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BSc in Business Administration and Service Management

BSc SEM combines business economics and service sector studies and gives you an in-depth understanding of how to market, sell and organise a service in national as well as international markets.

Programme under development

BSc SEM is currently under development, which means the academic content of the programme will change for the 2025 intake. We expect the new programme description to be ready no later than December 2024, and you can keep yourself updated on this page. 

You are welcome to contact a student guidance counsellor if you have any questions about the changes. Contact a student guidance counsellor.  

 

About the programme

Services in a broad perspective
The service sector is the largest sector in most developed countries. In Denmark it contributes around 70 % of the national GDP. A service is an intangible offering; no physical product is exchanged between buyer and seller before purchase. Traditional examples could be services provided in shops, restaurants, hotels, tourism agencies, travelling, amusement parks or even in public institutions such as museums. Modern examples of services include subscriptions to streaming services, social media, mobile and communication services as well as business services.

Services are an integral part of what a company is and what it produces. For example, physical products often also have an additional service attached to them in the form of knowledge, time or attention. A simple example could be when you buy a new phone. You are paying for a physical product, but you also receive in-store pre-purchase service where the sales assistant provides you with information and answers the questions you might have. However, you also receive post-purchase service in the form of a warranty and 24/7 customer support.

A shift from products to services
While companies used to talk about the products they provided, they now emphasise on the service they provide to their customers – whether it be as part of a purchased physical product or as a standalone service. The wave of digitalization we are currently experiencing is probably the clearest example of the shift from products to services, affecting us all in our jobs or studies as well as in our personal lives. Service has become an essential part of product development and a means to compete with industry rivals. Today effective customer service is a vital element to survive and grow in a competitive market. If you do not cater to the expectations and needs of your customers, your competitors definitely will.

There is often also a trade-off between the quality of a physical product and the service provided with it. That is, although objectively the competitor might have a slightly better product, you can still attract the consumers by providing a better service and purchasing experience.

The general and the service-specific perspective
The BSc SEM gives you a broad understanding of business administration, how businesses develop and stay ahead of competition and how services add value across industries, both as stand-alone offerings and in relation to services and experiences. You will also get a broad understanding of the service sector as a whole while going more in-depth with one specific service sector through case studies and textbook examples.

The objective of this structure is to understand services as an integrated part of a company. As an example, imagine a company providing services of some sort, whether it be to businesses or to private consumers. The manager of such a company cannot simply develop and provide services without considering the external environment of the company. They need to understand the economic and competitive setting in which the company is embedded, how to organise and market the company and its services, what economic and strategic goals it seeks to achieve and how providing competitive services can help accomplish such goals.

Hear students share insights about BSc SEM

Hear students at BSc SEM share some experiences and their thoughts about the programme.

What you should be interested in

To study BSc SEM successfully and be happy with the programme it would be useful to be interested in:

  • service industries and how companies develop, implement and manage many kinds of services.
  • not just one particular type of service but also how services are an integrated part of how companies develop and compete.
  • working with services from the viewpoint of many different topics within business administration ranging from customer satisfaction and quality control to business strategy and market development to finance and accounting.

Why students chose BSc SEM
Students at CBS come from all over the world, and all have different backgrounds. Hear students at BSc SEM share their background, and why they chose to apply for the programme.

Challenges and considerations

BSc SEM has some particular challenges that are important to think about before you choose the programme. How well do these challenges correspond to the sort of person you are, how you like to work and the things you are good at?  

Working analytically and academically
Some students expect BSc SEM to be very practical and mostly focus on skills that are particular to specific service industries. It is true that you will gain an understanding of specific types of service companies – depending on your choice of specialisation. However, it is important to understand that BSc SEM is a university programme which will also introduce you to general theories within business administration and expect you to work analytically and academically. You need to be comfortable with this theoretical and analytical approach to studying.

Quarter structure
BSc SEM has a so-called “quarter structure” where you follow two courses for about six weeks before taking your exams in those two courses. Each year of study is divided into four such quarters. Some students enjoy this way of working as it allows them to focus on only two courses and two exams at a time. Others find it challenging because it means that you need to keep up your study discipline all the time and if you have just a couple of weeks where you are not very productive it can be challenging to catch up.

International study environment
The programme usually has a higher share of international students than the other CBS programmes taught in English. It is therefore useful if you see a very international study environment as exiting and an advantage.

