Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years (1.8.2018-31.7.2020), which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Credits: 6

Schedule: 02.09.2020 - 07.10.2020

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Valentina Arrieta

Contact information for the course (valid 27.08.2020-21.12.2112):

Credits: 6

Schedule: 02.09.2020 – 21.10.2020

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation): 

Instructors’
contact information:

Valentina
Arrieta,
valentina.arrieta@aalto.fi (appointments
agreed via e-mails)

Learning Outcomes: 

The course
provides the students with an up-to-date understanding of theories and
practices of M&A that will help them to understand the nature of M&As
and plan and implement post-merger integration successfully. Upon completing
the course, the students should be able to:


1.    Understand the challenges that organizational members
involved in mergers and acquisitions are confronted with;

2.    Analyze the M&A process with its challenges and
dilemmas from different theoretical angles;

3.    Learn to develop an integration plan for M&As that
would allow maximizing strategic synergies, while minimizing cultural
challenges and risks;

4.    Be able to assess and manage the complex dynamics in
unfolding M&A integration.


CEFR level (applies in this implementation):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • Applies in this implementation:

    Content: 

    The course
    offers a theoretically grounded and practically relevant overview of the key
    themes in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and specifically in post-merger
    integration (PMI). Building upon a theoretical understanding of organizational
    changes and M&A-specific concepts and frameworks, the course concentrates
    on the various problems and challenges in M&A and PMI. These include
    strategic integration and synergies, cultural challenges, identity-building,
    cognitive and emotional dynamics of inter-firm collaboration, politics,
    communication and learning.

    Details on the course content: 

    The course
    consists of two parts: (1) a more theory-driven discussion of different
    perspectives that can be used to analyze M&As and (2) a more practical
    application of these perspectives to analyze a real-life case organization.
    In this way, the course combines top-notch theoretical reflections and
    cutting-edge business practices.


Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • Applies in this implementation:

    Assessment Methods and Criteria: 

    Assignments
    100%

    Elaboration of the evaluation criteria and methods, and acquainting
    students with the evaluation:
     

    The course
    is graded based on the following:

    1.
    Pre-assignments: reflection on pre-readings 50%

    2. Integration
    plan (group or individual assignment): 50%

    1. Pre-assignments (50%):

    Reflection
    on given articles (max. 2pages per article, font 12, line spacing 1.0)

    ·        
    Summarize the key points and lessons of the articles
    (2points)

    ·        
    Discuss whether the points confirm or refute your
    practical knowledge or intuition (3points)

    Late
    submissions will be penalized by a 50%-point reduction

    2. Integration plan (group or individual assignment) (50%):

    Write an
    integration plan for a merger or acquisition of your choice. Length 12 pages,
    font 12, line spacing 1.5 (including references). Choose a case of merger or
    acquisition. Describe the case and the reason why you chose it. Also describe
    the motive(s) for the merger/acquisition. In your plan apply the theoretical
    perspectives discussed in class and covered in the pre-readings.

    The plan may include the following sections:

    • How will this deal create value
    • What
      will be the operating model of the merged organization, and how will this
      help to unlock value from the deal
    • Roles
      and responsibilities in integration work
    • How
      will identity(ies) be integrated or managed
    • What
      are potential emotional reactions to be managed
    • How
      will politics be taken care of
    • How
      will cultures be integrated
    • How
      will knowledge transfer be ensured
    • Communication
    • Integration
      schedule and justification for this schedule

Workload
  • Applies in this implementation:

    Workload: 

    Contact
    teaching    27h

    Independent work    133h

    Total    160h (6 ECTS)


DETAILS

Study Material
  • Applies in this implementation:

    Study Material: 

    A reading
    package consisting of academic and managerial articles.


SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

    17 Partnerships for the Goals

FURTHER INFORMATION

Details on the schedule
  • Applies in this implementation:


    SessionDateTopicAssignment
    102.09.2020
    17:00-19:45
    Introduction
    209.09.2020
    17:00-19:45
    Value creation and design perspectives on M&AsReflection paper 1 & 2 due on 08.09. @ 23:55
    312.09.2020
    13:00-15:45
    Emotions and identity perspective on M&As Reflection paper 3

    due on 11.09. @ 23:55

    416.09.2020
    17:00-19:45
    Political issues Reflection paper 4 & 5
    due on 15.09. @ 23:55
    523.09.2020
    17:00-19:45
    Socio-cultural perspectiveReflection paper 6 & 7
    due on 22.09. @ 23:55
    630.09.2020
    17:00-19:45
    Managing people in M&AsReflection paper 8 & 9
    due on 29.09. @ 23:55
    703.10.2020
    13:00-15:45
    Learning perspective and knowledge transfer in
    M&As
    Reflection paper 10
    due on 02.10. @ 23:55
    807.10.2020
    17:00-19:45
    Practical perspective on M&As and wrap up
    910.10.2020
    13:00-15:45
    No lecture
    The time is dedicated to the integration plan
    consultation with lecturer, when needed

    1014.10.2020
    17:00-19:45
    No lecture
    The time is dedicated to the integration plan
    consultation with lecturer, when needed
    Integration plan
    due on 21.10. @ 23:55


Description

Registration and further information