Curriculum for the bachelor programme in economics and business administration (HA), part 2 Aalborg University Pursuant to ministerial order no. 652 of 24 June 2012 (the University Act) with subsequent amendments the following curriculum is stipulated for the bachelor programme in economics and business administration (HA). 1. Introduction The bachelor programme in economics and business administration (HA) has been structured according to ministerial order no. 814 of 29 June 2010 on bachelor and master s programmes at the universities (Ministerial Order on Bachelor and Master s Programmes *Candidatus+ at Universities) by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Higher Education and ministerial order no. 666 of 24 June 2012 on university examinations and grading (the Ministerial Order on University Examinations and Grading). Further reference is made to ministerial order no. 240 of 11 March 2013 (Ministerial Order on Admission to Bachelor Programmes) and ministerial order no. 250 of 15 March 2007 (the Ministerial Order on the Grading Scale and Other Forms of Assessment of University Education) with subsequent amendments. 2. Study board and Faculty The 1st semester of the bachelor programme is completed pursuant to Frame curriculum for the first semester of study in the bachelor programmes in social sciences at Aalborg University. The 2nd to 6th semesters are completed pursuant to the present curriculum. The 2nd to 6th semesters fall under the Study Board of Business Economics, the Faculty of Social Sciences, Aalborg University. The bachelor programme falls under the Study Board of Business Economics team of examiners for the bachelor, master s and professional master s programmes. 3. Admission Admission to the bachelor programme in economics and business administration requires an upper secondary education. (2) Specific admission requirements Each programme under the main subject area of the social sciences has specific admission requirements. These admission requirements are evident from appendix 1 to the Ministerial Order on Admission and Enrolment (https://www.retsinformation.dk/forms/r0710.aspx?id=130557) (in Danish) or can be found on the Ministry of Children and Education s admission portal (http://www.optagelse.dk) (in Danish). (3) English-language programme Admission to the English-language programme does not require Danish A. 4. Title of the programme in Danish and English The title of the programme in Danish and English respectively is Bacheloruddannelsen (BSc) i erhvervsøkonomi, HA / Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Economics and Business Administration. 5. The length of the programme (ECTS credits) The bachelor programme in economics and business administration constitutes a research-based fulltime programme. The official length of the programme is 180 ECTS credits. 1/10
6. The academic profile of the programme (1) Objective and profile of the programme The bachelor programme in economics and business administration constitutes a broad, interdisciplinary and problem-oriented study programme. The objective of the programme is to enable the student to identify and formulate problems related to business economics and subsequently to devise solutions which may support the management of the work of private and public organisations in relation to their external surroundings. Emphasis is placed on understanding of and the ability to create and react to changes and considerations for the future for organisations and the external environment in which they operate. The broad term organisations is taken to cover private businesses and public organisations such as nonfor-profit organisations. The study of organisations encompasses internal aspects, functions and processes of organisations, including their diverse nature, objectives, structures, stakeholders, running and management, as well as the individual and shared behaviour and culture that exist in and between organisations and their influence on the external environment. External surroundings encompasses a broad spectrum of national and international factors, including macroeconomic, environmental, ethical, legal, political, sociological and technological factors and the significance and impact of these factors on strategy, behaviour and management of organisations on a local, national and international level. Management encompasses the various processes, procedures and practices concerning efficient and responsible management of organisations. This includes theories, models, frames, tasks and management roles as well as rational analysis and other decision-making processes in organisations and in relation to the external environment. (2) Learning outcome of the bachelor programme Knowledge The student is expected to acquire theoretical and practical knowledge of the under Objective mentioned main areas involving organisations, external surroundings and management including theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding of the following areas: Markets how the markets for resources, goods and services function and develop. Customers customer expectations, patterns of demand and customer service. Finances sources of financing, use and management of financial resources, use of accounting and management