Maths as a tool
In about half of the mandatory courses in BSc SEM you will use maths as a tool. You will not use maths that is complicated beyond the entry requirement for the programme, but you need to be comfortable having courses where you use maths and do calculations at a practical level.

Studying in English
If you are not used to studying in English or if you are not a native speaker, we recommend that you read more about what to consider before applying for an English-taught programme. 

See Studying in English on Student Life

Hear a student guidance councellor share some challenges and considerations you should be aware of before applying to BSc SEM.

The study environment
 
What is it like to study at BSc SEM?
Listen to students share their thoughts on what it was like to start studying, and learn more about why they enjoy CBS and Copenhagen both socially and academically. 
 

Career options and Master's programmes

Competencies after BSc SEM
The programme will give you:
  • a broad understanding of business administration
  • specific insight into service industries and the development of services in competitive markets
You can find more information about what you learn in the programme in the Competence profile for BSc SEM


Master's programmes after BSc SEM
The clear majority of students from BSc SEM continue to a two-years master’s programme for a total of five years of study. It is very much the master’s rather than the bachelor programme that determines which career paths that lay open to you.

Most BSc SEM graduates tend to end up in companies or organisations where they in some way work with services – but within many different fields of business administration. Read more about master’s programmes and career options.

Hear a student guidance counsellor give insights to how you can create your own profile as well as share thoughts on career options and master's programmes.

Entry requirements

English - language requirement A
English - specific entry requirement B with min. 6.0 grade average (Danish scale)
Mathematics B
Social Studies OR International Economics OR History of Ideas OR Contemporary History  B
Motivational essay Yes - see selection quotas

Read about entry requirements and how to apply at bachelor admission.

Admission statistics
Grade point average Arts & Culture: 9.2
Tourism & Hospitality: 8.7
Service & Innovation: 9.2                   
Number of enrolled students

135
Quota 1  / Quota 2 70% / 30%
Applicants (quota 2) 1188 (1094)
Foreign students 81%
Gender distribution - men / women 47% / 53%
Average age 21.3 year

See Admission Statistics for all bachelor programmes.

 

The page was last edited by: Web editor - Student Communications // 11/20/2024

Overview of courses

1. semester2. semester3. semester4. semester5. semester6. semester
Method 1. Philosophy of science and qualitative methods
(7.5 ECTS)		Managerial Economics
(15 ECTS)		Financial Accounting
(7.5 ECTS)		 Macroeconomics
(7.5 ECTS)		Electives / Exchange / Internship (30 ECTS)Bachelor Project
(15 ECTS)
Service Management Operations
(7.5 ECTS)		Method 2. Statistics and quantitative methods
(7.5 ECTS)		Management Control Systems
(7.5 ECTS)		Corporate Finance
(7.5 ECTS)		Public Regulations
(7.5 ECTS)
Service Management Foundations
(7.5 ECTS)		Course under development 1 (7.5 ECTS)Organisational Behavior
(7.5 ECTS)		Course under development 2 (7.5 ECTS) Course under development 4 (7.5 ECTS)
Introduction to Management Studies
(7.5 ECTS)		Strategy in a Service Perspective
(7.5 ECTS)		Course under development 3 (7.5 ECTS)

Method 1. Philosophy of science and qualitative methods

Course objective:
The primary objective of the course is to present central qualitative methods and theoretical concepts that are required to carry out empirical business research, and to train the student’s capability of discussing and assessing these.

Course content:
The initial part of the course will introduce the students to basic concepts that regard theory of science and knowledge production within social science research. This part aims to establish an awareness of the concerns and possibilities that different approaches to studying the social science may contain.

The remaining part of the course focuses on central qualitative methods, used in business studies. In the class the students are exposed to four central methodological techniques: participant observation, interviews, focus group interviews and document analysis. The course aims to train the student’s ability to use and combine these techniques in a competent manner, and thus to enhance their analytic abilities.

The course will be organised in 10x2 lectures and 5x2 workshops to enable the students to apply and train the different methods and topics of the course.
 

The last of the 5 workshops will give the students an opportunity to try out the steps of the research project process and will last app. 1½ day. It is optional for the students to participate.

