GRA 6842 Mastering Negotiation

GRA 6842 Mastering Negotiation

Course code: 
GRA 6842
Department: 
Communication and Culture
Credits: 
6
Course coordinator: 
Sut I Wong
Course name in Norwegian: 
Mastering Negotiation
Product category: 
Master
Portfolio: 
MSc Summer Courses
Semester: 
2025 Spring
Active status: 
Active
Level of study: 
Master
Teaching language: 
English
Course type: 
One semester
Introduction

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of negotiation theory and practice, equipping students with the skills and strategies to excel in diverse settings and increasingly complex globalized environments. We'll move beyond simple transactional approaches to explore the multifaceted nature of negotiation, recognizing it as a crucial tool for building relationships, resolving conflicts, and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes. Students will gain a deep understanding of the entire negotiation lifecycle, from meticulous preparation and strategic opening moves, to skillful bargaining, effective closing techniques, and the crucial follow-through that solidifies agreements.

We will delve into a variety of negotiation styles and tactics, equipping students with a flexible toolkit adaptable to different situations and cultural contexts. The course won't shy away from the challenges; we'll explore strategies for handling difficult situations, managing conflict constructively, and navigating the emotional dynamics inherent in any negotiation. Ethical considerations will be woven throughout the curriculum, emphasizing the importance of integrity and fairness in achieving sustainable and equitable agreements. This isn't merely about winning; it's about achieving mutually beneficial outcomes while building trust and rapport.

Effective negotiation is a cornerstone of success in nearly every field, and this course will demonstrate its impact across various business functions:

  • Foundations of Negotiation: Key concepts, theories, and frameworks underlying successful negotiation.
  • The Psychology of Negotiation: Understanding the role of emotions, cognition, and social influence in negotiation processes.
  • Ethical Considerations in Negotiation: Exploring ethical dilemmas, maintaining integrity, and achieving fair and equitable outcomes in all negotiation situations.
  • Advanced Negotiation Strategies: Developing and applying a range of negotiation strategies, including collaborative, competitive, and integrative approaches, and adapting them to different situations and cultural contexts.
  • Team Negotiation: Analyzing the complexities of team negotiation, including information sharing, coordination, and the management of internal and external conflicts.

Through a combination of lectures, interactive discussions, case studies, simulations, and real-world examples, students will develop the critical skills and knowledge to:

  • Analyze and prepare for complex negotiation situations: Conduct thorough research, identify key issues, and develop effective negotiation strategies.
  • Communicate effectively and persuasively: Master active listening, persuasive communication, and the ability to build rapport and trust with negotiation counterparts.
  • Navigate challenging negotiations: Effectively manage emotions, handle difficult personalities, and resolve conflicts constructively.
  • Achieve mutually beneficial outcomes: Negotiate effectively to achieve optimal outcomes for all parties involved, while maintaining ethical standards.

By the end of the course, students will possess a sophisticated understanding of negotiation principles, a versatile toolkit of practical strategies, and the confidence to navigate complex negotiations with skill and grace in today's interconnected globalized world.

 

This course is offered to students in the following programmes:
MSc in Business
MSc in Strategic Marketing Management
MSc in Digital Communication Management

 

Learning outcomes - Knowledge

After this course, students will:

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the negotiation process: Understand the various phases of the negotiation process, including preparation, information gathering, communication, bargaining, and closure.
  • Analyze the role of emotions in negotiation: Understand how emotions influence negotiation behavior, and develop strategies for effectively managing and regulating emotions during negotiations.
  • Explore different negotiation approaches: Gain familiarity with different negotiation theories and their applications, including win-win, win-lose, and integrative approaches.
  • Integrate ethical considerations: Understand and apply ethical principles in negotiation, ensuring fair, just, and sustainable outcomes for all parties involved.
Learning outcomes - Skills

After this course, students will be able to:

  • Develop and implement effective negotiation strategies: Analyze negotiation situations, identify key interests and objectives, and develop and implement appropriate negotiation strategies, including collaborative, competitive, and integrative approaches.
  • Navigate challenging negotiation situations: Effectively manage difficult personalities, handle emotional situations, and overcome obstacles to reach mutually beneficial agreements.
  • Communicate persuasively and effectively: Master active listening, clear and concise communication, and persuasive communication techniques to effectively convey their message and build rapport with negotiation counterparts.
  • Prepare and plan effectively for negotiations: Conduct thorough research, gather relevant information, and develop comprehensive negotiation plans.
  • Resolve conflicts constructively: Identify and address potential points of contention early on, preventing minor disagreements from escalating into major conflicts.
General Competence

After this course, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate critical thinking and reflective practice: Analyze and evaluate their own experiences and observations, applying theoretical concepts to understand their performance and identify areas for improvement across various academic and professional contexts.
  • Enhance self-awareness: Reflect on their own behaviors, identify personal strengths and weaknesses, and develop strategies for personal and professional growth.
  • Apply ethical principles: Integrate ethical considerations into their decision-making processes across various academic and professional contexts, ensuring fair, just, and sustainable outcomes.
Course content

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Teaching and learning activities

Class activities include lectures, case studies, negotiation simulations and group discussion. Students will be assigned to a different negotiation simulation in each class. Preparation of the respective negotiation simulations prior to the class is compulsory.

Software tools
No specified computer-based tools are required.
Additional information

Please note that while attendance is not compulsory in all courses, it is the student’s own responsibility to obtain any information provided in class.

Qualifications

All courses in the Masters programme will assume that students have fulfilled the admission requirements for the programme. In addition, courses in second, third and/or fourth semester can have specific prerequisites and will assume that students have followed normal study progression. For double degree and exchange students, please note that equivalent courses are accepted.

Disclaimer

Deviations in teaching and exams may occur if external conditions or unforeseen events call for this.

Assessments
Assessments
Exam category: 
Submission
Form of assessment: 
Submission PDF
Weight: 
40
Grouping: 
Individual
Duration: 
4 Week(s)
Comment: 
Individual written report on learning reflections
Exam code: 
GRA 68422
Grading scale: 
ECTS
Resit: 
Examination when next scheduled course
Exam category: 
Submission
Form of assessment: 
Submission PDF
Weight: 
60
Grouping: 
Group (2 - 3)
Duration: 
4 Week(s)
Comment: 
A group-based written report on a given negotiation case
Exam code: 
GRA 68423
Grading scale: 
ECTS
Resit: 
Examination when next scheduled course
Type of Assessment: 
Ordinary examination
All exams must be passed to get a grade in this course.
Total weight: 
100
Student workload
ActivityDurationComment
Teaching
36 Hour(s)
Lectures, case studies, presentation of literature and case, and group discussion
Student's own work with learning resources
64 Hour(s)
Reading and case preparation
Group work / Assignments
80 Hour(s)
Sum workload: 
180

A course of 1 ECTS credit corresponds to a workload of 26-30 hours. Therefore a course of 6 ECTS credits corresponds to a workload of at least 160 hours.