Engelskt namn: International Business Administration A
Denna kursplan gäller: 2010-08-30 till 2011-08-28 (nyare version av kursplanen finns)
Kursplan för kurser med start efter 2014-08-25
Kursplan för kurser med start mellan 2014-08-18 och 2014-08-24
Kursplan för kurser med start mellan 2013-08-26 och 2014-08-17
Kursplan för kurser med start mellan 2012-08-27 och 2013-08-25
Kursplan för kurser med start mellan 2011-08-29 och 2012-08-26
Kursplan för kurser med start mellan 2010-08-30 och 2011-08-28
Kurskod: 2FE012
Högskolepoäng: 30
Utbildningsnivå: Grundnivå
Huvudområden och successiv fördjupning:
Företagsekonomi: Grundnivå, har endast gymnasiala förkunskapskrav
Betygsskala: Tregradig skala
Ansvarig institution: USBE Företagsekonomi
Beslutad av: The Board of Umeå School of Business, 2008-05-21
Reviderad av: lewi0001, 2009-05-28
The objective of this course is to give the student an integrated basic education within the area of business administration, taking an international perspective. The modules are: 1. International Business Environment, 7,5 ECTS 2. Marketing, 7.5 ECTS 3. Organisation and management of the firm, 7.5 ECTS 4. Management Accounting, 7.5 ECTS The course shall, besides offering a basic understanding of business administration from an international perspective, also provide the student with an understanding of economic problems and their relations on society, company/organization and individual level. Included are also perspectives on methods practicable in companies and organizations. The course will also support the students in their written as well as spoken English through lectures, written feedback on the English language on of the assignments, and oral feedback on the students spoken English. Module 1. International Business Environment, 7.5 ECTS The purpose of the module is to introduce the students to the global business environment so that the students can understand business matters based on basic knowledge of environmental factors influencing them. A second purpose is for the students to gain and understanding of the challenges associated with acting, communication, and negotiating in a cross cultural context. The course is therefore divided into two major themes; the global economy and geography, and cross-cultural business behaviour. The economic, political, and social changes that have occurred over the last decades have dramatically altered the landscape of global business. These changes affect the practice of business worldwide. Companies constantly have to examine the way they do business, and remain flexible enough to react rapidly to changing global trends to be competitive. More and more foreign countries are becoming a source of both production and sales for many firms. Special attention will be given to the world geography in focusing on countries and regions and their special characteristics. The world as consisting of developed-, emerging-, and undeveloped markets will be investigated. As global economic growth occurs, understanding the business environment in different cultures is increasingly important. The module addresses global issues and describes concepts relevant to all international businessmen and businesswomen, regardless of the extent of their international involvement. An environmental/cultural approach to international business permits a truly global orientation. The business peoples horizons are not limited to any specific nation or to the particular ways of doing business in a single nation. Instead, companies should identify and analyze the important cultural and environmental uniqueness of any nation or global region. Thus, when surveying the tasks of business in a foreign milieu, it is of utmost importance not to overlook the impact of crucial cultural issues. Patterns of Cross-Cultural Business Behaviour will therefore be looked at, because awareness of cultural differences is imperative for an international businessman or businesswoman, when he/she manages, communicates, travels, or negotiates with people from foreign cultures. Key subjects of the module: World geography; world environment (natural resources, political-, social-, religious-, economic environment); emerging economies; market regions and market groups; trade zones (e.g. EU, NAFTA, ASEAN, AEC, MERCOSUR), cross-cultural business behaviour; globalization of business Expected learning outcomes After passing this module the students should be able to: define international business and describe how it differs from domestic business with respect to laws, regulations and taxation. explain why companies engage in international business and why its growth has accelerated. describe the major forces that affect international business. describe different modes a company can use to accomplish its global objectives, and the primary patterns for companies international expansion. demonstrate an understanding for the challenges in acting, communicating, and negotiating in a cross-cultural context. identify and discuss the foundations of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in international business practice. Focus of instruction The process of learning is based on lectures, assignments and discussions. The major part of the learning process is done by the students own engagement in his/her own assignments, individual or in groups. Additional to the expected learning outcomes, assignments may be designed to improve students generic skills (e.g. verbal, written, presentation, information searches, and cooperation) as a preparation for subsequent courses and the expectations of future employers. Examination modes The module examination will be based on written examination, paper presentations, and seminars. Students will have to make use of secondary data such as databases to conduct minor investigations as presented in module assignments. Attendance at presentations and seminars are required to pass the module. See also below. Module 2. Marketing, 7.5 ECTS The module is intended to develop the students competence and ability to identify and analyze an organizations opportunities and problems from a marketing perspective. By taking a theoretical perspective, starting with the concepts of marketing and also by applying marketing tools to various fictitious and real problems, the modules objective will be fulfilled. The marketing planning and implementation process is presented, demonstrating that value for customers can be created through these marketing activities. Within this module, the starting point for marketing activities is explained, beginning with the organizations external environment. Marketing is also discussed from a societal perspective through comprehensive problem assessment and reflection on ethics in marketing. Marketers choose between a number of marketing tools to make strategic decisions that will communicate with the potential customers in a suitable way. The module is divided into four main themes: Analysis of the marketing environment: Organizations marketing