Masters' Programme in Industrial and Technology Management

Study programme code MASTINDØK

ECTS credits 120

Admission requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering or similar. The degree must include courses in mathematics equivalent to MA-209 Mathematics 3, amounting to at least 5 ETCS credits.

General description and profile of the programme

The Master´s Programme in Industrial and Technology Management aims to give the students a high level of practical and methodological knowledge in business administration, value chain management and central strategic areas such as risk management and innovation. During their studies, students will learn how to carry out independent research and analyses. The study programme will address important trends of development in the business sector: the growth of a network-based economy with increased movement of products, services and information between businesses; the growing importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in businesses and across different organisations; the increasing importance of learning and innovation as a factor of competitive advantage for businesses.

The courses offered in the third semester (Business Management, Supply Chain Management, Risk Management, Project Management and Control) are concentration courses that build on to courses offered the first two semesters. The students can choose between two programme options, one which emphasises quantitative subjects (Business Management, Operational Analysis and Logistics, System Dynamics and Market and Network Economy) or one with more socially oriented subjects (Team Management and Organization Development). The master´s thesis might reflect the programme option selected by the student, within the framework of the core programme content in industrial and technological management (e.g. related to the implementation of new technology in businesses). A core topic throughout the master´s programme is to understand, analyze and design relations (value chains - supply chains) and networks between businesses in different buyer-seller relationships. The students are trained in a number of quantitative and qualitative methods and tools of analysis to enable them to enter a career in this strategic field of interest.

Specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning (formal, non-formal and informal) Arrangements for the recognition of prior learning are described in the information on the institution under "General arrangements for the recognition of prior learning (formal, informal and non-formal)".

Examination regulations and grading For a description of the examination regulations, see the Examination Regulations of the University of Agder.

For information about the Norwegian grading system, see ECTS credits and grades. Specific information on grading for each course is found in the individual course descriptions.

Graduation requirements The Examination Regulations of the University of Agder regulate the graduation requirements for each programme of study.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the programme, the student should be able to:

• Apply academic knowledge and scientific methods to analyze and solve challenges for private and public enterprises and organizations
• Work on problems concerning business management, supply chain management and risk management
• Work independently and in a team
• Communicate problems and solutions both orally and in writing

Teaching methods

A varied range of different teaching and working methods will be used, including lectures, individual and group exercises and the master´s thesis, which is an independent piece of research. Besides facilitating the students´ academic development, teaching methods are selected with a view to developing the students´ ability to solve practical problems and work in teams. Project work, both individually and in groups, will train the students in the application of theoretical knowledge and tools to solve real problems in businesses and organisations. It will also develop the students´ ability to cooperate and communicate effectively. The language of instruction is normally Norwegian. Some courses may be taught in Danish, Swedish or English.

Assessment methods

Different forms of assessment are used, including written and oral examinations, home examinations and presentations. In some courses, compulsory written assignments or other coursework requirements must be successfully completed before the student is admitted to the final examination(s). Other courses use a system of continuous assessment, where the final grade is completely or partially based on tests or exercises throughout the semester.

Student exchange

Students may include studies at a foreign university as part of their degree, and go on student exchange to a foreign partner university in the third semester. Students may also apply to the faculty to write their final master´s thesis abroad during the fourth semester.

Requirements for continuing in the study programme Before enrolling for the final master´s thesis, the student must successfully complete all first and second semester courses. All third-semester courses that lead directly to the thesis work must also be successfully completed. All course examinations must be successfully completed before the student is allowed to submit the master´s thesis for evaluation.

Occupational profiles of graduates and access to further studies

The programme provides the students with an interdisciplinary education. The technical skills that the students have acquired in the bachelor´s degree are supplemented by a strong knowledge of business management, value chain management, risk management and innovation management. Graduates have previously been employed in strategic planning for private businesses, particularly in industry enterprises. The program also qualifies for doctoral studies.

Qualification awarded

Master of Science in Industrial and Technology Management

Contact person Programme Coordinator Bo Terje Kalsaas or Study Adviser Geir Kløkstad.