Course syllabus - Introduction to Management and Research Methods

Objectives

The purpose of this course is to provide the student with an overview of management issues facing companies and organizations, as well as tools and skills for conducting research in an academic or business setting.
Another purpose is to develop the students skills concerning oral presentations; writing memoranda and papers; critical and analytical thinking; information search; scrutinizing material, and; group work.
An overall purpose is to create an interactive study approach to:
- enhance exchange of values and thoughts;
- offer insights into different ways of living, and;
- provide the student with the possibility to develop a comprehensive understanding of different cultures.

Learning outcomes

After the completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- describe, explain and critically discuss central theories concerning different management issues;
- deal with different scientific and methodological approaches and to be able to demonstrate knowledge about their strengths and weaknesses in different situations;
- plan and carry out information search;
- evaluate and analyze different types of sources in a critical way;
- use web-based tools in the learning process, for sharing information and collaboration;
- work self-directed and autonomously;
- write memoranda and papers in a professional manor;
- make oral presentations;
- co-operate and communicate in groups;
- contribute in a constructive and active way to all learning activities;

Course content

- An introduction to management theory;
- Study management as a tool to handle the organisation and the environment;
- Overview of available and relevant research methods;
- Using research models to support decision making in organizations.

Tuition

Seminar activities: During seminars, the student must be prepared to participate in discussions on the course material. Participation is mandatory and includes physical attendance; involvement in classroom activities and discussions.

Group projects: The assignment consists of writing a paper (or papers) about a certain topic distributed by the teachers. The assignment will be presented (orally and in writing) during a final seminar. During the seminar the students in groups also peer-review and scrutinize each others papers. Attendance during the final seminar is mandatory.

Written exam: The final written exam might contain multiple choice, short answer and essay questions. The exam should give the student the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills he/she has acquired during the learning activities. Two opportunities for make-up exams are given if the student is absent from or fail the written exam.

Specific requirements

Degree of Bachelor of at least 180 credits in business administration, social sciences or technology. AlternativelyBusiness Administration 90 credits with gradual progression. At least 75 credits must be completed by course start. At least 30 credits must be on level G1N, including at least 5 credits of management accounting, 30 credits on level G1F and at least 15 credits on level G2F. In addition, Sv B/cours 2 and En A/course 5. In cases where the course is offered in English, exemption from the Sv B/course 2 is given.

Examination

Seminar (SEM1), 3 credits, marks Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG)
Assignment (INL1), 3 credits, marks Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG)
Exercise (GRU3), 1 credits, marks Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG)
Exercise (GRU4), 4 credits, marks Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG)
Examination, 4 credits, marks Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG)

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

The course overlaps with EFO701 Management Theory and Research Methology.

The course contains lectures and examinations with applied business administration corresponding to 20% of the content.

Grades will be awarded according to the Swedish grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG)
For international students an ECTS-transfer will be made according to the following structure:
ECTS - SGS - Definition
A -- VG -- EXCELLENT - outstanding performance with only minor errors.
B -- VG -- VERY GOOD - above average standard but with some errors.
C -- G -- GOOD - generally sound work with a number of notable errors.
D -- G -- SATISFACTORY - fair but with significant shortcomings.
E -- G -- SUFFICIENT - performance meets the minimum criteria
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FX -- U -- FAIL - some work required before credit can be awarded.
F -- U -- FAIL - considerable work is required.