Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Student is able to
- link foresight and innovation into the strategic management of an organization in a changing operating environment
- search, structure, create and utilize foresight information
- innovate and create new solutions with agile development methods

Implementation and methods of teaching

The study course contains two parts:
* anticipating future trends (2,5 cr), lecturer Anu Nuutinen
* innovation management (2,5 cr), lecturers Sari Jokimies and Anu Kurvinen

Contact teaching on Skinnarila Campus.

Timing and attendance

Introduction lecture wk 35. Participation is mandatory. The important tasks, working methods and timetables for passing the study course are informed.

Timetables according to TimeEdit.

Learning material and recommended literature

Lecture etc. materials are informed on the study course Moodle platform.

Working life cooperation

Course assignments are based on working life co-operation.

Learning environment

Campus, Moodle.

Student time use and work load

1 cr = 27 hours student work (5 cr = 135h).

Contents

Contents of the study course:
- Anticipation as a way of thinking
- Key Concepts and Approaches to Future Research
- Anticipating changes in the operating environment and its application
- Basic concepts and method of innovation management
- The importance and process of innovation
- Company cases

Assessment criteria

Learning portfolio, participating the mandatory learning sessions. The exact dates and time are informed on the introduction lecture and Moodle course platform.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Learning objectives were not achieved.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student is able to:
- use professional terms
- describe the basics of foresight and innovation
- describe the importance of foresight and innovation

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student is able to:
- use professional concepts and understand their meaning
- describe the process of foresight and innovation
- describe the importance of foresight and innovation for the company and its activities.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student is able to:
- use professional terms
- apply foresight and innovation methods
- justify the importance of foresight and innovation as part of the organisation's strategic management

Learning outcomes

Student is able to
- understand common mathematical methods used in real business life and when to use them.
- practice critical thinking and handles the problem solving skills.
- find and utilise up to date information.
- find confidence by gaining routine of calculation.

Implementation and methods of teaching

CAMPUS IMPLEMENTATION
This implementation of Business Mathematics is meant for those students who will come to campus. The contact lessons of this implementation will be held mostly at Skinnarila Campus in Lappeenranta. There will be also some shared Teams-sessions during the course with implementation -3011. Studying is done in Moodle-platform. If later during the course, student would like to attend the lessons via Teams, that is also possible. One sub-interleaf should be studied per week in MOODLE, no matter what is the selected implementation.


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In the beginning of the course
1) INFO: how, when, why, what? An info will be an on-line meeting. Two hours are booked for getting familiar with Moodle.
!!! There will be A COMPULSORY understanding task in Moodle that you must pass this before you can continue your studying at this course. Interleaf: info, sub-interleaf: “compulsory task”. NOTE: If you don't do this compulsory task in time, you can not attend the examination either.


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Weekly: one sub-interleaf per week in Moodle
Contact-lessons at campus: during typical week there will be lectures (3) and support for exercises (5) i.e. meetings twice a week.
Studying without teacher's help is also possible.

2) Studying in Moodle. At least a DO BEFORE -test shall be done each week before the common sessions. This gives you an estimate, how much studying you need to do during this week.

3) LESSONS: backgrounds of the topic, rules, things to be noted and examples.
Mainly once a week. Attend if you didn’t get full amount of point from the Do before -test, you want to hear things explained or if you want to ask questions.

4) Studying material is provided in Moodle, for example step-by-step examples and materials that are most useful to study in one’s own time.

5) EXERCISES
Exercises are in Moodle
Practicing is more than important if you want to improve your skills in (applied) mathematics. Please do the exercises even if no one will be watching you. Depending on the topic, the exercises are provided in more traditional format with answers and in some case with tips or in H5P-format.
Exercise-support will be offered typically once a week at campus. Attending also the Teams-sessions is possible. That way there would be 4 hours of support for calculating each week.


6) Test your skills
In the end of each Moodle sub-interleaf (i.e. materials for one week) there will be a test. It is wise to check, is the skill-level already adequate or not.

7) EXAM
an on-line examination in Moodle will be offered. Only the answers are given and counted.
A traditional examination will be offered, if there are enough students attending. A student may attend only one examination, not to both.
NOTE: The examination includes 3 crucial questions that a student must handle! The topics are: % of change, VAT-calculation and the logic of simple interest calculation. It may be, that these are tested in Moodle. STUDY! do not just assume that you'll handle these.


RE-EXAMS
There will be two re-examination dates. The implementation type of examination is on-line.
Note: the dates are given beforehand. These dates are also the only possible dates to attend upgrading. One may try to upgrade the grade once and only once.

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8) The 4th ects will be studied as a GROUP-WORK.
A group of max 4 students will be given a present value investment calculation -task (mainly IB-students) OR if a students attends the Restaurant functions -course during autumn 2023, she/he may choose a group-work about pricing (mainly HOMA-students). The task will be solved and reported step-by-step. This part includes also compulsory H5P-execrises in Moodle.
If you'll do the group-work in time, it won’t affect the grade, but it must be completed before the credit points will be saved to Peppi. There will be a strict deadline in mid December (see Moodle for DL). It is possible to re-return the work twice. (see Moodle for DL) If the group-work won't be completed in time, that will lower your grade by 2 grades.Students must follow the given instructions.(see Moodle)
Timing: weeks 47– 50, enrollment before that (DL given in Moodle)

Timing and attendance

It will take the whole autumn semester and passing the course requires studying.
Studying materials are in Moodle.
Support for studying is offered at campus + some Teams-sessions related to topics 3 and 4.

Attending the lessons is not compulsory, but studying is.

There will be 4 - 5 main topics during the course. (Interleaves of Moodle)
Each main topic will have 1–4 subtopics. (Sub-interleaves in Moodle).
Typically, one sub-topic will be studied in one week. So, every week there will be a new topic. Therefore, it is highly recommended that student will study continuously during the whole course.
Every main topic starts “from zero”, although some previous techniques may be used (i.e. problem solving in %-calculation and in indices or %-calculation in indices). So, if student must be absent during some topics, he/she may be able to return quite easily when the next main topic starts. The previous main topic must of course be studied then by one’s own time.
The topics will be in Moodle in leaflets and sub-leaflets. These will be opened one by one so that a student who follows the recommended timings, may follow it easily.

NOTE: the leaflets are connected to the compulsory task so you need to do that before you'll see the studying materials.

The order of topics can be read in Peppi and in Moodle.
The timings will be seen in TimeEdit.


Using teacher's support is voluntary.
Attending examination is compulsory. If student misses the examination, no matter the cause, he/she can attend the official re-examinations. No extra examinations will be organized.
The implementation of the 4th credit is a group-work. Timing: weeks 47– 50. Doing the group-work is compulsory.

Learning material and recommended literature

Materials will be given in Moodle.

Additional information and explanations will be told during contact-lessons.

In case student wants to study with help of videos, he/she can find suitable ones from the internet, that may be “full” of ready-made videos. However, it is wise to study the materials provided during the course too.

Alternative completion methods

Handling the topics may only be proven by calculating. Therefore, passing the examination is compulsory and NO individual ways of trying to show the required skills are possible.

Group-work: 1 - 4 members.

Working life cooperation

There are no straight connections to companies, but most of the topics are “from real life”. Business Mathematics -course will mostly concentrate on application (like pricing) and in some cases also related legislation must be handled (like terms of payment and interest rate for late payments).

Exam retakes

There will two re-examinations. Those are on-line versions.

