Print Syllabus

Syllabus

SV0063 Management Control Systems, 7.5 Credits

Verksamhetsstyrning

Subjects

Forestry Science Leadership and organization

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Only examination	7.5	0001

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1F)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

The equivalent of

30 credits business admininstration, or

30 credits within one of the following subjects/disciplinary domains

- forestry science
- forest science
- forest management
- forest and wood engineering

and English 6.

Objectives

The course will give students knowledge and a thorough understanding on how control systems contribute to the objectives of an organisation, and which aspects the organisation need to take into consideration when developing its control system

After completing the course, the student should be able to :

• critically discuss how the control system is affected by the ownership constellation of an organisation (corporate governance)
• critically discuss how to find a balance between controlling and empowerment of personnel in finding solutions to problems as well as innovations
• discuss the advantages and disadvantages of performance measurement systems
• discuss different forms of rewards system and their connection to motivation
• discuss the ethical aspects of equal opportunity and sustainability in control systems
• work in a group and give constructive criticism to other students’ work

Content

Content

In this course the students will discuss the systems and tools management may use to ensure that their objectives are being met. The focus in this course will be on forest organisations that will provide case studies. The control systems that the students will look at are mainly those used by the top management in the organisation. The relations between the leaders of the organisation and its owners and stakeholders will be discussed and which effect this relation has on the design of the control system. Students will analyse the pros and cons of different tools as well as the risks of financial and non-financial control systems, and discuss the design of a balanced scorecard. During the course students will also discuss different forms of reward systems and how they affect performance, as well ethical aspects of these systems.

Implementation

The course will use different forms of teaching to promote students’ learning and discussions with the help of literature seminars as well as group work on case studies.

The course focuses on the following generic competences: critical thinking, problem solving, oral and written communication, teamwork, planning/handling deadlines

The following course components are obligatory: literature seminars, exercises, case studies

Cooperation with society consists of guest lectures/discussions with representatives of the forest sector. The sector also provides basic material for the case studies

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Approved oral and written exercises.

Passed written exam.

Completed compulsory components

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

The course presumes some basic knowledge in organisational theory. One can participate in the course completely as a remote distance student. Teaching will be conducted on campus in Umeå, where infrastructure is provided for the students physically present on site.

Responsible department

Department of Forest Resource Management