Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to:
• understand the role of heuristics and biases in business environment
• explore the fields of behavioral economics and behavioral decision making
• identify and evaluate psychological factors that either promote or challenge transformation change
• apply behavioral factors in change management
• analyze ethical aspects of behavioral interventions and nudges

Teaching methods

In this study unit you will learn the basics of behavioral economics and how behavioral insights can be used to nudge organizational change. You will gain understanding on behavioral biases and heuristics that are apparent in human behavior. We will also take knowledge from behavioral economics into action by considering the impact of behavioral phenomena in business applications, especially in change management.

The study unit is organized virtually on Canvas platform. There is one kick-off lecture on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 17:00 - 18:30 (EET).

The study unit contains a development-oriented essay.

You can reach the instructor and your fellow students through the Q&A discussion board on Canvas platform. You can use the Canvas Inbox or email messages. The instructor gives feedback on the Canvas platform

Location and time

[This field is not used at Laurea.]

Learning materials and recommended literature

Course book: Max H. Bazerman, Don A. Moore, Judgment in Managerial Decision Making, 8th Edition, Wiley. https://laurea.finna.fi/Record/3amk.280187

Additional reading materials are given on Canvas platform. Students are also encouraged to search for (academic) literature sources.

Alternative completion methods of implementation

All students are entitled to demonstrate their competence. The recognition and accreditation of prior competence is initiated by the students themselves. The competence is recognised and accredited by the teacher responsible for the studies or another person designated to the position. The assessment is carried out according to the same assessment criteria and, as a rule, same grading scale as that adopted for the corresponding study unit or module. The student is entitled to apply for accreditation of prior competence regardless of where, how and when the competence has been acquired. The student may also seek accreditation of competence to be acquired on the job as part of their degree (work-based learning). ... The student is responsible for demonstrating and verifying their competence and for providing sufficient information.

Co-operation with working life and/or RDI

The study unit includes a development-oriented essay where the students are encouraged to solve practical problems at their own workplace.

Important dates

Recommended kick-off lecture on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 17:00 - 18:30

The study unit and assignments are divided into Modules. Each module has a DL:

Orientation: DL Feb 6, 2022. Note that you need to complete the assignments of the orientation phase by Feb 6, 2022 to continue further with the study unit.

Module 1: Introduction to heuristics, biases, and nudges in business environment: DL Feb 20, 2022 midnight
Module 2: Deeper into behavioral economics: DL Mar 6, 2022 midnight
Module 3: Ethical perspectives of nudging: DL Mar 20, 2022 midnight
Module 4: Promoting change through behavioral insights : DL Apr 3, 2022 midnight
Module 5: Applying behavioral pespective in transformational change management: DL Apr 18, 2022 midnight

Retake DL May 1, 2022 midnight

Forms of internationality

Use of international academic literature. International student group.

Students workload

Orientation 8 hours
Each module 25 hours.

Content and scheduling

In this study unit you will learn the basics of behavioral economics and how behavioral insights can be used to nudge organizational change. You will gain understanding on behavioral biases and heuristics that are apparent in human behavior, and understand the basics of choice architecture.

In this study unit we will take knowledge from behavioral economics into action by considering the impact of behavioral phenomena in business applications, especially in change management.

Further information for students

The study unit corresponds to the requirements of Master's level education.

According to the degree regulations (section 18) "students must be present for the first contact teaching session, or they must notify the responsible teacher of their absence to confirm they intend to participate in studies, Alternatively, the teacher can specify a different manner for the student to confirm that they intend to participate in the studies. The completion of these measures can be required within a week of the studies having begun. The application of the aforementioned approach requires that the teacher notifies the students accepted to the study unit of the practice and that the practice is specifically mentioned in the study unit’s implementation plan.

If the student has a justified reason for not attending the first contact teaching session or for not notifying the teacher of their intention to be involved in studies in the manner required by the teacher, the student must contact the responsible teacher to agree on participation in the studies. Their registration for the study unit will be rejected, of the student does not notify the teacher of being absent from the first contact teaching session or the reason for their absence cannot be considered justified, Another student who is in line for the study unit can be selected in their place."

The student needs to complete the assignments of the orientation phase by Feb 6, 2022 to continue further with the study unit.

The quality of the study unit implementation has been assessed and the self-evaluation report is available in Canvas.

Grading scale

H-5

Evaluation methods and criteria

“The evaluation of competence is based on the descriptions of objectives in the curricula and the evaluation criteria provided in the study unit’s implementation plan” (Laurea degree regulations).


To achieve grade 5 (excellent) the student must be able to:

- create a consistent framework/knowledge base making use of both national and international scientific sources in a critical analytic fashion. (Knowledge base)
- solve demanding problems in research, development and/or innovation activities where new knowledge and competence is created as well as to apply and combine information from different fields. (Problem solving)
- develop the activities of the competence area in a target-oriented and communal fashion. (Development)
- communicate convincingly both orally and in writing to audiences within and exterior to the field. (Communication)

To achieve grade 5 (good) the student must be able to:

- gather, process, produce and evaluate information critically and widely making use of both national and international scientific sources. (Knowledge base)
- use concepts of the area of expertise fairly. (Knowledge base)
- solve problems in research, development and/or innovation activities by applying and combining information from different fields. (Problem solving)
- create target-oriented, justified development plans considering the community. (Development)
- communicate in a competent, clear and consistent manner both orally and in writing. (Communication)

To achieve grade 1 (satisfactory) the student must be able to:
- gather, process, produce and evaluate information widely. (Knowledge base)
- use concepts of the area of expertise systematically. (Knowledge base)
- solve problems in research, development and/or innovation activities. (Problem solving)
- recognise and analyse focuses of development making use of the knowledge base. (Development)
- communicate clearly both orally and in writing. (Communication)


“Students who has failed to demonstrate their competence in accordance with the approved level must supplement or retake their study attainment in a manner and schedule defined by the teacher of the study unit. A failed study attainment can be retaken twice. A failure ...[to submit an assignment in due time] is considered to be one completion attempt." (Laurea degree regulations.)

All staff and students of Laurea are expected to adhere to good scientific practices, which includes appropriate referencing. Familiarise yourself with the practices and, if needed, ask for more information. All study assignments are to be done as individual work unless otherwise instructed. If Urkund is used when assignments are checked, the lecturer will inform the students of this.