Growth Ecosystems (5 cr)

Objectives (course unit)

Students must register for every course of the Growthmakers module (30 ECTS) and must also apply to Growthmakers at bit.ly/y-kampusgrowthmakers. The deadline to apply is August 15.
A student must complete both of these steps in order to be considered for the course. Growthmakers includes the following courses, which students must register for:
1. Leadership for Growth 5 ECTS
2. Sales & Marketing for Growth in a Digital & Global World 5 ECTS
3. Growth Strategy & Business Models 5ECTS
4. Growth Ecosystems 5ECTS
5. Professional Growth Experience 10ECTS

Through this course, students will understand and learn from the local and global ecosystems that support and spur business growth. Learning includes two learning journeys (80 hours) and students are encouraged to take part in an international internship as well as local entrepreneurial and business organizations and activities such as Slush, Tribe Tampere, the Millennial Board, Nordic business forum, corporate social responsibility events, and online communities. Students will track their hours and activities and keep a learning diary of their experiences. Students will debrief regularly with their coach in order to reflect upon and apply their learning.

At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand what growth means in the greater industry/area network and identify his/her role as a leader or that of his/her company
- Exhibit the soft skills necessary to succeed in an international business environment and to compete in the global marketplace; including: intercultural sensitivity, cross-cultural communication, excellent networking abilities, collaboration, adaptive thinking, emotional intelligence, and resilience
- Compare and contrast the business culture and environment in Finland with that of international ecosystems
- Understand how international factors affect domestic businesses, activities, and concerns
- Make effective use of human and cultural differences to create positive relationships with coworkers, peers, and the public
- Demonstrate an improved command of the English language

Assessment criteria, pass/fail (course unit)

Approved when student is able to analyse the power and phenomena of a growth ecosystem. She/ he sees the opportunities in collabotarion and can evaluate the learning outcomes on both company and personal level. She/ he is able to make development proposals on practices and working methods to a company or individual.

Failed if student cannot recognize or understand the aspects of a growth ecosystem. He/ she fails to analyse the benefits to a company or individual and cannot make development proposals based on learnings.

Evaluation methods and criteria

Participants will be evaluated by their partner companies at certain milestones throughout the program. Participants will also routinely conduct peer and self-evaluation. Students will track their hours and activities and keep a learning diary of their experiences. Students will debrief regularly with their coach in order to reflect upon and apply their learning.

Teaching methods

Team Coaching, Experiential Learning, Learning Journey, Subject Seminars, Professional Projects/Internship, Expert Workshops, Self Reflection

Learning materials

Study materials will be shared with students upon the beginning of the program.