Study Guide

Objectives (course unit)

This fundamental course familiarizes the student with the principles and methods of academic research and academic writing. It provides the participants with a toolbox to transform the initial development work into a well-structured and logical final thesis.
*
When the student has passed the course he/she will know the following:
- difference between everyday knowledge and scientific knowledge
- meaning and justification of academic research in society
- nature of academic research
- rules and ethics of academic research
- differences between various research approaches
- most common research strategies and methods
- concepts of academic research
- critical perspective in information and sources
- research process stages
- importance of reference teqhnique
- structure of thesis
*
After completing the course the student can:
- use and apply concepts of academic research
- identify and find academic texts and sources
- choose a suitable research approach and methods
- prepare a research plan
- apply academic reference technique
- plan thesis structure
- analyze academic texts
When the student has passed the course he/she will be:
- skillful in planning research setting
- a leader to plan academic publications/documents in the organization
- a professional to analyse and produce academic texts

Content (course unit)

- Basic concepts of academic research
- Rules and ethics of academic research
- Main strategies and approaches of academic research
- Structure of academic thesis
- Analyzing academic texts
- Preparing research plan

Assessment criteria, pass/fail (course unit)

Criteria for PASS:
The student understands the overall process of designing a research project from the beginning  to the final report. He/she is able to identify ethical issues in research. He/she knows the difference between quantitative and qualitative research. The student is familiar with the criteria for evaluating the quality of a research project. The student is able to articulate a research problem, formulate research questions, develop research objectives and build a theoretical framework. He/she is familiar with basic data collection and analysis methods. The student is able to write a research proposal. 

Location and time

Tuesdays from 13-16 (29.10 - 17.12) contact teaching in the Main Campus, location TBD

Exam schedules

No exam

Assessment methods and criteria

Student is able to use academic concepts of research, identifies academic texts and is able to analyze them. Student is able to write thesis/research plan where he/she implements skills of setting research objectives and justification, research questions, data and methods and introduce theoretical background including suitable topic references.

Assessment scale

Pass/Fail

Teaching methods

Lectures, seminars, team working, individual writing task : thesis research plan

Learning materials

Will be published during the course

Completion alternatives

Must be discussed with teacher beforehand

Practical training and working life cooperation

Student selects

International connections

International student teams and working life connections

Assessment criteria - pass/fail (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Student is able to analyze and write academic text and write thesis/research plan on the personal field of study based on thesis instructions. Teacher might ask to fulfill report or thesis/research plan.

Objectives (course unit)

Course description
The course focuses on the increasing importance of the international dimension of business. The students choose one major theme for their independent learning project, which concentrates on one major theory or framework to broaden their understanding of international business strategies and prepare students for an internationally oriented career.
Objectives
After completing the course, the students will be able to:
Gather in-depth knowledge on the studied topic.
Connect international strategy to business strategy on a focused topic.
Conduct a well-structured analysis of a focused topic.
Develop a solution to a given international business problem.
Write a project report on a focused international business topic.

Content (course unit)

INTERNATIONALIZATION ISSUES

Internationalization process
Born global firms
Third world multinationals
FDI and developing countries
Emerging markets
Location decisions
Economic development
Economics of innovation & Technological transfer

MANAGEMENT

Cross-cultural management
Cultural distance
Culture and international business
Comparative management
Production/sourcing issues
Outsourcing/offshoring/insourcing
Global value chains (GVCs)
Management of technology
Corporate social responsibility
Knowledge management/transfer at the subsidiary level
International entrepreneurship
International Joint ventures
International Strategic alliances
Technology transfer
Issues of trust
Issues of guanxi
International R&D


MARKETING

Comparative marketing
Cross-cultural marketing
Country-of-origin issues
Exports/imports
Foreign market entry modes
Global/regional/local brands
International advertising
International franchising
International marketing management strategy
International product policy issues
International retailing
International sales management
International distribution/logistics/transportation
International marketing & e-commerce
Product differentiation
Brand origin knowledge


POLITICAL RISK ASSESSMENT

Political aspects of MNE activity
Terrorism and security issues
Global sources of supply and logistics/transportation


E-COMMERCE & INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Online marketing issues
Global e-exchanges/online marketplaces
Global information hubs

Further information (course unit)

Evaluation criteria - not approved (0)
The student isn't able to identify any principles of international business. The student hasn't been able to submit the required course project.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student is able to identify principles of international business. The student is able to develop project report according to instructions.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student is able to determine and apply the concept and tools of international business. The student is able to conduct some analysis and suggest development actions suitable for the international business strategy. The student develops project report for international business, which includes several references.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student masters the concepts and different models of international business and is able to connect international strategy to business strategy in the business context in question. The student is able to conduct well-structured analysis and is able to create, evaluate and combine different solutions to a given international business problem. The student was able to develop rigorous project report for international business, which includes several global references.

Location and time

Sessions will be held according to the schedule in Pakki.

Exam schedules

Final project report/literature review assignment

Assessment methods and criteria

According to TAMK evaluation criteria (0,1-5)
- Knowing
- Doing
- Being

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

The Advanced Development Project in International Business aims to develop the student's theoretical, conceptual, and practical competence in the international dimension of business. Students will study intensively about the international dimension of business of their own choice by
Reviewing articles
Analysing case studies
Practicing the research techniques.

Learning materials

Literature on the selected research topic using a variety of sources, such as:
Textbooks
Book chapters
Research studies (journal articles, theses)
Case studies
Industry reports

Student workload

According to the TAMK schedule, ECT credits, and Moodle timing instructions.
Students are expected to:
- Attend meetings with the teacher
- Study materials given to them on their own time
- Complete the project/literature review task according to the schedule

Content scheduling

Internationalization
Management
International Marketing
Political and risk management
International business and E-commerce
Further details are given in the first lesson.

Completion alternatives

N/A

Practical training and working life cooperation

Project work/case studies

International connections

Cases and discussion, global operational business environment, international collaborative projects, international guest speaker.

