Modules and Courses
The MBA program “International Business with Focus on Asia, Western and Eastern Europe“ is a pure postgraduate program. High potential students have a minimum of two year work experience and perform the curriculum during a very work intensive phase of three semesters. The following graph show you the distribution of the modules and the credit points reached within the study program. And shows you the contents of each course.
Semester I: Module 1 till Module 3
Module 1: Language Competences
Overall Module Objectives:
For effective business activities within the Asian and Central/ Eastern European region, MBA students must dispose of a basic vocabulary in the relevant language. Concerning their chosen focus, students take the language course Mandarin or Russian. Native Mandarin or Russian speakers have to choose German as business language. This module offers an introduction to the basic grammar of the relevant language, furthermore writing, pronunciation, listening, speaking and reading. Additionally, the module gives further information concerning the respective society and culture to the students.
Courses:
Language Competence Mandarin, Language Competence Russian, Language Competence German
Module 1: Language Competences: (Focus Asia): Language Mandarin
Instructor (Mandarin):
> Mrs. Estella Wen (M.A.)
Module 1: Language Competences: (Focus Eastern Europe): Language Russian
Instructor (Russian):
> Mrs. Dipl. Betriebswirtin (FH) Nelli Werbik
Module 1: Language Competences: (Focus on Western Europe): Language German
Instructor (German):
> Mrs. Marion Winter (M.A.)
Module 2: Strategy and Policy
Course 01: Strategic Management
Instructor:
> Prof. Dr. Uwe Sponholz
Course Description:
Students of this course first will get detailed knowledge about theoretical and empirical findings of strategic management with a strong focus on marketing strategies. Second the students have to use their acquired knowledge to develop a strategy in a case study.
Course Structure:
• Basics: Vision-Mission-Strategy; Strategy Development Process; the Nature of Strategy;
Typology of Strategies)
• Findings of Strategy Research: Life Cycle Concept; Learning Curve; PIMS)
• Strategic Frameworks: Ansoff; Market Portfolio; Technological Portfolio; Porter;
Prahalad/Hamel
• Standard Strategies: Market Segmentation; Market Stimulation; Timing-Strategy;
Competitive Strategy; Internationalization
Course 02: Strategic Manufacturing
Instructor:
> Prof. Dr. Peik Bremer
Course Description:
Students will be introduced to Strategic Manufacturing from a phenomenological point of view: First, the global spread of production raises the question about the roles of foreign factories within a company s multinational network.
Students will understand todays and future challenges in manufacturing. The lecture explains core elements of a world-class manufacturing strategy.
Case studies will be discussed that demonstrate excellent solutions in four major fields: supply chain process, new process development, new product development, and strategy formulation and deployment. Students can collect knowledge about various building stones for a manufacturing strategy that is able to give a company a leading edge position.
Course 03: International Economics
Instructor:
> Prof. Dr. Reiner Hellbrück
Course Description:
Students will understand arguments in favor of welfare enhancing international trade. In doing so they get hints on how to design own production and trading structures. In particular they get acquainted with absolute and comparative advantage as well as with the effect of different production possibilities on international trade patterns and restructuring of national production processes. As cost structures differ between branches, their decisive differences and results on international trade will be explored.
Course 04: International Management
Instructor:
> Mr. Dipl.-Ing. Michael Krüger
Course Description:
Successful students should be able to:
• Identify issues and differences associated with international management compared
to national management
• Explain concepts, methods and methodology identifying foreign markets with high
business potential
Course Structure:
• The International Management Environment
• Methodology and tools for evaluating the attractiveness of foreign markets
• Foreign Market Analysis
• International Product Strategies and International Product Policy
• International Market Entry Strategies
• International Pricing Decisions
• Influences and effects of cultural differences on international management
Module 3: Intercultural Management
Course 01: Cross Cultural Management
Instructor (German):
> Mr. Jerome Dumetz
Course Description:
Globalisation is not simply a fashionable word. Trade, Art, Management theories are, with people, also crossing borders today. Increasingly, business students are and will be facing often-disturbing situations, originating from a foreign culture. Although some individuals are naturally gifted in „swimming in foreign waters“, the majority does not think of it before facing a crisis. The purpose of these seminars is to introduce the notion of cultural differences (and similarities) to the participants. Besides providing tools in identifying cultural dimensions, these lectures are illustrated with real-life examples that give useful cultural hints as well as role-plays and interactive games where the participants may ask all the questions about the alien culture they always wanted to ask without daring to. Such seminars are made for participants with no knowledge of cross-cultural communication. Examples used throughout the course are principally illustrating cultures from Europe and North America, but also Asia, Africa and South America. Overall, it is hoped that participants by the end of the course will understand that there is not ’one’ way of managing and organising, as well as better apprehend the other’s culture, their own culture and culture differences in general.
