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Syllabus:

Current Trends and a Minor in Business Development D, 30 Credits

Swedish name: Current Trends and a Minor in Business Development D

This syllabus is valid: 2022-08-01 and until further notice

Course code: 2FE197

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, 2022-05-12

Contents

The course gives the opportunity to further develop within the major subject in a module on the latest development and in a module on research methodology. The course also gives a minor subject in Business Development. The course is given an examined in English.

Generic learning outcome.
The course has a number of goals for the development of generic competences. After completing the course, the student should be able to:

  • valuate equality, diversity and multiculturalism multiculturality and work effectively in multicultural teams
  • integrate knowledge and expertise from different fields for decision making in companies and  organization and for identifying, analysing and solving problems related to entrepreneurship and business development
  • plan, conduct, and present verbally and in writing investigations and discuss their conclusion and the knowledge and arguments behind, in dialogue with different types of stakeholders
  • demonstrate an ability to take ethical and sustainability consideration when analysing and solving business development and entrepreneurship problems

Common expected learning outcome:

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

Module 1. Research Methodology in Business Research, 7,5 credits
Module 2. Managing Networks and Internationalisation, 7,5 credits
Module 3. Entrepreneurship and Business Growth, 7.5 credits
Module 4. Current Trends in Business Administration, 7,5 credits

Module 1. Research Methodology in Business Research, 7,5 credits
The overarching aim of this course is to develop advanced knowledge of perspectives, strategies and design in research. This will increase the student's ability to carry out and assess business research and investigations. Important building blocks are the problem formulation, frames of reference, scientific approaches, including the ontological and epistemological points of departure, and methods for data collection and analysis.
 
Expected learning outcomes:
After completing this module the student should be able to:

  • identify and discuss how fundamental assumptions, scientific ideals, perspectives and frames of reference influence a process of scientific knowledge creation
  • formulate and argue for relevant research questions, including the theoretical relevance and positioning
  • discuss characteristics of research strategies and approaches, critically review and assess literature, and discuss and evaluate the suitability qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods to solve different research questions
  • apply acquired knowledge in the planning, design, implementation and reporting of scientific studies
  • demonstrate an ability to assess and discuss social, environmental and ethical aspects of the business research process

Focus of instruction
Lectures, seminars, practical assignment(s), individually or in groups, and the reading material complement each other to help students to develop deep knowledge of what scientific research in business and management fields is all about.
 
Examination modes
The final grade is based on a individual written home exam and reporting of assignment(s). Participation at all seminars and presentations is compulsory to pass the module. The final grade is awarded when the student has passed all assignments and compulsory module elements. The course is given and examined in English. Note as well examination modes for the course below.
 
Module 2. Managing Networks and Internationalisation, 7,5 credits
In the module, the two main topics are internationalisation and networking of entrepreneurial organizations. Key issues in this module are how companies can develop business capabilities through internationalization and networking; building, maintaining and supporting businesses with various modes of foreign operations, e.g., exporting, joint ventures, alliances and networks, meeting competition from existing incumbents as well as new entrants during internationalization and to balancing cooperation and competition in international business settings. The students will analyze strategies for internationalization and network relationships through cases.

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

  • explain the relationships between entrepreneurship, networking, internationalisation and business development
  • interpret the dynamic structures and processes for international business development
  • apply models and theories for decision-making
  • develop action plans and recommendations in order to support business development activities
  • identify strategic and ethical aspects of networking and internationalisation processes

Focus of instruction
From lectures, seminars and the literature base the ambition is to encourage the development of a conceptual understanding of the field. The ability to analyze real business problems and integrate different models and perspectives to solve these these problems will be developed through different learning methods such as cases and simulations. During the module students will analyse cases (company/ organization/network or an industry). The simulation will help the students to act upon suggestions for strategies and actions programs for networking and international development.