Assessment criteria - fail (0) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student isn't able to identify any principles of international business. The student hasn't been able to submit the required course project.

Assessment criteria - satisfactory (1-2) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student is able to identify the principles of international business. The student is able to develop project reports according to instructions.

Assessment criteria - good (3-4) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student can determine and apply the concepts and tools of international business. The student can conduct some analysis and suggest development actions suitable for the international business strategy. The student develops a project report for international business, which includes several references.

Assessment criteria - excellent (5) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student masters the concepts and different models of international business and can connect international strategy to business strategy in the business context in question. The student can conduct well-structured analysis and can create, evaluate, and combine different solutions to a given international business problem. The student was able to develop a rigorous project report for international business, which included several global references.

Objectives (course unit)

This course examines the economic problems and challenges faced by societies in the globalized world in the third decade of the 21st century. The course will examine and question the assumptions and approaches of neoclassical economics and whether they are still appropriate as we face the challenges of climate crisis, sustainability, inequity, injustice and developments in digitalization and artificial intelligence.

After completing this course, the student will:
• Briefly describe the historical arc of economic thinking and theorizing that brings us to our contemporary position.
• Examine the assumptions of neoclassical economics and critically reflect on their suitability for the challenges of the contemporary world.
• Apply macroeconomic thinking and approaches to understanding current economic issues.
• Explain macroeconomic concepts of the global economy and contemporary approaches to current global problems.
• Propose, articulate and debate solutions to global economic issues.

Content (course unit)

• Growth and Income
• Trade
• Globalization, investment and migration
• Money, banking, credit, wealth and inflation
• Development
• Marketization and Public Goods
• Monetary Policy
• Fiscal Policy
• Public Policy and society

Further information (course unit)

Grading criteria and assessment rubrics are based on the principles of authentic learning and assessment and use the SOLO framework – “Structural Observation of Learning Outcomes” (Biggs and Collis, 1982, Biggs 1999).
Not approved (0): The work is not of the required standard for a master’s degree (EQF Level 7)

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student demonstrates a basic and unsophisticated understanding of contemporary economic issues. Theories are described, but without evidence of critical understanding. Little evidence is provided of an understanding of the links and connections between various ideas and theories.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student is able to discuss and explain complex macroeconomic ideas and exhibits a critical paradigm and positioning in relation to various neoclassical economic assumptions. Theories can be explained in terms of pros and cons and the student is able to express a clear position with regard to their own beliefs. There is evidence that the student can explain the connections between various aspects of economic theories and thinking.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The exceptional student can thoroughly explain all the key concepts and ideas in relation to contemporary global economics and justify their own position with regard to the key debates and issues. They are able to evaluate and synthesize policies and positions and explain the interconnectedness of economics in relations to social, cultural, historical, geopolitical and other factors.

Location and time

The classes will take place over eight weeks commencing in week number 34 and ending week 41. The classes are on Tuesdays.

Exam schedules

Assessment will take a variety of forms that include quizzes, presentations, discussions and writing tasks. The assessment schedule and details will be presented in class and discussed with students and shown in the Moodle implementation.

Assessment methods and criteria

The students are assessed on the basis of participation and engagement with course materials and activities, a comprehensive individual online exam and a video prepared in pairs or groups of 3. Engagement and understanding is evidenced making learning visible in course work, class discussion and presentation and Moodle forums with citations and references. There is a minimum 80% attendance requirement in this course in order to pass.

Grading criteria rubrics are based on the principles of authentic learning and assessment and use the SOLO framework – “Structural Observation of Learning Outcomes” (Biggs and Collis, 1982, Biggs 1999).

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Students will be working individually, pairs and in small collaborative groups. Teaching strategies will include readings, discussion, facilitation, group, and individual work, synchronous and asynchronous. Active participation and collaboration will be essential. Students will be expected to demonstrate their learning by presenting work in writing, visually, orally and in presentations.

Learning materials

Materials will be provided in Moodle and are expected to be supplemented by the student’s own research and inquiry based learning.

Student workload

Students are expected to attend face to face classes and complete all independent work in the afternoons. There is a minimum 80% attendance requirement for this course. The scheduling of topics and themes in the course will be provided in Moodle.

Content scheduling

The division of content and the weekly schedule will be provided in the Moodle implementation.

Completion alternatives

If the student has completed corresponding studies at another university or university of applied sciences, the student may apply for credit transfer through Hyvähot system (accreditation of prior learning) CreTa. Approval will include the Competence Manager and Diploma 'Responsible Teacher'.

Practical training and working life cooperation

All tasks will be related to real world scenarios applying theory to practice.

International connections

The course looks at the field of international economics, while there is some focus specifically on both Finland and India as well and other important global economies.

Further information

More detailed information will be provided in Moodle and provided by the teacher in class.

Objectives (course unit)

This course contains themes related to strategic market entry. It focuses on the utilization of information and data collection/analysis to optimize networking and effectively increase customer attraction from appropriate target segments.

After completing the course, students will be able to:
- Analyze a company's internal level of readiness and its importance for entering the market of products and services
- Identify and select target markets, while assessing factors (threats, opportunities) for market entry
- Use tools related to the assessment of business opportunities and analyze their benefits
- Create a marketing strategy based on analysis of data and other accumulated information
- Test and collect feedback pertaining to demand vs. supply: customer’s attraction towards a company’s solution
- Build networks to support the aforementioned activities
- Plan, develop, and launch corrective actions to meet customer desire and engagement by utilizing appropriate networks

Content (course unit)

- Concepts and contents related to marketing strategy
- Product features, benefits and value creation
- Customer segmentation
- Customer-related research and its analysis
- Utilization of different analytical tools in placing on the market
- Developing a marketing strategy
- Testing the outcome on the marketplace, collecting feedback, re-designing service, re-writing and -testing operational plan

