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2026/2027  BA-BPROO2503U  Project-based Organizing

English Title
Project-based Organizing

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Bachelor
Duration One Quarter
Start time of the course Autumn, First Quarter
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for General Management
Programme Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Business Administration and Project Management
Course coordinator
  • Joana Geraldi - Department of Organization (IOA)
Main academic disciplines
  • Innovation
  • Project and change management
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 22-06-2026

Relevant links
Learning objectives
Explain the theories of the course and discuss these theories in relation to empirical examples.
  • Conduct a critical assessment of different theories from the curriculum, both individually and in relation to other theories in the curriculum.
  • Apply theory to explain and compare different types of project-based firms and their organizational challenges
  • Apply theory to analyze and discuss the challenges and opportunities in managing and leading organizations running through projects
  • Apply theory to analyze and discuss the dilemmas involved in developing innovations, competencies, strategies, and knowledge in organizations with many projects
Examination
Project-based Organizing:
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 Oral group exam based on written group product
Number of people in the group 4-5
Size of written product Max. 10 pages
If the number of students in a group is reduced due to natural attrition, such as student withdrawals, the group is not required to apply for an exemption due to the reduced group size.
Assignment type Synopsis
Release of assignment Subject chosen by students themselves, see guidelines if any
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 second internal examiner
Exam period Winter
Make-up exam/re-exam Oral Exam
Duration: 20 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

The student, together with their semester group, must prepare a short podcast (max. 10 minutes) and a written summary of the podcast that forms the basis for the dialogue during the group-based oral exam. More detailed instructions can be found in the Canvas page of the course in due time.

 

The oral group exam takes the form of a dialogue based on the group’s podcast and theories from the curriculum. A total of 20 minutes is allocated per student.

The examination begins with the group giving a brief presentation (max. 2–3 minutes per student), for example, about the podcast's central questions, its chosen text, and its relationship with alternative theories from the curriculum.

 

Following this, the examiner will enter into dialogue relating the podcast to other theories or cases seen in class. The learning objectives guide the dialogue. Afterwards, the examiner and co-examiner will deliberate and provide brief feedback.
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

The course introduces students to project-based organizations (PBOs) and their growing relevance in contemporary firms. Many organizations increasingly rely on projects as their primary mode of organizing work to drive innovation, transformation, and responsiveness in dynamic environments. While this form of organizing enables flexibility and creativity, it also gives rise to a distinct set of managerial and organizational tensions. For example, on the one hand, projects are often implemented in organizations to enable creativity, innovation, and transformation, as they are often given the autonomy to think anew and develop knowledge. On the other hand, this autonomy can lead to the risk of "reinventing the wheel" if projects become too independent, presenting the challenge of fostering continuous learning and competence development. The course explores these challenges, framed around tensions that typically arise at PBOs.
Research-based teaching
CBS’ programmes and teaching are research-based. The following types of research-based knowledge and research-like activities are included in this course:
Research-based knowledge
  • Classic and basic theory
Research-like activities
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
Description of the teaching methods
The course is designed as an immersive experience, featuring half-day sessions often co-taught by two academics specialized in the area. This format allows for a dynamic blend of lectures, interactive presentations, discussions, group dialogues, hands-on exercises, and continuous feedback, creating a rich and engaging learning environment.
Feedback during the teaching period
Comments and feedback in connection with lectures, small exercises with feedback and comments, and group-based exercises and discussions with feedback.
Formal lecturer and peer feedback session on the group’s intended delivery (the synopsis will be a podcast on one of the texts of the curriculum).
A group-based mock exam will be conducted in the last class, with comments on performance and advice on weak spots, improvements and advice for preparation for the actual oral exam. This experience is also intended to reduce stress levels experienced by students in exam situations.
Student workload
Contact Hours 36 hours
Preparation Hours 110 hours
Examination Hours 60 hours
Last updated on 22-06-2026