Today, the business environment is truly international, or global. Export and import activities are increasing and foreign direct investment activities have grown over the decades. Therefore, the core functions of business management, such as procurement, marketing, product development, human resource management etc, need to account for cultural differences and cross-cultural relations. This course is designed to enhance the students understanding of business cultures and cross-cultural communication in a business context and to develop the students cross-cultural analytical skills.
The course contents of these modules:
Module 1. Analysis of business culture, 7.5 ECTS
Module 2. Practical business management, 7.5 ECTS
Module 1. Analysis of business culture, 7.5 ECTS
The first module 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 module, the student should be able:
To assess and appreciate cultural differences and similarities (e.g. regional similarities in the Nordic countries) in global business processes
To critically examine the concept of business culture from alternative theoretical perspectives
To analyse key business issues in a cross-cultural context
Focus 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 assignments and a written exam. See also below.
Module 2. Practical business management, 7.5 ECTS
In the second module, theoretical skills acquired in the first part of the course will be confronted with a practical business and academic environment.
Expected learning outcomes
After completing the module, the student should be able:
To demonstrate ability to transfer theoretical knowledge on business culture to practical business settings
To communicate in a cross-cultural business context
Focus of instruction
The module will employ a combination of lectures, workshops and meetings with business people, including both individual and group assignments.
Examination modes
Examination consists of case assignments, active participation in seminars and a term paper, which should be designed to highlight some aspects of the courses overall theme. See also below.
Förväntade studieresultat
See respectively module
Behörighetskrav
Univ: Företagsekonomi B, 30 hp, eller motsvarande.
Undervisningens upplägg
See respectively module
Examination
See also above under respectively module.
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 at least 75% of the total of points in the separate modules or the equivalent.
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 at the time of the normal written examination will be offered an opportunity to sit a further examination within 2-3 weeks. Beyond that, additional examination opportunities 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.
Litteratur
Giltig från:
2013 vecka 13
Literature
Module 1
Intercultural communication in the global workplace Varner Iris I., Beamer Linda 5. ed. : New York : McGraw-Hill : 2011 : xxiv, 503 s. : ISBN: 978-0-07-128912-2 (hft.) (international ed.) Obligatorisk Se Umeå UB:s söktjänst
Module 2
Negotiation : readings, exercises and cases Lewicki Roy J., Barry Bruce, Saunders David M. 6. ed. : Boston : McGraw-Hill/Irwin : 2010 : xvi, 708 p. : ISBN: 978-0-07-338120-6 (alk. paper) Obligatorisk Se Umeå UB:s söktjänst