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student:
- Has a basic understanding of the company's internal readiness to enter the market of products and services.
- Identifies the factors influencing demand, threats and opportunities in the selected market.
- Identifies customer target groups
- Develops a marketing strategy
- Tests the strategy in the marketplace
- There are minimal attempts at analyzing processes and information to make strategic decisions for improvement.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student:
- Acknowledges the company's internal readiness to enter the market of products and services
- Chooses and justifies the target market
- Identifies the factors influencing demand, threats and opportunities in the selected market
- Identifies and justifies the most important customer target groups based on information
- Combines and applies the information obtained appropriately, using it in the content and conclusions of the marketing strategy;
- Examines his/her own conclusions and their usefulness, risks, effects on the company's growth and internationalization
- Utilizes different tools in various stages in the formation of marketing strategy
- Develops a marketing strategy that includes analyzes and information
- Tests the strategy in the marketplace by utilizing appropriate networks
- Collects customer feedback, designs service accordingly, re-writes and tests a new strategy

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student:
- Analyzes the importance of the company's internal readiness to enter the market of products and services
- Chooses and justifies the target market
- Identifies the factors influencing demand, threats and opportunities in the selected market
- Identifies and justifies the most important customer target groups based on information
- Combines and applies the information obtained appropriately, using it in the content and conclusions of the marketing strategy
- Critically examines his/her own conclusions and their usefulness, risks, effects on the company's growth and internationalization
- Utilizes and evaluates various tools in various stages in the formation of marketing strategy
- Develops a marketing strategy on the basis of analyzes and information
- Tests the strategy in the marketplace by utilizing appropriate networks
- Collects and analyses customer feedback, designs service accordingly, re-writes and tests a new strategy successfully

Exam schedules

Weekly exams in different forms (assignments, games, reports, or other) will be announced in class.

Assessment methods and criteria

Assessment scale 1-5 requires full participation & completion and submission of assignments given in teaching.
Methods and objects: Personal reflection, Peer feedback, Teacher - Learning Objectives, Individual/Company-case
The grade of the course is formed as follows:Independent / Business assignment 50%, interaction situations 20%, otherstasks and activity 30%

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

- Lectures in the real classroom
- Independent studies based on provided materials
- Strategic market entry simulation assignments and practice individually and with partners

Learning materials

Materials will be uploaded to the course Moodle page weekly.

Shared learning material in Moodle Presentations Articles Videos
Library for data collection (methods and links)
Models for process planning, implementation and evaluation.
Your own notes and remarks

Student workload

One study credit= 27 hours
5 credit class = 135 hours
24 hours of contact teaching
111 hours of individual work and group exerises

Practical training and working life cooperation

The guest speakers might be visiting during class time.
Strategic market entry assignments and practice individually and with partners. Practical training focuses on the utilization of information and data collection/analysis to optimize networking and effectively increase customer attraction from appropriate target segments.

International connections

The assignments might be international (subjerct to student's abilities and networks)

Assessment criteria - satisfactory (1-2) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student:
- Has a basic understanding of the company's internal readiness to enter the market of products and services.
- Identifies the factors influencing demand, threats and opportunities in the selected market.
- Identifies customer target groups
- Develops a marketing strategy
- Tests the strategy in the marketplace
- There are minimal attempts at analyzing processes and information to make strategic decisions for improvement.

Assessment criteria - good (3-4) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student:
- Acknowledges the company's internal readiness to enter the market of products and services
- Chooses and justifies the target market
- Identifies the factors influencing demand, threats and opportunities in the selected market
- Identifies and justifies the most important customer target groups based on information
- Combines and applies the information obtained appropriately, using it in the content and conclusions of the marketing strategy;
- Examines his/her own conclusions and their usefulness, risks, effects on the company's growth and internationalization
- Utilizes different tools in various stages in the formation of marketing strategy
- Develops a marketing strategy that includes analyzes and information
- Tests the strategy in the marketplace by utilizing appropriate networks
- Collects customer feedback, designs service accordingly, re-writes and tests a new strategy

Assessment criteria - excellent (5) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student:
- Analyzes the importance of the company's internal readiness to enter the market of products and services
- Chooses and justifies the target market
- Identifies the factors influencing demand, threats and opportunities in the selected market
- Identifies and justifies the most important customer target groups based on information
- Combines and applies the information obtained appropriately, using it in the content and conclusions of the marketing strategy
- Critically examines his/her own conclusions and their usefulness, risks, effects on the company's growth and internationalization
- Utilizes and evaluates various tools in various stages in the formation of marketing strategy
- Develops a marketing strategy on the basis of analyzes and information
- Tests the strategy in the marketplace by utilizing appropriate networks
- Collects and analyses customer feedback, designs service accordingly, re-writes and tests a new strategy successfully

Objectives (course unit)

In this course, the participants build a financial mindset. They recognise the importance of profitable business by adapting the relevant topics and key factors in accounting. The course works as a starting point of financial management skills for those without previous knowledge but also as repetition for students with financial background to widen expertise in the field of finance.

After completing the course, the participants can:
- analyse financial situation of a company (profitability, liquidity, solvency)
- execute financial planning
- apply financial tools at work
- plan and execute actions for turnaround projects

Content (course unit)

Practices and tools for financial planning
Profitability, liquidity and solvency practices and tools
Practices and tools for analysis of the financial situation of a company

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student can identify the core concepts in the field of financial accounting, recognise the relevant practices and methods and define the need for accounting in general. The student can read the key financial accounting information and statements and provide routine performance in course tasks and participation. The student knows the principles at a basic level. Students can give and receive feedback and take responsibility as an individual learner. The student can act as part of a team under supervision, and he recognizes his level of interaction.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student can structure the connections between the financial statements and apply the financial accounting themes with relevancy. The student can explain and adopt the need for financial accounting, why and how to use various accounting methods and the need for profitable business. The student can measure financial performance based on public financial information. Student gives and receives constructive feedback, operates in professional manner by recognizing relevant scope and needs, develops his interaction skills, adding value to the team and takes responsibility.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student adapts the course themes in a professional manner, finds and translates the course message and expands the context by bringing perspectives, experiences, and opinions. The student can analyse the selected themes, find the academic approach, use additional research papers and academic sources, and activate mindset to connect financial accounting in working life situations. The student builds creative solutions by combining the course themes, assesses diverse outcomes, looks for new opportunities, justifies the financial decisions made and looks for alternative perspectives The student uses feedback to iterate the learning process and adds collaboration as being an asset for the team. The student develops creative and constructive working methods and brings professional commitment throughout the course.

