Analysis of Business Culture C, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course focuses on available analytical approaches to define and analyze various cultural components prevalent in business. In areas such as marketing, organizational behavior, decision-making, communication and business negotiations, a cultural awareness is particularly needed.  Furthermore, the essential nature of culture as a static and bounded phenomenon is critically examined

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able:

• assess and appreciate cultural differences and similarities (e.g. regional similarities in the Nordic countries) in global business processes
• critically examine the concept of business culture from alternative theoretical perspectives
• analyse key business issues in a cross-cultural contextt

Required Knowledge

University: Courses in Business Administration (60 ECTS) At Basic level (A-level) and Intermediate
level (B-level) a minimum of 60 ECTS in Management, Marketing, Accounting and Finance courses.
Students are also required to have English A from Swedish gymnasium or the equivalent.

Form of instruction

The teaching methods include lectures, cases and written and oral assignments.

Examination modes

Examination consists of active participation in seminars, completion of written group assignments and a written comprehensive individual exam. A passing grade is required for each part. See also note 6 below.

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

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

Academic credit transfers are according to the University credit transfer regulations.