Handbook for Master s Programme in Strategic Business Development

Transcription

1 Handbook for Master s Programme in Strategic Business Development

2 2 Foreword Welcome to Master s Programme in Strategic Business Development and the University of Vaasa. The Handbook is designed to provide you with the assistance and information you may need for your studies. This information can also be found on the website For timetables, rooms, course descriptions, possible changes, follow possible updates on the websites, Weboodi and Lukkari the timetable generator system, and also remember to check your regularly. Introduction Master s programme in Strategic Business Development (previously Master s Programme in Strategic Management) Master s Program in Strategic Business Development provides students with knowledge related to the management of strategic processes and business development. We offer courses related to strategic analysis, strategic choice, strategy implementation and business development. The programme offers research-based education and practical applications in strategic business development. Graduates of the programme will possess the skills required at middle and upper management level in many businesses. Students who have Management and Organization as their main subject can choose Strategic Business Development as their orientation. The aim of the studies in Strategic Business Development is to create know-how that is related to the management of business operations in their totality. The studies also foster performance-based thinking and enhance skills in developing and implementing according to the strategy. The studies strengthen the students know-how about different strategic alternatives as well as the analysis of these alternatives. Moreover, the studies provide the students with key skills related to the implementation of different strategic choices. As the Master s Studies in Strategic Business Development offer a holistic view of the strategic operations of a company, they are beneficial no matter what position and work tasks the student is aiming at. The studies provide a valuable base for working in different positions related to development and management. Examples of positions suitable for students in Strategic Business Development are business development director, controller, project manager, entrepreneur, managing director and business consultant. The studies offer a possibility of receiving in-depth business knowledge that is needed both in service- and manufacturing industries. After completing your studies (120 ECTS) in the programme, you will be awarded the degree of Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Economics and Business Administration. The programme also offers excellent opportunities to pursue an academic career, particularly in the field of Management. The study programme comprises 120 ECTS credits leading to a master s degree in business studies. The programme can be completed in two years. Master of Science (Economics and Business Administration), Master s Programme in Strategic Business Development 120 ECTS, Head of the Programme: Rodrigo Rabetino Strategic Business Development / Programme Structure COMPULSORY CORE STUDIES, 48 ECTS JOHT3054 Research Update in Strategic Management... 7 ECTS JOHT3043 Strategic Industry Analysis... 5 ECTS JOHT3042 Case Studies in Strategic Management... 7 ECTS JOHT3019 Project Management... 5 ECTS JOHT3003 International Strategic Management... 5 ECTS JOHT3049 Managing Business Networks... 7 ECTS JOHT3061 Developing Business Models... 5 ECTS JOHT3062 Service Business Development... 5 ECTS JOHT3060 Sustainability and Business Ethics... 2 ECTS COMPULSORY LANGUAGE & GENERAL STUDIES, 10 ECTS KENG9212 Writing Academic English... 5 ECTS KSUO5111 Finnish for Foreigners I...5 ECTS or II vieras kieli (for Finnish students) OPIS0025 Information Skills I and OPIS0026 Information Skills II (along with thesis process) OPTIONAL STUDIES, min. 24 ECTS JOHT3002 Cross Cultural Management... 5 ECTS JOHT3044 Strategic Human Resource Management... 7 ECTS MARK2013 International Business Operation Modes... 5 ECTS JOHT3004 Diversity Management... 5 ECTS TUTA3210 New Knowledge Creation in Product Development... 5 ECTS JOHT3057 Key and Emerging Themes in Management Studies... 7 ECTS TUTA3230 Product and Service Design in Practice... 5 ECTS MARK3309 Strategic Marketing in Network Economy... 5 ECTS LASK3058 Management Accounting in Practice... 8 ECTS JOHT3051 Internship... 7 ECTS MASTER S RESEARCH JOHT3055 Research Methodologies... 8 ECTS JOHT3980 Master s Thesis...30 ECTS JOHT3981 Research proposal & theoretic framework...10 ECTS JOHT3982 Methodology section & preliminary empirical results...10 ECTS JOHT3983 Complete master s thesis...10 ECTS IN TOTAL 120 ECTS 3

3 Strategic Business Development Programme Schedule Year 1 Autumn Semester Spring Semester Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Period 4 Period 5 -Service -Managing -Sustainability and -Strategic Business Business Business Ethics Industry Development Networks (7 (2 Analysis (5 (5ECTS) Compulsory Courses (51 -Research Update in Strategic Management (7 - Academic Writing in English (5 -Information Skills I -Finnish for Foreigners I/II Foreign Language (5 - Business Development in Practice (7 -Research Methodologies (8 Year 2 Autumn Semester Spring Semester Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Period 4 Period 5 -Project Management (5 -International Compulsory Courses (45 -Developing Business Models (5 ECTS) Strategic Management (5 Master s thesis (30 Optional Courses (Select at least 24 Autumn Semester Spring Semester Period 1 Period 2 Period 3 Period 4 Period 5 - Product and Service Design in Practice (5 -Cross-Cultural Management - New (5 knowledge -Key and -International creation in Emerging - Diversity Business product Themes in Management - Strategic Operation development Management (5 Marketing in Modes (5 (5 Studies (5 Network Economy -Management (5 ECTS) - Strategic Accounting in Human Practice (8 Resource Management (7 Internship (7 Teaching periods At the University of Vaasa, the Academic year is divided into five periods. These periods begin and end simultaneously in all faculties. Teaching is running during the periods, but one week of each period is reserved for exams, and there is no teaching during that week. During the academic year the periods are as follows: Autumn Semester 2014 I period 31st August 23rd October (weeks 36 43) II period 27th October 19th December (weeks 44 51) Exams are 12:00 15:00 during week 36 (Thu Sat), week 43 (Mon Sat), week 50 (Wed Sat) and week 51 (Mon Sat), on every Saturday in September, and on every Friday and Saturday in November and December. Spring Semester 2015 III period 11th January 26th February (weeks 