Syllabus spring 2024
Malmö University
Syllabus spring 2024
Title
Managing Uncertainty
Swedish title
Leda osäkerhet
Course code
ME655E
Credits
15 credits
Grading scale
UA / Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Pass (E) or Fail (U)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Faculty of Technology and Society
Establishment date
2022-03-23
Syllabus approval date
2022-03-23
Syllabus valid from
2023-01-16
Entry requirements
  1. Bachelor degree in media technology or in a related field with a minimum 180 European Credit Transfer System credits. Examples of related fields include: computer science, informatics, information systems, human-computer interaction, interaction design, media/IT management, game development, media and communication science and digital cultural studies.
  2. English proficiency equivalent to English 6 from a Swedish upper secondary school
Level
Advanced level
Main field
Media Technology
Progression level
A1N
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
The course is part of the main area of study media technology and can be included in the degree requirements for a Degree of Master of Science in Media Technology (120 credits).
Course objectives
In this course students acquire theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills for solving problems and make critical and timely decisions in the face of uncertainty. They develop an ability to make sense of and navigate ambiguous situations, deal with challenges of rapid change, and make strategic decisions in the field of media technology.
Course contents
  • methods and tools for problem solving and decision-making under uncertainty,
  • creative and experimental methods for future making, scenario building and trend forecasting,
  • critical thinking and critical decision-making,
  • risk analysis and identification of threats and opportunities,
  • decision-making theories.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
By the end of the course students should be able to:
  • describe decision-making theories in relation to media technology,
  • explain ways to manage uncertainty in a media technology context.
Competence and abilities
By the end of the course students should be able to:
  • identify threats and opportunities in a rapidly changing environment and frame problems accordingly,
  • develop future scenarios,
  • develop and execute plans for decision-making in uncertain conditions within a media technology context,
  • use appropriate decision-making tools and methods for strategic media technology development,
  • manage teamwork and collaborate with business partners.
Evaluation abilities and approach
By the end of the course students should be able to:
  • assess and evaluate strategic and innovative opportunities related to media technologies in rapidly changing and uncertain environments,
  • critically reflect on appropriate decisions in relation to social, technological and economic aspects.
Learning activities
The course consists of lectures, workshops and project work, which may be done in collaboration with public or private sector partners.
Assessment
Grading is based on oral and written examination, including projects.
The course is assessed based on the following:
  • Written examination (2.5 credits, UA)
  • Written assignments (5 credits, UA)
  • Project (7.5 credits, UA)
To pass the course (A-E): Passing grade on all parts above is required. Course grade is calculated based on the weighted average of assessed parts.
Course literature and other study material
  • Akama, Y., Pink, S. & Sumartojo, S. (2018). Uncertainty & possibility: New approaches to future making in design anthropology. London: Bloomsbury.
  • Bonnett, A. (2011). How to argue: Smarter study skills (3rd ed.). Harlow: Pearson Education Limited.
  • Clemen R. & Reilly T. (2014). Making hard decisions with decision tools (3rd ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western College Publishing.
  • Syrett, M. & Devine, M. (2012). Managing uncertainty: Strategies for surviving and thriving in turbulent times. London: Profile Books.
  • Wilson, I. & Ralson, B. (2006). Scenario planning handbook: Developing strategies in uncertain times. Mason, OH: South-Western Educational Publishing.
There will be additional readings.
Course evaluation
The University provides students who are taking or have completed a course with the opportunity to share their experiences of and opinions about the course in the form of a course evaluation that is arranged by the University. The University compiles the course evaluations and notifies the results and any decisions regarding actions brought about by the course evaluations. The results shall be kept available for the students. (HF 1:14).
Interim rules
When a course is no longer given, or the contents have been radically changed, the student has the right to re-take the examination, which will be given twice during a one year period, according to the syllabus which was valid at the time of registration.
Additional information
The syllabus is a translation of a Swedish source text.