BE-417 Management Control Systems
- ECTS Credits:
- 7.5
- Responsible department:
- School of Business and Law
- Course Leader:
- Rafael Heinzelmann
- Lecture Semester:
- Autumn
- Teaching language:
- English
- Duration:
- 1 term
The course is connected to the following study programs
- Master’s Programme in International Business
- Master's Programme in Shift Entrepreneurship and Business
- Master's Programme in Accounting and Auditing
- Master's Programme in Business Administration
- Master's Programme in Business Administration (5 years)
Teaching language
EnglishRecommended prerequisites
Bachelor level courses in financial accounting, budgeting and financial management.
Course contents
This course covers the topic of management control systems (MCS) and provides an overview of different systems managers have at their disposal in running different types of businesses, in different situations, different industries, e.g. manufacturing, public sector, NGOs, and when businesses are facing different challenges. Research on how individuals and organisations respond to the introduction of control systems or to changes to existing systems are discussed. In addition, the course highlights unintended consequences and complexities of control outlining manager` coping strategies. Likewise, the roles of controllers in organisations as well as the impact of digitalization on control is discussed.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course the students are able to:
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demonstrate a profound knowledge of MCS that managers` are using to run businesses and direct behavior of individuals.
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discuss variations in using MCS across different industries.
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discuss unitended consequences and complexities coming along with the use of MCS.
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critically evaluate the costs of control.
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identify and evaluate organisational challenges associated with the implementation of new control systems and / or changing existing control systems.
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Identify and reflect on the impact digitalization on MCS.
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identify and reflect on ethical issues and dilemmas related to MCS.
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Identify, evaluate and discuss the link between sustainability, MCS and organizational decision making and its wider implications on the planet and our societies.
Examination requirements
Approved compulsory assignment(s) incl. presentation. More information will be given in Canvas at the start of the semester.
Teaching methods
Lectures and group work, mostly case based. Estimated workload is about 200 hours.
Evaluation
The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.
Admission for external candidates
No
Assessment methods and criteria
4-hour written examination with letter grades.
Due to grade requirements for state authorised auditors, a regular examination will be held both autumn and spring.
Reduction of Credits
This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:
| Course | Reduction of Credits |
|---|---|
| BE-907 – Management Control Systems | 7.5 |
| BE-401 – Incentives, Organisations and Externalities | 2.5 |