2 8) University s Anniversary 27th January at 14:00 IV period 29th February 8th April (weeks 9 14) Easter holiday 24th 28th April (Thu-Mon) V period 11th April 27th May (weeks 15 21) Exams are 12:00 15:00 during week 2 (Thu-Sat), week 8 (Mon-Sat), week 14 (Mon-Sat), week 20 (Wed-Sat), week 21 (Mon-Sat), and on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the Spring Semester. Summer Exams Sat 11th June and Sat 9th July Courses Information about courses: students need to register for the courses in the WebOodi System. Timetables for the courses can be found in Lukkari the timetable generator, please follow the changes regularly. The Lukkari and WebOodi systems are also the best and quickest source of information for the courses. There is a possibility that courses might overlap. In this case normally register for both and then choose which one you attend. However, note that it is obligatory to attend to the classes of some courses. Lukkari the timetable generator system is available at and WebOodi at uwasa.fi/oodi. Master s degree students are expected to complete courses worth approximately 30 ECTS credits each semester. Please note that extending the student s residence permit usually requires that the student can show sufficient progress in her/his studies. The total number of credits required for a Master s degree is 120 ECTS credits, including the Master s thesis (30 ECTS). The department will provide you with a thesis supervisor and instruct you on when to start writing your Master s thesis. Before graduation, you need to pass a written examination based on the topic of your thesis (maturity test). Your thesis supervisor will prepare the question(s) for this examination, and it will take place on one of the regular examination days (or you can agree on a specific date with your supervisor). Course descriptions in more detail can be found on the websites or at the end of this Handbook. Exams Students must register for an exam at least seven days in advance (registrations can be made one month before the examination date at the earliest). Students should register for exams by using the www-based student information system WebOodi. WebOodi is available for all students registered at the University of Vaasa. Students are often able to retake exams; professors will give you the information on these possible retake exam date(s). Notice that exams can also be held on Saturdays. Check the information on date, time and location from WebOodi. At the beginning of each semester, the International Office together organizes an orientation course on the University s databases which also covers the WebOodi system. 4 5

4 Assessment and Registration of Credit Departments According to Degree Ordinance 12 of the University of Vaasa, exam results must be announced within 30 working days of the exam date. In case of delay, the lecturer or another person responsible for announcing the results will have to inform the students about the delay within the 30 days of the exam. The assessment criteria are public, and the student may inquire about these from the examiner. A student may have a look at his corrected exam or coursework and get information about the assessment details by visiting the examiner during his/her office hour. Exam results are displayed on each department s notice boards and in the WebOodi system. The Academic Affairs Office has copies of the result sheets, which also include the names of students who have failed a course. Credits for entire courses are registered in the Transcript of Records at the departments. Courses that include compulsory written exercises or other partial credit Departments will only be registered after all parts have been completed. For this reason, it is important that the student, whenever possible, completes the course and all its parts simultaneously. The student either fails or passes a course. Students who pass the course are graded according to the University of Vaasa grading system, that is, 1 5 (1 is a pass and 5 the best grade) or on a pass/fail basis. In the latter case, the mark hyv. (pass) appears on the student s transcript. The transcript of records includes an explanation of the grading system and the ECTS grades. Students can check their credit record in the WebOodi system. Official transcripts of records are available in the International Office upon request. Transcript of University Records Official transcripts of university records can be ordered from the International Office on request. This document shows all the courses passed, with grades and credits (ECTS credits and a brief explanation of the grading scale at the University of Vaasa). Please be prepared to wait for one whole workday after your request. Exams: Code of conduct Do NOT talk in the exam! Be on time. The doors of the examination venue will be locked 15 minutes past the hour and no one is allowed to enter after that. The invigilator / supervisor of the exam will allocate a seat for each student. When taking seats in the auditorium leave one empty seat on both sides (sometimes two, please follow the invigilators instructions). You are only allowed to have writing equipment and the instruments specifically allowed for the exam with you (for example a dictionary or pocket calculator). Bags and jackets have to be left at the side of the exam hall. Mobile phones must be switched off during the exam. Any kind of communication with other students is strictly forbidden after you have received the questions. Ignoring this regulation may result in an allegation of cheating in the examination. You are not allowed to read the exam questions until the invigilator gives you permission to do so. Thus keep your paper turned upside-down before you get permission to start the exam from the invigilator. If necessary, the invigilator will clarify unclear points in the examination paper. You can attract the attention of the invigilator by raising your hand if you need to clarify something or more paper is required and you wish to go to the toilet, etc. You are allowed to enter the exam hall max. 15 minutes after the exam has started. You are not allowed to leave the exam hall during the first 45 minutes of the exam. You are not allowed to leave the exam hall for a cigarette etc. and come back to write your exam. Before leaving everyone has to hand in the exam paper to the invigilators. Please check that each exam paper you submit has your name, your student number, name of the exam, and name of the examiner. You have to show your identity card when returning the exam papers to the invigilator. If it is found out that a student is cheating in an exam, he/she will receive punishment which can lead to a termination of studies at the University of Vaasa. Plagiarism and cheating in exams and other written