Course 02: Human Resources Management
Instructor (German):
> Prof. Dr. Jörg Brake
Learnig Targets:
After this course the students should be able to:
• Define international human resource management.
• Understand how international human resource management differs from domestic
human resource management.
• Understand how the national context affects HRM practices.
• Appreciate the issues involved in managing a diverse workforce.
• Grasp principles of leadership and requirements for global leaders.
• Know the skills necessary for a successful expatriate assignment.
• Understand how expatriate managers are selected, trained, compensated and evaluated.
• Understand the issues regarding repatriation of expatriates.
• Reflect on the role of the HR function regarding the implementation of ethical standards
in multinational organisations.
Overall, this course should develop the students confidence in their own capacity to effectively impact the HRM process when working across nations.
Course Structure:
• Introduction to HRM Overview (lecture, individual reading, class discussion)<
• HRM in the Local Context (lecture, case study, presentations, class discussion)
• Managing Workforce Diversity (lecture, learning video, group exercise, class discussion)
• Global Leadership (lecture, individual reading, class discussion)
• Managing Global Careers (lecture, case study (with role play), class discussion)
• HR and Business Ethics (lecture, case study, presentation, class discussion)
Semester II: Module 4 till Module 7
Module 4: Doing Business
Course 01 (Focus Asia): Asia-Culture, History, Economics
Instructor:
> Mr. Dr. Taiho Lin
Course Description:
• To give an overall understanding of Asia s culture, history, society, politics and economy.
• To investigate the connections between culture, history and economy in specific
Asian states.
• To survey the unique features of cultural, historic and economic developments in China,
Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
Course 01 (Focus CEE): CEE-Culture, History, Economics
Instructor:
> Prof. Irina L. Ekareva, Timofey A. Krylov (MBA) and Dr. Anna Vichinakova
Course Description:
• Cross Cultural Management with a Russian Focus
• Russian Civilization (Ekareva)
• History of Entrepreneurship -Part 1 (Vichinakova)
• History of Entrepreneurship -Part 2 (Krylov)
Course 01 (Focus WE): Culture, History, Economics
Instructor:
> Dr. Gerhard Müller
Course Description:
Students will acquire an overall understanding of Western Europe´s culture, history, and economy. They will also learn about common characteristics as well as regional distinctions within Western Europe. Through improving their knowledge of the background of European societies and European people, students will also improve their ability to cope with cross-cultural differences.
Course 02 (Focus Asia): Negotiation Skills
Instructor:
> Mr. Andre Mailer
Course Description:
Coming soon.
Course 02 (Focus CEE): Negotiation Skills/ Business Strategies/ Russian Consumer Studies (Marketing)
Instructor:
> Dr. Irina I. Skorobogatykh
Course Description:
To provide exchange and Russian students with the nature and experience of Russian consumers study. To teach students, how it is organized in Russia, and how the types of social groups in Russia, and their consumer behavior differ from European and American consumers, as well as consumers in transition economies. Students, who attend this course should conduct small research projects in order to understand the Russian consumers behavior better in consuming different product, services, and their preferences to media.
Course 02 (Focus WE): Negotiation Skills/ Business Strategies/ Europe Consumer
Instructor:
> Mr. Rainer Nowak
Course Description:
Students will learn and understand the background of negotiation methodology and- psychology in theory and in practice by video- trainings on behalf of real negotiation cases. Feedback will be given by analyzing the case study with respect to the theoretical targets and the personal targets reached by the individual persons.
Contents:
Negotiation-methodology and -psychology
• negotiation situations: personally, by telephone, reverse auctions
• preparation of a negotiation ( i.e. technical and organizational preparation, processing the
negotiation documents, goal- setting ( own and the possible goals of the counterpart),
development of negotiation strategys, to allocate the rolls in case of several participants,
avoiding of possible conflicts
• carrying out the negotiation: apply the strategy and tactics during the different phases i.e.
opening, information, argumentation, summerising of the result and closing
Negotiation-psychologie
• introduction in body language
• tactics
• techniques of formulaion of a question
• technique to avoin a deadlock
Course 03 (Focus Asia): Case Studies (Visiting Companies)
Instructor:
> Mr. Dr. Tsaubin Chen
Course Description:
To investigate current business and industrial developments in Taiwan. To analyze general business models and unique features of specific business or industries. To explore business and industries, especially in the areas of electronic manufacturing, retailing and distributing, and financial services. To introduce and visit Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), Taipei World Trade Center, Hsin-Chu Science-based Park, and Port of Kaohsiung. Students are required to evaluate specific business in the selected industries and submit their reports.
