Study Guide

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- use planning, analysis and decision-making tools and techniques in strategic planning
- analyze financial statements and business reports and use them as a basis for decisions
- make business decisions in various business contexts
- apply data in decision making

Teaching methods

The study unit is conducted online and does not require attendance on campus. The study unit includes scheduled teaching or guidance online, which is not recorded. The study unit includes working in groups. The study unit requires active participation and commitment to interactive studying. Your group will receive feedback for assignments from the teacher, and peer feedback may also be utilised.

The study unit includes individual work and working in teams. The individual exam of the study unit is made online. Student has to pass the exam to participate Business Simulation Game. The Business Simulation Game of the study unit is played in teams in competition with other teams.

The study unit has Zoom lectures. Study unit orientation is compulsory and others strongly recommended. Please see the schedule.
The learning environment of the study unit is Canvas. Canvas workspace will open on 23rd August at latest.

Assessment of this study unit is based on individual online Exam (30%) and Team assignments in Business Simulation Game (70%).

Location and time

Please refer to the Timetable Engine at https://lukkarit.laurea.fi/ for the schedule information. Laurea reserves the right to modify the timetable.

Learning materials and recommended literature

The materials are online:

Jeyarathnam, M. 2008: Strategic Management. Global Media.
Van Looy, B., Gemmel, P. & Van Dierdonck, R. 2013: Service Management: An integrated approach. Essex: Pearson Education Limited.
Epstein L. 2012: The Business Owner's Guide to Reading and Understanding Financial Statements: How to Budget, Forecast, and Monitor Cash Flow for Better Decision Making. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.
Vance, David E. 2012: Financial analysis & decision making: tools and techniques to solve financial problems and make effective business decisions. McGraw-Hill.

Alternative completion methods of implementation

According to the degree regulations (2024), "Students are entitled to apply for recognition of prior learning regardless of where, when and how the competence has been acquired. At Laurea, there are two different procedures for the recognition and accreditation of prior learning: a) accreditation of prior learning (competence acquired in higher education studies at another institution) and b) demonstration of competence (competence acquired in other ways). The recognition and accreditation of prior learning is initiated by the student themselves. The student is responsible for demonstrating and verifying their competence. The student is entitled to guidance for the recognition and accreditation of their competence." Further information in the student intranet.

You may also assess work-based learning as a way to acquire the competence needed. Read more in the student intranet.

Important dates

Based on the degree regulations (2024), the student accepted for the implementation is required to confirm his/her participation by showing activity at the start of the study in the following way:

In accordance with the degree regulations (2024), those who have been accepted for the study unit must confirm their participation. Student must complete the exam on time to ensure his/her place in the course. If the student does not confirm participation by acting in this way, his registration for the implementation will be rejected and another student can be taken in his place.

Other important dates can be found in the schedule section.

Always check the learning platform for any changes in the schedule.

Forms of internationality

The study unit is suitable for exchange students.

Students workload

Workload of the study is measured in a way that to acquire the goal competence of the study, one credit corresponds to an average of 26.7 hours of work done by the student. The actual time needed varies e.g. according to prior competence.

Further information for students

The study unit corresponds to the requirements of Bachelor´s level education.

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

Grading scale

H-5

Evaluation methods and criteria

Competence assessment is based on the descriptions of objectives in the curricula, and the level of competence is assessed according to the assessment criteria listed in the implementation plan for the studies. (Laurea degree regulations 2024).


In this study unit the assessing of the competences will be done by using the criteria set for requirement level II.

Professional knowledge basis, information searching and reporting

To achieve grade 5 student must be able to
- analyse the acquired information, draw conclusions and combine theoretical knowledge with experiential knowledge

To achieve grade 3 student must be able to
- critically evaluate information and justify their actions with science-based knowledge

To achieve grade 1 (or pass) student must be able to
- use professional concepts in a consistent manner and demonstrate their familiarity with the knowledge basis
- report and communicate in a professional manner

Professional practice and workplace development

To achieve grade 5 student must be able to
- evaluate the applicability of produced knowledge, skill or idea to other contexts as well as their impact
- anticipate needs of customers and/or co-operation partners

To achieve grade 3 student must be able to
- propose creative solutions at work
- promote professional co-operation and enhance customer and partner relationships

To achieve grade 1 (or pass) student must be able to
- act independently taking into account the operating environment
- take responsibility for interaction with customers and/or co-operation partners and for responding to their needs

Teamwork, skills, leadership, and responsibility

To achieve grade 5 student must be able to
- evaluate and develop the team’s entrepreneurial and responsible approach to work
- evaluate the possibilities for utilising competence and plan their personal development and development of the team

To achieve grade 3 student must be able to
- act in a manner that promotes the team’s entrepreneurial and responsible approach to work
- describe the development of their competence in relation to the learning outcomes

To achieve grade 1 (or pass) student must be able to
- describe the significance of their actions for successful co-operation
- describe their competence in relation to the learning outcomes

“Students who have 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. If the student does not pass the assessment despite the opportunity to complete their study attainment, they must complete the study unit in question in full as specified by the teacher.” (Degree regulations 2024.)

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 Tournitin is used when assignments are checked, the lecturer will inform the students of this.