work are considered a serious offence at Finnish universities. According to the Degree Ordinance 19 of the University of Vaasa, plagiarism or cheating in the examination may lead to cancellation of the course result and dismissal from the University for a maximum of one year. The University of Vaasa will inform the immigration officials and police about possible offences if the officials ask for this information when processing e.g. residence permit applications. Also, if potential employers ask for information about former students of the University, the offences mentioned above will be informed to the employers. In the case of exchange students, the International Office of the University of Vaasa will terminate the student s exchange period immediately and inform her/his home university about the incident. Please avoid even the suspicion of plagiarism or cheating in examinations! Electronic plagiarism detection Electronic plagiarism detection is a part of the quality assurance system of education and research. Electronic plagiarism detection should act as a tool of instruction while preventing a dishonest behaviour. All theses and dissertations (Bachelor, Master, Licentiate and Doctoral) are checked for originality using the Turnitin plagiarism detection software. All the theses submitted on August 1st 2014 or afterwards must be checked with the plagiarism detection software before approval. For detailed instructions, see the thesis guidelines. Teachers can use the software to check other assignments, such as essays, exercises, take-home exams, and reports. It is also the teachers responsibility to instruct students on correct referencing and good scientific practice during studies. For additional information on plagiarism detection, refer to the thesis guidelines and the University portal Personal Study Plan / HOPS All Master s degree students write a Personal Study Plan (PSP/HOPS) at the beginning of their studies. HOPS is an informal agreement between the student and the Faculty (student advisor/teacher) and it can be rechecked and corrected during the studies. The general HOPS comprises a timetable of the courses the student is planning to take. It also includes information about the thesis, estimated graduation time and some open questions. More information about PSP is given during the orientation days and in programme meetings arranged at the beginning of the academic year. Links to Personal Study Plans: Graduation and Thesis The total number of credits required for a Master s degree is 120 ECTS credits including the Master s thesis (30 ECTS). The department will provide you with a thesis supervisor and instruct you on when to start writing your thesis. You will also get information and guidance with the Thesis process on seminars. Please consult the faculty for detailed instructions on the thesis. Before graduation, you need to pass a written examination based on the topic of your thesis (maturity test). Your thesis supervisor will prepare the question(s) for this examination, and it will take place on one of the regular examination 6 7

5 8 days (or you can agree on a specific date with your supervisor). The Master s thesis must be handed in for the final reading 4-5 weeks before the Faculty Dean s resolution in which the thesis is to be approved. Also, the maturity test has to be taken well on time since its correction can take up to 4 weeks. Please check with your thesis supervisor the latest date you can submit your thesis and take the maturity test. See further information on Graduation: The information on how to write your Master s Thesis can be found from here: Career Services For personal discussion and guidance in work life matters book a time from the Coordinator of International Education Sami Ilomäki (how to apply for a job, job application, CV, etc.), sami.ilomaki(a)uva.fi, location: Tervahovi building, room A322. See also the websites on Career Services: Work Permit International students holding residence permits issued for studying may work without a work permit 25 hours a week during semester time, and full-time during holidays. These limitations do not concern citizens of the Nordic and EU/EEA countries. However, you should bear in mind that the unemployment rate, especially among young people, is fairly high in Finland, and thus the competition for open positions can be hard. Please note that the University of Vaasa does not have any scholarship for the programme and cannot offer financial aid for international students. The programme is also fulltime, and thus working is not an option when it comes to financing studies in Finland. Guidance and Study Counseling The Coordinator of International Education along with the academic staff are mainly responsible for the guidance concerning the SM programme. The International Affairs Office gives guidance in general matters, and the Academic Affairs office gives guidance in practical matters concerning studies; exams, graduation, etc. Study counselling is given by teachers, Faculty-student advisors, student advisors in international relations, and student advisors in academic affairs. All members of personnel have office hours during which students may inquire, for example, about teaching arrangements or the contents of a specific course. The responsibility areas are as follows: Faculty (in the Tervahovi building, 2 nd floor) Study counseling connected to degrees, programmes and planning studies Questions concerning students legal protection Personal study plan (PSP/HOPS) Choosing additional courses/studies International Office (in the Luotsi building, 1 st floor) Registration Signing up for two exams simultaneously General enquiries (e.g. course timetables, signing up for courses) Certificates Academic Affairs Office and other student services (in the administrative building Luotsi, 1 st floor) Change of address (Academic Affairs Office) Degree certificates, exam arrangements (Academic Affairs Office) Students legal protection (Head of Academic Affairs) WebOodi The WebOodi system is available at You may select the language from the bottom of the main menu on the left side of the window. This menu shows the functions available for everyone, even without logging in. Thus, you may browse the information about, for example, teaching events even if you do not have a valid username or password. You will also find instructions on how to use the WebOodi system at the bottom of the menu. To register for the WebOodi system, enter your username and password to the empty boxes. Then press the Enter button. After logging in, you will be taken to your personal front page where you can select the function of your choice from the main menu. The courses of the day and the exams for which you have registered through Web- Oodi will appear on