Business Administration 3 - Management Control, 30 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

• 60 ECTS credits in Business Administration, with a minimum of 52,5 ECTS credits passed including a course in research methods of 7,5 ECTS credits, or equivalent
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6)
  Exemption from Swedish

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to: 

• demonstrate advanced knowledge of business administration models and business administration theories
• apply the acquired knowledge to current problems in corporate financial management
• use the language and theoretical business models concerning the strategic processes and the control issues that are used in a modern international business venture
• independently plan and carry out a scientific work in corporate financial management
• critically review and discuss a scientific work in corporate financial management

Course content

This course consists of three parts. The first part, Management Control 7,5 credits, gives a broad introduction to the field of management control of organisations and focuses on different theories, models and concepts which can be used by the management of an organisation to achieve organisational goals. It also includes an analysis and discussion of the limitations and shortcomings of traditional means of control. The course covers a wide range of topics related to the management control environment and control process. The topics covered include models for control, organising for financial responsibility, performance measurement, incentive systems, control in different contingencies, Activity Based Costing, Balanced Scorecard etc.

The second part, Project Management 7,5 credits, gives an introduction to the expanding field of project management and the analysis of problems in project management and project-based companies, such as the management of single projects, risk management, and the management and organisation of project-based firms. Students will learn to analyse different projects and project environments, to understand and analyse different types of logics management logic used in project management and to understand and analyse the specific characteristics of project-based companies.

The last part of the course consists of the preparation and completion of a bachelor thesis, 15 credits.

Teaching and working methods

The teaching takes the form of lectures and seminar exercises, and in the last module, essay tutoring. The students should also study independently. Language of instruction: English.

Examination

The examination of the initial two courses will be done through written examination or may have format of a project work within the frame of the course, or even by using both forms for examination. The thesis is presented and defended at a seminar. The examination also includes critical review of another essay and active participation in the entire seminar series. Detailed information about the examination can be found in the course’s study guide.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

Department