The course is made up of four parts, each centred around a topic: - social motive forces, conditions and strategic adjustment, - structuring and organisation design as a strategic tool, - central organisational management structures, - with main emphasis on the role, functions and working method of management, - leadership and human resource management. On the one hand, the topics are naturally limited topics that are illuminated through practical cases and relevant theory. On the other hand, substantial emphasis is, during the course, placed on developing connections between the four topics. The connections will be made clear through the use of practical, realistic examples, and by the integration of theory and analysis.

There are two goals: Firstly, to make our elected student representatives proficient in their roles as elected student representatives at NMBU. Secondly, to give knowledge and an understanding of topics in organisation theory that are relevant to a leader. Students are to gain knowledge of NMBU as an organisational system, how the system is structured, how it works, and what challenges one is faced with due to current social developments. In addition, students are to gain general knowledge of organisation theory and an understanding of how organisations work, strategic adjustment and planning, leadership and management work. Students are to be given an understanding of the connections between conditions, challenges, leadership and management work. The students are to be given an understanding of the connection between conditions, strategic choices and the implementation of strategies. Helped by organisation and leadership theories, students are to develop skills in analysing complex, practical, organisational problems. The course deals explicitly with ethical questions in connection with management work, leadership and leader behaviour. Central ethical issues that are dealt with are, among others, honesty, loyalty and justice.

The course uses a variety of different learning methods: core lectures, seminars, class discussions, individual literature studies, colloquium work, project work and presentations (written and oral).

Plenary discussion of the projects.

The syllabus consists of lectures + book chapters + a series of articles published in scientific journals and newspapers + materials with concrete case information (for example annual reports, strategic plans, reports, etc.). The syllabus will vary somewhat from year to year, depending on which projects the students will be working with.

Practical leadership and management experience.

AOS130.

Formal connection to a class group. Participation in the Saturday gatherings.

All students must hand in 2-4 individual short papers (pass/fail) and participate in 2-4 group presentations. The course grade (A-F) will be based on a group project report which has to be handed in within a specified deadline, and presented and defended in an oral exam.

In accordance with NMBU's norms.

Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway (generell studiekompetanse)

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Lectures/seminars are given 4-5 Saturdays and several evenings. In total ca. 40 hours of class time. The course is made up of four sections. All four sections are structured alike: -Introduction of the topic by the responsible teacher and guest lecturers. -Elaboration on the subject and generalisation of the chosen issues related to the subject, led by the teacher. -The teacher will go through the main topics discussed in the course literature. -Distribution and presentation of project assignments. Distribution of literature relevant to the course. -Review of experiences from previous gatherings. -Preliminary presentation and discussion of project work. -Introduction to the next topic.

The course is intended specifically for elected student representatives at NMBU.

An external examiner will participate in grading, based on the project report and the oral presentation.