The dates are given beforehand and only those re-examinations are available. The other one will be held in the beginning of the spring semester 2024 and the other one later in the spring semester 2024. Please check the exact dates in Moodle. The enrollment is also in Moodle and the student must enroll to the re-examination by him-/her-self before the DL.

Note: It is more than wise to study properly during the course. Please, do not wait for the re-examination, because the topics won’t get any easier. Studying is required.

The implementation of the 4th ects will be a group work. There will be a strict deadline (see Moodle). If the work is graded as "to be completed", a group will be given another strict deadline. If the work is still not passed, the group will be given a second and last re-returning: For also this, the deadline is strict. Students shall follow the given instructions (naming the work, returning the work, including all the group-members to mailing etc) or the work won't be checked. It is possible to re-return the work twice. If the work won't be passed then, 2 grades are taken out from the grade based on the examination. If the grade is then less than one, a student will re-take the course next year.


Credit points will be written only after both, the examination and the group work is passed.

Learning environment

Moodle - extremely compulsory!
Remember to check the timings and room numbers from TimeEdit.
Teams - few times, but it is also possible to attend both at campus and via Teams, so use all the support that is available

Contact lessons – voluntary, offered to those students who need personal help and/or appreciate group’s support while solving exercises
Studying in Moodle.

Student time use and work load

In Finland one credit point is confirmed to correspond appr. 27 hours of student's studying. This agreement is based on the Bologna process and ECTS (European Credit Transformation System).

Therefore 3 credit points should respond 80 hours of student's studying and 4 credits points correspondently appr 107 hours.

Only part of 107 hours has normally been covered by the contact lessons, so studying in one's own time has been required also earlier, and also during the autumn 2023.
The required amount of studying depends highly on one’s base level of skills, goals and studying technique.

It is highly recommended, that students will study during the whole course, not just in the end on the course or only some topics of the course. Make a schedule, set targets, do the exercises when they are supposed to be done, attend the Teams-meetings, follow the deadlines.

NOTE, even if the course content may sound easy to some of the students, this course can not be handled without studying. This is proven by so many students during the earlier years. So please do not make a mistake of underestimating the level of difficulty of this course. Business Mathematics is not just calculating, it is very much about understanding and being able to link to real life. Good skills in techniques of mathematics aren’t enough.

Contents

Note that the beginning of the course may be very simple to some of the students. Please do NOT assume that the whole course would be like that. Understand that some students may have studied mathematics many, many years ago and they don't remember everything.
!!! Shows the crucial questions, that must be handled by everyone. The course can not be passed without showing that a student knows hos these are calculated.

CONTENTS of the COURSE
1) problem solving:
* thinking as part of problem solving
* equations and proportion:
As a repetition for those student who don't either remember or who haven't studied these well earlier.

2) percentage calculation
2.1) Basic cases, % of change, % of comparison, %-units, coefficient of change and the rules of these.
!!! NOTE: % of change is the other crucial question in the examination. This topic MUST be handled by everyone.
2.2.) VAT
!!! NOTE: VAT is the other crucial question in the examination. This topic MUST be handled by everyone.
2.3.) Contribution margin calculation
This topic is most probably new for every student, so attending Teams-session is recommended to everyone.
2.4.) Pricing
This topic is new for every student and the topic requires studying.
note: attending Teams-session is HIGHLY recommended to everyone.


3) indices
3.1) Simple index series
Most probably new for many students. This topic includes self studying part.
3.2.) Using ready made indices: inflation, change in the value of money, real change, index clause
This topic is new for every student and the topic requires studying.
note: attending Teams-session is HIGHLY recommended to everyone.


4) Simple Interest calculation
4.1) the basics of simple interest calculation
4.2.) Interest (€) and shortly the basics of loans
4.2) interest rate (%) and small loans
4.3) Terms of payment: This topic may include a self studying part BEFORE the lessons.
!!! NOTE: Understanding the logic of simple interest calculation is the third crucial question in the examination. This topic MUST be handled by everyone.
These topics are new for every student and the topics require studying.
note: attending Teams-session is HIGHLY recommended to everyone.



GOALS:
To gain knowledge of basic mathematics needed in business.
To get a good routine to calculation.

The desired outcome is that a student who has passed the course with good grade:

* understands that in business mathematics being able to calculate technically well is not enough, but instead understanding terminology and thinking in general is an important part of it
* remembers the wise techniques of solving equations
* knows when and how to use proportion
* understands how equations can be used as a help in the process of solving mathematical problems
* recognizes the different types of percentage calculation and are able to use those properly
* knows by heart how percentage of change should be calculated and understands the reasons for the rules behind it
* knows by heart how the price without value-added-tax is calculated and handles the other types of value-added-tax-calculation too
* handles the basics of contribution margin calculation
* understands how discounts should be taken into account in pricing
* understands what is a simple index series, how it is created, when it can be used and how it is interpreted
* understands how ready-made index-series are used and what is their connection to phenomenons of business
* understands the value of money in sense of relative change and knows how it is calculated
* understands the logic of simple interest calculation and is able to calculate simple interest
* recognizes different outcomes of interest rate and different terms related to it
* understands the concept of real annual interest rate and knows how it is calculated
* knows the terms of payment and the rules and the basic legislation related to it

The contents and the implementation of the 4th credit point will be present value investment calculation (group-work)
or pricing if a students studies also Restaurant functions -course during autumn 2023.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

No previous courses will be required or offered.

Studying can and should be done during THIS course.

Assessment criteria

In the beginning of the course there is a compulsory task in Moodle. A student must pass this before she/he can see the studying materials in Moodle. Also, this compulsory task is connected to the examination, so attending the examination is not possible, if a student won't complete the compulsory task. The deadline is in appr. 3 weeks from the beginning of the course (see Moodle).

An exam is used to measure students' knowledge (after 3 efct).
Requirements: minimum 50 % of points.

There will be crucial questions in the on-line version. In this case the student can not proceed to the "real" examination if he/she doesn’t handle the most important topics of the course. The crucial questions are % of change, the price without VAT, when the VAT rate and the price with VAT is given and the logic of simple interest calculation.

In traditional version of examination: an approved performance in "crucial" exam question. The crucial questions are % of change, the price without VAT, when the VAT rate and the price with VAT is given and the logic of simple interest calculation.


An on-line examination where only the answers are given and counted will be offered. For on-line examination there will be a "normal" version, where the order of the questions is given and the "free-move version". A student can an access for this by collecting at least 3 activity points during the course. If there are enough students attending, also a traditional examination where the whole solving process is written on paper and will be graded also by its’ parts is possible. Please note that the on-line examination and traditional examination will be different. Especially, an on-line examination will have its advantages but also disadvantages. A student must choose by her/himself which implementation suites better for her/him well before the examination. One may choose and attend only to either on-line or traditional version, NOT to both. Note. A traditional version will be organized only if there will be enough students attending (see Moodle).

The implementation of the 4th ects:
Group work of 1-4 students
Topic: present value investment calculation (IB) or real-life pricing (HOMA-students that will attedn the Restaurant functions -course in autumn 2023 / have studied it earlier)
Grading: Passed / to be completed / failed.
If the grade is 2to be completed or failed still after 2 possible re-returns, this will lowers one's grade by 2 grades.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Student is not able to carry out half of the exam questions and/or student is not able to handle the **crucial questions in the examination.

Most probably the failed result means that student hasn't been studying maybe because of the lack of effort of because trusting too much on his/her earlier skills.