your calendar. Your personal student number and your name are visible in the upper left corner of the window. Even if you have several rights to study, you have only one student number in use. The different functions of WebOodi are shown on the main menu on the left side of the window. You can search for information using the By search terms or By organisation option. These allow you to search for information on, for example, study modules or courses and exams. In My studies, you can observe your planned studies, valid registrations, credits, and upgraded or rejected studies. By using the Transcript of studies item, you may order an unofficial transcript of records to your address. The Other functions option enables you, for example, to update your personal information such as address and phone number. End your WebOodi session by clicking on Quit in the main menu. WebOodi then returns to the starting page, and you may exit the browser. When you stop using WebOodi, always quit your session properly to prevent the next computer user from accessing and modifying your data. If you want to write two examinations on the same day, you need to fill in the form Registration for two examinations available at the International Office. Please also remember to register for both exams in WebOodi. Fees Master s degree students do not have any tuition fees. However, they are required to pay the Student Union membership fee of 142 euros per academic year or 76 euros per semester. Membership entitles Master s degree students for subsidized meals in campus restaurants, student health care and various discounts on and off campus. Strategic Business Development Programme Staff: Prof. Marko Kohtamäki Head of the Department Tervahovi, room C303 marko.kohtamaki(a)uva.fi Assistant professor Rodrigo Rabetino Head of the Programme Tervahovi, room C318 rodrigo.rabetino(a)uva.fi Assistant professor Annika Tidström Tervahovi, room C320 annika.tidstrom(a)uva.fi Assistant Professor Anne-Maria Holma Tervahovi, room C319 anne-maria.holma(a)uva.fi Assistant Professor Iivari Bäck Iivari.back(a)uva.fi Sami Ilomäki Coordinator of International Education Student guidance (PSP & Career Services) Office hours: Thursdays Strategic Mgt (A322), Thursdays IM (F3421) sami.ilomaki(a)uva.fi / tel

6 Strategic Business Development Course descriptions: Master s Programme in Strategic Business Development Core compulsory courses BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN PRACTICE Code: JOHT3042 Credit Units: 7 ECTS Time: Spring, Periods 4 and 5 Content: In this course students will read, prepare, present, and discuss real-world business cases from various fields of strategic management and business development. Topics of the interactive case workshops include themes such as internationalization, market positioning, research and development, services, technology and lean management, both in larger and smaller organizations. The course offers the opportunity to learn from authentic business cases, engage in discussions and attempt to solve realistic business dilemmas in both Finnish as well as in international settings. Participation of local companies is an essential part of the course. Learning outcomes: By the end of this course students should have developed their ability to apply theory analytically in solving business dilemmas relating to strategy and decision making of the firms. The ability to scrutinize real-life strategic problems and present convincing recommendations is developed. In addition to analytical problem solving, the course will also support the development of students skills in teamwork, communication, argumentation, and presentation. Moreover the course develops skills related to innovativeness and visionary thinking. Teaching: Case workshops and assignments, participantcentered learning, case method. Assessment: Student groups are required to independently solve the real-world managerial problems provided by the case companies. The results are presented to company representatives in case workshops. Grading will be based upon these presentations as well as individual assignments. Literature: Case materials and articles provided by the teacher. Prerequisites: Strategic Industry Analysis (JOHT3043). Contact person: Iivari Bäck registered on the Master s Programme in Strategic Business Development. DEVELOPING BUSINESS MODELS Code: JOHT3061 Time: The course will start in the Autumn 2016, Period 1 Content: The course analyzes the business models of diverse enterprises through the application of several existing theoretical frameworks. From such theoretical bases, students will learn how companies generate and transform their business models while understanding how these models operate in diverse industries. This course is practical by its nature. Therefore, during the course, the students will apply the existing frameworks in the analysis of particular firm business model cases. Learning outcomes: As a basis for strategic decisions, students will be able to apply existing frameworks and tools in diverse industries while considering the prevailing theoretical and empirical evidence on Business Models. By the end of the course students will be able to understand the main building bloks of a business model and the most used business model configurations. In particular, students will be able to: Understand and describe the core building blocks of a business model while identifying how these components interact and can be conbined to create diverse configurations. Utilize the course frameworks, tools and techniques to design, analyze, evaluate and transform business models for different businesses in different industries. The course will also support the development of students key skills in the areas of decision making, visionary thinking, and written communication. Teaching: The course includes in-class seminars that introduce the processes of business model generation, mapping and transfromation. After analysing different examples from diverse industries, students will apply these tools in groups when analyzing a preselected case company. Students are expected to present early stage versions of their reports and, in the final seminar, they will present the results of their business model analysis, which is then discussed during the workshop. Moodle is used when interacting with the teacher. Participation and discussion in this seminar is evaluated at the individual level. Assessment: Individual and group assignments and presentations. Literature: Selected book chapters and articles provided by the teacher. Prerequisites: The students are expected to be familiar with key strategic management concepts before starting the course. Contact person: Rodrigo Rabetino registered on the Master s Programme in Strategic Business