Examination modes
The examination is based on three parts: 1) active participation on literature and case seminar(s) with written reports and oral presentations 2) active participation in business simulation game 3) individual written home exam. The course is given and examined in English. Note as well examination modes below for the course as a whole.

Module 3. Entrepreneurship and Business Growth, 7.5 credits
A key challenge for start-ups and existing organisations is to maintain the entrepreneurial spirit and create growth.The module defines growth in small- and medium-sized enterprises and the differences between entrepreneurial orientation and a more traditional small business orientation. In the module students will analyse entrepreneurship, and how professional investors perceive entrepreneurial growth in emerging enterprises. Main themes concern (i) the theory of entrepreneurship and its connections to business growth, (ii) the characteristics and components of entrepreneurial motivation, risk taking and the willingness to grow businesses, (iii) entrepreneurial strategy-making, (iv) entrepreneurial growth in context (v) venture capital and financing challenges. The literature will cover these themes and connect them to businesses. During the module, students work with cases related to the above themes and develop consultant solutions to solve the issues and problems outlined in the cases.

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

  • apply theoretical knowledge to identify and evaluate challenges for, and ethical consequences of, entrepreneurial growth
  • analyse driving forces for entrepreneurial growth and create strategies for new venture development
  • assess how investors evaluate entrepreneurial growth and how institutional intervention influence entrepreneurial growth
  • create solutions about how to turn around entrepreneurial ventures in distress
  • apply investors decision making tools in order to evaluate and improve entrepreneurial ventures

Focus of instruction
Learning is supported by lectures and seminars and the teaching is characterized by a strong emphasis on student activity, both verbally and in written tasks. Presentation skills and team work is focused upon. Assignments will include both practical analyses of growth possibilities and growth restrictions on the separate themes during the course. The student is expected to actively participate both individually and work in small groups during seminars and tasks, and in the written and oral presentations.

Examination modes
The examination consists of practical "hands-on" team presentations and case reports, literature seminars and an individual written home exam. 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 4. Current Trends in Business Administration, 7,5 credits
The ambition of this module is to identify and uncover current trends.  These trends have a strong long-term impact on society at large and thus form future premises and give rise to challenges for businesses. The aim of the module is to explore how business and society interact to tackle such present and future challenges. The expectation is that students participating in this module are well equipped with knowledge and skills related to their own major, one of the five sub-disciplines accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, management, and marketing in Business Administration.

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

  • Identify and evaluate emerging trends in society
  • Critically discuss decisions relating to current trends  and their implications for various types of businesses and business functions
  • Evaluate information, knowledge and policy in relation to current trends  in terms of validity and reliability
  • Relate current trends  to research in business administration within the field of the student's major
  • be able to share  multidisciplinary knowledge

Focus of instruction
Learning is supported by lectures, guest lectures and guided exercises. Students are provided with relevant sources of information and scientific literature for supporting individual and  group works related to the themes of lectures and exercises.
 
Examination modes
The main mode of examination is an individual written essay. The essay requires convincing discussion of the importance and urgency of solving a specific problem related to any of the current trends  from the disciplinary perspective of the student's major. Further, the examination consists of individual and group reflection papers related to the various course activities.
Attendance at all work in progress and final presentation seminars, group work and guest lectures related presentation events are mandatory and thus a requirement to pass the course. A passing grade for each graded part of the course is required to pass. The course is given and examined in English. Note as well examination modes for the course below.

Expected learning outcomes

See each separate module.

Required Knowledge

90 credits with a minimum of 75 credits in Business Administration and 30 credits advanced level within the core course in Business Administration at one of the following Master programs in Business Administration (Management, Accounting, Marketing or Finance) at Umeå School of Business and Economics. 

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

Form of instruction

See 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.
 
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 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 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 according to the University credit transfer regulations.



