ØAADM4700 Contemporary Topics in Organization Theory and Behavior Course description

The course covers theory and empirical studies related to contemporary issues and trends in working life and business organizations. The students are trained in using theoretical perspectives and contemporary empirical research literature to gain knowledge of currents issues and trends, to analyse how such trends create challenges for companies and to assess likely consequences for individuals and organizations.

The course takes as a point of departure broad trends such as digitalization (including artificial intelligence), sustainability, societal polarization and diversity/inclusion in working life, as well as other current topics of importance for organizations and working life. Literature in the course will mainly be selected recent research literature, including literature that the students choose themselves as part of the course. The students will gain an up-to-date knowledge about contemporary research within organizational theory and behavior in relation to current trends and challenges. Because of the focus on current issues and up-to-date research topics the content of the course can vary somewhat.

Language of instruction is English.

None

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student has

• in-depth knowledge of current topics and trends of relevance to working life and businesses
• in-depth knowledge of relevant theoretical approaches and empirical studies within organizational theory and behavior
• in-depth knowledge of the possibilities and limitations of using different approaches from organizational theory and organizational psychology for the analysis of the impact of topics and trends

Skills

The student can

• apply different theoretical approaches to analyze current topics and trends
• assess the relevance of empirical studies to challenges faced by organizations
• apply knowledge from organizational theory and organizational behavior to assess consequences for individuals and organizations
• use insights from organizational theory and behavior to analyze actionable responses to contemporary organizational challenges

General competence

The student can

• apply knowledge and skills in the use of relevant sources, literature and other information according to academic standards
• work collaboratively to analyze current trends and contribute with critical perspectives

Various work methods will be used such as lectures, discussions about current issues, case analysis, and assignments. The students will work on assignments in groups outside of the joint lectures. Course requirements and term paper will be done in groups of 2 to 3 students.

The teaching takes place with in-person attendance on campus.

The following coursework requirements must have been approved for the student to take the exam:

• Coursework 1: A note of up to 2 pages with a description of the topic, problem statement and method for the term paper as well as overview of additional literature chosen by the students. This outline must be presented to the class. The students will work in a group of 2 or 3 members. Students will work in the same groups on the final term paper.

The purpose of the coursework requirement is for the students to lay a good and early foundation for further work on the term paper.

The required coursework must be completed and approved by the given deadline in order for the student to take the exam. If the coursework requirements have not been approved, the student will be given one opportunity to submit an improved version or give a new oral presentation by a given deadline.

The exam in the course is a term paper written in groups of 2-3 students. Students have the option of working with companies or to analyze actual change initiatives. Further details and deadlines are announced at the start of the course.

The paper must have a scope of 5000 words (+/- 10%), cover page, table of contents, reference list and appendices not included. Font and font size: Arial / Calibri 12 points. Line spacing: 1.5.

Students awarded a fail grade are given one opportunity to submit an improved version of the assignment for assessment.

All aids are permitted, as long as the student follows the rules for examinations, source use and referencing, and OsloMet's guidelines for using artificial intelligence (AI) in student assignments.

Grade scale A-F

The exam papers are assessed by one internal and one external examiner.

At least 25% of the exam papers will be assessed by two examiners. The grades awarded for the papers assessed by two examiners form the basis for determining the level for all the exam papers.