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Blekinge Institute of Technology
Department of Industrial Economics

Revision: 2
Reg.no:


Course syllabus

Leadership in High-Technology and Knowledge-Intensive Organizations

Leadership in High-Technology and Knowledge-Intensive Organizations

6 credits (6 högskolepoäng)

Course code: IY2653
Main field of study: Industrial Economics and Management
Disciplinary domain: Technology
Education level: Second-cycle
Specialization: A1N - Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements

Language of instruction: English
Applies from: 2026-04-20
Approved: 2026-04-20

1. Descision

This course is established by Dean 2023-06-02. The course syllabus is approved by Head of Department of Industrial Economics 2026-04-20 and applies from 2026-04-20.

2. Entry requirements

Admission to the course requires, a bachelor's or university engineering degree in a technical field, 180 credits or 60 credits completed in technology, software engineering or industrial economics and managemnt. At least 6 credits must consist of courses in industrial economics and/or management. English 6.

3. Objective and content

3.1 Objective

The course aims to develop the student’s knowledge of leadership theories and understanding of leadership, particularly in high-technology and knowledge-intensive organizations. A further aim is to develop the student’s ability to reflect on their own leadership practice.

3.2 Content

Focusing on leadership in high-technology and knowledge-intensive organizational contexts, the course covers various leadership behaviors and styles, combining established knowledge and recent research with theory and practice. The course addresses leadership theories, including their premises and underlying assumptions. In addition, the course includes self-reflection and self-leadership.

4. Learning outcomes

The following learning outcomes are examined in the course:

4.1. Knowledge and understanding

On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  • account for fundamental characteristics of high-technology and knowledge-intensive organizations that affect leadership
  • describe, discuss and synthesize relevant theories and models of leadership

4.2. Competence and skills

On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  • apply knowledge of leadership theories and models in practical exercises
  • analyze and evaluate the role and challenges of leadership in high-technology and knowledge-intensive organizations
  • evaluate leadership-related problems and opportunities

4.3. Judgement and approach

On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  • reflect on their leadership ability and personal leadership style through feedback and practical exercises

5. Learning activities

Lectures constitute a central learning activity. Group discussions, case studies, team exercises and reflective exercises are additional learning activities that support the student’s understanding of leadership. In addition, students use self-reflection and feedback as a basis for developing their own leadership ability and leadership style.

6. Assessment and grading

Modes of examinations of the course

Code Module Credit Grade
2610 Written Assignment 1 credits GU
2620 Report 1 2 credits GU
2630 Report 2 3 credits AF

The course will be graded A Excellent, B Very good, C Good, D Satisfactory, E Sufficient, FX Failed result, a little more work required, F Fail.

The examiner may carry out oral follow-up of written examinations.

All examination components must be passed for the final grade of the course. The final grade is given as A-F according to the outcome of the final examination.

The information before the start of the course states the assessment criteria and make explicit in which modes of examination that the learning outcomes are assessed.

An examiner can, after consulting the Disability Advisor at BTH, decide on a customized examination form for a student with a long-term disability to be provided with an examination equivalent to one given to a student who is not disabled.

7. Course evaluation

The course evaluation should be carried out in line with BTH:s course evaluation template and process.

8. Restrictions regarding degree

The course can form part of a degree but not together with another course the content of which completely or partly corresponds with the contents of this course.

9. Course literature and other materials of instruction

Northouse, P. G. (2022). Leadership: Theory and practice. Senaste upplagan. Sage publications.