Note: Being able to calculate percentage calculation is not enough.

The group-work is not completed.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

Grade 1: Student is able to carry out half of the exam questions. In traditional exam this means that a student can either a) know something about all the topics studied during the course or) know well certain topics, but less about some topics. Student must handle the **crucial questions in the examination.

Student has completed the group-work in given time.
(or the examination result is worth grade 3)

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

Grade 3: Student has gained 70 %of the maximum points. In traditional exam this means that a student handles either a) all the topics of the course better than on average or b) certain topics completely. Student must handle the **crucial questions in the examination.

Student has completed the group-work in given time (or the examination result is worth grade 5)

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

Grade 5: Grade 5 requires 90 % of the maximum points.Student handles very well exercises from all the topics studied during the course. Student must handle the **crucial questions in the examination.

Student has completed the group-work in given time.

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- utilise essential office applications in their studies
- utilise cloud services as part of team work
- function in an online learning environment

Implementation and methods of teaching

This course is arranged only online as eLearning using Moodle and Zoom tools. Exercises and eLearning tasks are published in course Moodle.

First enrol to the course in Peppi, after teacher confirms your participation you will automatically be inserted into course Moodle.

Timing and attendance

According to TimeEdit timetable. Attending online lectures is optional.

Learning material and recommended literature

Office 2016 series (or newer). e-Learning materials given during the course.

Exam retakes

Two retake exams.

Learning environment

Moodle eLearning platform.

Student time use and work load

5 ECTS credits are approximately 135 hours of work.

Contents

Word processing standard layout of documents, styles, LAB report writing guidelines.

Basic usage of MS Word.

Create professional looking presentations with MS PowerPoint, set timings and other presentation settings. Presenter tools while giving a presentation.

Creating spreadsheets with MS Excel. Autosum and other basic functions (SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, MIN, MAX), copy formula to other rows/columns/worksheets, absolute cell reference, create time series, conditional formatting, create and edit charts, conditional calculation functions (IF, COUNTIF, SUMIF), date and time functions, lookup functions, sort and filter data, Pivot tables and charts.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

Not needed.

Assessment criteria

Weekly exercises, assignments and Excel exam.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Failed. Student failes to submit exercises on time or failes too many of them.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

Knowledge

Student can name and recall course content information. Student is aware of how to work with basic application exercises.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

Analysis skills

Student can see and analyze relationships of topics. Student knows how to implement exercises skillfully and apply skills in business related situations.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

Evaluation skills

Student can make well-founded judgements on topics and support them. Student has mastery skills in implementing exercises. Student can estimate and choose how to apply skills for business life needs.

Learning outcomes

Student is able to
- understand entrepreneurship through personal development
- find and utilize different customer oriented business opportunities
- evaluate profitability of business idea
- develop business models

Implementation and methods of teaching

Students will work in teams to create a business plan. Combined classroom, distant learning and individual/team work

Timing and attendance

Confirmation and commitment for the course participation: Student, who has enrolled and accepted to the course, should confirm participation. Participation is confirmed with attending first lesson or returning first exercise within the deadline to keep justification on course studies

Learning material and recommended literature

No further reading required, everything will be covered in the lectures.

Contents

Creating business plan. Sustainability in tourism and hospitality industry, innovations and innovative business concepts.

Assessment criteria

.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

.

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- record business transactions into bookkeeping in a small company and draw up its profit/loss account and balance sheet
- calculate the amount of VAT payables
- analyze company's profitability, solidity and liquidity through financial ratios

Assessment scale

1-5

Learning outcomes

To learn and become acquainted with the managerial principles, models and tasks in an organisation as well as features of succesful leadership.

Implementation and methods of teaching

Contact teaching as specified at the beginning of the course. Individual assignments related to contact teaching. The course also contains some group work.

Timing and attendance

Schedule in TimeEdit. Attendance is not required but it is very recommended.

Learning material and recommended literature

At the beginning of the course, mainly digital material to be announced on the Moodle pages.

Working life cooperation

Visiting lecture from a manager at Greenstep Oy

Exam retakes

Individual tasks done in Moodle.

Learning environment

Contact teaching, LABs Moodle-platform, working alone and in groups

Student time use and work load

Total time spent about 135 hours, of which contact teaching accounts for about 20 hours, other voluntary work independently and / or in groups.

Contents

Manager as a profession, basics of personnel management, managerial communication, decision-making and labor legislation, as well as management tools. Material and learning tasks related to the topic.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

Completion of the course does not require previous business studies.

Assessment criteria

Assessment is done according to the learning task(s).

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

The student has not achieved the learning objectives.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student knows how
- use individual professional concepts and demonstrate familiarity with the knowledge base in the field
- describe the starting points, needs and rationale for the action

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student knows how
- use key professional concepts consistently
- identify and justify the starting points, needs and rationale for the action.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student knows how
- use professional concepts competently
- compare the different operational options, justifying them

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- produce cost-volume-profit analyses
- identify cost drivers and apply cost data in price setting
- draw up budgets and define the budgeting process

Implementation and methods of teaching

The course will include contact lectures, exercise sessions (including case assignments etc.) and self study exercises / assignments. At the end an online exam.

Timing and attendance

The course will run during the whole spring semester from January to May. Class attendance is not mandatory, but absence from classes requires active and intensive self study and learning.

Learning material and recommended literature

Material provided by the lecturer in Moodle.
Additional reading e.g.: Drury, Colin. 2006 (or newer). Management Accounting for Business. London: Thomson.

Working life cooperation

Visiting lecturer from local business

Exam retakes

A retake possibility for the exam in May. After that, retake can be taken in the Exam system.

Student time use and work load

5 credits corresponds approximately 135 hours of student's use of time.

Contents

Course content: introduction to management accounting, cost concepts, cost-volume-profit analysis, cost-based pricing and budgeting.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

Financial accounting

Assessment criteria

Assessment is based on exam and assignments.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Student does not reach the learning objectives.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

Student reaches the learning objectives and in the exam and assignments shows a satisfactory level of knowledge and competence in the subjects covered in the course.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

Student reaches the learning objectives and in the exam and assignments shows a good level of knowledge and competence in the subjects covered in the course.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

Student reaches the learning objectives and in the exam and assignments shows an excellent level of knowledge and competence in the subjects covered in the course.

Learning outcomes

Student
- Is familiar with project based working
- Knows standard project practices and is able to work in a project organization
- Understands the prerequisites of successful project planning and implementation
- Get practical project working skills and knows project tools and techniques
- Is able to use the project management methodology in real life business projects and is able to develop a project plan, manage end execute the plan successfully.

Implementation and methods of teaching

The students work with real life business and R&D cases. Based on selected cases the students will create a project plan. The student will apply the methodology of previous courses.

Project teams will be formed and these teams will work together during the course.

Contact lessons, team discussions and learning in teams.
Special emphasis will be in project progess methodologies and how they can be learned.

Timing and attendance

Active participation in project team's working.
The course starts week 36.
The course ends week 48 (closing seminars)

Learning material and recommended literature

PMBOK - Project Management Body of Knowledge, 5th edition 2013

Working life cooperation

The students work with real life business and R&D cases.

Learning environment

Contact lessons, team discussions and learning in teams. Important part of the course is the students individual work.

