Study Guide

Objective

After completing the course, students will have knowledge and skills needed be an effective manager with regard to the interpersonal aspects of cross-cultural and international work, and understand the particular challenges of these contexts

Content

Students are introduced to different topics that are encompassed by the notion of ‘international work’, particularly from the perspectives of organizations and individuals, and engage in discussions about good management practice. Students also examine the contemporary challenges to global business. The materials (theories, ideas, and tools) are made relevant to international business and management contexts.
Themes:
• Personal and interpersonal aspects of international and multicultural work
• Individuality, diversity, and difference
• Integration, assimilation and adaption
• Leading and working within cross-cultural / international traditional and virtual teams
• National and organizational cultures and Intercultural communication
• Contemporary challenges to globalization

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The coursework meets with many of the six criteria below. The assignment shows satisfactory performance in more than three of the criteria.
The following criteria are used for assessing the IM Master’s coursework (lecture involvement, discussion, written assignments and discussion leaders).
• The student shows an understanding of the relevant course content in relation to the contents of the articles, lectures and discussion.
• Student texts/presentations demonstrate an understanding of the article/lecture content and an ability to select, interpret and justify key messages in a grounded manner.
• The student shows interconnections between the proposed concepts and current business practice, showing abilities of reflection, evaluation and discussion.
• The student shows professional initiative, active participation and responsibility in both individual and team work.
• The student shows the ability to collect valid knowledge for his/her topic from outside the course sources by using scholarly search tools, by questioning current business practice and by practicing source critique.
• Student assignment is written in line with academic writing practice and instructions for Master’s Thesis, using the Harvard Referencing system, with references both in the text as well as reference list. The texts are written in coherent, fluent English.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The coursework meets with most of the above criteria.
• Additionally, the assignment shows good quality performance in three or more of the criteria or otherwise good interpretation.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The coursework meets with all the above six criteria.
• Additionally, the assignment shows excellence in three or more of the above criteria or otherwise deviating excellence.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Assessment criteria, Approved
Sufficient performance: has completed basic requirements to pass the course.
• Has made an attempt to apply and articulate concepts and information both verbally and in writing but has not made enough effort overall.
• The student has demonstrated little effort, interest and motivation for individual or team activities / assignments and the output is rather weak.
Assessment criteria, Failed

The student has not delivered the required work to complete the course. Or
team activities / assignments and output have not reached a minimum level that demonstrates learning