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LS551X: NEGOTIATION SKILLS (2026-2027)

Last modified: 1 Day, 16 Hours, 49 Minutes ago


Course Overview

The vast majority of disputes and differences of a civil, that is, non-criminal nature are resolved before one of the parties commences legal proceedings. A significant proportion of such disputes are resolved before a court hearing.

This course will examine issues such as:

  1. International business contracts - Negotiations, drafting and conclusion;
  2. Conflict and business disputes - Why choose ADR and the possibility to renegotiate;
  3. Developing strategies for negotiations;
  4. Negotiation theories, tactics and perspectives;
  5. Cognitive influences on negotiaton and decision-making;
  6. Power and persuasion.

Course Details

Study Type Postgraduate Level 5
Term Second Term Credit Points 30 credits (15 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Onyoja Momoh

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Postgraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

The vast majority of civil (non-criminal) disputes are resolved before parties pursue formal dispute resolution processes, or before reaching a court hearing following litigation, arbitration or mediation.

If most disputes are resolved before formal proceedings reach a hearing, what dispute resolution mechanisms are parties using to achieve settlement?

In many cases, the answer is negotiation.

In examining the issues, a generic approach to the resolution of disputes and differences of a civil nature through negotiation will be adopted.

Throughout the course, participants will engage in tutorials where different negotiations techniques and approaches to negotiation prepared will be discussed, and they will also participate in simulated negotiation exercises. The exercises are designed to enhance learning, illustrate key concepts explored in lectures, and provide practical real-world context for the course material.


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2025 for 1st Term courses and 19 December 2025 for 2nd Term courses.

Summative Assessments

Written evaluation

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 35
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Written evaluation of a complex pre-negotiation scenario, including the advice regarding potential outcomes, which will serve the basis for negotiations in person.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Written negotiation

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 25
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

The written assessment comprised of negotiation via email. Two-party negotiation. Students will be provided with a scenario and the client’s instructions. They will need to conduct negotiation via email.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

In-person negotiation

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 40
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Various, see feedback section

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

If a student fails negotiation via email, the student will have to submit a written submission on three theoretical questions related to the initial task. The percentage of the other successfully completed assessments are carried over.

If a student fails a written submission, the student will have to submit a written submission on three theoretical questions related to the initial task. The percentage of the other successfully completed assessments are carried over.

If a student fails negotiation in person, the student will have another round of in-person negotiations organized at the resit diet. The percentage of the other successfully completed assessments are carried over.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualUnderstandTo develop a basic understanding of the spectrum of alternative dispute resolution methods and their appropriateness for different types of disputes.
ConceptualEvaluateTo analyse and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different negotiation theories, strategies and tactics, and their fitness for different negotiation scenarios.
ProceduralCreateTo communicate in writing information, advice and choices in an effective manner.
ConceptualUnderstandTo gain knowledge and understanding of the negotiation theories, strategies and tactics.

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