General provisions

Master programme course- track MIB

Learning outcomes

Managing cultural diversity is increasingly important in firms today. The purpose of this course is to provide students with knowledge and an understanding of the impact from culture on management practice.

After participating in the course the student will be able to

· Present an overview and analyse different meanings and dimensions of "culture".

· Describe and analyse the impact from culture on business practice in a number of selected countries/regions.

· Explain and analyse the impact from national culture on organisational cultures.

· Understand the impact from culture on Human Resource Management.

· Explain how leadership differs across cultures.

· Analyse strategies for managing international teams and projects.

· Discuss ethical dilemmas and social responsibility facing firms in different cultures.

· Present, both orally and in writing, the impact from culture on various aspects of management.

Content

An increasing number of firms have activities spread around the world and a critical reflection on the impact from culture on their business activities is of vital importance. In this course, various levels of culture will be studied, with a special focus on national cultures and whether/how they affect the behaviour in firms. Insights into other cultures (such as China, the US and Russia) will also be given.

Instruction

The course uses a combination of lectures, seminars with student-based activities, cases and problem based assignments. Professors and lecturers with a special research interest in the impact from culture on international business will participate as well as guest lecturers from firms with an international experience.

The course language is English.

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 active participation in seminars and completion of assignments given during the course. Performance during seminars constitutes a maximum of 50 assessment units (AU) out of totally 100 AU as does the written assignments. To obtain the grade G, the student has to reach at least 25 AU within each sub item. To obtain the grade VG, the student has to reach at least 37.5 AU within each sub item.

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.