Learning Objectives

  • Explain and discuss basic concepts within the theory of science: central perspectives that regard knowledge production processes based on empirical research.
  • Identify a research object or problem area and propose an operable research question.
  • Discuss and develop different research strategies, appropriate to form research projects that aim to study specific objects and phenomena.
  • Explain, discuss and assess benefits and drawbacks of central qualitative methods and methodological concepts (with a particular focus on participant observation, interviews and document analysis), with reference to relevant research questions.
  • Present written output in an academic structured and linguistically fluent form applying a recognised author-date referencing style.

ECTS

7.5

Managerial Economics

The objective of this course is to provide the student with a thorough understanding of microeconomics applied to the problem of managerial decision-making. The first step in achieving this objective is to understand how to model economic behavior. The student will learn how a manager chooses production inputs based on marginal productivity, prices, and various other economic variables. The student will learn to develop an economic model through the use of algebra and basic calculus. The student will gain a feel for the art of choosing assumptions to set up and solve a meaningful problem. The second step in achieving the objective is to build an understanding of the many economic problems. The student will examine economic problems in consumer theory, production, technology, cost analysis, profit analysis, and market interactions. When the foundations of the course have been established the key concepts are applied in more complex settings like market structures, game theory, competition, pricing, and other managerial decision making models relevant to the service industry.

  
20 x Lecturing (L1-L20)
The course consists of 20 lectures (L1-L20) each of 3 x 45 minutes. The lectures will explore the core areas of the theory requiring a considerable amount of self-study. It is advisable with 4-6 hours of preparation for each lecture.
 
8x Active workshops (W1- W8)
Workshops (W1-W8) consist of 6 x 45 min each. The workshops consist of theoretical and empirical problems and cases. They are part of the curriculum. Naturally these active learning and feedback sessions will correspond to the content and headlines of the previous lectures. The workshops are very important for the learning process. The workshops can be solved individually or in groups.

 

 

3 x Technical workshops

These workshops focus on updating and developing technical skills necessary to complete the course. There will be a workshop on mathematics for economics during the beginning of the course, usually scheduled on a saturday, and workshops on optimization with MS Excel. These workshops are extremely important in order to possess the skills necessary to get optimal learning out of the course and do well in the exam.

Learning Objectives

To be awarded the highest mark (12), the student, with no or just a few insignificant shortcomings, must fulfill the following learning objectives:

  • The student should be able to account for selected theories
  • The student should be able to apply the correct theory on a given issue.
  • The student should be able to apply technical solution methods when solving a given issue.
  • The student should be able to illustrate the solution to a given issue.
  • The student should be able to use the correct course vocabulary.
  • The student should be able to reach a decision based on economic rationing.

ECTS

15

Financial Accounting

The course includes the following sessions which aim at laying the foundation for a solid understanding of financial accounting and reporting practices:

 

  1. Purpose/function of accounting, presentation of financial statements
  2. Double-entry bookkeeping technique
  3. Accrual accounting
  4. Internal control, cash and receivables
  5. Inventory and merchandizing operations
  6. PPE and intangibles
  7. Current and long-term liabilities
  8. Equity and investments
  9. Cash flow statement
  10. Financial statement analysis

 

Throughout  the different sessions, students acquire general business knowledge by analyzing financial statements of internationally operating companies with different backgrounds (service and product companies from different countries) with the aim of assessing the firm’s financial position and performance in light of the broader economic context.

The tasks of analysing financial data and assessing whether certain accounting regulations and practices meet the (intended) purpose of financial accounting aim at stimulating students’ curiosity about ambiguities in accounting and at helping students to develop a high degree of analytical and critical thinking.

Constructive collaboration is encouraged by group tasks.

Learning Objectives

After having completed the course students should be able to:

  • Explain the purpose of financial accounting and reporting and critically assess whether current accounting regulations and practices meet such purposes
  • Explain the difference between cash and accrual accounting
  • Apply the double-entry-bookkeeping method to prepare financial statements based on accounting transactions
  • Find, analyze and interpret specific information in financial statements of firms using either IFRS or U.S. GAAP
  • Define ethical dilemmas in accounting and their consequences and identify situations in which unethical behavior is (more/less) likely to occur

ECTS

7.5

Macroeconomics

This course offers a general introduction to macroeconomics. We ask questions such as, ‘What determines production, unemployment and inflation in the short and medium run?’ To answer this, we develop an analytical framework based on equilibrium conditions in three markets: the goods market, the financial market and the labour market. This framework is also used to analyze questions like, ‘What is the scope for a government to stabilise the economy using fiscal and monetary policy?’ Moreover, issues related to the open economy are addressed, such as capital mobility, exchange rates, balance of payments etc.

