Study Guide

Learning outcomes

Student is able to
- gain competence on how strategic business decisions affect the success of the company operating in global markets
- operate in a highly competitive business and understands cause-effect learning through decisions
- work in a virtual and international team as a company management team
-analyze external data: customers, markets, competitors, business environment trends
-analyze internal data: production, warehouse, R&D, marketing, logistics, finance
-form the strategy and implement it through operative decisions

Implementation and methods of teaching

This course is run as an intensive week 12-16 February 2024. Additionally, there are two online sessions prior to the intensive week. The course includes team work during the intensive week and individual assignments prior to and after the intensive week. The implementation is based on a business simulation game (Cesim).

Timing and attendance

This course is linked to an international intensive week, which takes place on Lahti campus 12-16 February 2024. Students attending the course are required to participate in this event the whole week from Monday to Friday! Additionally, there are two online sessions: Fri 26 Jan at 9:00-12:00 and Fri 2 Feb at 9:00-12:00.

Learning material and recommended literature

The course material can be found on the course Moodle site.

Alternative completion methods

The same course is implemented as an online course during the autumn semester. No other alternative completion methods.

Working life cooperation

During the intensive week there will be a guest lecture from a business representative and/or a company visit.

Exam retakes

No exam.

Learning environment

Moodle, Cesim business simulation.

Student time use and work load

Most of the work is done during the intensive week and the online sessions. Additionally students need to be prepared for individual assignments a few weeks prior to and after the intensive week.

Contents

Students are assigned to work in teams. Each team will run their own virtual business through a business simulation game that reflects real world business challenges and results. The game covers areas such as marketing, logistics, production, finance, and sustainability. The teams compete against each other just like in real business environment. The aim is to practice business, decision-making and problem-solving skills, whilst also getting invaluable experience in working in an international team. Learning is supported by brief lectures and guidance from academic and business representatives.

Additional information for students: previous knowledge etc.

It is recommended that student has completed most of the core competence courses or otherwise gained basic knowledge on business management (marketing, accounting, logistics, etc.)

Assessment criteria

Requirements / evaluation:
1) Individual assignment prior to the intensive week (grading: pass/fail)
2) Participation in the online sessions prior to the intensive week (grading: pass/fail)
3) Participation in the intensive week including the business simulation game and a final presentation as a team work (grading: pass/fail)
4) Individual assignment after the intensive week: a reflective report on the learning outcomes of the business simulation game and the intensive week (grading: 1-5)

Assessment scale

1-5

Failed (0)

Student does not achieve the learning objectives.

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

Student has completed all the required elements and through the individual report shows to have achieved the learning objectives on a satisfactory level.

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

Student has completed all the required elements and through the individual report shows to have achieved the learning objectives on a good level.

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

Student has completed all the required elements and through the individual report shows to have achieved the learning objectives on an excellent level.