Student time use and work load

Week 36-39: Lectures, selecting project idea, project briefing
Week 40-46: Individual work and Q&A coached by the lecturers
Week 47-48: Project reporting and presentation

Assessment criteria

Project work, documentation and reporting, final seminar presentation.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Failing to reach the level of 1 according to the evaluation criteria

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

Student has basic knowledge about project management.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

Student has good knowledge about project management in business related projects and understands how good project management supports companies' business.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

Student has excellent knowledge and understanding about project management in business related projects and knows how to apply project management tools in order to successfully run a project. Student understands development projects' linkage to the strategic management of a company.

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- obtain, utilise and assess R&D-related information and their sources critically
- follow the rules of ethical principles applied in all research activities
- use the most typical research and development methods of their own field
- write a scientific report and is familiar with the requirements for language and style and how to document the sources

Implementation and methods of teaching

Lectures on campus, assignments, independent studying and two midterm exams.

Timing and attendance

Lectures on week 2-15 according to timetable

Attending the first lecture is compulsory: course information and instructions are given.

1st midterm exam on week 8 according to the timetable
2nd midterm exam on week 16 according to the timetable

Learning material and recommended literature

Lecture material given by the teachers in Moodle.

Exam retakes

Re-exam dates announced at the beginning of the course.

Learning environment

Lectures and Moodle

Student time use and work load

5 cr = 135 hours of student work.

Lectures
Assignments
Independent studying
1st and 2nd midterm exams

Contents

Research path: research process and basic concepts.

Features of quantitative research. Nature of qualitative research method and its 'sub-methods', e.g. grounded theory, discourse analysis, and case-study. Collecting the empirical data. How to analyse the empirical data. Content of the research report.

Features of quantitative research. Basic statistical concepts. Sampling. Measurement. Descriptive analysis: transformations, tables, graphs. Numerical descriptive measures: measures of central tendency, variation and shape. Statistical relationships: linear correlation, cross tabs and chi-square test.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

First year studies completed or respective skills and knowledge

Assessment criteria

Two written midterm exams

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Failing to reach level 1 according to the evaluation criteria

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

1 = Student understands the basic research concepts and the steps of a research process. Student recognises different research methods. Student understands how to collect theoretical and empirical research data. Student is able to use basic descriptive methods in analysing research data and read the respective research results.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

3 = Student understands and is able to explain the basic research concepts, the steps of a research process and different ways to use research methods. Student is able to collect theoretical and empirical research data.Student is able to use analysis methods suitable for the research data and interpret the respective results. Student is able to write a research report.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

5 = Student masters and is able to use of the basic research concepts fluently. Student is able to justify the selection of data collection method and collect suitable theoretical and empirical research data. Student is able to justify, use and apply different analysis methos in different research settings. Student masters the interpretation of the respective analysis results and is able to draw practical conclusions based on the results. Student is able to write a profound research report.

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- obtain, utilise and assess R&D-related information and their sources critically
- follow the rules of ethical principles applied in all research activities
- use the most typical research and development methods of their own field
- write a scientific report and is familiar with the requirements for language and style and how to document the sources

Implementation and methods of teaching

Lectures on Lahti campus, online lectures and assignments

Qualitative methods: Sanna Kokkonen
Quantitative methods: Simo Jaakkola

Timing and attendance

The first lecture will be on week 36. Attending to the lectures is recommended.

Qualitative methods will be lectured in the classroom during weeks 36-42.
The rest of the course concentrates on quantitative methods.

NB! Changes to the division of lectures between the qualitative and quantitative methods may be possible!

Learning material and recommended literature

Quantitative research methods: Lecture material given by the teacher in Moodle.

Qualitative research methods: Materials in Moodle. Recommended literature informed at the beginning of the course.

Alternative completion methods

To be discussed with the teacher at the beginning of the course. Recognition of prior learning is possible.

Exam retakes

Re-exam dates announced at the end of the course.

Learning environment

Lectures and Moodle

Student time use and work load

5 cr = 135 hours of student work.

Quantitative research methods part:
lectures 10 hours
independent studying and analysis assignments 56

Qualitative research methods part:
lectures 12 hours
independent studying 54 hours

Exam 3 hours. The qualitative part of the exam will be either oral or written, the quantitative part exam will be written.

Contents

Methods and techniques of qualitative and quantitative research.

Qualitative research methods:
Concepts related to research. Research path. Special features of qualitative research. Different qualitative research methods (e.g. case study, discourse analysis, grounded theory). Acquisition of data (theoretical and empirical). Data analysis. Content of a research report.

Assessment criteria

Quantitative methods: Exam, 50 % of the credit
Qualitative methods: Exam, 50 % of the credit

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Failing to reach level 1 according to the evaluation criteria

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

1 = Student understands the basic research concepts and the steps of a research process. Student recognises different research methods. Student understands how to collect theoretical and empirical research data. Student is able to use basic descriptive methods in analysing research data and read the respective research results.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

3 = Student understands and is able to explain the basic research concepts, the steps of a research process and different ways to use research methods. Student is able to collect theoretical and empirical research data.Student is able to use analysis methods suitable for the research data and interpret the respective results. Student is able to write a research report.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

5 = Student masters and is able to use of the basic research concepts fluently. Student is able to justify the selection of data collection method and collect suitable theoretical and empirical research data. Student is able to justify, use and apply different analysis methos in different research settings. Student masters the interpretation of the respective analysis results and is able to draw practical conclusions based on the results. Student is able to write a profound research report.

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- obtain, utilise and assess R&D-related information and their sources critically
- follow the rules of ethical principles applied in all research activities
- use the most typical research and development methods of their own field
- write a scientific report and is familiar with the requirements for language and style and how to document the sources

Implementation and methods of teaching

Lectures on campus, assignments, and independent studying.

Timing and attendance

Lectures on week 36-48 according to timetable

Exam on week 49 according to the timetable

Learning material and recommended literature

Lecture material given by the teachers in Moodle.

Exam retakes

Course exam on week 49 according to the timetable.
Re-exam dates announced at the beginning of the course.

Learning environment

Lectures and Moodle

Student time use and work load

5 cr = 135 hours of student work.

lectures
assignments
independent studying

Exam 3 hours

Contents

Research path: research process and basic concepts.


Features of quantitative research. Basic statistical concepts. Sampling. Measurement. Descriptive analysis: transformations, tables, graphs. Numerical descriptive measures: measures of central tendency, variation and shape. Statistical relationships: linear correlation, cross tabs.


Features of quantitative research. Nature of qualitative research method and its 'sub-methods', e.g. grounded theory, discourse analysis, and case-study. Collecting the empirical data. How to analyse the empirical data. Content of the research report.

Assessment criteria

Written exam

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Failing to reach level 1 according to the evaluation criteria

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

1 = Student understands the basic research concepts and the steps of a research process. Student recognises different research methods. Student understands how to collect theoretical and empirical research data. Student is able to use basic descriptive methods in analysing research data and read the respective research results.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

3 = Student understands and is able to explain the basic research concepts, the steps of a research process and different ways to use research methods. Student is able to collect theoretical and empirical research data.Student is able to use analysis methods suitable for the research data and interpret the respective results. Student is able to write a research report.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

5 = Student masters and is able to use of the basic research concepts fluently. Student is able to justify the selection of data collection method and collect suitable theoretical and empirical research data. Student is able to justify, use and apply different analysis methos in different research settings. Student masters the interpretation of the respective analysis results and is able to draw practical conclusions based on the results. Student is able to write a profound research report.

