Russia as Market Area (6 cr)

Objectives (course unit)

The aim of the course is that students after the course are able to
- recognize the special features of Russian society (socio-cultural, political, legal)
-recognize the main sources of information on Russian markets
-is able to apply the acquired basic knowledge of local culture, marketing, logistics and contaract law in simple business situations

Content (course unit)

The course is implemented mainly online. Face-to-face meetings : start-up, closing and 2-3 mid-term meetings. Face-to-face days include , group exercises and discussion on course task. The theme of the course task changes annually.

Prerequisites (course unit)

No prerequisites. Russian language skills not required.

Evaluation methods and criteria

Assessment details will be agreed with the students during the first meeting.

Teaching methods

Mostly online-studies with occational face-to-face lectures/workshops, voluntary visit to St.Petersburg (subsidized by TAMK-fund 100 EUR/student) and hosting visitors from St.Petersburg. Independent work online - online lectures, online discussions, online quizzes, information searching and report writing.

Learning materials

Learning materials will be accessable online on Tabula, or to be agreed separately at the beginning of the course.

Student workload

Face-to-face lectures 4 x 4 h (+ 4 h) mainly online studies (+ intensive week 40 h), independent work

Content scheduling

Face-to-face lectures: on Fridays 8-13: Sept. 16th, Oct. 7th, Nov. 4th and Dec. 9th, 2016. f-to-t meetings obligatory. Option for two additional meetings, to be agreed later.
In addition a week's visit to St.Petersburg and hosting a group of students from St.Petersburg in Tampere.

Practical training and working life cooperation

A small study on web-marketing or on other topic (to be agreed) will be included into the course. (The study will be done in small groups consisting of Finnish and Russian students if a visit-grant to St.Petersburg will be awarded).

International connections

Partner Universities: St.Petersurg State Forest Technoical University ja St.Petersburg State University of Plant Polymeers.

Further information

Optional visit to St.Petersburg subsidized by TAMK (100 EUR/student, max. 10 students). One extra cr. for those taking part in the visit. Details of the visit to be discussed during the autumn. Proposed time of the visit: 10-14.10.2016.
Possible visit of Russian partner in Finland in November, everybody participates.

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

The student does not attend the face-to-face lectures and/or he/she does not participate in hosting the Russian quests and/or do the online tasks and/or participate in the small group work.

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

The student is able to list some of the most important features of Russian business environment. He can mention and critically evaluate only few sources of information on Russia. He can mention some features of the Russian legislative system but makes several mistakes in explaining the system. He/she is only able to apply the knowledge into very basic practical situations. He/She can list some features of marketing in Russia but again is not able to discuss them in a professional manner - he/she makes several mistakes. He/she is able to apply the knowledge obtained into a research project with help, and his/her report writing skills are basic. His participation in the group work is limited to occational situations and on a very basic level. He/she might be often late in submitting his work. He/she is able to do a qualitative research only with constant support.

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

The students can list several special features of social, political and economic environment as well as legislation, marketing in Russia. He/she is able to discuss these feature in a professional manner making only minor mistakes. He/she is able to apply the knowledge with only minimal help into practical situations. He/she can mention and evaluate several sources of information on Russian markets. He/she is able to apply the theoretical knowledge into research environment. He/she is able to do a qualitative research well supported.

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

The students is able to discuss in a professional manner the special features of societal, political and economic situation in Russia. He/she can see connections between issues discussed and draw relatively reliable conclusions based on his/her knowing on the topics. He/she can discuss the legislative, marketing etc. features of Russia in a professional manner, making only very minor mistakes. His/her knowledge sources of information are very good and he/she can critically evaluate them. He/she grasps the position of webmarketing in Russia and is able to apply his/her knowledge into a research.