Location and time

TAMK premises, Kuntokatu 3.

Exam schedules

Details to be informed during the first lecture, on 22nd August.

Assessment methods and criteria

The course is strongly based collaboration and assignments related, which are to be evaluated. There is no exam.
During the first lecture, we'll walk through these principles.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

The course is based on contact teaching during the morning hours, 9-12AM.
Independent studies during the afternoon hours, with dedicated assignments.

Please be noted! The requirement is min 80% attendance.

Learning materials

The lectures are based on dedicated lecturing materials and exercises, to be informed during the first lecture.

Student workload

The course makes 5 credits (each credit 27h of student work load), based on 8 sets of lecturing (8*3h) plus independent sessions (8*3h), in addition there are team works related.

Content scheduling

The course covers the fundamentals of financial accounting and management accounting. We'll start by forming the financial picture and gradually moving to relevant elements in managerial accounting.

Completion alternatives

N/A

Objectives (course unit)

In this course, participants will gain basic understanding of traditional and LEAN operations management by working on organizational development cases in small groups.

After completing the course, the participants will be able to:
• Describe an organizational development case as a process
• Create a plan on how to improve the processes of working life cases
• Identify operations management related trends, e.g., digitalization and corporate social responsibility

Content (course unit)

• Organizational development case in small groups
• Introduction to operations management
• Operations strategy
• Process design and efficiency
• Process monitoring and control
• Process improvement
• Current trends in operations management

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student is able to name and explain the core concepts of process design and improvement, operations management and LEAN. The student uses basic process design principles and operations management principles in a "cookbook" manner. The student is able to give and receive feedback related to operations management, collaborates in a small group on operations management related tasks and takes responsibility of own studies related to operations management.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student can explain how to apply the core concepts of process design and improvement. The student is able to compare traditional and LEAN operations management principles, explain how to create operations strategy in a continuously changing environment and how to apply process control. The student is able to apply the core concepts of process design and improvement on working life cases, plan and implement LEAN initiatives for working life cases, and plan and manage process improvement projects. The student is able to give and receive constructive feedback related to operations management, develop collaborative actions in a small group concerning operations management related tasks and takes responsibility of own studies and group work related to operations management.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student analyses systematically the need for process improvement by using appropriate tools and methods. The student uses additional and recent research papers to extend knowledge of operations management, operations strategy and LEAN management. The student applies the core concepts of process design and improvement in a systematic manner on working life cases, justifies the use of LEAN methods for working life cases and the use of process improvement methods for working life cases. The student is able to use feedback to grow professionally in the field of operations management, develop creative and constructive working methods to solve operations management related tasks individually and in small groups and commits oneself to own studies and group work related to operations management beyond the ordinary level (3-4) requirements.

Location and time

As scheduled in Pakki

Exam schedules

Details on the course Moodle page.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

- Lectures and discussion
- Inquiry-based learning
- Collaborative learning

Learning materials

Lecture slides and additional material available in Moodle.

Student workload

Students are expected to:
- Attend sessions
- Participate in group discussions and activities
- Complete assignments and final project
- Study materials given to them on their own time
- Meet and work with fellow team members outside of class hours for project work

Content scheduling

Themes will be introduced in the first lesson.

Completion alternatives

N/A

Practical training and working life cooperation

Knowledge gained from the course can be applied to current and future working scenarios.

Further information

80% attendance is mandatory to pass the course.

Objectives (course unit)

This course familiarizes the participants with Risk Management as the identification, assessment, and prioritization of risks followed by coordinated and economical application of resources to minimize, monitor, and control the probability and/or impact of unfortunate events. Special emphasis is put on practical risk management tools and latest concepts.
*
When the participant has passed this course he/she will know:
- Core terms and notions related to risks and risk management
- Different risk types and profiles in different business environments
- Risk management process phases
- Risk identification techniques
- Risk assessment tools
- Risk management linkage to other management disciplines
- Trends in academic risk management research
*
After completing the course participants can:
- Identify risks in projects and on the company level by using appropriate techniques
- Analyse risks and their consequences with effective tools
- Apply risk management effectively in projectsto save time and money
- Avoid the common pitfalls of risk management implementation
When the participants have passed this course he/she will be:
- A project manager understanding the risk profile of her own project and what impact change has on them
- A specialist to define and analyze risks with effective tools and techniques
- A leader to manage risks and act fast if risks realize
- A leader making project members to understand the importance of risk management

Content (course unit)

Course is a combination of meetings and online exercises. The content is:
-Terminology of risks and risk management
-Risk types and risk profiles in international operations
-Risk management process and its implementation
-Implementation of risk management methods and tools
-Current "hot topics" in risk management research

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student recognises the core terms and notions related to risks and risk management. He/she is aware of different risk types and profiles in different business environments. The student knows the risk management process phases and risk identification techniques, and is able to apply them in simple cases. He/she is able to identify risks and consider means how to respond to them.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student is able to link risk management to other forms of operations management.
He/she is able to analyze the identified risks and their consequences with effective tools. The student knows how to avoid the common pitfalls of practical level risk management implementation. He/she is able to adopt the role of junior level risk manager e.g. in a project.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student has a profound understanding of operations management subcategories and how risk management is linked to them. He/she knows on a senior or specialist level how to define and analyse risks with effective tools and techniques. The student is able to recognise interdependencies among various risk types and individual risks, and respond accordingly. He/she can perform as a leader making project team members understand the importance of risk management.

