Course syllabus - Advanced Studies in Management

Objectives

The purpose of the course is to support the development of in-depth and theoretically based knowledge of contemporary organization and management studies on an advanced level and relate this to the challenges organizations face with a particular focus on issues of sustainability, ethics and responsibility. The purpose is also to support students to develop the skills to critically reflect on, evaluate and formulate alternative management practices.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of the course, the students should be able to:

Knowledge and understanding:
1. Critically discuss the relevance of knowledge developed within organization and management studies in relation to current societal challenges drawing upon relevant theoretical perspectives.

Skills and abilities:
2. Independently make suggestions for alternative management practices, including, for instance, aspects such as control, change and sensemaking
3. Contribute to group processes of learning by engaging in interactive academic discussions.

Evaluation ability and approach:
4. Individually demonstrate the ability to articulate critical issues facing reflexive management practitioners with the support of theory.
5. Individually evaluate one's own competences with relevance for contemporary managerial practices and one's own need for further developing such competencies. 

Course content

This course covers an array of topics that both a) relate to contemporary theoretical issues and b) relate to contemporary practical challenges in organizational life. Students are expected to 1) relate to contemporary managerial practice, 2) reflect on their own knowledge and on the relevance of knowledge developed in management studies, 3) develop skills to problematize management practices, and 4) present possible alternatives to current practices.

Specific requirements

A completed Bachelor's degree from an institution of higher education of three years or more, equivalent to at least 180 credits and with a major in the field of Business Administration. A TOEFL test result, with a minimum score 575 with a TWE score of at least 4.5 (PBT) or 90 with a TWE score of at least 20 (iBT), or an IELTS test result with an overall band score of at least 6.5 and no band score below 5.5, or equivalent is required.

Examination

Seminar (SEM1) 2,5 credits, grade: Passed (G) or Fail (U). Learning outcome 1, 3 och 5.

Group assignment (GRU1) 2 credits, grade: Passed (G) or Fail (U). Learning outcome 2 och 3.

Project (PRO1) 3 credits. grades Excellent (A), Very good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Sufficient (E), Insufficient, complementary work possible (Fx), Insufficient (F) , Learning outcome 4.

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

Excellent, Very good, Good, Satisfactory, Sufficient, Insufficient, complementary work possible, Insufficient