environment, consumer behavior, and analytical tools, e.g. marketing research. Strategic marketing decisions: Decisions about segmentation, differentiation, and positioning. Tools used for creating customer value: Procedures for creating customer value and how to attract and reach chosen segments by using the marketing mix. Belonging to this theme are also tools used in integrated marketing communications, e.g. how an organizations offering can be communicated in a coordinated, consistent, clear, and competitive way. Marketing, ethics, laws, and regulations: Marketing as a phenomenon is discussed based on regulations, as well as moral and legal aspects. This is done by viewing marketing from the perspectives of the company, consumer, and overall society. Expected learning outcomes After completing the module, the student should be able to: Describe what analyses of the marketing environment involve and explain how factors in an organizations marketing environment can influence marketing decisions. Explain and illustrate, with examples, comprehensive strategic concepts within marketing. Identify and choose suitable strategies for an organization based on analysis of its marketing environment and internal conditions. Explain and analyze the different tools in the marketing mix. Describe different communication channels and relate them to strategic choices, as well as to decisions within the marketing mix. Critically reflect upon and discuss marketing from different perspectives. Additional to the expected learning outcomes, assignments are designed to improve students generic skills as a preparation for subsequent courses and the expectations of future employers. Students are expected to develop abilities to: Plan and conduct assignments within given time frames Relate theoretical knowledge to practical experiences and cases Communicate orally and in written assignments Use elementary computer skills. Focus of instruction The two first themes in this module, analysis of the marketing environment and strategic marketing decisions, are managed through lectures and mandatory tasks, e.g. literature seminars and case assignment. The case assignment will increase students understanding of how to handle these themes and how they are related to each other. The case requires an analysis of fictitious and real marketing problems. The case work, done in groups, provides one part of the final grade. The theme relating to tools used for creating customer value is managed through lectures where empirical examples are discussed in relation to the literature. Academic articles, as well as articles from the daily press and periodicals, are used to facilitate students understanding of how choices can be made within the marketing mix and to show how customer value can be communicated. Students will be given a written assignment within this theme and this will count as one part of the final grade. The final theme, marketing from an ethical perspective, will be presented and discussed in lectures and by using cases. The work of different public authorities, organizations, and companies will be analyzed in respect of marketing and the consequences of consumption. Examination Oral and written examinations are made continuously throughout the module. A written examination will conclude the module. See also below. Module 3. Organisation and management of the firm, 7.5 ECTS This module aims to prepare the student for managing groups and teams in public and private organisations, both in the national and the international context, with a particular focus on interpersonal relations, leadership and change. The module is arranged into three phases. The purpose of the first phase is to address the issue of why organizations exist, and how, over time, man has chosen to organise the division of labour. The most central issues of the field of organisational behaviour will be taken up in this introductory phase of the module, with the aim to provide the student with a linguistic platform from which future work-related communication on organisational issues is possible, as well as a basis on which to build further studies. The second phase of the module aims to deepen the students knowledge of different work-related motives and goals held by individuals concerning their organisations and work-groups, as well as how different goals, motives and aspects of work-satisfaction affect performance and relations in work-groups. This phase will also make possible an understanding of how an organizational manager can lead and manage individuals and groups to perform more efficiently, through for example, improved communication, reward systems that are designed in accordance with the individual, and good conflict management. The third and final phase of the module aims at both creating a synthesis of the themes that have been taken up in the course to date, and to provide the student with the opportunity to delve more deeply into one of the following themes (on the course, three out of the five themes will be selected by the teacher/s then the student chose one of the three themes ); ethics, power and politics, leadership, organisational change and development, or organisational design. Expected learning outcomes After completing the course, the student should be able to: describe and apply theories, models and concepts on individuals and work-groups in organisational contexts understand, evaluate and influence group development and effectiveness based on the particular business idea of the organisation reflect upon ones own way of relating to others, including ones own contribute to, and role within, a work-group work in groups as well as individually assume responsibility both for ones own learning and the learning of ones group analyse and handle organisational problems and changes in various types of business Focus of instruction During the first phase, the main focus of instruction is the students learning through his or her own study of the literature. Introductory lectures will cover the major aspects of the course literature, as a support to the students own studying. Furthermore, small-group exercises will be utilized to illustrate important aspects of organisational behaviour. This phase concludes with a mini-exam, with the purpose to secure basic knowledge in order for the student to be able to take on board further knowledge of organisational behaviour taken up in the remaining phases. Case-based learning constitutes the main focus of instruction for the second phase, that is, learning arising from problem solving on specific events and processes arising in real-life or fictitious organizations. In this phase, students will work in groups to bring order and clarity to the described organisational situations, and to gain holistic as well as detailed understanding of the case issues. The work involved in the case-based learning will be prepared through in-depth studies of relevant parts of the course literature and through literature