Study Guide

Objective

The student
- Can define and explain basic concepts in strategy, such as vision, mission, goals and strategic planning
- Can apply strategic thinking to various scenarios and business challenges
- Is able to identify and explain basic elements of organizational cultue, including values, norms and symbols
- Can identify and analyze different types of organizational cultures and their characteristics
- Understands the relationship between leadership, communication and organizational culture
- Understands the processes of creating and changing organizational culture
- Can evaluate strategies to promote an inclusive culture and manage cultural conflicts
- Develops the ability to reflect one's own organizational culture and how it affects one's own behavior and work performance

Content

Definitions, examples, and analyses of strategic concepts and organizational cultures
Strategies and strategy processes
Organizational cultures in relation to strategies
Development of corporate strategy and culture

Location and time

January-March 2026

Materials

Strategy:
Blue Ocean Strategy. W. Chan Kim och Renée Mauborgne.
Good Strategy Bad Strategy. Richard Rumelt.
Competitive Strategy. Michael E. Porter.
The Lean Startup. Eric Ries.
Thinking, Fast and Slow. Daniel Kahneman.

Organizational culture:
Organizational Culture and Leadership. Edgar H. Schein.
The Culture Code. Daniel Coyle.
Corporate Culture and Performance. John P. Kotter och James L. Heskett.
The Fifth Discipline. Peter M. Senge.
Dare to Lead. Brené Brown.
Images of Organization. Gareth Morgan.
Organisation theory. Mary Jo Hatch.

Teaching methods

10 sessions with lectures, group work, presentations and guest lecture (Q&A)
LinkedIn learning
Literature studies

Employer connections

Q&A session with guest, studies of different organizations & great place to work

Exam schedules

KLN deadline 7.4.2026

Student workload

135 h
Literature studies
LinkedIn learning
Company analysis
KLN

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Active participation in on-site sessions 20%
Analysis of a company (individually or in pairs) 40%
KLN 40%

Supplementation (possibility for retake)

A student who has not received a passing grade in a study module or course is offered at least two (2) opportunities to retake the exam or supplement the required coursework. Occasions where the student is absent from scheduled retake sessions also count as retake opportunities.

A student who has not received a passing grade in a study module or course, and who has not made the necessary supplements within the given time or passed the course based on a retake exam, must complete the study module or course again.
Retake dates

Submission-based supplements must be completed during the following three active study months (flexible solution): 9–12, 1–4.

Late submissions are graded with –1 grade (for the individual assignment).
Raising a grade within one year

A student has the right to attempt to raise the grade of a study module or course that has been given a passing grade (1–5) once within 12 months from the date of completion, according to Novia guidelines.

Assessment criteria, fail (0)

Unsubmitted or failed assignments
To pass the course you need to participate in at least 70% of the sessions.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The significance of the theoretical foundation is not clear or is used only superficially.
Professional literature has been used in a one-sided and inconsistent manner, and there are shortcomings in its reliability.
Source material (including professional literature) is used without justification and in a limited way.
Connections between theory and practice are not evident or are insufficient.
Critical thinking is lacking or weak.
Working in a group causes difficulties.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The theoretical foundation is clearly presented and supports what is being addressed.
The professional literature is reliable, varied, appropriate, and used consistently.
The source material (including professional literature) is diverse but used somewhat uncritically and without full justification.
Connections between theory and practice are evident and relevant.
Critical thinking is at a good level.
Group work proceeds smoothly and adds value to the group.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The theoretical foundation is clearly presented, logical, and forms an excellent whole.
The professional literature is up-to-date, reliable, varied, appropriate, and used consistently.
The source material (including professional literature) is diverse, used critically, and well justified.
Connections between theory and practice are evident, explained excellently, and highly relevant.
Critical thinking is at a high level.
Group work proceeds smoothly, significant responsibility is taken, and substantial added value is provided to the group.

Qualifications

Basic studies in organization and leadership