Cross-cultural Communication and Project Management (10cr)

Content

Type of course
Compulsory

Level of course
Professional studies

Objective of course
C711A-7
Students will acquire skills and competence to comprehend misunderstandings and diverse communication patterns and other forms of diversity based on different levels of culture that exist in diverse multicultural contexts.
C711B-7
The course aims at enabling students to operate effectively in culturally diverse environments and equipping them with relevant skills. On completing the course students will
1. have an overview of the expertise provided by the following three parts of the course:
A. Interpersonal and intercultural communication, teamwork and presentation skills
B. Creative problem solving strategies in multicultural teams
C. Cross-cultural project management and team work
2. appreciate intercultural management as an inter-related system in which a number of interdisciplinary tasks are coordinated and aligned with overall strategies
3. have the interpersonal, intercultural and problem solving skills required in cross-cultural management
4. value cultural diversity as an asset and draw benefits from it.

Course contents
C711A-7
- communication and culture
- language & nonverbal communication
- cultural value dimensions
- cultural adaptation
- intercultural competence
C711B-7
- culture and cross-cultural communication
- interpersonal and intercultural communication
- teamwork and cross-cultural business environment
- professional presentations in intercultural business contexts
- strategic management and creativity techniques, the creative problem solving 'road map'
- effects of culture and intercultural issues on problem solving strategies
- cross-cultural project management

Teaching methods
C711A-7 Lectures, individual and group exercises, project work, learning diary
C711B-7
- Lectures and presentations
- Independent learning and guided self-tuition, technology-enhanced learning
- Problem-solving activities and learning by doing
- Tasks and activities (independent & teamwork)
- Mini case studies, simulations and role plays
- Oral presentations

Assessment methods
C711A-7 Active participation in contact teaching and exercises, learning diary, project work
C711B-7
Continuous assessment:
- Written essays on the topic
- Problem-solving activities
- Tasks and activities (independent & teamwork)
- Mini case studies, simulations and role plays
- Oral presentations
- Group and self-evaluation
Final evaluation:
- To solve a larger case study

Prerequisites
C711A-7 Core studies
C711B-7 None

Required/Recommended reading
To be announced at the beginning of the course

Name of lecturer(s)
C711A-7 Mari Rytisalo
C711B-7 Pirkko Varis

Year of study/Semester/Period
2

Language of instruction
English

Parts of course
C711A-7 Intercultural communication skills, 5 cr
C711B-7 Cross-cultural communication and project management, 10 cr