Via case studies and historical perspective, the aim of this course is to give students a basic understanding of organizations (companies, public organizations, associations), their internal and external functioning and their evolution.
This course will mainly be built from a set of case studies - or monographs- of organizations or companies. For a better understanding of the dynamic of actors and processes of these organizations, the case method requires the mobilization of a set of analysis keys or concepts (organization and strategy models, analysis grids for power relations, typology of decision-making methods, etc.). Additionally, the resort to case studies can't be improvised. Before providing conclusions, it is necessary to familiarize with certain diagnostic tools and studies. Via the study of monographs, students will learn study techniques and some of the most important analysis grids in Business history and in organization sciences.
This historical perspective should enable us to observe and analyze the decisions and evolutions of major private groups and organizations in the long term. It is about giving students a "basic culture" of organizations in the capitalist system in France and around the world. By "culture" it is meant knowledge based on observations of the reality of organizations and their players. It also means offering students the opportunity to develop a distanced, even critical, analysis regarding the individual and collective representations and practices that are built up.
Evaluation: A 4-hour written case study in French. It verifies students' mastery of the case study methodology, their expressive skills (clarity, style, relevance) and the solidity of their arguments (knowledge of definitions and basic concepts, rigorous demonstration, general knowledge of economics and business history).
Only handwritten personal notes and hard-copy language dictionaries are permitted during the tests, excluding any other printed or copies, dictionaries and electronic translators.
Course language: French (English on request)
- Teaching coordinator: Godelier Eric