Assessment scale

0-5

Objectives (course unit)

This fundamental course familiarizes the student with the principles and methods of academic research and academic writing. It provides the participants with a toolbox to transform the initial development work into a well-structured and logical final thesis.
*
When the student has passed the course he/she will know the following:
- difference between everyday knowledge and scientific knowledge
- meaning and justification of academic research in society
- nature of academic research
- rules and ethics of academic research
- differences between various research approaches
- most common research strategies and methods
- concepts of academic research
- critical perspective in information and sources
- research process stages
- importance of reference teqhnique
- structure of thesis
*
After completing the course the student can:
- use and apply concepts of academic research
- identify and find academic texts and sources
- choose a suitable research approach and methods
- prepare a research plan
- apply academic reference technique
- plan thesis structure
- analyze academic texts
When the student has passed the course he/she will be:
- skillful in planning research setting
- a leader to plan academic publications/documents in the organization
- a professional to analyse and produce academic texts

Content (course unit)

- Basic concepts of academic research
- Rules and ethics of academic research
- Main strategies and approaches of academic research
- Structure of academic thesis
- Analyzing academic texts
- Preparing research plan

Assessment criteria, pass/fail (course unit)

Criteria for PASS:
The student understands the overall process of designing a research project from the beginning  to the final report. He/she is able to identify ethical issues in research. He/she knows the difference between quantitative and qualitative research. The student is familiar with the criteria for evaluating the quality of a research project. The student is able to articulate a research problem, formulate research questions, develop research objectives and build a theoretical framework. He/she is familiar with basic data collection and analysis methods. The student is able to write a research proposal. 

Location and time

Tuesdays from 13-16 (29.10 - 17.12) contact teaching in the Main Campus, location TBD

Exam schedules

No exam

Assessment methods and criteria

Student is able to use academic concepts of research, identifies academic texts and is able to analyze them. Student is able to write thesis/research plan where he/she implements skills of setting research objectives and justification, research questions, data and methods and introduce theoretical background including suitable topic references.

Assessment scale

Pass/Fail

Teaching methods

Lectures, seminars, team working, individual writing task : thesis research plan

Learning materials

Will be published during the course

Completion alternatives

Must be discussed with teacher beforehand

Practical training and working life cooperation

Student selects

International connections

International student teams and working life connections

Assessment criteria - pass/fail (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Student is able to analyze and write academic text and write thesis/research plan on the personal field of study based on thesis instructions. Teacher might ask to fulfill report or thesis/research plan.

Objectives (course unit)

This course contains themes related to strategic market entry. It focuses on the utilization of information and data collection/analysis to optimize networking and effectively increase customer attraction from appropriate target segments.

After completing the course, students will be able to:
- Analyze a company's internal level of readiness and its importance for entering the market of products and services
- Identify and select target markets, while assessing factors (threats, opportunities) for market entry
- Use tools related to the assessment of business opportunities and analyze their benefits
- Create a marketing strategy based on analysis of data and other accumulated information
- Test and collect feedback pertaining to demand vs. supply: customer’s attraction towards a company’s solution
- Build networks to support the aforementioned activities
- Plan, develop, and launch corrective actions to meet customer desire and engagement by utilizing appropriate networks

Content (course unit)

- Concepts and contents related to marketing strategy
- Product features, benefits and value creation
- Customer segmentation
- Customer-related research and its analysis
- Utilization of different analytical tools in placing on the market
- Developing a marketing strategy
- Testing the outcome on the marketplace, collecting feedback, re-designing service, re-writing and -testing operational plan

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student:
- Has a basic understanding of the company's internal readiness to enter the market of products and services.
- Identifies the factors influencing demand, threats and opportunities in the selected market.
- Identifies customer target groups
- Develops a marketing strategy
- Tests the strategy in the marketplace
- There are minimal attempts at analyzing processes and information to make strategic decisions for improvement.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student:
- Acknowledges the company's internal readiness to enter the market of products and services
- Chooses and justifies the target market
- Identifies the factors influencing demand, threats and opportunities in the selected market
- Identifies and justifies the most important customer target groups based on information
- Combines and applies the information obtained appropriately, using it in the content and conclusions of the marketing strategy;
- Examines his/her own conclusions and their usefulness, risks, effects on the company's growth and internationalization
- Utilizes different tools in various stages in the formation of marketing strategy
- Develops a marketing strategy that includes analyzes and information
- Tests the strategy in the marketplace by utilizing appropriate networks
- Collects customer feedback, designs service accordingly, re-writes and tests a new strategy

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student:
- Analyzes the importance of the company's internal readiness to enter the market of products and services
- Chooses and justifies the target market
- Identifies the factors influencing demand, threats and opportunities in the selected market
- Identifies and justifies the most important customer target groups based on information
- Combines and applies the information obtained appropriately, using it in the content and conclusions of the marketing strategy
- Critically examines his/her own conclusions and their usefulness, risks, effects on the company's growth and internationalization
- Utilizes and evaluates various tools in various stages in the formation of marketing strategy
- Develops a marketing strategy on the basis of analyzes and information
- Tests the strategy in the marketplace by utilizing appropriate networks
- Collects and analyses customer feedback, designs service accordingly, re-writes and tests a new strategy successfully

Exam schedules

Weekly exams in different forms (assignments, games, reports, or other) will be announced in class.

Assessment methods and criteria

Assessment scale 1-5 requires full participation & completion and submission of assignments given in teaching.
Methods and objects: Personal reflection, Peer feedback, Teacher - Learning Objectives, Individual/Company-case
The grade of the course is formed as follows:Independent / Business assignment 50%, interaction situations 20%, otherstasks and activity 30%

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

- Lectures in the real classroom
- Independent studies based on provided materials
- Strategic market entry simulation assignments and practice individually and with partners

Learning materials

Materials will be uploaded to the course Moodle page weekly.