The following issues are addressed in the course:
• Demand for goods
• Demand for money
• Labour market
• Inflation and unemployment
• Fiscal and monetary policy
• The open economy
• Financial markets and expectations

Learning Objectives

Course aim: The purpose of the course is to give students an understanding of (i) movements in the economy over the business cycle, (ii) macroeconomic stabilisation policy (monetary and fiscal) in closed and open economies, and (iii) basic aspects of financial markets and expectations.

  • Explain basic macroeconomic terminology (e.g. "growth", "recession", "natural unemployment", "trade balance deficit" etc.) in a comprehensive way
  • Describe how real GDP is determined in the short and medium run.
  • Describe the main determinants of other important macroeconomic variables such as inflation, unemployment, real wage, interest rate, exchange rate etc.
  • Perform simple algebraic calculations related to developments in the main macroeconomic variables
  • Describe and explain the assumptions and relations of the main macroeconomic models (e.g. IS/LM).
  • Illustrate diagrammatically these models, perform policy experiments (like increasing government spending or changing the money supply) and interpret verbally what happens when moving from one equilibrium to another.
  • Solve algebraically simple macroeconomic models in order to determine the value of the variables in equilibrium (national income, interest rate, consumption, investment etc.)

ECTS

7.5

Electives / Exchange / Internship (30 ECTS)

In the 5th semester, you can take electives at CBS or other universities, go on exchange or do an internship in a company.

Bachelor Project

A Project Guideline is published during the second quarter of the fall semester on CBS learn. It supplements the Program Regulations and serves as a teaching aid for the Bachelor Project. The Guideline provides detailed information about Project requirements and deadlines, as well as practical suggestions and advice regarding the Project experience and proper use of a Project Adviser (supervisor).

 

The initial period and crucial steps in the work process are supported by instructions, explanations, brief lectures and text via CBS Canvas. The blended learning material will be available in January 2019. For reflections and discussion about the process, the instructions and suggestions on CBS learn. The students are invited to an Introduction lecture and three workshops together with the project coordinator meet beginning early February 2019 [students, for example, get an overview of the process, the development of research questions, reflect upon the research strategy and learn how to engage with the supervisor].

Learning Objectives

  • Independently formulate a relevant research question
  • Identify and select concepts and theories that help study the specific research question
  • Provide comprehensive knowledge of research literature and the selected concepts/theories
  • Develop a research strategy that allows for an answer of the research question including relevant quantitative and/or qualitative methods
  • Identify, collect and analyse relevant data/information/literature etc.
  • Provide an answer to the research questions based on a substantial and reflective discussion of literature, data, and approaches used
  • Formulate and present (orally and in writing) coherently argued answers, combining theory, methodology, and data to the research question
  • Reflect critically on the quality of the research strategy and the answers produced
  • Provide a Bachelor Project that meets the standards of academic writing.

ECTS

15

Service Management Operations

Course aim: Service industries play a central role in the world economy. This course aims to provide students with economic and business theories, analytical tools and practical methods to understand the specific characteristics and conditions of the service economy and to provide solutions to improve the management of service firms.

Course content: The course consists of different knowledge areas of the service economy: the economic role and specific characteristics of services, the design of the service enterprise and the managing of services. The first part of the course focuses on understanding services’ characteristics, their relation to economic evolution and it discusses competition and strategy issues in services. The second part focuses on theories, tools and methods for designing the service firm and deals with the areas of innovation, quality and new service development. The third part introduces strategies for process improvement and facility and location considerations relevant to the management of service firms. The final part analyses models and methods to manage capacity and demand, capacity planning and queuing systems. The different theories and tools are applied using interactive exercises and practical case studies of (1) service innovation, (2) tourism and hospitality, and (3) culture and the arts.

Learning Objectives

  • Explain concepts and theories about the nature and role of services in the economy
  • Apply the different economic theories with special focus on the management conditions of service firms.
  • Provide a critical analysis of the characteristics of a service operation and present solutions to management problems.
  • Critically discuss the competitive environment of services and apply theoretical frameworks to examine the competitiveness of service firms.
  • Examine service design, innovation processes and quality management in services applying theoretical models and new service development tools.
  • Work in teams and apply academic knowledge to practical cases in services

ECTS

7.5

Method 2. Statistics and quantitative methods

The course addresses established statistical methods for representing and analyzing quantitative data, primarily survey data. The focus will be on selecting and applying the methods that are appropriate for a given type of data. Students will learn how phenomena can be measured and analyzed statistically, how to report  the results of their analysis, and what kind of conclusions statistical research can lead to. 

