Curricula

Objectives

The object of the course
In this course you learn how to conduct a strategic audit of a company based on SWOT-analysis.

Course competences:
- learning to learn;
- internationality and multiculturalism;
- responsible international business management.

The learning objectives of the course:
In this course you learn to critically review, analyze and understand information available from academic and professional business sources in the field of strategic management. You also learn to apply disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge to analyze business challenges and global trends to propose or put into action practical business solutions based on the findings. You communicate responsibly and effectively in English through oral, written and digital formats in academic and professional contexts. You demonstrate intercultural teamwork, leadership, and conflict resolution skills.

Content

The components of a strategic audit: current situation of a company, corporate governance, external environment (opportunities and threats), internal environment (strengths and weaknesses), analysis of strategic factors (SWOT), strategic alternatives and recommended strategy, implementation, evaluation and control

Learning materials and recommended literature

Hunger, J. D. & Wheelen, T. L. 2014. Essentials of Strategic Management. Pearson.

Teaching methods

Lectures: interactive sessions introducing key concepts and theories in strategic management.
Case Studies: analysis of real-world cases to understand strategic challenges and decision-making processes.
Group Work: collaborative activities for applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations, fostering teamwork and critical thinking.
Workshops: hands-on sessions focusing on specific skills development and application of strategic management tools.
Presentations: opportunities for students to present their analyses and findings, enhancing communication and presentation skills.
Online Pedagogy: utilization of online platforms for asynchronous learning, discussions, and resource sharing.

Exam dates and retake possibilities

The exam will be held in Moodle (online learning platform) during weeks 35-38. The first reset exam will be held in Moodle on week 39 and the second on week 40.

Alternative completion methods

You have the right to apply for recognition of your studies if you have prior learning (e.g. university studies completed elsewhere) that can be accredited towards the degree you are currently completing.

The recognition of prior learning is possible in three primary ways: accreditation (replacement or inclusion), recognition of informal learning and studification. More precise info: JAMK Degree Regulations, section 17.

Student workload

One credit corresponds to an average of 27 hours of work, which means that the load of five credits is approximately 135 hours.

Lectures, workshops, independent study and a learning assignment 40 h, group work / case study / project 95 h

Content scheduling

Orientation lectures and formation of groups (12 h, 2 hours per week), workshops (4 h, 2 hours per week,), group work presentations (4 h, 2 hours per week)

Further information for students

This course aims to develop a comprehensive set of competences essential for effective leadership and decision-making in today's dynamic business environment.
1. Learn to learn (emphasis is placed on formulating pertinent questions, seeking information, and exploring new developments in strategic management).
2. Internationality and Multiculturalism (opportunities for intercultural teamwork, communication in English, and engagement in international settings promote global competency and effective cross-cultural communication).
3. Responsible International Business Management (critical assessment of the impact of international actions and decisions on communities and stakeholders underscores the importance of ethical and responsible leadership).
The assessment in the course is based on the competence demonstrated in the exam (20 %, 1 ECTS credits), in learning assignments made in a group (60 %, 3 ECTS credits), and active participation in the discussions during sessions (20 %, 1 ECTS credits)
In order to pass this course you need to:
-participate in and contribute to the group work and its presentation (50 % of the final grade, maximum 50 points),
-act as an opponent to another group's work and its presentation as a member of your own group (10 % of the final grade, maximum 10 points),
-make an reflective evaluation of the group work at the end of the course (10 % of the final grade, maximum 10 points),
-contribute to group and general discussions during in-class sessions (10 % of the final grade, maximum 10 points), and
-take an exam which is based on the self-study of the lecture notes of the book (20 % of the final grade, maximum 20 points).
Maximum points in the course are 100. The grading scale is: 90 % (90 points) = 5, 80 % (80 points) = 4, 70 % (70 points) = 3, 60 % (60 points) = 2, 50 % (50 points) = 1, < 50 % (< 50 points) = Fail.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Evaluation criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Adequate 1
You posses all the course competences (learning to learn; internationality and multiculturalism; responsible international business management), and demonstrated them at a basic level. This implies that you show some ability to analyze and evaluate academic and business information relevant to strategic management (learning to learn). You show some but narrow skills in analyzing business challenges and trends in strategic management (responsible international business management). You are able to transmit to a limited extent your and your team’s ideas and findings in English. You show some but low level skill in participating productively in inter- and multicultural setting and teamwork (internationality and multiculturalism).

Satisfactory 2
You posses all the course competences and demonstrate at least one of them at an intermediate level (learning to learn; internationality and multiculturalism; responsible international business management). This means that you show basic ability to analyze and evaluate academic and business information relevant for strategic management (learning to learn). You show skills in analyzing business challenges and trends and propose solutions for strategic management but the approach is thin or superficial (responsible international business management). You are able to get your main message through when presenting your and your team’s ideas and findings in English but improvement would be needed . You show some skill in participating productively in inter- and multicultural setting and teamwork (internationality and multiculturalism).

Evaluation criteria, good (3-4)

Good 3
You posses all the course competences and demonstrate them all at an intermediate level (learning to learn; internationality and multiculturalism; responsible international business management).
This means that you show ability to analyze and evaluate business data and consider possible approaches and outcomes for business in strategic management (learning to learn). You show the average-level skills in analyzing business challenges and trends and propose solutions for strategic management (responsible international business management). You are able to present your and your team’s ideas and findings in a clear manner in English. You show skill in participating in a productive way in inter- and multicultural setting and teamwork (internationality and multiculturalism).

Very Good 4
You posses all the course competences and demonstrate at least 1 of them at an excellent level (learning to learn; internationality and multiculturalism; responsible international business management).
This means that you show very good ability to analyze and evaluate relevant information for strategic management (learning to learn). You show skills with merit in analyzing business challenges and trends and proposing practical solutions for strategic management (responsible international business management). You are able to present your and your team’s ideas and findings in a very good manner in English on a level clearly above average of your peers. You are able to show in a very good manner skill in participating productively in inter- and multicultural setting and demonstrate teamwork skills (internationality and multiculturalism).

Evaluation criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent 5
You posses all the course competences (learning to learn; internationality and multiculturalism; responsible international business management), and demonstrate all of them at an excellent level.
This means that you show excellent ability to analyze and evaluate academic and business information on strategic management (learning to learn). You show excellent skills in analyzing business challenges and trends and propose solutions for strategic management (responsible international business management). You are able to present your and your team’s ideas in a convincing manner in English. You show excellent skill in participating productively in inter- and multicultural setting and demonstrate teamwork skills (internationality and multiculturalism).