The Master Programme for Managing Dynamic Organizations

Module 1: Organization Theories (IBO362), 5 credit points (7.5 ECTS)
The first module aims at giving a deep understanding of organization theory. This is done by following the development of organization theory throughout the century in terms of the different perspectives the theories represent. The module consists of the following components:

• rationalistic organization theory and open systems
• information-processing images of organizations
• cultural, political and (post-)modern images of organizations
• organization theory for virtual organizations
• organization theory for complexity and chaos.

Module 2: Value-Creating Processes, Human Resource Development and Knowledge Management (IBO363), 5 credit points (7.5 ECTS)
The second module aims at studying modern representations of organizing and value-creating processes in relation to human resource development. The focus throughout the course is on creating an understanding of knowledge, competence, human capital, learning, and their management. The module consists of the following components:

• different perspectives on knowledge and competence
• intellectual capital
• knowledge management and learning
• value leadership
• examples of the balanced scorecard as a managerial tool.

Module 3: Independent Studies – Minor Thesis (IBO364), 10 credit points (15 ECTS)
In the third module, the students are required to write and present a minor thesis. This is done parallel to having classes in research methodology. The subject of the thesis will be chosen by the student in consultation with the examiner.

Module 4: Strategic Management in Dynamic Organizations (IBO365), 10 credit points (15 ECTS)
The aim of the fourth module is to develop an understanding of the business strategy in a dynamic, learning and self-organizing organization. The main question will be: »How to create an overall strategy, supporting the development of innovative, creative and dynamic organizations?« Central concepts in the course: Strategy, emergence, self-organizing, change and the learning organization.

In this module the students will also apply these concepts in companies in order to identify possibilities and obstacles when building a dynamic and creative organization.

Module 5: Master Thesis (IBO366), 10 credit points (15 ECTS)
In this module, the student will write a Master thesis in the area of »Managing Dynamic Organizations«. The module focuses on the independent formulation of a theoretical and practical research question, the development of a research methodology, collection and analysis of data, writing, presenting, and defending a Master thesis.

Teaching methods
The teaching consists of lectures, exercises, field trips, casework, tutorials and seminars. Participation in exercises and seminars is compulsory. The programme will also include company fieldwork. Classroom teaching involves about 10 hours a week. The students are thus required to do a considerable amount of reading and studying on their own.

Assessment methods
In addition to the demand for active participation in the programme and continuous study of the course literature, the students will be given both oral and written individual, closed-book examinations and are required to complete all exercises successfully. During modules 2 and 4 assessment will be made on the basis of the writing, presentation, discussion and defence of the minor thesis (module 2) or the master thesis (module 4).

Prerequisites
The Master Programme for Managing Dynamic Organizations is a full-time, two-semester programme of 40 credit points (60 ECTS). A minimum of three years of full-time university studies (180 ECTS) is required for admission, with at least one and a half years (90 ECTS) of Business Administration Studies, including courses in Organization Theory and Management.