Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, students will be able to:
- explain key philosophy-of-science perspectives and compare major research paradigms within business administration
- account for central theoretical perspectives within organisation theory and critically discuss the implications of different assumptions for the study of organisations and management
- independently apply and compare different theoretical perspectives in the analysis of an organisational situation, and critically discuss their respective strengths, limitations, and ethical implications
- apply academic skills in presentation technique, academic writing, and critical thinking, as well as give and receive constructive feedback.
Course Content
The first module in the course, Philosophy of Science and Research Paradigms, introduces central philosophical perspectives and research paradigms in business administration. The focus is on their underlying assumptions about knowledge and values, as well as on what these assumptions enable, limit and imply for the study of organisations and management.
The second module, Organisation Theory and Organisational Analysis, introduces central theoretical perspectives in organisation theory and the underlying assumptions on which they are based. The perspectives are applied and compared in the analysis of organisational situations using empirical material. Their strengths, limitations and ethical implications are critically discussed.
The third module, Academic Skills, runs as a common thread throughout the course. The module covers academic writing, presentation skills, critical thinking and constructive feedback.
Assessment
- Active participation in seminars and workshops
- Written assignments
- Written examination
Grades
The grading scale used for the final course grade is U–VG.
To be awarded the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) for the course, students must achieve a Pass with Distinction (VG) in the second module.
Grades are reported as follows:
- Philosophy of Science and Research Paradigms - 1.5 Credits | U–G
- Organisational Theory and Organisational Analysis - 4.5 Credits | U–VG
- Academic Skills - 1.5 Credits | U–G
Entry Requirements
- Degree of Bachelor in a main field of study in the Social Sciences 180 credits, including 22.5 credits in Business Administration, Human Resource Management or Work Science, and 7.5 credits in Social Science Research Methods, as well as English 6/English Level 2
Other Information
The language of instruction is English.
In the case of a re-examination, the form of assessment may be changed at the discretion of the examiner.
This course cannot be counted towards the same degree along with courses that have equivalent content.
If the student has received a decision/recommendation granting study support from Dalarna University because of a disability, then the examiner has the right to offer an alternative examination arrangement. The examiner takes into account the objectives in the course syllabus when deciding whether the examination can be adapted in accordance with the decision/recommendation.