Shared learning material in Moodle Presentations Articles Videos
Library for data collection (methods and links)
Models for process planning, implementation and evaluation.
Your own notes and remarks

Student workload

One study credit= 27 hours
5 credit class = 135 hours
24 hours of contact teaching
111 hours of individual work and group exerises

Practical training and working life cooperation

The guest speakers might be visiting during class time.
Strategic market entry assignments and practice individually and with partners. Practical training focuses on the utilization of information and data collection/analysis to optimize networking and effectively increase customer attraction from appropriate target segments.

International connections

The assignments might be international (subjerct to student's abilities and networks)

Assessment criteria - satisfactory (1-2) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student:
- Has a basic understanding of the company's internal readiness to enter the market of products and services.
- Identifies the factors influencing demand, threats and opportunities in the selected market.
- Identifies customer target groups
- Develops a marketing strategy
- Tests the strategy in the marketplace
- There are minimal attempts at analyzing processes and information to make strategic decisions for improvement.

Assessment criteria - good (3-4) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student:
- Acknowledges the company's internal readiness to enter the market of products and services
- Chooses and justifies the target market
- Identifies the factors influencing demand, threats and opportunities in the selected market
- Identifies and justifies the most important customer target groups based on information
- Combines and applies the information obtained appropriately, using it in the content and conclusions of the marketing strategy;
- Examines his/her own conclusions and their usefulness, risks, effects on the company's growth and internationalization
- Utilizes different tools in various stages in the formation of marketing strategy
- Develops a marketing strategy that includes analyzes and information
- Tests the strategy in the marketplace by utilizing appropriate networks
- Collects customer feedback, designs service accordingly, re-writes and tests a new strategy

Assessment criteria - excellent (5) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student:
- Analyzes the importance of the company's internal readiness to enter the market of products and services
- Chooses and justifies the target market
- Identifies the factors influencing demand, threats and opportunities in the selected market
- Identifies and justifies the most important customer target groups based on information
- Combines and applies the information obtained appropriately, using it in the content and conclusions of the marketing strategy
- Critically examines his/her own conclusions and their usefulness, risks, effects on the company's growth and internationalization
- Utilizes and evaluates various tools in various stages in the formation of marketing strategy
- Develops a marketing strategy on the basis of analyzes and information
- Tests the strategy in the marketplace by utilizing appropriate networks
- Collects and analyses customer feedback, designs service accordingly, re-writes and tests a new strategy successfully

Objectives (course unit)

In this course, participants will gain basic understanding of traditional and LEAN operations management by working on organizational development cases in small groups.

After completing the course, the participants will be able to:
• Describe an organizational development case as a process
• Create a plan on how to improve the processes of working life cases
• Identify operations management related trends, e.g., digitalization and corporate social responsibility

Content (course unit)

• Organizational development case in small groups
• Introduction to operations management
• Operations strategy
• Process design and efficiency
• Process monitoring and control
• Process improvement
• Current trends in operations management

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student is able to name and explain the core concepts of process design and improvement, operations management and LEAN. The student uses basic process design principles and operations management principles in a "cookbook" manner. The student is able to give and receive feedback related to operations management, collaborates in a small group on operations management related tasks and takes responsibility of own studies related to operations management.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student can explain how to apply the core concepts of process design and improvement. The student is able to compare traditional and LEAN operations management principles, explain how to create operations strategy in a continuously changing environment and how to apply process control. The student is able to apply the core concepts of process design and improvement on working life cases, plan and implement LEAN initiatives for working life cases, and plan and manage process improvement projects. The student is able to give and receive constructive feedback related to operations management, develop collaborative actions in a small group concerning operations management related tasks and takes responsibility of own studies and group work related to operations management.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student analyses systematically the need for process improvement by using appropriate tools and methods. The student uses additional and recent research papers to extend knowledge of operations management, operations strategy and LEAN management. The student applies the core concepts of process design and improvement in a systematic manner on working life cases, justifies the use of LEAN methods for working life cases and the use of process improvement methods for working life cases. The student is able to use feedback to grow professionally in the field of operations management, develop creative and constructive working methods to solve operations management related tasks individually and in small groups and commits oneself to own studies and group work related to operations management beyond the ordinary level (3-4) requirements.

Location and time

As scheduled in Pakki

Exam schedules

Details on the course Moodle page.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

- Lectures and discussion
- Inquiry-based learning
- Collaborative learning

Learning materials

Lecture slides and additional material available in Moodle.

Student workload

Students are expected to:
- Attend sessions
- Participate in group discussions and activities
- Complete assignments and final project
- Study materials given to them on their own time
- Meet and work with fellow team members outside of class hours for project work

Content scheduling

Themes will be introduced in the first lesson.

Completion alternatives

N/A

Practical training and working life cooperation

Knowledge gained from the course can be applied to current and future working scenarios.

Further information

80% attendance is mandatory to pass the course.

Objectives (course unit)

This course examines the economic problems and challenges faced by societies in the globalized world in the third decade of the 21st century. The course will examine and question the assumptions and approaches of neoclassical economics and whether they are still appropriate as we face the challenges of climate crisis, sustainability, inequity, injustice and developments in digitalization and artificial intelligence.

After completing this course, the student will:
• Briefly describe the historical arc of economic thinking and theorizing that brings us to our contemporary position.
• Examine the assumptions of neoclassical economics and critically reflect on their suitability for the challenges of the contemporary world.
• Apply macroeconomic thinking and approaches to understanding current economic issues.
• Explain macroeconomic concepts of the global economy and contemporary approaches to current global problems.
• Propose, articulate and debate solutions to global economic issues.