The main modules composing the course are:

• Probability

• Confidence intervals and hypothesis testing

• Tests of hypotheses about means and proportions

• Tests of association between categorical variables

• Correlation analysis
• Regression analysis

 

Students will learn how to perform statistical analyses in Microsoft Excel.

Learning Objectives

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

  • Explain different kinds of population characteristics (types of variables), their measurement from a sample, and sampling biases.
  • Explain and discuss the concept of probability and the concept of inference, and relate to measures of test statistics, critical value, confidence interval and p-value.
  • Explain and perform appropriate tests of hypotheses about means and proportions
  • Explain and perform tests of hypotheses about the association between two categorical variables.
  • Explain the concept of correlation between numerical variables, and compute a correlation coefficient
  • Explain the logic of regression analysis and the difference between correlation and regression analyses. Formulate and discuss adequate regression models for explaining different phenomena.
  • Perform linear regression, including multivariate regression and regression with categorical (dummy) variables as explanatory variables. Interpret regression coefficients and related measures (t-tests, F-tests, standard errors, p-values etc.) and the determination coefficient (R2), and investigate residuals.

ECTS

7.5

Management Control Systems

The aim of the course is to provide the student with both theoretical understanding and practical skills of management control systems and management accounting practices.

Management control systems are perceived as a mechanism to increase the likelihood for an organization to 1) achieve its objectives and 2) utilize resources efficiently when implementing strategies. Included in this section is also introduction to basic concepts and calculations in cost accounting.

Additionally, the management control system can become an early warning system for feeding back information to the strategic planning and control system. Alternatives to traditional management accounting are introduced. However, the main focus is on financial results control systems going from planning and budgeting models to balanced scorecards. This includes introduction  to concepts and calculations in cost accounting.

The student will learn to integrate performance measurement, evaluation, and incentives as part of a management control system so as to be able to influence an organization to actions and behavior that will increase goal congruence and achievement of objectives. The course also deals with important management control roles and ethical issues faced by managers and employees.

The course contains the following elements:

  • Management control alternatives (results controls, action controls, and people controls)
  • Design criteria for management control systems including analysis of control tightness and cost vs. benefit
  • Financial result control systems used in for-profit organizations including

                       • Decentralizing in financial responsibility centers

                       • Allocating resources effectively with the use of transfer prices
                       • Planning and budgeting processes
                       • Determining financial performance measures and targets

  • Non-financial perfomance measures
  • Designing performance dependent reward systems
  • Performance measurement issues and their effects on financial results control systems, most notably the problems of Myopia and Uncontrollable Factors.
  • Strategic performance measurement issues with particular focus on the Balanced Scorecard, including non financial performance measures
  • Corporate control roles and the organization of Corporate Governance
  • Management control related ethical issues

Learning Objectives

After having completed the course the students should be able to a) describe the theories and models that are taught in the course (as described in the course content and its elements) b) Apply the theories and models of the course in case study settings by: 1) Identifying and explaining management accounting issues and management control issues 2) Discuss aspects of the management control systems and management accounting practices 3) Recommend courses of action for management with respect to their management accounting practices and control systems.

ECTS

7.5

Corporate Finance

The course covers the core aspects finance focusing on corporate applications in the international environment. It covers the basic theories of interest rates, valuation of streams of cash flows, and pricing of risk, and it draws practical implications for capital structure, project valuation, financing, and risk management. The course provides a financial background in finance for a professional career based on the bachelor degree as well as for further academic studie

 

The participants are introduced to methodological and practical concepts in modern corporate finance using various pedagogical methods. The course design is aimed at reflecting finance in today’s digital world, for example by supplementary readings and discussions of practical applications of the course material and real-life dilemmas face by modern corporations. Overall this should provide participants with experience in implementing financial concepts and providing concrete financial recommendations in modern corporations.

