The lecture series consists of four different thematic blocks:

Strategy, innovation and cooperation:

• Concept of strategy, schools of thought on strategy, actors in the context of strategy development
• Approaching the concept of innovation, innovation processes, innovations in organizations, forms of open innovation
• Interorganizational networks, leadership in networks, forms of governance, structural analyses, management practices, platforms

Marketing:

• Market research
• Consumer behavior
• Corporate behavior

Sustainability management:

• Circular economy: concepts, players and goals
• Circular mindset
• Circular business models

Human resources management:

• Determinants of successful employee work and the role of HR management
• Skills-enhancing personnel management
• Personnel management that promotes motivation
• Personnel management that promotes opportunities for participation

Many sustainability problems arise from certain individual and collective beliefs, values, assumptions and social norms. In order to achieve the 17 goals of sustainable development, these mindsets often need to be changed. This is precisely where the “Sustainability Mindset” course comes in.

The focus of the course is on reflecting on one's own values and beliefs and cultural views and worldviews on the one hand and developing a sustainable mindset and way of life on the other.

In today's rapidly changing world, businesses are increasingly expected to adopt sustainable practices that address social, environmental, and economic challenges. This course aims at providing a comprehensive understanding of how companies can assess their sustainability performance. The principle „You can’t manage what you can’t measure“ is emphasized by exploring the key concepts and tools to evaluate both environmental and social aspects of sustainability. The necessity of sustainability assessment and the most common reporting methods in sustainability reporting (e.g., GRI and DNK) are explained. Furthermore, various approaches to the management and assessment of sustainability of products and organizations (e.g., life cycle assessment, B corporation) employed to in companies are discussed. Finally, the aspects of social evaluations (e.g., legitimacy) and perceived corporate social responsibility are addressed.

Through a combination of theoretical insights and case studies, students will gain a solid understanding of corporate sustainability assessment and its significance in fostering responsible and ethical business practices that contribute to a sustainable future for both companies and society at large. This course thus provides valuable insight into the increasingly important area of corporate sustainability assessment.

The lecture explores the intersection of digital technologies and their transformative impact on the circular economy (CE) paradigm. Faced with mounting environmental challenges and resource constraints, the CE presents a viable solution to promote sustainability and resource efficiency. By focusing on reducing waste, reusing materials, and regenerating resources, the CE aims to create a closed-loop system that minimizes environmental degradation and fosters economic growth.

Throughout the lecture, students will delve into the fundamentals of the CE, comprehending its core concepts and frameworks, and examining how CE ecosystems are thoughtfully structured, engaging diverse stakeholders and mindsets. Students will have the opportunity to gain profound insights into circular business models and will be exposed to practical knowledge on applying the Circular Business Model Canvas. Moreover, we delve into the pivotal role that digitalization plays in accelerating the adoption and effectiveness of circular economy principles. Students will gain insights into how cutting-edge technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and data analytics enable more efficient resource management, supply chain optimization, and waste reduction. Moreover, the lecture will explore successful case studies of businesses and industries that have integrated digital solutions to transition toward circular practices.

The research project is a study-accompanying form of course that particularly enables independent and coordinated work on interrelated topics or problem contexts. In a research project, students should learn to independently apply and deepen the knowledge, skills and abilities they have acquired in economics and/or engineering in a practical and/or research-related manner.

An essential feature of project work is that it should include the conception, design, implementation, documentation, project management, interface definition and work organization as well as communication both within the project group and with third parties.