Knowledge Management C, 5 poäng Syllabus : Knowledge Management C Course code : FEUC24 Responsibility : Umeå School of Business Subject : Business Administration Level : C (advanced) Course credit : 7.5 ECTS / 5 points Field of education: Social Sciences This is a course at the C-level in a Bsc-degree or a Msc-degree at Umeå University. The course can also be included in study programmes in Business Administration and Economics at Umeå School of Business. 1. Resolution to arrange the course The course is established by the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Umeå and the syllabus was confirmed by the Board of Umeå School of Business on June 14, 2006. The syllabus is valid from November 30, 2006. 2. Objectives The course deals with understanding the complex human and social dimensions of generating, transmitting and maintaining knowledge in organisations. It addresses issues of both theoretical and practical significance. Learning as both the process and outcome of knowledge will be analysed. The way people understand, use and manage knowledge in organizations will be specially analysed. However, the way people deal with organisational issues greatly depends upon the language they use when referring to knowledge and knowledge management, and students will be encouraged to scrutinize the importance of a different approaches to knowledge. In this course, students will be encouraged to identify, use and understand why and how different approaches to knowledge are used in different organizational contexts, and what advantages and disadvantages they may have in enhancing managerial decisions and thereby managing organizations effectively. 3. Content In modern times, both managers and management theorists are increasingly challenged by the changing circumstances and contexts where the competitive advantage of firms greatly depends on their ability to build, utilize and protect knowledge. The course deals with the strategic importance of knowledge in the context of human and organisational development. Several approach to knowledge that may enable students to analyses the complex processes at work in the creation, use and transfer of corporate knowledge will be dealt with. Specific questions in the course content include phenomena such as what knowledge is, what knowledge management is, and how, why and when to relate these into managerial decision-making and organizational effectiveness. The course introduces also critical aspects in the literature of knowledge management, and the extent to which knowledge management can be a useful framework from which to organize and manage modern organisations that compete, and sometimes cooperate, for survival in a continuously changing and increasingly globalizing context. Critical issues as to whether knowledge management can be a relevant metaphor for organisational competence development will be assessed. 4. Prerequisites Courses in Business Administration 60 ECTS credits. Students are required to have a minimum of 40 points from the A-and B-level courses in Business Administration. This corresponds to 60 ECTS-credits in basic courses in Business Administration (Management, Accounting, Financial Investments, Cost Accounting and Marketing). 5. Teaching methods The core topics of the course will be covered by lectures, seminars and case studies. The students will also meet guest lecturers during the course. On several occasions, students will be asked to make oral and written presentations of assignments, case studies and term papers. They will be expected to take an active part in the classroom discussions, seminars and case studies. Guest lectures might be used in examination. 6. Examination For the course attendance at lectures, seminars, case discussions, and study visits are required. A written project report must also be submitted as a part of the courser content. Written examinations, case analyses, and a project reports will be graded according to the following system: Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, Vg, 75% or more), Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more) and Fail (Underkänd, U, less than 50%). Students who do not pass at the time of the normal written examination will have an opportunity to sit a further examination within 2 to 3 weeks after the completion of the course. Additional examination opportunities arise every academic year one-week prior to the start of the autumn term. When a student has failed an examination on two occasions, the student has a right to have another grading teacher. A written request should be handed to the Director of Studies no later than two weeks before the next examination opportunity. The course grades are awarded when students have passed all examinations and all other requirements for the course. At the completion of the course, the instructor in the course may provide the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) grade for exchange students who may request it, but only if all the course requirements have been completed. 7. Utilization etcetera In cases where there are applicants from abroad, the course language will be English. Otherwise, parts of the course may be taught in English. Information on language aspects can be obtained from the student counsellor. 8. Readings and other material Knowledge Management C Hislop, Donald (2005): Knowledge Management in Organizations: A Critical Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press. McKenzie, Jane & van Winkelen, Christine (2004): Understanding the Knowledgeable Organization: Nurturing Knowledge competence. London: Thompson. A Compendium of recent Journal articles will complement the textbooks. Student Office --------------------------- UMEÅ UNIVERSITY Umeå School of Business SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden www.usbe.umu.se