information systems. Humans management and development of humans in organisations, management theories and practices and the development of a cross-/multidisciplinary understanding as well as a general understanding of diversity. Operations management of resources and operations. Information systems development, management and use of information systems and their impact on the organisation. Communication and information technology understanding and use of relevant and up-to-date communication and information technologies for business and management purposes. Business policy and strategies development of suitable policies and strategies in a changeable world to meet internal and external interests concerning, among other things, sustainability, internationalisation and globalisation, ethics and corporate social responsibility, responsible management, business innovation, creativity, business development, knowledge management and risk management. 2/10
Skills The student is expected to acquire skills within the following areas: Problem-oriented project work. Use of business economics methods and tools. Assessment of theoretical and practical problems within the area of business economics as well as substantiation and choice of relevant solutions. Communication of problems and solutions within the area of business economics to peers and nonspecialists or collaborators and users. Competent oral and written communication with the use of relevant media, including preparation and presentation of reports or the like. Qualitative analyses and interpretations. Comprehension of numbers, mathematical and quantitative skills, including analysis, interpretation and processing of data. Use of business economics models. Statistical data analysis in combination with business economics skills for decision support in organisations. Competent use of information and communication technology for business purposes. Project management. Interpersonal skills in the form of active listening, negotiation, motivation, coordination and presentation. Competences The student is expected to acquire the following competences: Ability to manage complex and development-oriented situations in study or work contexts. Independently participate in academic and cross-disciplinary collaboration with a professional approach. Cognitive skills for critical thinking, analysis and synthesis. This includes the ability to identify hypotheses, evaluate statements with regard to evidence, identify false logic or argumentation, identify implicit values, define comprehensive concepts and generalise where appropriate. Efficient problem solution and decision-making based on appropriate qualitative and quantitative skills, including identify, formulate and solve problems within the area of business economics. The ability to create, evaluate and assess a series of options as well as the ability to use ideas and knowledge in situations characterised by uncertainty or limited knowledge. Efficient self-management with regard to time, planning and behaviour, motivation, personal initiative and enterprise. Work efficiently in a group, including demonstrate leadership and team-building skills, collaborate and exercise influence. Ability to examine problems within the area of business economics, either individually or as part of a group in connection with projects. This demands a critical approach to data, sources of information and methods. Self-reflective, critical and open approach to different people, different cultures and different problems within the area of business economics. Ability to identify own learning needs and structure own learning in different learning environments. 7. Rules on modules, courses and electives The individual semesters of the bachelor programme in economics and business administration place academic emphasis on the following areas: 3/10
1st semester: Growth of society external surroundings of companies and organisations. 2nd semester: Basic functions and processes of companies and organisations including introduction to business economics, business systems and accounting. 3rd semester: processes of companies and organisations including financial management and organisation. 4th semester: Companies and organisations operations in their external surroundings including marketing and strategy. 5th semester: The company and organisation as a whole including project collaboration with companies. 6th semester: Specialisation within the area of business economics including preparation of bachelor project. Each semester ends with project work. The 6 semesters of the programme are based on 15 different modules: Semester 2nd sem. Module and examination Economics Financial Accounting Fundamental business economics, including information systems, method and project. Fundamental business economics 5 Information management and information systems 5 20 Course Scope Grading UVA EKA ECTS ECTS External Form of examination. Requirements for participation 24-hour written exam 4-hour exam at AAU Oral, based on project. seminars or the like. Scientific methods I 5 Project 5 3rd sem. Business Law Scientific methods 5 II Organisation theory and project 10 30 30 10 10 15 Management Accounting Organisation theory and Scientific methods 24-hour written exam 4-hour exam at AAU. seminars or the like. Oral, based on project. seminars or the like. 30 30 4/10