Development. INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT Code: JOHT3003 Credit units: 5 op Time: Autumn, Period 2 Content: Students are introduced to major strategy-making models and their application, competitive dynamics and tools for its analysis, challenges in strategy implementation in MNCs, as well as the business case for corporate social responsibility and sustainability. Most of the course content is applied practically in the online business simulation Global Challenge. Learning outcomes: By the end of this course, students will be able to understand and apply some of the main theories and models in strategic management; identify and utilize best practices from leading multinationals; will be able to evaluate international industrial environments and design strategies that fit these environments; will be able to identify and interpret challenges in international strategic management. The course will also support the development of students skills in the areas of analytical and critical thinking, decision making, and visioning. Teaching: The course consists of lectures, an on-line business simulation Global Challenge, and group and individual assignments. Assessment: Personal reflections (15 %), group work (40%), and individual written assignment (45 %). Literature: 1. PENG, M.W. (2006) Global Strategy. Thomson: Taunton, MA 2. Reading package on course themes to be provided Prerequisites: Students should be comfortable following lectures, reading academic literature, and participating in class discussions in English; also, students should make sure the course fits their timetable, because participation in the lectures and during the group simulation is obligatory. Rating: 1 5/fail Contact person: Adam Smale and Rodrigo Rabetino registered on the Master s Programmes in International Business and Strategic Business Development. MANAGING BUSINESS NETWORKS Code: JOHT3049 Credit units: 7 ECTS Time: Autumn, Period 5 Content: With the help of different theoretical approaches and practical cases from different industries and industry sectors, the course offers a thorough understanding of business relationships and their management in network contexts. The knowledge can be applied, for example, in the management of supplier-buyer-customer relationships, supply- and distribution networks, alliances and joint ventures, and in mergers and acquisitions. Learning outcomes: After completing the course the students will be able to analyze business relationships in a network context from different theoretical perspectives, and to apply this knowledge to business activities. Stu

7 dents will understand the challenges of developing and managing business relationships and networks at interfirm, and interpersonal levels. The course will support the development of the students skills in critical and analytical thinking, group working and decision making skills in multicultural groups, negotiation and presentation skills, and peer-assessment skills. Teaching: The course includes lectures by academics and business visitors, student workshops and individual and group assignments. Individual assignments include a case analysis, where the students apply relationship and network theories to an actual business network case, and weekly Moodle assignments related to study material and lectures. Group assignment consists of video recording a negotiation role-play, and evaluating peer-groups negotiations. The students will get feedback on their negotiation skills both as a group, and as an individual. Assessment: Individual assignment (60 %) and group work (40 %). Literature: Articles provided by the teacher. Prerequisites:. Contact person: Anne-Maria Holma Right to participate: This course is open to students registered on the Master s Programme in Strategic Business Development. The course is also open to a maximum of ten students registered on the Master s Programme Industrial Management, and for a maximum of seven students registered on the Master s Programme in Marketing (These students will be selected based on study performance). PROJECT MANAGEMENT Code: JOHT3019 Time: Autumn, Period 1 2 Content: Topics that will be covered during the course are among others: 1) The nature of projects, including defining projects and characteristics of the project life-cycle, 2) Project planning, including the tools of Work Breakdown Structure and Gantt-chart, 3) Project implementation and control, including the management of time with the Critical Path Method as well as the management of quality and costs, 4) The actors in projects, including stakeholder management, the project manager and the project team. Learning outcomes: By the end of this course students should have a holistic understanding of different issues related to project management. Firstly, students should have knowledge about the nature of projects and how projects can be organized. Secondly, students should have knowledge about the process of project management, which ranges from planning, implementing and controlling to evaluating. During the course, students will learn about different tools of managing projects and they will also gain insights into the three most central issues to be managed: time, cost and quality. After the course you should also have knowledge about stakeholder management, including the project manager and the project team. You should also know about factors related to success and failure of projects. The course will also support the development of students skills in the areas of cooperating in multicultural teams, critical thinking and IT-skills related to project management tools. Teaching: Video lectures, in-class lectures, individual and group assignments, exam Assessment: Individual assignments (20%), exam (40%) and group work (40%). Literature: Book recommendations and articles provided by the teacher. Prerequisites: Contact person: Annika Tidström registered on the Master s Programmes in Strategic Business Development, IB, HRM and for a maximum of ten students registered on the Master s Programme in Industrial Management. The students from Industrial Management will be selected based on study performance. Additional information: Organized by the department of Economics and Business Law. RESEARCH UPDATE IN STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT Code: JOHT3054 Credit units: 7 ECTS Time: Autumn, Period 1 2 Content: This course offers research-based learning on the evolution of the strategic management field. It enables critical thinking about the nature, antecedents and consequences of business development by reading high-quality theoretical, qualitative and quantitative studies focused on three key areas of strategic management: Strategic analysis, Strategic choice and Strategy implementation. Learning