Learning Objectives

With Corporate Finance Theory as context the student is expected to be able to: • Identify, explain, discuss and apply the core concepts, models and methods • Calculate, interpret and compare financial statistics, prices, returns and costs • Elaborate, present and discuss solutions for financial decision problems

ECTS

7.5

Public Regulations

The legal framework more and more influences the reality of cross-border business in the tourism and hospitality sector. This course aims at providing students with the basic theoretical knowledge and practical skills useful for analysing the dynamics and consequences of the interaction between business and public regulations.

The course provides a number of legal parameters and tools for students of international service management, based for the most part in rules found at EU level. In the first half of the course general EU internal market law, competition and public procurement law and data protection will be covered. In the second half we will focus instead in specific business areas and the public regulations applicable to them, looking into the constraints these impose.

 

The relationship between theory and practice will be achieved by integrating the knowledge provided in the course to specific cases of real corporations or sectors. Through its learning activities and assessment this course enhances competencies of problem solving, teamwork, writing up and presenting ideas, coordination of project activities and application of knowledge to practice.

Learning Objectives

After completing the course, the students will be able to:

  • Understanding of the legal aspects of service management in tourism and hospitality
  • Identify the essential elements of a concrete legal problem, select the relevant sources of law, and present a convincing argument for the resolution of that problem.
  • Identify the essential elements of a concrete legal problem, select the relevant sources of law, and present a convincing argument for the resolution of that problem.

ECTS

7.5

Service Management Foundations

The course presents key concepts and foundations of one of the following fields: (1) tourism and hospitality, (2) arts and culture, and (3) service innovation. Each field represents the study focus for one of the three specializations in the SEM program. The course provides a succinct yet comprehensive introduction to each specialization and field of study, by giving a general overview of service industries and their development. The course discusses the importance of services in the context of each field of study (see 1, 2, 3 above).

Learning Objectives

In order to be awarded the highest grade (12) the student would have to fulfill the following course objectives:

  • Explain and discuss the concepts and theories presented through the course
  • Analyze and discuss the structure and development of service sectors presented during the course
  • Apply concepts and models presented throughout the course to specific cases, and discuss their strengths and weaknesses

ECTS

7.5

Course under development 1 (7.5 ECTS)

This course is currently under development due to changes in the academic content of BSc in Service Management.

We expect the new course description to be ready no later than December 2024.

Organisational Behavior

This course will provide students with a fundamental understanding of the characteristics and behavior of groups and organizations. Students will be acquainted with contemporary perspectives on how organizations act and how organizations impact the actions of organizational members and vice versa. Modernist, symbolic-interpretive, critical and postmodern perspectives on organizations are presented, and it is expected that by the end of the course, students are not just familiar with differences between these perspectives, but also can see the strengths and weaknesses of the various perspectives.
 
The course will offer specific emphasis on organizational issues in the context of tourism and hospitality. It will examine group dynamics and processes, culture, leadership, power, and organizational structure, as well as how the organizational context and environment influences on the organization. Throughout the course students will explore relations between individuals (employees, managers, leaders), formal and informal groups, organizations, industries and the wider organizational context.
 
A range of teaching methods and course materials will help us introduce important approaches, concepts, and frameworks, and apply those to different types of organizations operating in diverse sectors and geographies. The course will also highlight particularities of organizational behavior in the specific case of tourism and hospitality, through a range of examples from around the world.
 
The course will allow students (1) to develop an ability to analyze, comprehend, and explain important aspects and determinants of behavior in organizations, and 2) to apply theories and approaches from the course in a practical way to competently and strategically address problems, envision and achieve organizational change, and learn what it takes to be more effective and engaging leaders and managers, especially in the context of tourism and hospitality.

 

Academic progression:

This course runs in the 3rd semester of the program, and complements with an organizational perspective the previous management courses from the 1rst and 2nd semesters. Acknowledging that management is a process that takes place within and across organizations, this course on organizational behavior brings forward important aspects about behavioral dynamics of groups and of organizations, complementing the focus of management courses on decision-making processes and efficiency.

This course complements as well the other courses in the 3rd semester on control and accounting systems, on financial accounting, and on strategy in service perspective. An effective control, accounting and financial systems require organizations that are able to deliver, and for that it is fundamental to understand organizational behavior issues associated to the relations between the individuals and groups that form the organization, and its external context. Likewise, delivering the value creation and competitive market performance suggested in the strategy course of the 3rd semester requires also an organization that is able to function in that direction. The behavior of individuals and groups within the organization is fundamental to achieve the strategic goals set up for the firm.

