Module Code - Title:
MG6152
-
BUSINESS NEGOTIATIONS
Year Last Offered:
N/A
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
Negotiation is a dialogue to discover common ground among parties with differing aims, needs and perspectives in order to achieve a solution. The aim is to seek a process by which parties may pursue a mutually acceptable outcome, which typically involves an element of compromise. This module aims to explore how two or more parties with competing interests discuss and manage issues so as to attain an agreement, settle a matter of mutual concern, or resolve a conflict. Negotiation is a valuable leadership and management skill, which is employed in a wide range of business contexts, such as contracts, deal-making, employment discussions, team building, and disputes. Negotiations occur in commercial, non-profit and governmental organisations.
Syllabus:
The syllabus follows best practice from, amongst others, the Harvard Negotiations Research Centre of Excellence including: 1. Explaining, using appropriate examples, the difference between distribution and integrative negotiations. 2. Outlining the four main concepts in the fundamental negotiations framework. 3. Discussing tactics of integrative negotiations. 4. Interrogating multiphase negotiations. 5. Exploring strategies for multiphase negotiations. 6. Coalitions have more power than any individual party involved in the negotiation. The two main types of coalitions are explored. 7. The main steps of followed by an effective negotiator are discussed and reflected upon. 8. Mechanisms for overcoming lack of trust (as one of the main barriers in entering into an agreement) are explained, in addition to the benefits or drawbacks of bluffing. 9. Appropriate responses to the other side seeking changes to something after a deal has been reached are finally outlined.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Compare distributive and integrative negotiations and the sub-processes of negotiations
• Investigate the joint outcome space through BATNA, ZOPA and anchoring
Explore the agent-client dynamic and ethical issues in negotiations
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Apply active listening techniques
• Manage hardball tactics and non-engagement
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module introduces theoretical concepts and simulations, grounded in best practice research and practice drawing on the Harvard School of negotiations theory. The best way to learn negotiation skills is by doing; hence, the delivery of the module is designed to enable students to put theory into practice through a series of simulation exercises (i.e. role-play cases). The simulations afford the opportunity to interact with others enrolled in the module so as to exchange ideas and experiences. As this module is highly experiential, the key to success is to engage reflectively with the assigned readings and to participate fully in the case simulations. Graduate attributes will be developed in the following ways: Agile: Students are expected to be agile in their learning through independent study, self-directed learning and coursework; Articulate: Students will become articulate in expressing advice through the use of in-class discussions, presentations and written coursework; Courageous: Students will be required to participate openly in class discussions, group work and assessments that require them to step outside their comfort zone; Curious: Students will be encouraged to be curious in their acquisition of knowledge of through practical examples, coursework and in-class groupwork; Responsible: Students will develop a sense of responsibility through class discussions on various ethical and sustainable issues and challenges.
Prime Texts:
Fisher, R. & Ury, W. (2012)
Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In
, Random House Business. ISBN-13: 978-1847940933
Stone, D., Patton, B. & Heen, S (2011)
Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most
, Viking Reissue ISBN-13: 978-0670921348.
Other Relevant Texts:
Bazerman, M.H. (2015)
The Power of Noticing: What The Best Leaders See
, Simon and Schuster.
Kolb, D.M & Porter, J.L. (2015)
Negotiating At Work: Turn Small Wins Into Big Gains
, Jossey-Bass
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - EXECUTIVE MBA
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
michele.odwyer@ul.ie