Learning outcomes

Student is able to
- understand entrepreneurship through personal development
- find and utilize different customer oriented business opportunities
- evaluate profitability of business idea
- develop business models

Implementation and methods of teaching

Students will work in teams to create a business plan. Combined classroom, distant learning and individual/team work

Timing and attendance

Confirmation and commitment for the course participation: Student, who has enrolled and accepted to the course, should confirm participation. Participation is confirmed with attending first lesson or returning first exercise within the deadline to keep justification on course studies

Learning material and recommended literature

No further reading required, everything will be covered in the lectures.

Contents

Creating business plan. Sustainability in tourism and hospitality industry, innovations and innovative business concepts.

Assessment criteria

.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

.

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- produce cost-volume-profit analyses
- identify cost drivers and apply cost data in price setting
- draw up budgets and define the budgeting process

Implementation and methods of teaching

The course will include contact lectures, exercise sessions (including case assignments etc.) and self study exercises / assignments. At the end an online exam.

Timing and attendance

The course will run during the whole spring semester from January to May. Class attendance is not mandatory, but absence from classes requires active and intensive self study and learning.

Learning material and recommended literature

Material provided by the lecturer in Moodle.
Additional reading e.g.: Drury, Colin. 2006 (or newer). Management Accounting for Business. London: Thomson.

Working life cooperation

Visiting lecturer from local business

Exam retakes

A retake possibility for the exam in May. After that, retake can be taken in the Exam system.

Student time use and work load

5 credits corresponds approximately 135 hours of student's use of time.

Contents

Course content: introduction to management accounting, cost concepts, cost-volume-profit analysis, cost-based pricing and budgeting.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

Financial accounting

Assessment criteria

Assessment is based on exam and assignments.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Student does not reach the learning objectives.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

Student reaches the learning objectives and in the exam and assignments shows a satisfactory level of knowledge and competence in the subjects covered in the course.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

Student reaches the learning objectives and in the exam and assignments shows a good level of knowledge and competence in the subjects covered in the course.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

Student reaches the learning objectives and in the exam and assignments shows an excellent level of knowledge and competence in the subjects covered in the course.

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- obtain, utilise and assess R&D-related information and their sources critically
- follow the rules of ethical principles applied in all research activities
- use the most typical research and development methods of their own field
- write a scientific report and is familiar with the requirements for language and style and how to document the sources

Implementation and methods of teaching

Lectures on campus, assignments, independent studying and two midterm exams.

Timing and attendance

Lectures on week 2-15 according to timetable

Attending the first lecture is compulsory: course information and instructions are given.

1st midterm exam on week 8 according to the timetable
2nd midterm exam on week 16 according to the timetable

Learning material and recommended literature

Lecture material given by the teachers in Moodle.

Exam retakes

Re-exam dates announced at the beginning of the course.

Learning environment

Lectures and Moodle

Student time use and work load

5 cr = 135 hours of student work.

Lectures
Assignments
Independent studying
1st and 2nd midterm exams

Contents

Research path: research process and basic concepts.

Features of quantitative research. Nature of qualitative research method and its 'sub-methods', e.g. grounded theory, discourse analysis, and case-study. Collecting the empirical data. How to analyse the empirical data. Content of the research report.

Features of quantitative research. Basic statistical concepts. Sampling. Measurement. Descriptive analysis: transformations, tables, graphs. Numerical descriptive measures: measures of central tendency, variation and shape. Statistical relationships: linear correlation, cross tabs and chi-square test.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

First year studies completed or respective skills and knowledge

Assessment criteria

Two written midterm exams

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Failing to reach level 1 according to the evaluation criteria

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

1 = Student understands the basic research concepts and the steps of a research process. Student recognises different research methods. Student understands how to collect theoretical and empirical research data. Student is able to use basic descriptive methods in analysing research data and read the respective research results.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

3 = Student understands and is able to explain the basic research concepts, the steps of a research process and different ways to use research methods. Student is able to collect theoretical and empirical research data.Student is able to use analysis methods suitable for the research data and interpret the respective results. Student is able to write a research report.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

5 = Student masters and is able to use of the basic research concepts fluently. Student is able to justify the selection of data collection method and collect suitable theoretical and empirical research data. Student is able to justify, use and apply different analysis methos in different research settings. Student masters the interpretation of the respective analysis results and is able to draw practical conclusions based on the results. Student is able to write a profound research report.

Learning outcomes

Student is able to
- link foresight and innovation into the strategic management of an organization in a changing operating environment
- search, structure, create and utilize foresight information
- innovate and create new solutions with agile development methods

Implementation and methods of teaching

The study course contains two parts:
* anticipating future trends (2,5 cr), lecturer Anu Nuutinen
* innovation management (2,5 cr), lecturers Sari Jokimies and Anu Kurvinen

Contact teaching on Skinnarila Campus.

Timing and attendance

Introduction lecture wk 35. Participation is mandatory. The important tasks, working methods and timetables for passing the study course are informed.

Timetables according to TimeEdit.

Learning material and recommended literature

Lecture etc. materials are informed on the study course Moodle platform.

Working life cooperation

Course assignments are based on working life co-operation.

Learning environment

Campus, Moodle.

Student time use and work load

1 cr = 27 hours student work (5 cr = 135h).

Contents

Contents of the study course:
- Anticipation as a way of thinking
- Key Concepts and Approaches to Future Research
- Anticipating changes in the operating environment and its application
- Basic concepts and method of innovation management
- The importance and process of innovation
- Company cases

Assessment criteria

Learning portfolio, participating the mandatory learning sessions. The exact dates and time are informed on the introduction lecture and Moodle course platform.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Learning objectives were not achieved.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student is able to:
- use professional terms
- describe the basics of foresight and innovation
- describe the importance of foresight and innovation

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student is able to:
- use professional concepts and understand their meaning
- describe the process of foresight and innovation
- describe the importance of foresight and innovation for the company and its activities.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student is able to:
- use professional terms
- apply foresight and innovation methods
- justify the importance of foresight and innovation as part of the organisation's strategic management

Learning outcomes

Student
- Is familiar with project based working
- Knows standard project practices and is able to work in a project organization
- Understands the prerequisites of successful project planning and implementation
- Get practical project working skills and knows project tools and techniques
- Is able to use the project management methodology in real life business projects and is able to develop a project plan, manage end execute the plan successfully.

Implementation and methods of teaching

The students work with real life business and R&D cases. Based on selected cases the students will create a project plan. The student will apply the methodology of previous courses.

Project teams will be formed and these teams will work together during the course.

Contact lessons, team discussions and learning in teams.
Special emphasis will be in project progess methodologies and how they can be learned.

Timing and attendance

Active participation in project team's working.
The course starts week 36.
The course ends week 48 (closing seminars)

Learning material and recommended literature

PMBOK - Project Management Body of Knowledge, 5th edition 2013

Working life cooperation

The students work with real life business and R&D cases.

Learning environment

Contact lessons, team discussions and learning in teams. Important part of the course is the students individual work.

Student time use and work load

Week 36-39: Lectures, selecting project idea, project briefing
Week 40-46: Individual work and Q&A coached by the lecturers
Week 47-48: Project reporting and presentation

Assessment criteria

Project work, documentation and reporting, final seminar presentation.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Failing to reach the level of 1 according to the evaluation criteria

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

Student has basic knowledge about project management.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

Student has good knowledge about project management in business related projects and understands how good project management supports companies' business.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

Student has excellent knowledge and understanding about project management in business related projects and knows how to apply project management tools in order to successfully run a project. Student understands development projects' linkage to the strategic management of a company.