Course 03 (Focus CEE): Case Studies (Visiting Companies)
Instructor:
> Mrs. Dr. Irina Skorobogatykh and others
Course Description:
Companies are contacted before each new semester. It is not possible to constantly visit the same ones. We organize mainly visits of foreign subsidiaries present in Moscow but the number of Russian ones is rising. Corporate visits usually comprise a tour of the premises and discussion with the representatives. A teacher is always present.
Course 03 (Focus WE): Case Studies (Visiting Companies)
Instructor:
> Prof. Dr. Kiesel
Course Description:
Students present for each branch an introduction. After the company visit the specific features will be analysed.
Topic 1: Current Business and Industrial Development in Western Europe - Generals Introduction
Topic 2: Manufacturing e.g. Koenig & Bauer
Topic 3: Retailing e.g. Aldi
Topic 4: Financial Services e.g. Deutsche Bank
Topic 5: Support for International Companies e.g. IHK
Topic 6: Discussions and Conclusions
Learning Targets
• To investigate current business and industrial developments in Western Europe
• To analyze general business models and unique features of specific business or industries
• To explore business and industries, especially in the areas of manufacturing,
retailing & distributing, and financial services
• Students are required to evaluate specific business in the selected industries and submit
their reports
Module 5 Managing International Business I
Course 01: International Marketing
Instructor:
> Mr. Prof. Dr. Knut Wiesner/ Ian Fitzgerald
Course Description:
• The International Marketing Environment
• Methodology and tools for evaluating the attractiveness of foreign markets for marketing
purposes ( SWOT, PEST; Porters 5 Forces)
• Foreign Market Analysis
• International/ Global Product Strategies/ (Use of the Product Component Model)
International Product Policy
• Issues in product standardization versus adaptation<
• International Distribution strategies and Foreign Market Entry Strategies
• International Pricing Decisions
• Developing appropriate marketing mixes for a foreign market
• Influences and effects of cultural differences on international marketing decision making
Learning Targets
Successful students should be able to:
• Identify issues and problems associated with international marketing
• Explain marketing concepts as used by organizations in the public and private sectors
• Discuss the marketing process and its role in international business
• Analyse the fit between the organization, its product and services and the environment
• Formulate and defend an international marketing program
Course 02: Market Research
Instructor:
> Mr. Dipl.-Kfm. Karsten Kilian (MBA)
Course Description:
• Nature and Scope of International Market Research
• International Market Research Process and Preliminary States
• Secondary and Primary Data Research
• Scale Development, Questionnaire Design, and Sampling
• Simple and Adcanced Data Analysis and Presentation of Research Results
• Excursus: How to Lie with Statistic
Learning Targets
„Market Research“ is a graduate course with a particular focus on information gathering in an international environment. The course endows students with a profound understanding of key steps in the market research process. In addition, the nature and scope of international market research will be highlighted and challenges of research in a global context will be discussed. Understanding will be enhanced by indi¬vidual and group work both within and outside of class.
Course 03: International Logistics
Instructor:
> Mr. Prof. Dr. Peik Bremer
Course Description:
Students should have passed an undergraduate course in „Business Logistics“. Those who want to refresh their knowledge can use any of the popular textbooks on that topic, e.g. Murphy/ Wood, Contemporary Logistics.
It is expected that students already — either from university lectures or practical experience — have some basic knowledge of international logistics structures. If not, it would be a good idea having read chapters 4 to 7 of Wood et.al, International Logistics
Learning Targets
Students will understand todays and future challenges in international logistics. The historical development of logistics is explained in its major steps leading to a flow-oriented approach to logistics. Students will be able to put the concept of supply chain management in perspective.
Taking global supply and production networks for granted, the lecture concentrates on the development of both logistic functions and knowledge of factories and suppliers abroad. Students will understand in which steps logistic expertise should be develop in global supply and production networks.
Students will gain in-depth knowledge in the operational fulfillment part of international logistics. The international transport of goods at sea, by air, and rail, on inland waterways and roads is described in detail. Comparing the state of transportation infrastructure students will be able to assess impacts on logistic on logistic services in the world regions.
After September 11, 2001, supply chain security has played an important role in international logistics. The students will gain insight in the various procedural and technical measures to enhance security in international transports.
Module 6: Managing International Business II
Course 01: Business Game
Instructor:
> Mr. Prof. Dr. Carl
Course Description:
• Definition of a strategy
• Budgeting: Sales, revenues, production, supply, cost, finance etc.
• Analyses of the results in a competitive world
• Develop a strategy to cope with the changing environment
• Organization of an efficient decision process within the group
Learning Targets
The graduate seminar on „Business Game“ endows students with a profound knowledge of how to manage a company in a competitive world. A main focus of the course will be on strategy and competition and planning for in all functional areas. Team work is an essential part of the seminar.
