Organization Theory and Analysis, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

• 120 ECTS credits passed from undergraduate studies including at least 60 ECTS credits in Business Administration, or equivalent
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6)
  ​Exemption from Swedish

Intended learning outcomes

After completion of the course, the students should be able to:

• discuss different trends in the development of organization theories, their nature, and implications for practice
• reflect upon, describe and assess different theoretical perspectives and approaches of organization studies
• critically analyze, discuss and contrast central theoretical constructs
• engage multiple perspectives in the analysis of organizational phenomena

Course content

The course deals with contemporary organizational phenomena. Particular emphasis is placed on innovation and technology management, identity and culture, interventions for health-promoting working life and employee well-being. Contemporary challenges at workplaces, such as sustainability, ethics, equality, and diversity, are discussed.  

The course introduces multiple theoretical perspectives for the analyses of contemporary organizational phenomena. For example, it discusses how the rationalist thinking contrasts with the critical school of thought; how institutional, environmental, cultural and ethical demands challenge economic aspirations and growth-oriented strategies.  

The course combines lectures and seminars with a perspective of guest lecturers' practical experiences from different organizations.

Teaching and working methods

The teaching consists of lectures, guest lectures, seminars, and group work. In addition to this, students need to practice self-study.

Language of instruction: English.

Examination

The course is examined through:

• oral presentation of group work, grading scale: EC
• written presentation of group work, grading scale: EC
• individual written assignment, grading scale: EC

Each exam part gives a number of course points.

For a passed final grade E, the lowest grade E is required on all examining parts, with at least 50% of possible course points.

For final grade D, at least 60% of possible course points are required.

For final grade C, at least 70% of possible course points are required.

For final grade B, at least 80% of possible course points are required.

For final grade A, at least 90% of possible course points are required.

Detailed information can be found in the study instructions.
 

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