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- record business transactions into bookkeeping in a small company and draw up its profit/loss account and balance sheet
- calculate the amount of VAT payables
- analyze company's profitability, solidity and liquidity through financial ratios

Assessment scale

1-5

Learning outcomes

To learn and become acquainted with the managerial principles, models and tasks in an organisation as well as features of succesful leadership.

Implementation and methods of teaching

Contact teaching as specified at the beginning of the course. Individual assignments related to contact teaching. The course also contains some group work.

Timing and attendance

Schedule in TimeEdit. Attendance is not required but it is very recommended.

Learning material and recommended literature

At the beginning of the course, mainly digital material to be announced on the Moodle pages.

Working life cooperation

Visiting lecture from a manager at Greenstep Oy

Exam retakes

Individual tasks done in Moodle.

Learning environment

Contact teaching, LABs Moodle-platform, working alone and in groups

Student time use and work load

Total time spent about 135 hours, of which contact teaching accounts for about 20 hours, other voluntary work independently and / or in groups.

Contents

Manager as a profession, basics of personnel management, managerial communication, decision-making and labor legislation, as well as management tools. Material and learning tasks related to the topic.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

Completion of the course does not require previous business studies.

Assessment criteria

Assessment is done according to the learning task(s).

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

The student has not achieved the learning objectives.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student knows how
- use individual professional concepts and demonstrate familiarity with the knowledge base in the field
- describe the starting points, needs and rationale for the action

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student knows how
- use key professional concepts consistently
- identify and justify the starting points, needs and rationale for the action.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

The student knows how
- use professional concepts competently
- compare the different operational options, justifying them

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- utilise essential office applications in their studies
- utilise cloud services as part of team work
- function in an online learning environment

Implementation and methods of teaching

This course is arranged only online as eLearning using Moodle and Zoom tools. Exercises and eLearning tasks are published in course Moodle.

First enrol to the course in Peppi, after teacher confirms your participation you will automatically be inserted into course Moodle.

Timing and attendance

According to TimeEdit timetable. Attending online lectures is optional.

Learning material and recommended literature

Office 2016 series (or newer). e-Learning materials given during the course.

Exam retakes

Two retake exams.

Learning environment

Moodle eLearning platform.

Student time use and work load

5 ECTS credits are approximately 135 hours of work.

Contents

Word processing standard layout of documents, styles, LAB report writing guidelines.

Basic usage of MS Word.

Create professional looking presentations with MS PowerPoint, set timings and other presentation settings. Presenter tools while giving a presentation.

Creating spreadsheets with MS Excel. Autosum and other basic functions (SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, MIN, MAX), copy formula to other rows/columns/worksheets, absolute cell reference, create time series, conditional formatting, create and edit charts, conditional calculation functions (IF, COUNTIF, SUMIF), date and time functions, lookup functions, sort and filter data, Pivot tables and charts.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

Not needed.

Assessment criteria

Weekly exercises, assignments and Excel exam.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Failed. Student failes to submit exercises on time or failes too many of them.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

Knowledge

Student can name and recall course content information. Student is aware of how to work with basic application exercises.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

Analysis skills

Student can see and analyze relationships of topics. Student knows how to implement exercises skillfully and apply skills in business related situations.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

Evaluation skills

Student can make well-founded judgements on topics and support them. Student has mastery skills in implementing exercises. Student can estimate and choose how to apply skills for business life needs.

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- obtain, utilise and assess R&D-related information and their sources critically
- follow the rules of ethical principles applied in all research activities
- use the most typical research and development methods of their own field
- write a scientific report and is familiar with the requirements for language and style and how to document the sources

Implementation and methods of teaching

Lectures on Lahti campus, online lectures and assignments

Qualitative methods: Sanna Kokkonen
Quantitative methods: Simo Jaakkola

Timing and attendance

The first lecture will be on week 36. Attending to the lectures is recommended.

Qualitative methods will be lectured in the classroom during weeks 36-42.
The rest of the course concentrates on quantitative methods.

NB! Changes to the division of lectures between the qualitative and quantitative methods may be possible!

Learning material and recommended literature

Quantitative research methods: Lecture material given by the teacher in Moodle.

Qualitative research methods: Materials in Moodle. Recommended literature informed at the beginning of the course.

Alternative completion methods

To be discussed with the teacher at the beginning of the course. Recognition of prior learning is possible.

Exam retakes

Re-exam dates announced at the end of the course.

Learning environment

Lectures and Moodle

Student time use and work load

5 cr = 135 hours of student work.

Quantitative research methods part:
lectures 10 hours
independent studying and analysis assignments 56

Qualitative research methods part:
lectures 12 hours
independent studying 54 hours

Exam 3 hours. The qualitative part of the exam will be either oral or written, the quantitative part exam will be written.

Contents

Methods and techniques of qualitative and quantitative research.

Qualitative research methods:
Concepts related to research. Research path. Special features of qualitative research. Different qualitative research methods (e.g. case study, discourse analysis, grounded theory). Acquisition of data (theoretical and empirical). Data analysis. Content of a research report.

Assessment criteria

Quantitative methods: Exam, 50 % of the credit
Qualitative methods: Exam, 50 % of the credit

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Failing to reach level 1 according to the evaluation criteria

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

1 = Student understands the basic research concepts and the steps of a research process. Student recognises different research methods. Student understands how to collect theoretical and empirical research data. Student is able to use basic descriptive methods in analysing research data and read the respective research results.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

3 = Student understands and is able to explain the basic research concepts, the steps of a research process and different ways to use research methods. Student is able to collect theoretical and empirical research data.Student is able to use analysis methods suitable for the research data and interpret the respective results. Student is able to write a research report.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

5 = Student masters and is able to use of the basic research concepts fluently. Student is able to justify the selection of data collection method and collect suitable theoretical and empirical research data. Student is able to justify, use and apply different analysis methos in different research settings. Student masters the interpretation of the respective analysis results and is able to draw practical conclusions based on the results. Student is able to write a profound research report.

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- obtain, utilise and assess R&D-related information and their sources critically
- follow the rules of ethical principles applied in all research activities
- use the most typical research and development methods of their own field
- write a scientific report and is familiar with the requirements for language and style and how to document the sources

Implementation and methods of teaching

Lectures on campus, assignments, and independent studying.

Timing and attendance

Lectures on week 36-48 according to timetable

Exam on week 49 according to the timetable

Learning material and recommended literature

Lecture material given by the teachers in Moodle.

Exam retakes

Course exam on week 49 according to the timetable.
Re-exam dates announced at the beginning of the course.

Learning environment

Lectures and Moodle

Student time use and work load

5 cr = 135 hours of student work.

lectures
assignments
independent studying

Exam 3 hours

Contents

Research path: research process and basic concepts.


Features of quantitative research. Basic statistical concepts. Sampling. Measurement. Descriptive analysis: transformations, tables, graphs. Numerical descriptive measures: measures of central tendency, variation and shape. Statistical relationships: linear correlation, cross tabs.


Features of quantitative research. Nature of qualitative research method and its 'sub-methods', e.g. grounded theory, discourse analysis, and case-study. Collecting the empirical data. How to analyse the empirical data. Content of the research report.

Assessment criteria

Written exam

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Failing to reach level 1 according to the evaluation criteria

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

1 = Student understands the basic research concepts and the steps of a research process. Student recognises different research methods. Student understands how to collect theoretical and empirical research data. Student is able to use basic descriptive methods in analysing research data and read the respective research results.