outcomes: By the end of this course students should be able to provide insightful, multi-faceted answers to the following fundamental issues of strategy: What is strategy? How do firms behave? Why do firms differ? More specifically, students should be able to understand what the strategic process is and how effective and successful strategies are formulated and implemented in complex and changing business environments. Teaching: The course is mainly web-based, consisting of discussions and assignments on the web. In addition to this, the course contains a few in-class sessions. Assessment: Individual assignments and group work. Literature: Reading package on course themes provided by the teacher. Prerequisites: Contact person: Rodrigo Rabetino Right to participate: This course is only open to students registered on the Master s Programme in Strategic Business Development. SERVICE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Code: JOHT3062 Credit Units: 5 ECTS Time: Spring, Period 4 Content: The course gives an introduction to traditional and novel theories and practices related to the service business organization, management and development. During the course students will acquire both theoretical and practical understanding about the strategic processes and tools for service business development in different contexts. Based on this knowledge, students will be able to recognize the main challenges and managerial responsibilities in service busness development while understanding the needed organizational structures and key strategic-related tasks, such as service innovation, new service development, product-service systems bundelling, and service delivery in different types of businesses. Learning outcomes: By the end of the course students will be able not only to identify the key literature and theories in the field, but also to gain some practical experience of service business development while appliying this knowledge to different companies in diverse contexts. In particular, students will be able to: Understand the theoretical grounds of the service busieness development when organizations aim to create value for their customers and capture part of this value for their own benefit. Use the theoretical knowledge and tools to develop a practical case-study of service business development while discussing the main results with the potential users of that concept. The course will also support the development of students key skills in the areas of analytical- and critical thinking, and written communication. Teaching: The course includes orientation lectures, workshops, individual- and group- assignments. During the course active learning methods, such as learning-byteaching, will be applied. As a final assignment, students will prepare a final group report which is evaluated as the team-level outcome of the course. Students will also present the final project and not only get feedback to it, but also individual evaluation of the presentation skills. Thus, students will also get tasks where there role is to work as consultants and facilitators in chosen thematic course contents for their classmates. Therefore, the course will also support the development of students skills in the areas of consulting/facilitating, creative thinking and public presentation. Assessment: Individual assignments and group reports. Literature: Articles provided by the teacher. Prerequisites: Contact person: Jukka Partanen registered on the Master s Programme in Strategic Busi

8 ness Development and for a maximum of seven students registered on the Master s Programme in Marketing. These seven students will be selected based on study performance and priority will be given to students within Business Trade and Service. STRATEGIC INDUSTRY ANALYSIS Code: JOHT3043 Time: Spring, Period 3 Content: During the course the students conduct industry analysis by application of essential tools from the field of strategic management. These tools include environmental analysis, strategic group analysis, value system analysis, 5-forces model, industry level financial analysis (Orbis database), and strategic capabilities. Learning outcomes: After the Strategic Industry Analysiscourse students understand how to conduct an industry analysis. After the course the participants are capable of independently conducting an industry analysis to be used for strategic decisions. The following generic skills are developed during the course: analytical- and critical thinking, cooperation skills, oral- and written communication. Teaching: The course is practical by its nature and includes seminars that introduce the process of industry analysis, including strategic tools and data collection methods, which the student groups will apply when analyzing a selected industry. Students are expected to present early stage versions of analysis and reports, and in the final seminar the student groups will present the results of their industry analysis, which is then discussed during the seminar. Participation and discussion in this seminar is evaluated at the individual level. This course also includes specific in-class teaching of the above mentioned tools. Moodle is used when interacting with the teacher. Assessment: Individual assignments and group work. Literature: Articles provided by the teacher. Prerequisites: The students are expected to be familiar with the basic tools of strategic management before starting the course. Rating: 1 5/fail. Contact person: Marko Kohtamäki Right to participate: This course is open to students registered on the Master s Programme in Strategic Business Development. The course is also open for a maximum of ten students registered on the Master s Degree Programme in Accounting (these students will be selected based on study performance). SUSTAINABILITY AND BUSINESS ETHICS Code: JOHT3060 Credit units: 2 ECTS Time: Autumn, Period 1. Content: The course offers an introduction to ethical theories. The central themes are the interconnectedness of economic and moral values, social responsibility and ethical decision making. The course consists of lectures and other activities related to corporate governance, corporate social responsibility, international trade, sustainability, and ethics in managerial decision-making. Learning outcomes: The course provides students with tools that enable them to identify and analyze morally relevant aspects of business. It will also help them understand the role ethics should play in business and why unethical behaviors exist. It should also develop their awareness of their own personal ethics. The course will also develop students critical thinking skills. Teaching: Lectures and other activities (total approx. 