Management and Organisation
The subject of Management and Organisation (M&O) is the largest within the department and nurtures a strong community of researchers and teachers. Our extensive research activities are reflected in our Bachelor and Master studies. The goal of the studies is to provide students with skills in leading people and complex organizations, and a comprehensive understanding of how organizations function, as well as the ability to analyze complex entities and problems within the business sphere.
Knowledge in the following sub-areas is central to the subject:
- How to lead people and understand human behavior
- How to effectively organize and lead development processes in companies
- How to effectively organize and develop the HR function within a company
- How to lead a company in the desired direction
- How to create and implement successful strategies
- How to develop competence and organize for learning in companies
- How to coordinate business operations within a company, even in international contexts
Our teaching covers issues within people management, HRM, strategy and strategic management, international business, responsibility, sustainability, and business ethics. The course offerings are extensive, providing students with the flexibility to shape their study plans. Courses include strategic work and thinking, HR in national and international companies, organizational behavior, and business ethics and sustainability. The content reflects the view that a modern company's key resource is brainpower, new ideas, and know-how, emphasizing the need for future business leaders to understand individual and group behavior within organizations.
Scholars associated with the subject publish articles in leading international academic journals and books with international publishers. All publications can be found in our research database HARIS. Our scholars engage in active collaboration with other universities, business schools, companies, and organizations worldwide, offering timely and relevant real-life cases for our courses.
Studies in Management and Organisation offer students up-to-date, research-based, and practically applicable knowledge about managing complex organisations in the global economy. While our bachelor studies are offered mostly in Swedish, most master’s courses are offered in English. In Helsinki, the two main specialization areas are (1) People management and HRM and (2) Strategy. In Vaasa, the focus is more general, on strategy and sustainability.
We also offer a master’s programme on International Strategy and Sustainability (IS&S), which has attracted many students from Finland and abroad since its inception in 2007. The program offers cutting-edge knowledge and courses in various topics related to sustainability and responsibility from a strategic perspective. More information about the English master's programme can be found here.
In Vaasa, together with the department of Marketing, we offer a fully English-speaking master’s programme in Marketing and Management. This two-year program includes master courses in for example, strategy, sustainability, service marketing, and market shaping. More information about the English master program can be found here.
More information about both Bachelor and Master studies can be found here.
We have an active doctoral studies programme, with an average of 2-3 doctoral researchers defending their theses in Management and Organisation each year.
Contact persons:
Professor Mats Ehrnrooth
Professor Jennie Sumelius
Alumni interview
Einar Nordström, PMO specialist, Roschier
Why did you choose your particular major?
- I’ve always been fascinated by business management and the start-up world, and the idea of perhaps one day founding my own company has been a strong motivator for me. Choosing management and organisation as my major felt natural because it gave me a broad understanding of how businesses work, both in terms of organisation and leadership.
How did you make your decision?
- During my bachelor's studies, my major was commercial law, but once I completed those studies, I wanted to broaden my skill set. I also began studying law at the University of Helsinki at the same time and looked for a major that would complement my legal education. The introduction to management and organisation during my bachelor’s studies really caught my interest. I discovered it was the subject I was most passionate about, which made the choice both logical and inspiring.
How has your choice of major affected your career?
- I’ve always combined my studies with work, often in smaller companies where responsibilities are broader. This gave me a unique opportunity to apply what I learned in management and organisation. My major has strengthened my career by providing tools for project management, stakeholder management, analytical thinking, and strategic planning. At the same time, my work experiences have enriched my studies, creating a mutual development process. Today, in my role at Roschier, I draw on insights from my major daily.
What are the most important skills your major and studies at Hanken have given you for your professional life?
- The most important skill I’ve gained is undoubtedly the ability to think analytically. Hanken offers a broad education where you get to try out many different areas. Even courses that might not feel immediately relevant contribute to developing your ability to process and analyse information. Additionally, I’ve learned how to combine theory with practical applications, which is invaluable in the workplace.
Do you have any tips for students considering choosing management and organization as their major?
- My best advice is to choose courses that combine theory with practice. Many FLO courses start with theoretical foundations and then students get to apply them through group projects, analyses, or company visits. The practical elements not only deepen your understanding of the subject but also provide skills you can use directly in your career. It’s also a great way to discover what truly interests you and what you want to focus on going forward.