Cross-Cultural Issues in Service Development (5 cr)

Learning outcomes

The student is able to
- identify and deeply understand cross-cultural issues related to service development
- manage multicultural teams and projects
- support and develop frontline personnel's intercultural communication competences
- involve diverse customers in the service design processes

Location and time

Online, Optima learning environment.

Materials

A list of recommended reading will be published in Optima.

Teaching methods

This is a virtual study unit starting in May and ending by August 31, 2020. There will be scheduled assignments during the summer, with a four weeks break in July. Online team work included.

Employer connections

Research-based service development assignment for an external partner.

Exam schedules

Assignments due on:
May 5, 13, 20, 24, 26
June 4, 11, 25
August 6,10,13, 27

There will be a summer break in July. However, many of the August assignments and the project can be done independently and handed in earlier.

International connections

Team work with a student group from Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences (during May-June).

Completion alternatives

A student may propose an independent approach to compensate the study unit. The assignment(s) need to lead to similar learning objectives as on this study unit and equal 5 ects.

Student workload

In average 135 work hours.
75 % individual work
25 % team work

Content scheduling

Basics of cultural studies
Intercultural communication
Multicultural teams, cultural frameworks
Culture's role in services
Cultural competence in service development
Service research and development task

Evaluation scale

H-5

Further information

This study unit is for Master Degree students only.
Guidance will take place in Optima learning environment.