4th sem. Data analysis and statistics Marketing and market analysis Strategy and strategy project 10 10 Market analysis 5 Marketing 5 10 10 10 4-hour exam at AAU. seminars or the like. 7-day exam Oral, based on project. seminars or the like. 5th sem. Corporate Finances Firm Analysis and Integrated Company Study 30 30 25 25 External 4-hour exam at AAU Oral, based on project. seminars or the like 6th sem. Elective 1 Elective 2 Bachelor Thesis 30 30 20 20 External 24-hour written exam 24-hour written exam Oral, based on project 30 30 150 150 All exams are assessed with grades on the grading scale in force. The specific learning goals etc. of the individual modules are evident from the appendix. The bachelor programme gives the student professional qualifications and the opportunity to choose between the master s programmes in economics and business administration (the cand.merc. programmes). (2) Content of alternative modules Credit agreement for financial economists and market economists, fall 2013 In general: In connection with the coming into force of the new HA curriculum on 1 the credit agreement for financial economists and market economists will be subject to few changes. 5/10
Credit agreement: As of 1 credit students are enrolled under the existing curriculum (HA 2007 with amendments 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012), seeing as the majority of the activities of the students will fall under the existing curriculum. However, few changes will be implemented in a transitional agreement. 1st semester Module 2: Business economics method Changes: It will correspond to the module Business economics methods in the form prior to the present dispensation application. This means that the scope of the module will be 5 ECTS credits. It is available for financial economists and market economists. Module 10: Firm Analysis and Integrated Company Study Module C1: The project method part of the module 2nd semester Module B2: Economics Changes: The students must participate in the Economics module under the new HA curriculum. The scope of the course is 5 ECTS credits with appertaining exam which, if passed, will grant credit for Module B2: Economics. Module 5: Advanced Management Accounting and IT Module 6: Financial accounting Module: Two electives in the 6th semester Module: Theory of science C1 (3 ECTS credits) 3rd semester: Module: Bachelor Thesis Summary: Commencement of study on 1 September: Teaching Exam 1st semester Module 2 + Module 10 + project method 32 ECTS 30 ECTS in Module C1 (2 ECTS credits) 2nd semester Module B3 + Module 5 + Module 6 + 33 ECTS 33 ECTS Two electives in the 6th sem. + Theory of science in Module C1 (3 ECTS credits) 3rd semester Bachelor project 20 ECTS 25 ECTS 6/10
Credit agreement for service economists, fall 2013 In general: In connection with the coming into force of the new HA curriculum on 1 the credit agreement for service economists will be subject to few changes. Credit agreement: As of 1 credit students are enrolled under the existing curriculum (HA 2007 with amendments 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012), seeing as the majority of the activities of the students will fall under the existing curriculum. However, a few changes will be implemented in a transitional agreement. 1st semester Module 1 + Module 2: Organisation and Business economics method Changes: The students will fall under the dispensation granted, but there will only be one exam, not the present two. Module 3: Statistics Module C1: The project method part of Module C1 (2 ECTS credits) (the 1st semester course: Projectoriented project work 1-7) 2nd semester Module B2: Economics Changes: The students must participate in the Economics module under the new HA curriculum. The scope of the course is 5 ECTS credits with appertaining exam which, if passed, will grant credit for Module B2: Economics. Module 5: Advanced Management Accounting and IT Module 8: Marketing and market analysis Module C1: Theory of science C1 (3 ECTS credits) 3rd semester Module 9: Business law Module 10: Firm Analysis and Integrated Company Study 4th semester: Module 6: Financial accounting 7/10
Module 11: Bachelor Thesis Module: One elective in the 6th semester Summary: Commencement of Study on 1 September: Teaching Exam 1st semester Module 1 + Module 2 + Module 3 + 27 ECTS 25 ECTS project method in Module C1 (2 ECTS credits) 2nd semester Module B3 + Module 5 + Module 8 + 33 ECTS 33 ECTS Theory of science in Module C1 (3 ECTS credits) 3rd semester Module 9 + Module 10 30 ECTS 30 ECTS 4th semester Module 6 + Module 11: one elective in the 6th semester + Bachelor project (20 ECTS credits) 30 ECTS 30 ECTS 8. Rules on written assignments, including the bachelor thesis and the scope hereof The assessment of the bachelor thesis and other large written assignments will in addition to the academic content also place emphasis on the student s spelling and communication skills. However, the main emphasis is on the academic content. The Study board can however under special circumstances (e.g. dyslexia and other native language than Danish) grant dispensation. (2) The bachelor thesis must include a summary in English.. The