Learning objectives |
- Identify, explain, and discuss the key theories, models and
concepts of business strategy, strategic leadership and strategic
decision making, and apply them to the advancement of the
SDGs.
- Ability to reflect and discuss multilevel perspectives on the
role of firms and managers for the humanity’s grand challenges and
apply knowledge from business strategy and strategy leadership to
help resolve them
- Analyze business case studies applying relevant concepts and
theories of business strategy, strategic leadership and strategic
decision making
- Discuss and critically reflect on the interdependencies of
business and society in addressing global challenges such as the
SDGs
|
Examination |
Business
Strategy and SDGs:
|
Exam
ECTS |
7,5 |
Examination form |
Oral exam based on written product
In order to participate in the oral exam, the written product
must be handed in before the oral exam; by the set deadline. The
grade is based on an overall assessment of the written product and
the individual oral performance, see also the rules about
examination forms in the programme regulations. |
Individual or group exam |
Individual oral exam based on written group
product |
Number of people in the group |
3-5 |
Size of written product |
Max. 5 pages |
Assignment type |
Synopsis |
Release of assignment |
An assigned subject is released in
class |
Duration |
Written product to be submitted on specified date and
time.
20 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade,
and informing plus explaining the grade |
Grading scale |
7-point grading scale |
Examiner(s) |
Internal examiner and external examiner |
Exam period |
Winter |
Make-up exam/re-exam |
Oral Exam |
|
Duration: 30 min. per student,
including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus
explaining the grade |
|
Preparation time: No
preparation |
|
Examiner(s): If it is an internal
examination, there will be a second internal examiner at the
re-exam. If it is an external examination, there will be an
external examiner. |
Description of the exam
procedure
During the course the students will apply theories to a case
study and
the synopsis is the product of this process. The exam will start
with a brief presentation of this written
product.
|
|
Course content, structure and pedagogical
approach |
This course will provide students a detailed introduction to
core theories and principles in business strategy, strategic
leadership and strategic decision making, in the context of the
United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Achieving the
SDGs has been viewed as the key challenge for the new decade, and
there has been an increasing pressure on firms and their executives
to contribute to the advancement of the SDGs. The course is
designed to explore how firm executives can align their business
strategy with the SDGs and potential challenges with it. The goal
of this course is to provide 1) a framework for understanding the
main elements of a business strategy 2) a thorough understanding of
strategic leadership and fundamental managerial decision-making
concepts and 3) knowledge and insights into contextual factors,
i.e. the co-evolution of business strategy and institutional
framework in a time of transition. Furthermore, the course will
open for critical discussion and reflection on the role and
commitment of different types of organizations and the SDGs and
introduce approaches such as transformative innovation and
directionality/mission economy.
In relation to Nordic Nine
The course Business strategy and the SDGs gives the students
deep business knowledge placed in a broad context (NN1). The course
equips students with the capabilities to recognize humanity’s
challenges while developing the entrepreneurial knowledge to help
resolve them (NN3). The students learn to balance competitiveness
in business and compassion towards society (NN4) while addressing
ethical dilemmas of leadership (NN5). Linking business strategy
with the SDGs develops the capacity of students to advice industry
and public actors on how to produce prosperity while protecting the
prosperity of next generations (NN7).
|
Description of the teaching methods |
Teaching methods and materials include weekly
lectures and exercises with case studies; lecture slides, readings,
scientific articles, handouts, and videos. |
Feedback during the teaching period |
Feedback is integrated into every part of the
course. There will be assignments, quizzes and hands-on exercises
as part of the course. The students will receive feedback on all
these activities. Furthermore, the lectures are discussion-based
and provide students with a continuous opportunity to critically
assess the presented topics and to get immediate feedback in
response. The instructors will provide further feedback as needed
via email and during office hours. The course also includes peer
feedback to a mandatory assignment. |
Student workload |
Lectures, exercises and workshops |
38 hours |
Preparation, peer feedback and reading |
100 hours |
Exam incl. preparation |
70 hours |
|