Change and Entrepreneurship in Organizations C, 15 Credits

Contents

How to handle change and how to innovate and act entrepreneurially is a core question for most organizations. The course aims to provide students with an understanding of change and entrepreneurship within organizations, and to develop an active approach in dealing with external and internal change as well as in seizing entrepreneurial opportunities. The course is based on two modules. The first module deals with the concept of change and various approaches to understanding organizational change, while the second module focuses on corporate entrepreneurship in different types of organizations:

Module 1. Organizational Change, 7.5 credits
Module 2. Corporate Entrepreneurship, 7.5 credits

Common expected learning outcome:

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

The course is given and examined in English.

Module 1. Organizational Change, 7.5 credits
The module deals with the management of change from different theoretical perspectives. It opens with the traditional, rational approach that plays a dominant role in theory and practice. The module then turns to contrasting perspectives on change such as institutional, cultural and critical perspectives, which allows for a wider and more comprehensive outlook on the practice and management of change in business organization.

Expected learning outcomes
After completing this module, the student should be able to:
●    describe and discuss theoretical perspectives on organizational change, for instance rational, institutional, cultural and critical perspectives.
●    evaluate and critically reflect upon different perspectives on change.
●    analyse the practice of change in the context of organizations.

Focus of instruction
Learning is supported by lectures, literature seminars and case analyses. In addition, students will conduct an academic literature search and review.

Examination modes
Examination consists of an individual written home exam, written individual and group assignments with oral presentation, and seminars. A passing grade is required for each part to complete the module.  See also examination for the course below.

Module 2. Corporate Entrepreneurship, 7.5 credits
In this module, focus is placed on the entrepreneurial and innovative activity of existing organizations, so-called corporate entrepreneurship or intrapreneurship. Strategies for corporate entrepreneurship and innovation are discussed in relation to the conditions characterizing different types of firms and public sector units.

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

• describe and compare different forms of corporate entrepreneurship in different types of organizations
• analyse how factors both within the organization and in the organizational environment support or hinder entrepreneurship and innovation
• evaluate an organization's conditions for and work with corporate entrepreneurship, and give specific recommendations for the continued work
• present and communicate the evaluation and recommendations referred to above
• reflect upon their own ability in a role as an entrepreneurial leader in an established organization
• analyze the relevance and credibility of sources used as basis for evaluation and practical recommendations

Focus of instruction
Emphasis is placed on student activity, and learning is supported by different seminars, case analyses, group work and lectures.  As an integrating assignment, students will conduct an evaluation of an organization, resulting in practical recommendations.
 
Examination modes
Examination comprises of several individual written assignments, seminar discussion and a written group case assignment including seminar presentation. A passing grade is required for each part. See also examination modes below.

Expected learning outcomes

See each module.

Required Knowledge

60 credits in Business Administration. At Basic level (A-level) and Intermediate level (B-level) or equivalent whereof approved 45 credits.

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

Form of instruction

See each 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 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 2fe185.