6 hours). Assessment: Individual assignment. Literature: Reading package to be provided. Prerequisites: None. Rating: 1 5/fail Contact person: Olivier Wurtz registered on the Master s Programme in Strategic Business Development. Optional courses CROSS-CULTURAL MANAGEMENT Code: JOHT3002 Time: Autumn, Period 2 DIVERSITY MANAGEMENT Code: JOHT3053 Time: Spring, Period 5 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS OPERATION MODES Code: MARK2013 Time: Autumn, Period 2. registered on the Master s Programmes in International Business and Strategic Business Development. INTERNSHIP RELATED TO MASTER S STUDIES IN STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT Code: JOHT3051 Credit units: 7 ECTS Time: In relation to the Masters Studies Content: Practical training consists of working in an organization and reporting about it from the perspective of management and organization. Practical training can for example be done as summer work or practical training abroad. Learning outcomes: Practical training familiarizes the student with work in an organization. Simultaneously it provides an environment where the student utilizes theoretical knowledge in order to evaluate and suggest improvements in relation to practical phenomena. Teaching: Independent work by the student. Assessment: At least 168 hours of work in an organization, that is agreed on beforehand with the contact person, and a written practical training report of 20 pages that will be evaluated. The student can only carry out practical training within his/her own main subject. Before writing the report, the student should contact the contact person in order to discuss the suitability of the organization where the practical training is done, the subject and implementation. A presentation of the organization is sent to the contact person in beforehand and a copy of the letter of reference and the written report is sent to the contact person for evaluation. Literature: The student and the contact person agree on appropriate literature (1 2 books). This literature has to be used in the written report. Prerequisites: Bachelors thesis Rating: Accepted/rejected. Contact person: Karita Loukkanen-Rabetino Right to participate: Additional information: The Practical Training at Master s phase follows the guidelines by the Faculty. The suitability of the practical training needs to be agreed with the contact person in beforehand. KEY AND EMERGING THEMES IN MANAGEMENT STUDIES Code: JOHT3057 Time: Spring, Period 4 Content: Focusing on a potentially different theme each year, the objective of this course is to introduce participants to important and/or new subjects in management studies that are not covered in core modules. The emphasis will be on teaching this module through the use of visiting lecturers from academia and/or working life. Learning outcomes: By the end of this course students have increased their knowledge and understanding about a key and emerging theme in management studies. In addition, students recognise how research in this topics can be applied in practice, and with novel trends in relevant disciplines in the field of management. Teaching: To be decided on an annual basis, depending on lecturer and topic. Assessment: To be decided on an annual basis, depending on lecturer and topic. Literature: To be decided on an annual basis, depending on lecturer and topic. Prerequisites: Students should be comfortable following lectures, reading academic literature, and participating in class discussions in English; students should also make 14 15

9 sure the course fits their timetable. Contact person: Adam Smale / Annika Tidström / Maria Järlstöm registered on the Master s Programmes in International Business, Strategic Business Development, and henkilöstön johtaminen (Human Resource Management). Additional information: The theme, lecturer and instructions for registering to the module will be communicated to students by programme representatives well in advance. MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING IN PRACTICE Code: LASK3058 Credit units: 8 ECTS Time: Spring, Period 3 Additional information: Organized by the Department of Accounting. This course is open to a maximum of ten students registered on the Master s Programme in Strategic Business Development. These students will be selected based on study performance. NEW KNOWLEDGE CREATION AND ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING IN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Code: TUTA3210 Time: Spring, Period 3 Additional information: Organized by the Department of Production. This course is open to a maximum of ten students registered on the Master s Programme in Strategic Business Development. These students will be selected based on study performance PRODUCT AND SERVICE DESIGN IN PRACTICE Code: TUTA3230 Time: Autumn, Period 1 2 Additional information: Organized by the Department of Production. This course is open to a maximum of ten students registered on the Master s Programme in Strategic Business Development. These students will be selected based on study performance STRATEGIC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Code: JOHT304 Credit units: 7 ECTS Time: Autumn, Period 2 Contact person: Maria Järlström STRATEGIC MARKETING IN NETWORK ECONOMY Code: MARK3039 Time: Autumn, Period 1 Additional information: Organized by the Department of Marketing. This course is open to a maximum of ten students registered on the Master s Programme in Strategic Business Development. These students will be selected based on study performance RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES Code: JOHT3055 Credit units: 8 ECTS Time: Spring, Periods 4 5. Content: 1) Basics of research, 2) quantitative data collection and analysis methods, 3) qualitative data collection and analysis methods and 4) writing and structuring a thesis. Learning outcomes: By the end of this course students should understand how to carry out independently their own Master s thesis. In order to do this, students will be familiar with the university s standards and criteria for Master s theses; will be familiar with different research methods and when to use them; will be able to identify the meaning of quality and rigour in assessing academic research. The course will also support the development of students skills in the areas of, written expression, analytical and critical thinking. Teaching: Video lectures, workshops, and student presentations (approx 30 hours). Assessment: Individual assignments, first draft of the Master s thesis proposal, and an exam. Literature: 1. Saunders, M., Lewis, P. & Thornhill, A. (2009 and older editions) Research Methods for Business Students. Harlow: Prentice Hall. OR 2. Maylor, H. & Blackmon, K. (2005) Researching Business and Management. Palgrave MacMillan. 