Content (course unit)

• Growth and Income
• Trade
• Globalization, investment and migration
• Money, banking, credit, wealth and inflation
• Development
• Marketization and Public Goods
• Monetary Policy
• Fiscal Policy
• Public Policy and society

Further information (course unit)

Grading criteria and assessment rubrics are based on the principles of authentic learning and assessment and use the SOLO framework – “Structural Observation of Learning Outcomes” (Biggs and Collis, 1982, Biggs 1999).
Not approved (0): The work is not of the required standard for a master’s degree (EQF Level 7)

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student demonstrates a basic and unsophisticated understanding of contemporary economic issues. Theories are described, but without evidence of critical understanding. Little evidence is provided of an understanding of the links and connections between various ideas and theories.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student is able to discuss and explain complex macroeconomic ideas and exhibits a critical paradigm and positioning in relation to various neoclassical economic assumptions. Theories can be explained in terms of pros and cons and the student is able to express a clear position with regard to their own beliefs. There is evidence that the student can explain the connections between various aspects of economic theories and thinking.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The exceptional student can thoroughly explain all the key concepts and ideas in relation to contemporary global economics and justify their own position with regard to the key debates and issues. They are able to evaluate and synthesize policies and positions and explain the interconnectedness of economics in relations to social, cultural, historical, geopolitical and other factors.

Location and time

The classes will take place over eight weeks commencing in week number 34 and ending week 41. The classes are on Tuesdays.

Exam schedules

Assessment will take a variety of forms that include quizzes, presentations, discussions and writing tasks. The assessment schedule and details will be presented in class and discussed with students and shown in the Moodle implementation.

Assessment methods and criteria

The students are assessed on the basis of participation and engagement with course materials and activities, a comprehensive individual online exam and a video prepared in pairs or groups of 3. Engagement and understanding is evidenced making learning visible in course work, class discussion and presentation and Moodle forums with citations and references. There is a minimum 80% attendance requirement in this course in order to pass.

Grading criteria rubrics are based on the principles of authentic learning and assessment and use the SOLO framework – “Structural Observation of Learning Outcomes” (Biggs and Collis, 1982, Biggs 1999).

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Students will be working individually, pairs and in small collaborative groups. Teaching strategies will include readings, discussion, facilitation, group, and individual work, synchronous and asynchronous. Active participation and collaboration will be essential. Students will be expected to demonstrate their learning by presenting work in writing, visually, orally and in presentations.

Learning materials

Materials will be provided in Moodle and are expected to be supplemented by the student’s own research and inquiry based learning.

Student workload

Students are expected to attend face to face classes and complete all independent work in the afternoons. There is a minimum 80% attendance requirement for this course. The scheduling of topics and themes in the course will be provided in Moodle.

Content scheduling

The division of content and the weekly schedule will be provided in the Moodle implementation.

Completion alternatives

If the student has completed corresponding studies at another university or university of applied sciences, the student may apply for credit transfer through Hyvähot system (accreditation of prior learning) CreTa. Approval will include the Competence Manager and Diploma 'Responsible Teacher'.

Practical training and working life cooperation

All tasks will be related to real world scenarios applying theory to practice.

International connections

The course looks at the field of international economics, while there is some focus specifically on both Finland and India as well and other important global economies.

Further information

More detailed information will be provided in Moodle and provided by the teacher in class.

Objectives (course unit)

In this course, the participants build a financial mindset. They recognise the importance of profitable business by adapting the relevant topics and key factors in accounting. The course works as a starting point of financial management skills for those without previous knowledge but also as repetition for students with financial background to widen expertise in the field of finance.

After completing the course, the participants can:
- analyse financial situation of a company (profitability, liquidity, solvency)
- execute financial planning
- apply financial tools at work
- plan and execute actions for turnaround projects

Content (course unit)

Practices and tools for financial planning
Profitability, liquidity and solvency practices and tools
Practices and tools for analysis of the financial situation of a company

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student can identify the core concepts in the field of financial accounting, recognise the relevant practices and methods and define the need for accounting in general. The student can read the key financial accounting information and statements and provide routine performance in course tasks and participation. The student knows the principles at a basic level. Students can give and receive feedback and take responsibility as an individual learner. The student can act as part of a team under supervision, and he recognizes his level of interaction.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student can structure the connections between the financial statements and apply the financial accounting themes with relevancy. The student can explain and adopt the need for financial accounting, why and how to use various accounting methods and the need for profitable business. The student can measure financial performance based on public financial information. Student gives and receives constructive feedback, operates in professional manner by recognizing relevant scope and needs, develops his interaction skills, adding value to the team and takes responsibility.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student adapts the course themes in a professional manner, finds and translates the course message and expands the context by bringing perspectives, experiences, and opinions. The student can analyse the selected themes, find the academic approach, use additional research papers and academic sources, and activate mindset to connect financial accounting in working life situations. The student builds creative solutions by combining the course themes, assesses diverse outcomes, looks for new opportunities, justifies the financial decisions made and looks for alternative perspectives The student uses feedback to iterate the learning process and adds collaboration as being an asset for the team. The student develops creative and constructive working methods and brings professional commitment throughout the course.

Location and time

TAMK premises, Kuntokatu 3.

Exam schedules

Details to be informed during the first lecture, on 22nd August.

Assessment methods and criteria

The course is strongly based collaboration and assignments related, which are to be evaluated. There is no exam.
During the first lecture, we'll walk through these principles.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

The course is based on contact teaching during the morning hours, 9-12AM.
Independent studies during the afternoon hours, with dedicated assignments.

Please be noted! The requirement is min 80% attendance.

Learning materials

The lectures are based on dedicated lecturing materials and exercises, to be informed during the first lecture.

Student workload

The course makes 5 credits (each credit 27h of student work load), based on 8 sets of lecturing (8*3h) plus independent sessions (8*3h), in addition there are team works related.

Content scheduling

The course covers the fundamentals of financial accounting and management accounting. We'll start by forming the financial picture and gradually moving to relevant elements in managerial accounting.

