Module description for module 7: Evolving organizations and business models
Module title, ECTS credits (and possibly STADS code)
Evolving organizations and business models
5 ECTS
Location
nd
2 semester
Module coordinator
Jacob Rubæk Holm
Type and language
Type: compulsory course module
Language: English
Objectives
The objective of this course is to provide students with an evolutionary perspective on the founding,
transformation, innovation and disbanding of organizations. In addition, we will introduce the students to
concepts like change management and business models that provide ways in which managers can deal with
some of these challenges. By following this course, students will be able to comprehend how internal and
external social relations, and social institutions, enable and constrain organizations in the pace of this
organizational evolution. Given the complexities involved in these transformational processes, focus will also
be given for clarifying the business model concept, and its innovation challenges.
Topics that will be discussed in this course are:
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The evolutionary perspective on organizations
The entrepreneur and the emergence of the organization
The development of organizational boundaries
Organizational routines and competences and how they shape the organizational form
The transformation of organizations and organizational change
Change management processes and challenges
Clarifying business models and the role in the development of businesses; and
Population perspective on organizations.
Learning outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course the student will have gained
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knowledge
o of an evolutionary understanding on the founding, transformation, and disbanding of
organizations.
o of the key concept and theories that have been introduced in the course
skills
o to apply these theories and concept in their managerial, executive, entrepreneurial and/or
academic career
competences
o to consider the public policy implications of the information provided in the main textbook
and lectures.
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Academic content and conjunction with other modules/semesters
The focus in module 7 is on the internal workings of organisations. This is one half of the semester’s main
theme on dynamics in organisations and systems of innovation. The other half is covered in module 6.
Together with the theories on innovation and entrepreneurship in the first semester, module 7 creates
competences for analysis of the causes and consequences of change in organisations.
Scope and expected performance
Module 7 consists of 5 ECTS which is equivalent to 137.5 hours of work. 24 of these are spent in class and it
is expected that the students spend two hours preparing for each hour in class. In addition it is expected that
students spend 30 hours working with the assignment. The remaining 35.5 hours are to be spent attending
and preparing for the exam.
Participants
MIKE-E and MIKE-B students
Prerequisites for participation
Enrolment in MIKE-E or MIKE-B
Module activities (course sessions etc.)
Contents of the module (subject to modifications):
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Lecture (JRH): Evolutionary Approaches to organizations. Text: Aldrich and Ruef chapters 1, 2 and 3
Workshop (JRH): Initiating the course assignment
Lecture (KN): Entrepreneurs and the founding of organizations. Text: Aldrich and Ruef chapter 4
Lecture (NE): Disbanding of organizations. Text: see moodle
Workshop (NE): Intermediate workshop on course assignment
Lecture (YT): Change management processes in organizations. Text: see moodle
Lecture (YT): Clarifying business models and their innovation processes (theory focus). Text: see
moodle
Lecture (YT): Business model innovation in practice, continuous innovation challenges, and network
based business model innovation. Text: see moodle
Lecture (JRH): Organizational Boundaries. Text: Aldrich and Rue chapter 5
Lecture (JRH): Organizational Forms. Text: Aldrich and Ruef chapter 6
Lecture (JRH): Organizational Transformation. Text: Aldrich and Ruef chapter 7
Workshop (JRH): Final workshop on the course assignment
Main textbook: Aldrich H.E., and Ruef, M. (2006) Organizations Evolving, Second Edition. London: Sage
Publications.
Lecturers: Jacob R. Holm (JRH), Yariv Taran (YT), Nazanin Eftekhari (NE), Kristian Nielsen (KN)
During the first workshop, the students will be introduced to the assignments that are part of the course. An
important task for the students following the module is to apply the concepts and theories encountered
during the course on a case. While organized in teams, the students’ aim is to prepare one of the following
two assignments:
1) Interview the owner/founder of an organization
2) Analyze a business case. The cases will be presented at the first workshop.
The assignment will be used as a point of departure in the oral exams. The schedule on moodle will contain
the deadline for handing in the assignment as well as the date of the exams. The assignment must be
uploaded in moodle and two copies must be handed in to the secretary.
The students can conduct the case individually but teams of 2-3 persons are recommended. Larger teams
are not permitted. When analyzing the case you have a maximum of 10 pages (line spacing 1.5, Times New
Roman or Cambria 12, etc.), including tables of content and reference list but excluding the front page.
Where possible you should include references to other studies and other relevant work.
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Examination
An oral internal individual examination covering the assignment and the course curriculum for Module 7. The
examination is based on an oral presentation and an ensuing discussion written student assignment as its
point of departure. The duration of the examination is approximately half an hour per student. The grading is
given according the Danish 7-point marking scale. The examination weights 5 ECTS.
Evaluation criteria
The grade ‘12’ is given for an excellent performance displaying a high level of command of all aspects of the
relevant material, with no or only a few minor weaknesses.
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