3.Eriksson P. & Kovalainen A. (2008). Qualitative Methods in Business Research. SAGE Publications. Prerequisites: Completed Bachelor thesis Rating: 1 5/fail. Contact person: Annika Tidström Right to participate: This course is open to students registered on the Master s Programme in Strategic Business Development. MASTER S THESIS Code: JOHT3980 Credit Units: 30 ECTS Time: The master s thesis supervising groups will start in May after the Research Methodologies course. The final thesis must be handed at the latest by the end of the next Spring term. Content: The student will be able to identify a research problem within the strategic management field and specify the objectives and scope of the research. Moreover, the student will be familiar with extant academic literature and develop a theoretical framework. Thereafter, the student will select and justify the methodological approach, and gather and analyse empirical data. The thesis ends with a conclusion including theoretical and managerial implications and future research proposals. The student will write reports and present those in the following parts: 1) research proposal and theoretical framework, 2) method section and preliminary empirical results, and 3) the final submission of the complete master s thesis. Learning outcomes: Students should be able to conduct academic research on a subject related to strategic management. The master s thesis process also supports the development of independent research work, analytical and critical thinking skills, and self-organization skills. Moreover, the student will develop their oral and written expression skills during the process. Teaching: Meetings with thesis supervisors and/or participation in seminars (depending on supervisor), and independent student research. Assessment: Master s thesis report and process management (supervisor and 2nd evaluator). Literature: Independent search of relevant theoretical and empirical material for the research topic Prerequisites: Tieteellinen kirjoittaminen / Writing Science in English, Research Methodologies (only for (3) final submission of the complete master s thesis); pass / fail for parts (1) and (2) Contact person: This course is only open to students registered on the Master s Programme in Strategic Business Development Right to participate: This course is also open to visiting exchange students at the Faculty of Business Studies. Additional information: The credit units will be awarded during the process as follows: 1) Research proposal and theoretical framework, 10 ECTS (part I JOHT3981); 2) Method section and preliminary empirical results, 10 ECTS (part II JOHT3982); and 3) Final submission of the complete master s thesis, 10 ECTS (JOHT3983). Master s theses will be checked with the plagiarism detection programme Turnitin. Language & general studies INFORMATION SKILLS I Code: OPIS0025 Credit Units: 0 ECTS Content: General principles of information seeking, basic information retrieval techniques, information resources and library services needed in the studies, ethical use of retrieved information. Learning outcomes: Upon completion of the course, the student is able to recognise different kinds of information resources and apply various information retrieval tools in an efficient way. Teaching: Obligatory lecture 2 h, online training. Assessment: Online assignments and multiple choice exams. Language: English. Literature: Online course material. Time: First autumn or spring semester. Contact person: Information specialist Heidi Troberg, Tritonia For more information:

10 WRITING ACADEMIC ENGLISH Code: KENG9212 Credit Units: 5 ECTS Previous studies: Basic studies in English (5 ECTS) Course aim: B2 C1 Aim: The student becomes aware of the characteristic features of academic writing, can identify, practice and master the principles of academic writing, and can apply them. The student develops critical and analytical reading skills, and can produce and review academic texts. The student also recognizes the challenges s/he faces as the user of English as a foreign language, and learns what constitutes plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Contents: The students will be introduced to the notions of audience, purpose, register and style as they pertain to academic writing. They will also learn about the structure and organization of academic texts such as summaries, definitions, data commentaries, reviews, research plans and research papers. The students will practice analytical reading, and identify rhetorical strategies used in academic writing. The students will also develop critical reading and note-taking skills, as well as learn and apply the principles of documentation. In addition, attention will be brought to frequent patterns produced by users of English as a foreign language in academic texts. Teaching: 30 hours Requirements for the credit units: The students produce short written assignments and a longer final written assignment. They should also participate actively in class. Course literature: The Harbrace College Handbook and other materials as instructed. Evaluation: On a scale of 1 5 / fail Contact person: Course provided by the Language Centre. FINNISH FOR FOREIGNERS I Code: KSUO5111 Credit Units: 5 ECTS Aim: The student has basic knowledge of Finnish pronunciation. She/he is able to communicate in everyday life situations, to read simple texts and to write about a familiar subject, such as her/his own life. Contents: Basic grammar and vocabulary for everyday life in Finnish. Short introduction to Finnish culture. Teaching: Lectures and exercises 60 hours Requirements for the credit units: Participation in lectures and exercises. Oral and written exercises in class. Passing grade for the vocabulary work. A written exam. Course Literature: 1. White, Leila (2012): From Start to Finnish. A short course in Finnish (chapters 1 24) or Gehring, Sonja & Sanni Heinzmann (2010): Suomen mestari I. Suomen kielen oppikirja aikuisille. According to the lecturer s instructions Supplementary material: 2. White, Leila (2008): A Grammar Book of Finnish or White, Leila (2008): Suomen kielioppia ulkomaalaisille. Evaluation: on a scale of 1 5 / fail. The grade consists of attendance and active participation in class, assessment of work done during the course and a written exam at the end of the course. Contact person: Marjut Männistö Language of instruction: To be taught in Finnish and English

11 Tervahovinkuja Tervahovi (Main Building and Main Entrance) P Luotsi P Tritonia Puuvillatalo Konttori P Puuvillakuja Technobothnia Fabriikki Muova P P Yliopistonranta Wolffintie Domus Bothnica Student Union City Centre University of Vaasa Wolffintie 34, P.O. Box 700 FI Vaasa, Finland Tel uva.fi/en facebook.com/vaasanyliopisto youtube.com/universityofvaasa twitter.com/univaasa instagram.com/univaasa