General provisions

Master programme course- track SMM, MAC, MIB, MIG

Learning outcomes

In a complex business environment it is, at the same time, more important and more difficult to analyse important aspects of the company and its environment. By the use of analysis it will be possible to create important knowledge, both for individuals and organisation, and by that increase the possibilities to gain strategic advantages. Circulation of concepts like "Analytical Era", "Evidence Based Management"and "Management by Facts" are expressions for this increased interest in analyse. But analysis without action is too often common. Without action the analysis will loose some of its power. Therefore the two concepts analysis and action should be handled in pair.

The general ambition with this course is for students to present, understand and to some extent practice the importance of business analyse and action. After participation in the course, the student will:

• Be acquainted with important concepts for, and common methods in, advanced business analyse.

• Have reached an awareness about problems/shortcomings and possibilities/advantages regarding formal analyse.

• Be able to understand and evaluate the constructive element in social analyse in general, and with a special focus on advanced business analysis.

• Be able to practice advanced business/organisational analysis. During the course the student will create and present an extensive analyse of an important "real business life" problem.

• Have gained a deeper understand of the creation of commitment to action by presenting and gaining support for suggestions for action.

• Have improved his/her critical thinking by producing and presenting a well-grounded evaluation of a given business case analyse during the course.

Content

This course is developed around following important questions and content:

• How to define and identify a specific problem for a business analyse?
• How to create creativity through analyse?
• How to create action in a complex organisational setting?

• Creation of involvement, participation, around analyse and action?

• Communicate and implement a specific, situated, analyse.
• Evaluation (deconstruction and suggestions for improvements) of a presented analyse.

During this course the Master programs four tracks also will be introduced practically by presenting examples of a typical business analyse related to their program.

Instruction

During the course a number of different moments will be used: lectures, seminars (small and mid sized groups). From a student perspective the course moments will both include written and oral presentations.

Assessment

Grades will be given in accordance with the Swedish grading system and, for international students, the ECTS grading system. The following grades will be used: VG (passed with distinction), which corresponds to A or B in the ECTS grading system, G (passed), which corresponds to C, D or E, and U (failed) which corresponds to the ECTS grade F.

Examination includes three moments: written exam (literature test) that equals a maximum of 40 assessment units (AU) out of 100 AU for the course, case/literature seminars (equals a maximum of 30 AU) and skill seminars (30AU). For the grade G, the student requires a total of 60 AU (and a minimum of 50% on each moment), and for VG, 80 AU (and a minimum of 50% on each moment).

In addition, any remaining assignments and supplements must be completed and handed in at least within two weeks after the end of the course otherwise this part of the examination has to be redone the following semester, provided there is space in the course. Attention Swedish students: Only completed courses can be recognised in your degree.