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 with a particular emphasis on innovation

Course competences
IBCRI Skills in Critical and Analytical Understanding
IBBUS Applied Business Skills
IBCOM Communication Skills
IBCOL Intercultural Collaboration Skills

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 and innovation. 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.
Literature and articles stated by the instructor of the course.

Teaching methods

Face-to-face learning, lectures, workshops, case study, project-based learning

Exam dates and retake possibilities

Degree Regulations 18§: The opportunities to retake courses and examinations are introduced in the first contact class. The opportunities to retake courses and examinations must be used with the method that has been introduced in the first contact class of the course. For a justified reason, such as illness or other difficult life situation, the student may agree with the course teacher to complete the course in a different schedule. However, all courses must be completed within two semesters from starting them.

Degree Regulations 21§: After receiving a Fail (0) grade, the student is entitled to resit two (2) exams as defined in the course implementation description. The same grading scale is applied to retakes. If a student does not pass the examination at three (3) attempts, he/she must restart the course from the beginning. The student has a right to improve a passing grade once upon agreement with the Course Tutor.

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

Content scheduling

Orientation lectures and formation of groups (4 h, 2 hours per week), workshops (8 h, 2 hours per week), group work presentations (12 h, 4 hours per week).

Further information for students

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 (5 % of the final grade, maximum 10 points),
-make an reflective evaluation of the group work at the end of the course (5 % of the final grade, maximum 10 points),
-contribute to group and general discussions during in-class sessions (20 % 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).

The 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 show some ability to analyze and evaluate academic and business information relevant to strategic management and innovation. You show some but narrow skills in analyzing business challenges and trends in strategic management and innovation. 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.

Satisfactory 2
You show basic ability to analyze and evaluate academic and business information relevant for strategic management and innovation. You show skills in analyzing business challenges and trends and propose solutions for strategic management and innovation but the approach is thin or superficial. 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.

Evaluation criteria, good (3-4)

Good 3
You show ability to analyze and evaluate business data and consider possible approaches and outcomes for business in strategic management and innovation. You show the average-level skills in analyzing business challenges and trends and propose solutions for strategic management and innovation. 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.

Very Good 4
You show very good ability to analyze and evaluate relevant information for strategic management and innovation. You show skills with merit in analyzing business challenges and trends and proposing practical solutions for strategic management and innovation. 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.

Evaluation criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent 5
You show excellent ability to analyze and evaluate academic and business information on strategic management and innovation. You show excellent skills in analyzing business challenges and trends and propose solutions for strategic management and innovation. 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.