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Blekinge Institute of Technology
Department of Industrial Economics

Revision: 2
Reg.no: BTH-4.1.14-0038-2024


Course syllabus

Leadership in High-Technology and Knowledge-Intensive Organizations

Leadership in High-Technology and Knowledge-Intensive Organizations

7.5 credits (7,5 högskolepoäng)

Course code: IY1440
Main field of study: Industrial Economics and Management
Disciplinary domain: Technology
Education level: First-cycle
Specialization: G1F - First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements

Language of instruction: English
Applies from: 2024-01-25
Approved: 2024-01-25

1. Descision

This course is established by Dean 2020-05-06. The course syllabus is approved by Head of Department of Industrial Economics 2024-01-25 and applies from 2024-01-25.

2. Entry requirements

Completed courses of 30 credits in technology of which at least 6 credits in industrial economics and management.

3. Objective and content

3.1 Objective

The course aims to develop the student’s understanding of high-tech and knowledge-intensive organizations and their specific conditions for leadership. A further aim is to develop the student’s insight into modern leadership practices, e.g. with regards to their main principles and underlying assumptions, as well as the student’s ability to reflect upon her/his own leadership behavior and attitudes.

3.2 Content

Leadership is an ability to influence a group of people towards a goal. With a focus on leadership in high-tech and knowledge-intensive organizational context, the course covers different leadership behaviors and styles, combining classical wisdom, recent research, theory and practice. The course provides the students a theoretical understanding of leadership in modern organizations, as well as practical insight into what it means to be a leader. By giving insightful feedback on each other’s actual performance, the course gives students an opportunity to look into one’s personal leadership capabilities.

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:

  • understand basic aspects of high-tech and knowledge-intensive organizations.
  • describe, discuss and synthesize relevant models and theories about leadership.
  • apply knowledge about leadership theories and models in practical exercises and case studies.

4.2. Competence and skills

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

  • analyze and evaluate the role and challenges of leadership in high-tech and knowledge-intensive firms.
  • develop their own leadership capacities through feedback, reflection and practice.
  • evaluate leadership problems and possibilities.

4.3. Judgement and approach

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

  • Increase awareness of his/her personal leadership style.
  • strengthen his/her leadership skills, e.g. interpersonal skills, team development, conflict management, communication and change skills.

5. Learning activities

Lecture is one of the main learning activities. Group discussions, case studies, team exercises and reflective exercises will also be used to achieve a better understanding of leadership. Moreover, students in this course will use readings, role plays, self-reflection, and feedback, to optimize their own leadership capabilities.

6. Assessment and grading

Modes of examinations of the course

Code Module Credit Grade
2105 Oral presentation 1.5 credits GU
2115 Written assigment 2 credits GU
2125 Project assigment 4 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 information before a course occasion 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. 9th Edition. Sage publications.

This is not a legal document. If you would like a copy of the legal decision regarding this course plan, contact the registrar at Blekinge Institute of Technology.