ICT business management (5 cr)

Objective

You understand the role of management and leadership in companies.
You learn how to analyze and make decisions based on relevant business information.
You identify the challenges and possibilities to start a business in the internet age.

Content

What is the difference between management and leadership?
What do income statement and balance sheets tell and how to interpret them?
How to start your own business?

Course material

All theoretical and supplemental learning materials—slides, business model frameworks, case study documentation, and relevant online resources—are available in the designated learning environment (e.g., Learn). These resources will be actively discussed and illustrated during the lectures to provide practical insights into business management within the ICT sector.

Study forms and methods

This course is designed to give students a solid foundation in business management principles specifically tailored to the ICT (Information and Communication Technology) sector. Students should expect theoretical lectures alongside hands-on case studies, group discussions, and interactive project work. By the end of the course, students will have acquired knowledge and skills to understand, plan, and manage ICT-related business operations effectively.

Throughout this course, students will:

- Learn essential business and management concepts within the ICT context.
- Explore business models, financial considerations, and strategic planning for technology enterprises.
- Understand the role of innovation and digital transformation in ICT businesses.
- Develop a broader perspective on how organizational culture and leadership impact ICT ventures.

Timing of exams and assignments

Students will work on a group project throughout the course, which involves creating a business plan or strategic proposal for an ICT company. Additional tasks include:

- Short weekly individual assignments to reinforce core management and business concepts.
- Mid-course presentation evaluating progress on the group project, with instructor feedback.
- Final presentation and report, showcasing the group’s proposed ICT business strategy or solution.

More details on student assessment can be found in the “Assessment methods and criteria” section below.

Student workload

The course amounts to 5 ECT credits (5 credits), requiring approximately 135 hours of student work. Of these, around 45 hours are devoted to lectures. The remaining hours are for:

- Reading and research on ICT business models and strategies.
- Individual assignments and weekly quizzes.
- Group project work, including market analysis, planning sessions, and final deliverables.

Students are encouraged to allocate this independent study time effectively to deepen their understanding of business management principles.

Course part description

Lectures topics include:

Basic definitions: ICT business management scope and current trends.
Core management principles: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
Adapting these principles to the fast-paced ICT environment.

Business Models and Value Proposition
Understanding different ICT business models (e.g., SaaS, PaaS, consulting).
Digital Transformation and Innovation

Strategic Planning and Market Analysis
Budgeting, forecasting, and cost management for tech projects.
Sales, Marketing, and Customer Engagement
Building and sustaining customer relationships, particularly for tech solutions.

Leadership and Organizational Culture in Tech
Effective leadership styles in agile, innovative workplaces.
Fostering a culture of learning, adaptability, and collaboration.

Case Study Sessions
In-depth discussions of successful and unsuccessful ICT companies.

Evaluation scale

1-5

Assessment methods and criteria

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Information-based know-how
- Minimal theoretical knowledge, lacking connections between different topics, and with frequent inaccuracies or misunderstandings.
- Limited ability to find and use information without significant guidance.
- Limited context awareness, often overlooking the target audience or stakeholder needs.

Skills-based know-how
- Partial completion of assigned tasks, with notable inaccuracies or omissions.
- Inconsistent/limited application of basic tools or methods.

Teamwork/know-how/readiness to take responsibility
- Infrequent participation in tasks, requiring prompting to contribute.
- Shows a passive attitude and minimal engagement during the course.
- Takes little responsibility for team outcomes, relying heavily on peers.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

Information-based know-how
- Competent use of terminology and core data concepts, with occasional minor errors.
- Demonstrates effective information-search and problem-solving skills with some instructor support.
- Solid theoretical knowledge, applied reasonably well to tasks and projects.

Skills-based know-how
- Completes all assignments, most accurately, with few issues.
- Consistently applies basic tools or methods.

Teamwork/know-how/readiness to take responsibility
- Actively participates in tasks, contributing to discussions and deliverables.
- Maintains a positive and cooperative attitude throughout the course.
- Shares responsibility for outcomes and shows initiative when needed.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Information-based know-how
- Mastery of professional vocabulary, with precise application in various contexts.
- Independently and creatively uses advanced information-search techniques and problem-solving approaches.
- Demonstrates deep theoretical understanding, providing insights beyond the standard course material.

Skills-based know-how
- Completes all assignments with exceptional accuracy and detail.
- Produces and delivers materials with an excellent professional footprint.
- Shows advanced proficiency in the use of tools and methods.

Teamwork/know-how/readiness to take responsibility
- Demonstrates great work in group settings, often taking the lead and fostering collaboration.
- Maintains a highly proactive, inquisitive, and enthusiastic attitude throughout the course.
- Assumes full responsibility for personal and team tasks, consistently exceeding expected outcomes.