Learning Objectives

After taking this course, the students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of concepts, theories, models and perspectives presented in the course.
  • Demonstrate an ability to analyze and explain complex organizational situations and practices, using concepts, theories, models and perspectives discussed in the course.
  • Formulate effective solutions to organizational problems or situations, using the concepts, theories, models and perspectives addressed in the course.
  • Deliver well‐structured and compelling written and oral presentations on organizational associated issues, tailored to the needs of a specific audience.

ECTS

7.5

Course under development 2 (7.5 ECTS)

This course is currently under development due to changes in the academic content of BSc in Service Management.

We expect the new course description to be ready no later than December 2024.

Course under development 4 (7.5 ECTS)

This course is currently under development due to changes in the academic content of BSc in Service Management.

We expect the new course description to be ready no later than December 2024.

Introduction to Management Studies

The aim of this course is to provide a holistic understanding of the business firm, its development and managerial decisions throughout the organizational life-cycle by integrating economic theory of the firm and behavioural economics. The course also seeks to further the understanding of how we judge prospects and make decisions. Theories and models that assume we are fully rational (“the economic man”) are compared with theories that assume we are bounded rational and biased. Hence, we focus on two analytical levels – the individual decision-maker and the firm – and two theoretical assumptions – the model of the efficient decision-maker/firm and explanations of why we deviate from the norm of rationality and efficiency.

 

Students will be introduced to 5 core themes within the field of management studies:

 

1) The organizational biography of the firm
2) The horizontal and vertical boundaries of the firm
3) Corporate governance
4) Business unit and corporate strategy

5) Appropriation strategies and innovation activities

 

In the first theme on the organizational biography of the firm we will try to understand the transformations that take place in the organization of the firm as the firm grows and gets older. On one hand we study the structures and processes and on the other hand will try to understand the differences between entrepreneurial and managerial decision making.

 

In the theme on the horizontal and vertical boundaries of the firm (related to
outsourcing, cooperation, integration and diversification) we discuss some of the factors and forces that from an economic perspective determine the size, growth of the firm and changes within a firm. We also discuss motives and managerial decision making in relations to growth through e.g. acquisitions.

 

In the third theme we focus on the “agency problem” and corporate governance. We view the firm as a bundle of contractural relationships and analyse how conflicts of interests are handled between shareholders and top management and between management and employees.

 

In the fourth theme on business unit and corporate strategy we present some basic strategy models and discuss the role of long-term planning and organizational self-control. While some models focus on the external environment of the firm - the industry - others focus on the internal environment of the firm - its resources and capabilities.

 

The final theme target appropriation strategies and the impact on innovation performance and organizational forms. 

Learning Objectives

  • be able to define and explain concepts, models and theories of the course
  • be able to classify and compare concepts, models and theories of the course
  • be able to justify and apply the chosen concepts, models and theories when analyzing relevant empirical phenomena in a concrete firm

ECTS

7.5

Strategy in a Service Perspective

The course provides an introduction to the core ideas of strategic management, value creation and appropriation, performance and (sustainable) competitive advantage. The content of the course is built around a standard textbook (see curriculum below) and a number of research articles and cases. The starting point and the running theme of the course is value creation and appropriation. Other topics include the analysis of the firm environment, internal resources, strategic factor markets, the relationship between value appropriation by different stakeholders and the observed firm performance, the main processes within the firm, etc. Throughout the course, the theoretical models are applied to service firms and the particular challenges raised by services.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, students should:

  • Understand the particular strategic challenges associated with service firms.
  • Understand the key issues of strategic management: value creation, value appropriation, superior positioning, and (sustained) competitive advantage.
  • Be able to explain and discuss the strategic management theories and models introduced in the course.
  • Be able to explain and discuss the links between the different theories and models introduced in the course.
  • Be able to identify and apply relevant strategic management theories and models to analyze practical situations and issues related to firms’ strategy.
  • Understand the implications of digitalization for strategy formulation and implementation.
  • Understand how various functional areas fit together and influence the performance of the firm, which provides an important way in which this course serves an integrative purpose relative to the other courses in this program.

ECTS

7.5

Course under development 3 (7.5 ECTS)

This course is currently under development due to changes in the academic content of BSc in Service Management.

We expect the new course description to be ready no later than December 2024.