International Management Seminar

Duration

24h Th

Number of credits

Lecturer

Patrick Broché, Gabriela Contreras

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

In today's network economy no organisation is an island. Many ressources and processes that are important for the functioning and performance of organisations no longer reside within its own boundaries but are often (partially) controlled by others. As a result, oranisations are involved in many different types of inter-organisational relations and networks ranging from informal collaborations to formal strategic alliances. Given the rising prominence of such inter-organisational relations and networks in our economy, understanding the formation, functioning and consequences of them is of critical importance. The course Inter-organisational networks will equip you with such understanding.
More specifically, the course Inter-organisational Networks touches upon three topics:
1. differentiating different types of inter-organisational relations and networks;
2. understanding the antecedents/causes of inter-organisational relations and networks;
3. understanding the consequences of inter-organisational relations and networks at the organisational level.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

After following this course students will be able to:
-) differentiate types of inter-organisational relations and networks;
-) explain under which circumstances organisations will engage in the various types of inter-organisational relationships and networks;
-) explain the consequences / outcomes of inter-organisational relations and networks at the organisational level;
-) apply a network analytical tool to visualise and analyse inter-organisational networks (i.e. UCINET);
-) interpret the results of statistical empirical analysis in the context of the study of inter-organisational networks;
-) apply, compare and contrast different network theories to study relevant economic and management problems.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The teaching methods used throughout the course consist of lectures. During the lectures, the lecturer presents the main theoretical concepts of inter-organisational networks. Lectures are interactive and you are expected to actively participate by answering the questions posed by the lecturer and by asking relevant questions.
There will also be computer demonstrations and exercises that you will be able to follow along to apply the knowledge gathered in the lectures through the use of a network analytical tool UCINET. It is therefor highly advised that you bring your own laptop to class with UCINET installed.
https://sites.google.com/site/ucinetsoftware/downloads (use 32 bit version)
for Mac users:
https://sites.google.com/site/ucinetsoftware/document/faq/installingucinetonamacorlinuxmachineusingwine

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face INTERACTIVE lectures
-) Attend classes
-) Pay attention and do not play with your phone, laptop, tablet, etc
-) Read all assigned literature prior to class
-) ask questions during class
-) Take notes ! Do not rely on lecture slides only!
-) Make sure you understand the theories and concepts used

Organisational adjustments related to the current health context

Recommended or required readings

Textbook: Analyzing Social Networks by Borgatti, Everett and Johnson as well as a series of articles mentioned on lol@

Assessment methods and criteria

Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.

This is a Master's-level course. I take for granted that you have a basic interest in the material and an enthusiastic attitude towards participation. I expect you to attend each class, do the reading thoroughly and in advance and participate actively in class. It is also recommended that you read beyond the requirements of this course as much as possible.
There will be a series of computer demos that will be partly addressed during lectures
There will be a final exam (in January 2020).
In particular, the final exam will count ofr 100% of your final grade.
The final examination is a closed book exam and it will include comprehensive questions assessing your understanding of the course content. It will include both numerical and theoretical questions. Moreover, the exam may contain case study type of questions, testing whether you are able to master the big picture regarding inter-rganisational networks.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Contacts

Prof G Contreras, Phd
Radboud University Nijmegen School of Management
m.contreras@fm.ru.nl
 
George Broché, CFA
HEC-Liège
pg.broche@uliege.be