Business Administration, Culture and Leadership in International Business, 7.5 credits

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
• communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

Knowledge and understanding
After successful completion of the course, students are expected to:

• Be able to describe and identify how management practices and processes differ across national and regional borders with a focus on culture and ethics.
• Be able to discuss how a learning model can be used by managers to better understand and adapt to ever-changing and culturally distinct business environments.

Competence and Skills
After successful completion of the course, students are expected to:

• Be able to independently prepare and complete an assignment within a specified timeframe
• Be able to use models which provide assistance in conceptualising cultural business environments.

Judgement and Approach
After successful completion of the course, students are expected to:

• Be able to demonstrate the ability to work in project groups in a cross-cultural context
• Be able to compare and contrast management practices and processes across national and regional borders with a focus on culture and ethics.

Main content of the course

This course is designed to enhance the students understanding of managerial behaviour in an international environment. The course focuses on cultural and ethical aspects of international business and management. Concepts, theories and models related to international business and culture are discussed.

Teaching methods

Different types of teaching methods are used in the course. For example, lectures, workshops, seminars and group work. All seminars are mandatory.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Group Assignment, 1.5 credits (Code: A001)
Group assignment presented and examined at a mandatory presentation seminar.

Country Presentation, 1 credits (Code: A002)
Oral presentation

Case Study, 1 credits (Code: A003)
Written group report and oral presentation

Final Examination, 4 credits (Code: A004)
Individual written examination

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

In accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades shall be used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For courses that are included in an international Master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the grading scale of A-F shall be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Group Assignment
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Country Presentation
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Case Study
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).

Final Examination
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

To receive Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D) or Good (C) for the course, the student must receive Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D) or Good (C) on the final examination, and Pass on all other parts of the course.

To receive Very Good (B) or Excellent (A) for the course, the student must receive Very Good (B) or Excellent (A) on the final examination, and Pass on all other parts of the course.

Detailed information on the requirements for different grade levels is given at the course start.

Specific entry requirements

15 Credits in Business Administration.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

The course is offered in English and therefore all examinations will be conducted in English.

Instead of the group assignment an individual examination will be mandatory for students that have previously passed the following examinations:
- Group Assignment, Business Administration, Global Marketing, Intermediate Course, 7.5 Credits, Örebro University
- Marketing, Assignment 2 - Business Administration, Corporate Business and Control, Basic Course, 30 Credits, Örebro University.

Remaining tasks should be completed as soon as possible according to the teacher's instructions.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Networking in business to business relationships
A compilation of texts provided by the department, about 100 pages [Compendium]

Steers, Richard M (latest edition)
Management Across Cultures: Developing Global Competencies
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 400 pages

Additional Reading

Morrison, Terri Latest edition
-Kiss , bow, or shake hands: the bestselling guide to doing business in more than 60 countries
Avon, Mass.: Adams Media., 592 pages

Additional and Comments

Additional articles/papers, maximum 150 pages.