Market Research in Russia or Eastern Europe (5 cr)

Objectives (course unit)

The aim of the course is to give the participating students insight on Russia or on an Eastern European Country from a special point of view (management, marketing, culture etc). The course is implemented through a project work in cooperation with companies with background studies on the chosen theme. These theoretical studies are done mostly online . The exact aims and contents of the course will be specified each year separately.

Evaluation methods and criteria

To be agreed with the students at the beginning of the course
Report evaluation: 30 % company/ 40 % tutor
Group evaluation: 30 %

Teaching methods

Web research, workshops, visit to St.Petersburg (optional)

Learning materials

At the beginning of the course the needed material will be handed out or discussed.
Pre-course task: media observation and discussion on the net (199.1.-30.1.2015) with other group members (min. 5 observations and discussion messages)

Student workload

24 h workshops, 24 h visit to St.Petersburg, 10 h other assignments on the web, 77 h research for SME's

Practical training and working life cooperation

Partners SME's in Southern Finland. Research on Eastern European countries will be done on the course.

Further information

workshops 23.1.2015 Tampere,mid-term meeting possibly in St.Petersburg, 17.4.2015 Helsinki
5-day visit to St.Petersburg 9-13.3.2015.
Course is implemented together with Aleksanteri Instituutti/Helsinki University.
Travel expenses from Tikkurila to St.Petersburg as well as insurance and visa will be paid by TAMK( the student pays for food and accommodation)by a grant for short-time exchange from TAMK.
Binding sign-up on the course!
Please note that visa-application for Russia for foreign students might be challenging.

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

Student does not participate in the group activities (writing the report, participating in web-discussion). He/she is not able to demonstrate his/her skills in the necessary areas.

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

Participates, but fulfills only the necessary tasks. Submits tasks often late. Passive participation in group work, does not know now to work in teams.
Skills in information sourcing poor. Heavily dependent on help in doing a market research. Poor knowledge of the researched market area which is demonstrated in inability to join in discussion concerning a professional topic on the area. Creates only one or two new contacts within her/his own group.

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

Submits the given tasks on-time. Quality of work as agreed. Works in a group supporting the others and sometimes makes suggestions how the work should proceed. Is an active member of the group.
Is able to do a market research with some support. Is able to join in a professional discussion concerning the market area with slight difficulties. Creates several new contacts within his/her own group.

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

Always submits tasks on time. Quality of work is excellent and covers the areas agreed on or even more. If necessary agrees to act as a leader of the group. Takes care that work of the group always proceeds on schedule, coordinates the group's work and supports others.
Is able to do a market research relatively independently with minimal support. Is reasonably fluent and professional in discussing the market area. Creates a large network between students and companies.