Nudging Transformational Change into Action (5 cr)

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

Location and time

[This field is not used at Laurea.]

Materials

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.

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 Jan 18 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

Employer connections

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

Exam schedules

Recommended kick-off lecture on Jan 18 at 17:00 -16:30

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

Orientation: DL Jan 31 midnight
Module 1: Introduction to heuristics, biases, and nudges in business environment: DL Feb 14 midnight
Module 2: Deeper into behavioral economics: DL Feb 28 midnight
Module 3: Ethical perspectives of nudging: DL Mar 14 midnight
Module 4: Promoting change through behavioral insights : DL Mar 28 midnight
Module 5: Applying behavioral pespective in transformational change management: DL Apr 11 midnight

Retake DL Apr 25 midnight

International connections

Use of international academic literature. International student group.

Completion alternatives

According to degree regulations “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 module or study unit or another person designated by the director of the UAS unit. The assessment is carried out according to the same criteria and grading scale as that adopted for the corresponding study unit.” For further information visit Link.

Student workload

Orientation 8 hours
Each module 25 hours.

Further information

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

According to the degree regulations (section 18) “students must be present in the first contact session or notify their teacher in charge if they cannot attend. If they fail to notify the teacher of their absence in the first contact session, their enrolment will be rejected. Another student in the queue may be enrolled in the study unit in the place of the absent student.” (Laurea degree regulations) “In the case of online studies the lecturer can also specify some other way than participation on an online meeting what is required from the student so that he/she verifies his/her attendance on the study unit” (Decision by the vice president, education 7/2019).

Students of the Master's programme Behavioral Insights in Business Applications (Päätöksenteon ilmiöt johtamisessa, kehittämisessä ja asiakastyössä) are not eligable to apply to this study unit.

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