seminars. The group work entails the collective analysis of and solutions to, organisational problems through the application of theoretical knowledge concerning individuals, work motivation, and group relations. The group work will be examined by a written paper that is presented to and discussed with other students on the module. Furthermore, the students own experience of working in these organized student groups will be explicitly utilized to develop further insights on how individual ambitions, and relationships and communication among people affect the effectiveness and performance of a work-group. The focus of instruction used to stimulate learning in the third and concluding phase of the module comprises an individual, independent, exam in the form of an essay-based home examination paper. This form of examination entails that the student should analyse and solve organisational problems through applying the knowledge gained throughout the module on individuals, relations, and groups as well as through the students studies of their chosen area of theory as outlined above. Examination The examination on the module consists of the following: A mini-exam, which corresponds to 20 percent of the total examination of the module. If the student fails to pass the mini-exam, he or she will be given a further chance to pass in the re-exam, or alternatively in the follow-up examination offered in the August examination week. A group work comprising both written and oral assignments. The performance of the group as a whole is the base of examination. There are two group works and group work taken together corresponds to 40 percent of the total examination of the module. The students active participation in seminars is required. Should the group fail to pass the case-work, supplementary case-related tasks will be designated. Should the group fail these supplementary tasks, the case-work will be failed, and the members of the group will be referred to new case work the next time the module is given. A home exam that corresponds to 40 percent of the total examination of the module. As this is an individual task, students are not allowed to collaborate on writing parts or the whole exam. If the student should fail to pass the home exam, he or she will be referred to the re-exam or alternatively to the follow-up examination offered in the August re-examination week. Students are required to pass each part of the total examination of this module, i.e. the mini-exam, the group work, and the home-exam, in order to gain a grade for this module. This means that at least 50% of the points awarded for each form of examination during the module are required to pass the module. To achieve a Pass with distinction, at least 75% of the total possible points are required. See further below. Module 4. Management Accounting, 7.5 ECTS This module is intended to introduce participants to the fundamental concepts of management accounting. An emphasis is put on the creation of an understanding of management accounting as a link between the companys visions, business idea and strategies, and the companys planning-, control- and decision making activities on the strategic, tactical and operational level. To achieve this understanding participants will work with basic models of budgeting and cost allocation these provide an input for planning-, control- and decision making activities. In order to form the basic foundation for a thorough understanding of a companys budget system and cost allocation, the concepts of costs and profit will first be discussed. When the budget system is discussed, emphasizes will be put on: the roles of budgets; models for building budgets; the building and interrelation between budgets for income statement, balance sheet and cash flow budgets as a tool for a companys planning and decision making. When cost allocation is discussed the principal issue of allocating a companys costs on different products and services is discussed. Models ranging from for full cost allocation to no cost allocation at all are discussed and evaluated with regard to how models can be used for pricing products and services, and as one input for making long and short term decisions regarding a companys product mix. Expected learning outcomes Upon successful completing the module, the student should be able to; Describe how costs and revenues can be classified. Construct budgets and explain interrelations between budgets. Apply cost allocation for pricing decision and decision on product mixes. Analyse consequences for a company with regard to outputs of budgeting and cost allocations. Evaluate models for cost allocation Enhance skills in oral and written presentation. Use Excel templates in order to generate information for decision making. Focus of instruction Lectures. Assigned chapters are to be read prior to lectures. Lectures on material related to and supplementing that in the text will be given. In lectures, concepts and models central for the topic will be presented and discussed. Participants will also be introduced to the practical application of budgeting and cost allocation. Lectures are a convenient way for students to have the fundamentals of the subject explained, to understand the priorities they should have in accessing the material and to have their interest in that material stimulated. Exercises. In exercises participants will train their skills in the practical solving of problems related to budgeting and cost allocation. Excel case. The aim of the excel case is to: Create an understanding of how management accounting models (like budgets and cost allocation models) can be used as an input when operative, tactical and strategic decisions should be made in a company. Create a deeper understanding for the connections between a companys different budgets and their relations to cost allocation models. Improve the hands on skills in using Excel when working with budgets and designing models for cost allocation. Examination modes Case: (25 % of module assessment). Written exam: (75 % of module assessment). See also below.
See respectively module.
Sv B/Sv2 B, En B, Ma C, Sh A (Områdesbehörighet 4)
All teaching will be in English. See also under respectively module.
Examination of modules 1-4 will be based upon the students active participation in seminars, a written comprehensive examination (tentamen), and successful completion of group or individual coursework as assigned. All examination 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 in the course, the student must have achieved that grade at 3 of the 4 modules. 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. Guest lectures during a module might be used as basis for examination. 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.
The course is included in the International Business Program at Umeå School of Business. The course is also offered to exchange students within formal agreements.
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