Business Administration MA, Management and Ethics, 7.5 credits

Aim

The course aims to provide students with increased knowledge and understanding of the terminology and methodology concerning the challenges of leadership and to integrate this knowledge with the current issues faced by today's global society. Specifically, the aim is to critically analyze and discuss complex phenomena and issues related to employee leadership within organizations and problems in the external environment from a leadership perspective and with the help of ethical theories.

Course objectives

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:

- Define and explain central theoretical concepts within leadership, employee leadership, ethics, sustainability, and other related concepts.

- Demonstrate the ability to independently identify and develop questions and solve qualified tasks within given time frames using appropriate methods.

- Demonstrate the ability to orally and in writing evaluate the knowledge and arguments underlying various study conclusions.

- Identify, explain, and relate current ethical challenges in the global society.

- Identify, compile, and compare various leadership phenomena, issues, and situations within and outside the organization.

Content

The course constitutes an in-depth study of the context and challenges of leadership with regard to various ethical aspects in a global society. Initially, a brief overview of leadership theory within the organization in general is provided, followed by the examination of leadership in relation to global issues and challenges. The course mainly focuses on modern leadership theories, including various perspectives on leadership such as the role and influence of employees, organizational culture, and situational factors. Furthermore, different classical and contemporary perspectives on ethical approaches are discussed; from "code of conduct" to whistleblowers and crisis management, and the view of business as transforming humans into "moral robots." Sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues are critically addressed; from the perspective of CSR to the concept of the company as a "citizen" among others in terms of "Corporate citizenship." Business ethics in relation to various global issues such as child labor, surveillance, and environmental degradation are also discussed. The practical application of theories is analyzed through various case studies. The course also includes elements from the business sector.

Entry requirements

Business Administration GR (A/B/C) 90 credits, including Business Administration GR (C) at least 30 credits.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

Campus Course:

The teaching consists of lectures, seminars, assigned materials, various forms of exercises, and elements from the business sector. Mandatory attendance applies to seminars and elements from the business sector (in case of absence, supplementary tasks will be assigned). Access to a computer with internet connection is required to complete the tasks included in the course. The language of instruction can be Swedish or English.

Online Course:

The teaching consists of digital lectures, seminars, assigned materials, elements from the business sector, and communication in an online learning platform. Physical meetings are not obligatory, except in cases where a written individual in-class examination takes place. Access to a computer with internet connection is required to complete the tasks included in the course. The language of instruction can be Swedish or English.

Student Responsibility:

Students are responsible for their own learning and are expected to independently seek information and take responsibility for both individual and group work.

Limitation of Teaching:

Teacher-led teaching and support from the course responsible teacher are only offered during the course period when the student is admitted to the course.

Examination form

1000: Written exam, 3 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx

2000: Written individual assignment, including seminar participation, 4.5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx

3000: Business elements
Grade scale: Two-grade scale

Campus Course and Online Course:

During examination, a supplementary oral presentation may be requested by the examiner to ensure that the student is the actual sender and author of the written work.

If a student has a decision from the coordinator at Mid Sweden University regarding educational support for disabilities, the examiner has the right to provide adapted examination for the student.

Criteria for assessment: see discipline specific criteria: https://www.miun.se/gradingcriteria

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University’s disabilities adviser.

Examination restrictions

Students registered for this version of the course plan are entitled to be examined three (3) times within one (1) year according to this course plan. Thereafter, the latest version of the course plan applies.

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A-F o Fx

Other information

Course certificates, crediting, appeals, etc., are regulated by the Higher Education Ordinance.