summary is part of the overall assessment of the exam performance. (3) The bachelor thesis is placed in the third year of study and must demonstrate that the student has acquired satisfactory skills in communicating, analysing and processing problems within a limited subject area that reflects the main emphasis of the programme. On behalf of the Study board the semester coordinator must approve the scope of the project and at the same time set a deadline for submission of the bachelor thesis. (4) The maximum scope of an assignment or project is set to a number of standard pages. One standard page corresponds to 2400 characters (a letter, character or space constitutes one character). Notes and bibliography are included in the overall scope of assignments and projects, whereas title page, table of contents and summary are not. Appendices may be enclosed in a project. Appendices usually do not include the examinee s own text, but a presentation/reproduction of source material, and are not included in the total number of pages, although the scope hereof must be reasonable compared to the overall scope of the project. 8/10
A maximum of 7 students may participate in the production of written group projects. The Study board may set a smaller maximum number of standard pages for individual projects. Group projects are assessed in group exams with individual grading. 9. Rules on credit transfer, including the option of choosing modules that are a part of another programme at another university in Denmark or abroad The Study board can in each individual case authorise that passed programme elements from other bachelor programmes replace programme elements in this programme (credit). The Study board can also authorise that passed programme elements from another Danish or foreign programme at the same level replace programme elements under this curriculum. Decisions regarding credit transfer are made by the Study board on the basis of an academic assessment. Students who wish to study abroad as part of their HA programme must do so in the 4th semester. It is thereby possible to use courses from the 4th and 6th semesters in an application to the Study board for pre-approved credit transfer. 10. Rules on the course and completion of the first year of study Before the end of the first year of study in the bachelor programme, in order to be able to continue in the programme, the student must participate in all first-year exams. The student must have passed the first year of study by the end of the second year of study in order to continue his or her bachelor programme. If the student has been on leave, he or she may under special circumstances be granted dispensation from the above. Leave is granted in the first year of study only in connection with maternity leave, adoption, compulsory and UN military service or in the event of unusual circumstances. (2) The bachelor programme in economics and business administration must be completed no later than 5 years after the commencement of study. 11. Contingent rules on requirements regarding reading texts in foreign languages and specification of the required knowledge of the foreign language(s) The student is expected to be able to read academic texts in modern Danish, Norwegian, Swedish and English and use reference works etc. in other European languages. 12. Examination rules All exams must be passed with the mark 02 or more or with a pass. An average mark is calculated as an ECTS-based average of the obtained marks in the bachelor programme in economics and business administration. (2) Exams are conducted in the same semester as the teaching. About registering for exams, re-examination and make-up examinations, see existing rules on the Faculty of Social Sciences webpage: http://www.en.fak.samf.aau.dk/students/ The forms of examination are evident from the table in section 7. On the use of computers at the exam, see existing rules on the Faculty of Social Sciences webpage: http://www.fak.samf.aau.dk/digitalassets/44/44573_eksamensordningdansk092011.pdf (in Danish) 9/10
(3) Re-exams The Study board may decide on a different form of examination or assessment at re-exams than at the ordinary exam. 12. Dispensation The Study board can under the event of unusual circumstances grant dispensation from the parts of the curriculum that have not been established by law or ministerial order. Dispensation regarding exams applies for the proximate exam. 13. Supplementary information The Study board will make more detailed information on the programme, including information on examination, available on the programme webpage: http://aabs.samf.aau.dk/ha-uddannelsen/ (in Danish) 14. Commencement and interim provisions The curriculum has been approved by the dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and will enter into force on 1. Students who wish to complete their studies under the previous 2007 curriculum must complete their programme no later than at the summer exam 2016, seeing as exams under the previous curriculum will no longer be offered after that time. The Study board will approve semester descriptions for each semester and module descriptions which contain learning goals. Semester descriptions and module descriptions are available on the programme webpage. 10/10