Completion alternatives

N/A

Objectives (course unit)

This course familiarizes the participants with Risk Management as the identification, assessment, and prioritization of risks followed by coordinated and economical application of resources to minimize, monitor, and control the probability and/or impact of unfortunate events. Special emphasis is put on practical risk management tools and latest concepts.
*
When the participant has passed this course he/she will know:
- Core terms and notions related to risks and risk management
- Different risk types and profiles in different business environments
- Risk management process phases
- Risk identification techniques
- Risk assessment tools
- Risk management linkage to other management disciplines
- Trends in academic risk management research
*
After completing the course participants can:
- Identify risks in projects and on the company level by using appropriate techniques
- Analyse risks and their consequences with effective tools
- Apply risk management effectively in projectsto save time and money
- Avoid the common pitfalls of risk management implementation
When the participants have passed this course he/she will be:
- A project manager understanding the risk profile of her own project and what impact change has on them
- A specialist to define and analyze risks with effective tools and techniques
- A leader to manage risks and act fast if risks realize
- A leader making project members to understand the importance of risk management

Content (course unit)

Course is a combination of meetings and online exercises. The content is:
-Terminology of risks and risk management
-Risk types and risk profiles in international operations
-Risk management process and its implementation
-Implementation of risk management methods and tools
-Current "hot topics" in risk management research

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student recognises the core terms and notions related to risks and risk management. He/she is aware of different risk types and profiles in different business environments. The student knows the risk management process phases and risk identification techniques, and is able to apply them in simple cases. He/she is able to identify risks and consider means how to respond to them.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student is able to link risk management to other forms of operations management.
He/she is able to analyze the identified risks and their consequences with effective tools. The student knows how to avoid the common pitfalls of practical level risk management implementation. He/she is able to adopt the role of junior level risk manager e.g. in a project.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student has a profound understanding of operations management subcategories and how risk management is linked to them. He/she knows on a senior or specialist level how to define and analyse risks with effective tools and techniques. The student is able to recognise interdependencies among various risk types and individual risks, and respond accordingly. He/she can perform as a leader making project team members understand the importance of risk management.

Assessment scale

0-5

Objectives (course unit)

Course description
The course focuses on the increasing importance of the international dimension of business. The students choose one major theme for their independent learning project, which concentrates on one major theory or framework to broaden their understanding of international business strategies and prepare students for an internationally oriented career.
Objectives
After completing the course, the students will be able to:
Gather in-depth knowledge on the studied topic.
Connect international strategy to business strategy on a focused topic.
Conduct a well-structured analysis of a focused topic.
Develop a solution to a given international business problem.
Write a project report on a focused international business topic.

Content (course unit)

INTERNATIONALIZATION ISSUES

Internationalization process
Born global firms
Third world multinationals
FDI and developing countries
Emerging markets
Location decisions
Economic development
Economics of innovation & Technological transfer

MANAGEMENT

Cross-cultural management
Cultural distance
Culture and international business
Comparative management
Production/sourcing issues
Outsourcing/offshoring/insourcing
Global value chains (GVCs)
Management of technology
Corporate social responsibility
Knowledge management/transfer at the subsidiary level
International entrepreneurship
International Joint ventures
International Strategic alliances
Technology transfer
Issues of trust
Issues of guanxi
International R&D


MARKETING

Comparative marketing
Cross-cultural marketing
Country-of-origin issues
Exports/imports
Foreign market entry modes
Global/regional/local brands
International advertising
International franchising
International marketing management strategy
International product policy issues
International retailing
International sales management
International distribution/logistics/transportation
International marketing & e-commerce
Product differentiation
Brand origin knowledge


POLITICAL RISK ASSESSMENT

Political aspects of MNE activity
Terrorism and security issues
Global sources of supply and logistics/transportation


E-COMMERCE & INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

Online marketing issues
Global e-exchanges/online marketplaces
Global information hubs

Further information (course unit)

Evaluation criteria - not approved (0)
The student isn't able to identify any principles of international business. The student hasn't been able to submit the required course project.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

The student is able to identify principles of international business. The student is able to develop project report according to instructions.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

The student is able to determine and apply the concept and tools of international business. The student is able to conduct some analysis and suggest development actions suitable for the international business strategy. The student develops project report for international business, which includes several references.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student masters the concepts and different models of international business and is able to connect international strategy to business strategy in the business context in question. The student is able to conduct well-structured analysis and is able to create, evaluate and combine different solutions to a given international business problem. The student was able to develop rigorous project report for international business, which includes several global references.

Location and time

Sessions will be held according to the schedule in Pakki.

Exam schedules

Final project report/literature review assignment

Assessment methods and criteria

According to TAMK evaluation criteria (0,1-5)
- Knowing
- Doing
- Being

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

The Advanced Development Project in International Business aims to develop the student's theoretical, conceptual, and practical competence in the international dimension of business. Students will study intensively about the international dimension of business of their own choice by
Reviewing articles
Analysing case studies
Practicing the research techniques.

Learning materials

Literature on the selected research topic using a variety of sources, such as:
Textbooks
Book chapters
Research studies (journal articles, theses)
Case studies
Industry reports

Student workload

According to the TAMK schedule, ECT credits, and Moodle timing instructions.
Students are expected to:
- Attend meetings with the teacher
- Study materials given to them on their own time
- Complete the project/literature review task according to the schedule

Content scheduling

Internationalization
Management
International Marketing
Political and risk management
International business and E-commerce
Further details are given in the first lesson.

Completion alternatives

N/A

Practical training and working life cooperation

Project work/case studies

International connections

Cases and discussion, global operational business environment, international collaborative projects, international guest speaker.

Assessment criteria - fail (0) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student isn't able to identify any principles of international business. The student hasn't been able to submit the required course project.

Assessment criteria - satisfactory (1-2) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student is able to identify the principles of international business. The student is able to develop project reports according to instructions.

Assessment criteria - good (3-4) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student can determine and apply the concepts and tools of international business. The student can conduct some analysis and suggest development actions suitable for the international business strategy. The student develops a project report for international business, which includes several references.

Assessment criteria - excellent (5) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student masters the concepts and different models of international business and can connect international strategy to business strategy in the business context in question. The student can conduct well-structured analysis and can create, evaluate, and combine different solutions to a given international business problem. The student was able to develop a rigorous project report for international business, which included several global references.