This course can not be included in the degree together with 2fe193,2fe194,2fe195,2fe196

This course can not be included in the degree together with 2fe200, 2fe178, 2fe425 and 2fe147

Literature

  • Valid from: 2023 week 31

    Module 1

    The course is mainly based on articles available from Umeå University library's databases.There will be about 15 scientific articles (approx. 200 pages) as required readings for the module. The literature list will be available at course start. Furthermore, specific literature for the group assignment should be chosen and added by each group.

    Reference reading

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

    Reference reading

    The module is designed from the assumption that students have fundamental knowledge on social science research methods. Nevertheless, a general textbook might be useful to update your method competencies. Here are recommended alternatives. N.B.! Textbooks should not be applied in examinations.

    Bryman, A. & Bell, E. (20195). Business research methods. 54th edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Collis, J. & Hussey, R. (2021). Business research: a practical guide for students. 5th edition. London: Macmillan Education. Ghauri, P. & Gronhaug, K. (2010) Research Methods in Business Studies. 4th edition. Harlow: Pearson Education Publishing. Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (20196). Research methods for business students. 87th edition. Harlow: Pearson Education.

    Module 2

    There will be about 20 scientific articles (approx 400-500 pages) to read for the module, which will be available from Umeå University library.

    Module 3

    There will be about 20 scientific articles (approx 400-500 pages) to read for the module, which will be available from Umeå University library.

    Module 4

    Harari Yuval Noah
    Homo deus : a brief history of tomorrow
    First U.S. edition. : New York, NY : Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers : 2017. : [6], 449 pages :
    ISBN: 978-0-06-246431-6
    Mandatory
    Search the University Library catalogue

    Factfulness : ten reasons we're wrong about the world - and why things are better than you think
    Rosling Hans, Rosling Ola, Rönnlund Anna Rosling
    First edition. : New York : Flatiron Books : 2018. : x, 342 pages :
    ISBN: 978-1-250-10781-7
    Mandatory
    Search the University Library catalogue

    Ett mindre antal (80-100 sidor/inriktning) artiklar som utgör referenslitteratur inom respektive inriktning kommer att presenteras i början av momentet.

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

    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: 2022 week 31

    Module 1

    The course is mainly based on articles available from Umeå University library's databases.There will be about 15 scientific articles (approx. 200 pages) as required readings for the module. The literature list will be available at course start. Furthermore, specific literature for the group assignment should be chosen and added by each group.

    Reference reading

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

    Reference reading

    The module is designed from the assumption that students have fundamental knowledge on social science research methods. Nevertheless, a general textbook might be useful to update your method competencies. Here are recommended alternatives. N.B.! Textbooks should not be applied in examinations.

    Bryman, A. & Bell, E. (20195). Business research methods. 54th edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Collis, J. & Hussey, R. (2021). Business research: a practical guide for students. 5th edition. London: Macmillan Education. Ghauri, P. & Gronhaug, K. (2010) Research Methods in Business Studies. 4th edition. Harlow: Pearson Education Publishing. Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (20196). Research methods for business students. 87th edition. Harlow: Pearson Education.

    Module 2

    There will be about 20 scientific articles (approx 400-500 pages) to read for the module, which will be available from Umeå University library.

    Module 3

    There will be about 20 scientific articles (approx 400-500 pages) to read for the module, which will be available from Umeå University library.

    Module 4

    Harari Yuval Noah
    Homo deus : a brief history of tomorrow
    First U.S. edition. : New York, NY : Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers : 2017. : [6], 449 pages :
    ISBN: 978-0-06-246431-6
    Mandatory
    Search the University Library catalogue

    Factfulness : ten reasons we're wrong about the world - and why things are better than you think
    Rosling Hans, Rosling Ola, Rönnlund Anna Rosling
    First edition. : New York : Flatiron Books : 2018. : x, 342 pages :
    ISBN: 978-1-250-10781-7
    Mandatory
    Search the University Library catalogue

    Ett mindre antal (80-100 sidor/inriktning) artiklar som utgör referenslitteratur inom respektive inriktning kommer att presenteras i början av momentet.

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

    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