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

3 = Student understands and is able to explain the basic research concepts, the steps of a research process and different ways to use research methods. Student is able to collect theoretical and empirical research data.Student is able to use analysis methods suitable for the research data and interpret the respective results. Student is able to write a research report.

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

5 = Student masters and is able to use of the basic research concepts fluently. Student is able to justify the selection of data collection method and collect suitable theoretical and empirical research data. Student is able to justify, use and apply different analysis methos in different research settings. Student masters the interpretation of the respective analysis results and is able to draw practical conclusions based on the results. Student is able to write a profound research report.

Learning outcomes

Student is able to
- understand common mathematical methods used in real business life and when to use them.
- practice critical thinking and handles the problem solving skills.
- find and utilise up to date information.
- find confidence by gaining routine of calculation.

Implementation and methods of teaching

CAMPUS IMPLEMENTATION
This implementation of Business Mathematics is meant for those students who will come to campus. The contact lessons of this implementation will be held mostly at Skinnarila Campus in Lappeenranta. There will be also some shared Teams-sessions during the course with implementation -3011. Studying is done in Moodle-platform. If later during the course, student would like to attend the lessons via Teams, that is also possible. One sub-interleaf should be studied per week in MOODLE, no matter what is the selected implementation.


*************************************
In the beginning of the course
1) INFO: how, when, why, what? An info will be an on-line meeting. Two hours are booked for getting familiar with Moodle.
!!! There will be A COMPULSORY understanding task in Moodle that you must pass this before you can continue your studying at this course. Interleaf: info, sub-interleaf: “compulsory task”. NOTE: If you don't do this compulsory task in time, you can not attend the examination either.


****************************************
Weekly: one sub-interleaf per week in Moodle
Contact-lessons at campus: during typical week there will be lectures (3) and support for exercises (5) i.e. meetings twice a week.
Studying without teacher's help is also possible.

2) Studying in Moodle. At least a DO BEFORE -test shall be done each week before the common sessions. This gives you an estimate, how much studying you need to do during this week.

3) LESSONS: backgrounds of the topic, rules, things to be noted and examples.
Mainly once a week. Attend if you didn’t get full amount of point from the Do before -test, you want to hear things explained or if you want to ask questions.

4) Studying material is provided in Moodle, for example step-by-step examples and materials that are most useful to study in one’s own time.

5) EXERCISES
Exercises are in Moodle
Practicing is more than important if you want to improve your skills in (applied) mathematics. Please do the exercises even if no one will be watching you. Depending on the topic, the exercises are provided in more traditional format with answers and in some case with tips or in H5P-format.
Exercise-support will be offered typically once a week at campus. Attending also the Teams-sessions is possible. That way there would be 4 hours of support for calculating each week.


6) Test your skills
In the end of each Moodle sub-interleaf (i.e. materials for one week) there will be a test. It is wise to check, is the skill-level already adequate or not.

7) EXAM
an on-line examination in Moodle will be offered. Only the answers are given and counted.
A traditional examination will be offered, if there are enough students attending. A student may attend only one examination, not to both.
NOTE: The examination includes 3 crucial questions that a student must handle! The topics are: % of change, VAT-calculation and the logic of simple interest calculation. It may be, that these are tested in Moodle. STUDY! do not just assume that you'll handle these.


RE-EXAMS
There will be two re-examination dates. The implementation type of examination is on-line.
Note: the dates are given beforehand. These dates are also the only possible dates to attend upgrading. One may try to upgrade the grade once and only once.

*****************************

8) The 4th ects will be studied as a GROUP-WORK.
A group of max 4 students will be given a present value investment calculation -task (mainly IB-students) OR if a students attends the Restaurant functions -course during autumn 2023, she/he may choose a group-work about pricing (mainly HOMA-students). The task will be solved and reported step-by-step. This part includes also compulsory H5P-execrises in Moodle.
If you'll do the group-work in time, it won’t affect the grade, but it must be completed before the credit points will be saved to Peppi. There will be a strict deadline in mid December (see Moodle for DL). It is possible to re-return the work twice. (see Moodle for DL) If the group-work won't be completed in time, that will lower your grade by 2 grades.Students must follow the given instructions.(see Moodle)
Timing: weeks 47– 50, enrollment before that (DL given in Moodle)

Timing and attendance

It will take the whole autumn semester and passing the course requires studying.
Studying materials are in Moodle.
Support for studying is offered at campus + some Teams-sessions related to topics 3 and 4.

Attending the lessons is not compulsory, but studying is.

There will be 4 - 5 main topics during the course. (Interleaves of Moodle)
Each main topic will have 1–4 subtopics. (Sub-interleaves in Moodle).
Typically, one sub-topic will be studied in one week. So, every week there will be a new topic. Therefore, it is highly recommended that student will study continuously during the whole course.
Every main topic starts “from zero”, although some previous techniques may be used (i.e. problem solving in %-calculation and in indices or %-calculation in indices). So, if student must be absent during some topics, he/she may be able to return quite easily when the next main topic starts. The previous main topic must of course be studied then by one’s own time.
The topics will be in Moodle in leaflets and sub-leaflets. These will be opened one by one so that a student who follows the recommended timings, may follow it easily.

NOTE: the leaflets are connected to the compulsory task so you need to do that before you'll see the studying materials.

The order of topics can be read in Peppi and in Moodle.
The timings will be seen in TimeEdit.


Using teacher's support is voluntary.
Attending examination is compulsory. If student misses the examination, no matter the cause, he/she can attend the official re-examinations. No extra examinations will be organized.
The implementation of the 4th credit is a group-work. Timing: weeks 47– 50. Doing the group-work is compulsory.

Learning material and recommended literature

Materials will be given in Moodle.

Additional information and explanations will be told during contact-lessons.

In case student wants to study with help of videos, he/she can find suitable ones from the internet, that may be “full” of ready-made videos. However, it is wise to study the materials provided during the course too.

Alternative completion methods

Handling the topics may only be proven by calculating. Therefore, passing the examination is compulsory and NO individual ways of trying to show the required skills are possible.

Group-work: 1 - 4 members.

Working life cooperation

There are no straight connections to companies, but most of the topics are “from real life”. Business Mathematics -course will mostly concentrate on application (like pricing) and in some cases also related legislation must be handled (like terms of payment and interest rate for late payments).

Exam retakes

There will two re-examinations. Those are on-line versions.

The dates are given beforehand and only those re-examinations are available. The other one will be held in the beginning of the spring semester 2024 and the other one later in the spring semester 2024. Please check the exact dates in Moodle. The enrollment is also in Moodle and the student must enroll to the re-examination by him-/her-self before the DL.

Note: It is more than wise to study properly during the course. Please, do not wait for the re-examination, because the topics won’t get any easier. Studying is required.

The implementation of the 4th ects will be a group work. There will be a strict deadline (see Moodle). If the work is graded as "to be completed", a group will be given another strict deadline. If the work is still not passed, the group will be given a second and last re-returning: For also this, the deadline is strict. Students shall follow the given instructions (naming the work, returning the work, including all the group-members to mailing etc) or the work won't be checked. It is possible to re-return the work twice. If the work won't be passed then, 2 grades are taken out from the grade based on the examination. If the grade is then less than one, a student will re-take the course next year.


Credit points will be written only after both, the examination and the group work is passed.

