General provisions

Master programme course- track MIB

Learning outcomes

The purpose of this course is to provide students with in-depth knowledge about the complexity of various organisational structures and their function in MNCs. Focus will be to develop an understanding of how different structures have evolved and how they are used to pursue different strategies. A central aspect is to understand what different control mechanisms that are used by MNCs and how they impact performance of the subsidiaries and the MNC as a whole. A second aspect is subsidiary influence and autonomy.

After participating in the course, students will be able to:

· Describe and analyse the relationship between different organisational structures and their pros and cons in different situations.

· Explain subsidiary evolution and the management of the HQ – subsidiary relation.

· Explain and analyse how different control mechanisms influence the development and the performance of the MNC.

· Describe and recognise how subsidiaries can influence decisions not only at the local level (autonomy) but also in the MNC at large.

· Analyse the positive and negative effects of different co-ordination mechanisms and know in which situations and how to use them.

Content

In the course central theories of organisations and structures, subsidiary evolution, and management of headquarters – subsidiary relation will be presented and penetrated. In this course students will study and discuss theories on formal and informal organisation, control mechanisms, and influence.

Instruction

The in-class teaching comprises lectures, seminars and case analyses. Lectures will give knowledge about the central topics of structure, control and influence. Seminars and case analyses require teamwork and attendance is compulsory.

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.

To attain the learning goals, student performance is evaluated by active participation in seminars and cases, writing and defending papers. Performance is evaluated by a written test that gives a maximum of 50 assessment units (AU) out of 100 AU for the course, and seminars and cases, which corresponds to a maximum of 50 AU.

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.