Autumn semester, 2015
State University of Management,
Russian Federation, Moscow
UNDERSTANDING RUSSIA: ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT
CULTURE
Instructor
Andrey Shapenko, Project Leader, SKOLKOVO Institute for Emerging Market
Studies, Ph.D. in Economics, MBA
Contact Information
shapenko@gmail.com, +79163140431
Course description
The course explores specifics of Russian management style, shaped by national
culture and history. Starting from introduction to the national mindset, it
guides through predominant management models, winning strategies in the
Russian market and also describes current state of the Russia’s economy and
challenges for its further growth.
Prerequisites and corequisites
The students have to have basic understanding of Europe’s and Russia’s
history and culture, good command of English, knowledge of core economics
concepts and theories, be familiar with management vocabulary.
Course learning
outcomes
By the end of the course students will have an understanding of core narratives
defining Russian national mentality, become familiar with specifics of Russian
management style, understand structure and perspectives of Russian economy
and will study examples of winning strategies of successful entrepreneurs in
the Russian market.
Materials
O.Figues “Natasha’s Dance: the Cultural History of Russia” (preferred)
S.Massie “The Land of the Firebird: the Beauty of Old Russia” (optional)
Course organization
Tentative Class Schedule*
Week
1
Topics
Russia: solving
the riddle
Russian
management
model
2
Winning
strategies of
Russian
entrepreneurial
champions
Russian economy:
context and
challenges for
growth
Preparation
Tests, projects,
assignments
Lecture/
seminar
hrs.
Self
Study
hrs.
Read
books from
above
Compare narratives of
Russian mentality and
Russian management
specifics with ones
predominant in the
country of student’s
origin (1 page summary)
4
10
Search and
read 3-5
recent
reports
about
Russian
economy
and Doing
Business in
Russia
(WEF,
1-page essay discussing
which factors will
empower and
disempower
development of the
Russia’s economy in the
next 5-10 years
4
10
1
World
Bank, EY,
Deloitte,
McKinsey,
BCG,
Gaidar
Institute
etc.)
3
Exam
1.
2.
Test
Short essay (1
page)
2
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*Note: this table shows only the "tentative" schedule. The schedule may be the subject for change.
Evaluation and grading policy
Type of work
Percentage
Description
Attendance
30%
Personal presence in class during classes
Classroom Participation
10%
Active participation in class discussions,
responses to the lecturer’s questions, work in
small groups
Written assignments
30%
Assignments submitted in time, graded
according to Russian academic assessment
system*
Final Examination
30%
Test, graded according to Russian academic
assessment system. Might include a short
essay.
The following number-to-letter grade scale will be used for computing the (final) course grade:
Letter Grade
Number Grade (2-5) Russian System
Number Grade (0-100)
A
B
C
D
F
5 Excellent
4 Good
3 Average/Pass
2 Below average (not enough to pass)
90.00 ≤ grade ≤ 100.00
80.00 ≤ grade ≤ 90.00
70.00 ≤ grade ≤ 80.00
60.00 ≤ grade ≤ 70.00
grade ≤ 60.00
Course policies and expectations
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Students are expected to demonstrate openness for discussion and intellectual curiosity;
Laptops and cell phones are not welcome during the classes and are not allowed during exam;
Respect for others, respectful language;
Active participation during discussions is key for positive course outcomes;
Absence is not punished, but included in final assessment;
Any materials can be used for written assignments, but plagiarism is unacceptable and will be
reported;
Cheating during the final exam is unacceptable and will be reported;
Study materials (presentations) will not be distributed before the end of the course;
Grading and assessment may be questioned and disputed by the student according to SUM
regulations.
2