Learning environment

Moodle - extremely compulsory!
Remember to check the timings and room numbers from TimeEdit.
Teams - few times, but it is also possible to attend both at campus and via Teams, so use all the support that is available

Contact lessons – voluntary, offered to those students who need personal help and/or appreciate group’s support while solving exercises
Studying in Moodle.

Student time use and work load

In Finland one credit point is confirmed to correspond appr. 27 hours of student's studying. This agreement is based on the Bologna process and ECTS (European Credit Transformation System).

Therefore 3 credit points should respond 80 hours of student's studying and 4 credits points correspondently appr 107 hours.

Only part of 107 hours has normally been covered by the contact lessons, so studying in one's own time has been required also earlier, and also during the autumn 2023.
The required amount of studying depends highly on one’s base level of skills, goals and studying technique.

It is highly recommended, that students will study during the whole course, not just in the end on the course or only some topics of the course. Make a schedule, set targets, do the exercises when they are supposed to be done, attend the Teams-meetings, follow the deadlines.

NOTE, even if the course content may sound easy to some of the students, this course can not be handled without studying. This is proven by so many students during the earlier years. So please do not make a mistake of underestimating the level of difficulty of this course. Business Mathematics is not just calculating, it is very much about understanding and being able to link to real life. Good skills in techniques of mathematics aren’t enough.

Contents

Note that the beginning of the course may be very simple to some of the students. Please do NOT assume that the whole course would be like that. Understand that some students may have studied mathematics many, many years ago and they don't remember everything.
!!! Shows the crucial questions, that must be handled by everyone. The course can not be passed without showing that a student knows hos these are calculated.

CONTENTS of the COURSE
1) problem solving:
* thinking as part of problem solving
* equations and proportion:
As a repetition for those student who don't either remember or who haven't studied these well earlier.

2) percentage calculation
2.1) Basic cases, % of change, % of comparison, %-units, coefficient of change and the rules of these.
!!! NOTE: % of change is the other crucial question in the examination. This topic MUST be handled by everyone.
2.2.) VAT
!!! NOTE: VAT is the other crucial question in the examination. This topic MUST be handled by everyone.
2.3.) Contribution margin calculation
This topic is most probably new for every student, so attending Teams-session is recommended to everyone.
2.4.) Pricing
This topic is new for every student and the topic requires studying.
note: attending Teams-session is HIGHLY recommended to everyone.


3) indices
3.1) Simple index series
Most probably new for many students. This topic includes self studying part.
3.2.) Using ready made indices: inflation, change in the value of money, real change, index clause
This topic is new for every student and the topic requires studying.
note: attending Teams-session is HIGHLY recommended to everyone.


4) Simple Interest calculation
4.1) the basics of simple interest calculation
4.2.) Interest (€) and shortly the basics of loans
4.2) interest rate (%) and small loans
4.3) Terms of payment: This topic may include a self studying part BEFORE the lessons.
!!! NOTE: Understanding the logic of simple interest calculation is the third crucial question in the examination. This topic MUST be handled by everyone.
These topics are new for every student and the topics require studying.
note: attending Teams-session is HIGHLY recommended to everyone.



GOALS:
To gain knowledge of basic mathematics needed in business.
To get a good routine to calculation.

The desired outcome is that a student who has passed the course with good grade:

* understands that in business mathematics being able to calculate technically well is not enough, but instead understanding terminology and thinking in general is an important part of it
* remembers the wise techniques of solving equations
* knows when and how to use proportion
* understands how equations can be used as a help in the process of solving mathematical problems
* recognizes the different types of percentage calculation and are able to use those properly
* knows by heart how percentage of change should be calculated and understands the reasons for the rules behind it
* knows by heart how the price without value-added-tax is calculated and handles the other types of value-added-tax-calculation too
* handles the basics of contribution margin calculation
* understands how discounts should be taken into account in pricing
* understands what is a simple index series, how it is created, when it can be used and how it is interpreted
* understands how ready-made index-series are used and what is their connection to phenomenons of business
* understands the value of money in sense of relative change and knows how it is calculated
* understands the logic of simple interest calculation and is able to calculate simple interest
* recognizes different outcomes of interest rate and different terms related to it
* understands the concept of real annual interest rate and knows how it is calculated
* knows the terms of payment and the rules and the basic legislation related to it

The contents and the implementation of the 4th credit point will be present value investment calculation (group-work)
or pricing if a students studies also Restaurant functions -course during autumn 2023.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

No previous courses will be required or offered.

Studying can and should be done during THIS course.

Assessment criteria

In the beginning of the course there is a compulsory task in Moodle. A student must pass this before she/he can see the studying materials in Moodle. Also, this compulsory task is connected to the examination, so attending the examination is not possible, if a student won't complete the compulsory task. The deadline is in appr. 3 weeks from the beginning of the course (see Moodle).

An exam is used to measure students' knowledge (after 3 efct).
Requirements: minimum 50 % of points.

There will be crucial questions in the on-line version. In this case the student can not proceed to the "real" examination if he/she doesn’t handle the most important topics of the course. The crucial questions are % of change, the price without VAT, when the VAT rate and the price with VAT is given and the logic of simple interest calculation.

In traditional version of examination: an approved performance in "crucial" exam question. The crucial questions are % of change, the price without VAT, when the VAT rate and the price with VAT is given and the logic of simple interest calculation.


An on-line examination where only the answers are given and counted will be offered. For on-line examination there will be a "normal" version, where the order of the questions is given and the "free-move version". A student can an access for this by collecting at least 3 activity points during the course. If there are enough students attending, also a traditional examination where the whole solving process is written on paper and will be graded also by its’ parts is possible. Please note that the on-line examination and traditional examination will be different. Especially, an on-line examination will have its advantages but also disadvantages. A student must choose by her/himself which implementation suites better for her/him well before the examination. One may choose and attend only to either on-line or traditional version, NOT to both. Note. A traditional version will be organized only if there will be enough students attending (see Moodle).

The implementation of the 4th ects:
Group work of 1-4 students
Topic: present value investment calculation (IB) or real-life pricing (HOMA-students that will attedn the Restaurant functions -course in autumn 2023 / have studied it earlier)
Grading: Passed / to be completed / failed.
If the grade is 2to be completed or failed still after 2 possible re-returns, this will lowers one's grade by 2 grades.

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Student is not able to carry out half of the exam questions and/or student is not able to handle the **crucial questions in the examination.

Most probably the failed result means that student hasn't been studying maybe because of the lack of effort of because trusting too much on his/her earlier skills.

Note: Being able to calculate percentage calculation is not enough.

The group-work is not completed.

Assessment criteria: level 1 (assessment scale 1–5)

Grade 1: Student is able to carry out half of the exam questions. In traditional exam this means that a student can either a) know something about all the topics studied during the course or) know well certain topics, but less about some topics. Student must handle the **crucial questions in the examination.

Student has completed the group-work in given time.
(or the examination result is worth grade 3)

Assessment criteria: level 3 (assessment scale 1–5)

Grade 3: Student has gained 70 %of the maximum points. In traditional exam this means that a student handles either a) all the topics of the course better than on average or b) certain topics completely. Student must handle the **crucial questions in the examination.

Student has completed the group-work in given time (or the examination result is worth grade 5)

Assessment criteria: level 5 (assessment scale 1–5)

Grade 5: Grade 5 requires 90 % of the maximum points.Student handles very well exercises from all the topics studied during the course. Student must handle the **crucial questions in the examination.

Student has completed the group-work in given time.