Course 02: International Projekt Management
Instructor:
> Mr. Prof. Dr. Manfred Kiesel
Course Description:
For each course a new company with a problem of an international context will be selected. It is the objective, to solve that problem in the intercultural team of the students. The intercultural problems during the problem solving process will be discussed and measures for the optimizing will be developed.
Special objectives are:
Topic 1: Presentation of the project company, briefing
Topic 2: Input: Planning of a project
Topic 3: Practical work: Structuring and planning of the project
Topic 4: Input: Cultures and its importance for project management
Topic 5: Input: Members of a project and the responsibilities
Topic 6: Input: Virtual and face to face communication
Topic 7: Leadership in international projects
Topic 8: Final Presentation for the company
Learning Targets:
• To get in contact with companies
• To learn about practical tasks of companies
• To work together in international teams
• To get an understanding about the intercultural problems during structuring,
planning and exercising of a project
• To recognize and to solve conflicts during the project
Course 03: Organisational Behaviour
Instructor:
> Mr. Prof. Dr. Spiesmacher
Course Description:
• Enhancing sensitiveness for perceiving personal and cultural differences
• Reflecting ones own culture as well as the other/ foreign culture
• Assessing and experiencing the synergetic potential of intercultural cooperation
• Developing personal strategies for successful work in intercultural teams
• Prepared to work in project teams as a member and a leader
• Proven experience in project companies
Course Structure:
1. Prepararory Workshop (5 hours):
Getting acqainted, establishing a first culture script; information about teambuilding seminar;
homework: TMS Roles Self Assessment
2. Teambuilding Seminar (3 days outdoor 6h activities per day + reflection)
Action Day 1:
Getting acquainted more closely; Building trust; The role of Feedback,
Self confidence and trust in others; Division of labor
Action Day 2:
TMS Team Roles, personal feedback among participants; potential for new roles;
Competition and cooperation
Action Day 3:
Instructors Team comprehensive reflection; Reflection in plenary session; Personal
Feedback by instruction team members (agreeing upon development objectives);
personal feedback among participants. Creative reflection of the learning process as a
part of the closing ceremony
Module 7: International Financial Management
Course 01: International Accounting
Instructor:
> Mr. Dipl.-Kfm. Harald Glaser (MBA)
Course Description:
Part 1: Controlling / Management Accounting / Financial Accounting Treasuring
Part 2: Planning and Budget
Part 3: Transfer pricing
Part 4: Basic and Consolidated Financial Statements
Part 5: Balanced Scorecard and Management Control Systems
Part 6: Synergy — Trap or Challenge
Part 7: The EFQM System
Part 8: Consolidation of subsidiaries
Part 9: Valuation — Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies
Part 10: Analysing, Rating and Ratio systems
Course 02: International Finance
Instructor:
> Mr. Dipl. Betriebswirt Thilo L. Zimmermann (MBA)
Course Description:
The course covers the key financial management decisions and modules and explains how the instruments of the capital markets work, how they can be used and how the risks of international financial markets can be managed.
Course Structure:
Namely, the decisions reviewed include the investment (capital budgeting) decision, the financing decision, financial policy and the cost of capital, dividend policy as well as special topics (e.g. real options)
The investment decision:
• Present value
• Valuing long-lived assets
• Annuities and perpetuities
• Valuing constant growth
• Investment decision criteria
• Relevant cash flows
• Capital rationing
The financing decision:
• Short-term instruments
• Long-term instruments
Financial policy and the cost of capital:
• Risk
• Capital Markets
• Capital Structure
Dividend policy
special topics
Module 8: International Taxes
Course 01: Tax Law
Instructor:
> Mr. Dr. Till Zech (LL.M.)
Course Description:
Coming Soon.
Course 02: Trade Law
Instructors:
> Mr. Dr. Till Zech (LL.M.), Mr. Dr. Jörg Flatten (LL.M.)
Course Descriptions:
Courses Mr. Dr. Zech:
• Basics of German Civil Law, Contracts
• International Trade: Trade Terms, Carriage of Goods by Sea, Air and Rail
• Financing the International Trade: Bill of Lading, letters of credit
Courses Mr. Dr. Flatten:
• Introduction to the International Convention on the Sale of Goods (CISG): scope,
application, formation of contract, rights of buyer and seller, representations and
warranties, sample contract
• Resolution of disputes: state courts vs. arbitration panels, pros and corns, presentation of
different international arbitration bodies, e.g. ICC, CIETAC etc.
• ntroduction to international mergers & acquisitions: structures of M & A project, set up
of project team, confidentiality agreement, letter of intent, due diligence, asset deal/share
deal, anti trust, sample contracts and specific clauses, post merger integration
Master Thesis
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