : 557 pages :
ISBN: 978-1-292-14517-4
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

Articles

Andersson, T. (2010) Struggles of managerial being and becoming: Experiences from managers' personal development training. Journal of Management Development. 29(2),167-176. DeRue, D. S. & Ashford, S. J. (2010) Who will lead and who will follow? A social process of leadership identity construction in organizations. Academy of Management Review, 35(4), 627-647.

Hogg, M.A. (2001). A social identity theory of leadership. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 5 (3), 184-200. Hogg, M A. & Terry, D J. (eds) (2001). Social identity processes in organizational contexts. Philadelphia: Psychology Press.

Reicher, S., Haslam, A. S. & Hopkins, N. (2005) Leaders and followers as collaborative agents in the transformation of social reality. The Leadership Quarterly, 16(4), 547-568. A selection of case material will also be added according to instructor's directives!

In addition to the required reading listed above, students will also read three articles or book chapters within one of the themes Gender, Emotions, Ethics, or Diversity. A list of required theme literature will be presented at course start. The additional literature will comprise approx. 80-100 pages per theme and is available from Umeå University library's databases.

Module 3

Literature

Project management : the managerial process
Larson Erik W., Gray Clifford F.
7. ed., International ed. : New York : McGraw-Hill Education : cop 2018 : xxii, 659 s. :
ISBN: 978-1-259-25387-4
Mandatory
Search the University Library catalogue

Scientific articles (approx. 100-200 pages) will be added at the start of the module.

Module 4

Exploring strategy
Johnson Gerry, Whittington Richard, Scholes Kevan, Angwin Duncan, Regner Patrick
Eleventh Edition : New York : Pearson : [2017] : 557 pages :
ISBN: 978-1-292-14517-4
Mandatory
Search the University Library catalogue

Scientific articles (approx. 50-80 pages) will be added at the start of the module.

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/