• Identification of a research problem and development of a research question
• Thematically formulating a problem and developing a solution through application of

scientific methods

• Independence in handling a research problem determined in the course of an assessment.
• Discussion with the advisor about methodological and content issues in solving a research

topic.

• Completion of a comprehensive assignment where the students deal with a theoretical or

practice-oriented problem in their field of specialisation by drawing on scientific work
methods.

• Completion of presentation documentation on a research problem within their specialised

field.

• Defense of the elaborated research topic and in-depth discussion with the examination

board.

After completion of the module, the students have acquired a detailed knowledge and a critical
understanding of their research topic. They have at their disposal specialised knowledge of
methods and procedures for processing data and explaining it in a structured manner.
Furthermore, they exhibit originality and creativity in the application of their knowledge.

The students complete research and development projects, applying specialised research
methods, survey and development techniques by drawing on their previously acquired skills.
Additionally, they present the significant findings of their project to academic and real economy
specialists, thereby utilising various communication methods in order to illustrate complex
data on a scientific level.

Upon positive evaluation of the thesis module the Master's degree is awarded to the
candidate.

• Evaluation of the written thesis paper
• Presentation and defense in front of the examination board

Modul 4 befasst sich mit der nationalen und internationalen Besteuerung von Vermögensstrukturen und Vermögensstrukturierungsinstrumenten in der Form von Stiftungen, Anstalten und Trusts sowie privat platzierten Lebensversicherungen in den vier deutschsprachigen Ländern Liechtenstein, Deutschland, Österreich und Schweiz. In diesem Zusammenhang wird wiederholend auf die Besteuerung natürlicher und juristischer Personen sowie die Erhebung verschiedener Formen der Nachlass-, Erbschafts- und Schenkungssteuern eingegangen. Zudem erhalten die Studierenden einen Überblick über die teilweise vorhandenen Wegzugsbesteuerungen in den 4 deutschsprachigen Steuerjurisdiktionen sowie bestehende Erbschaftsteuer-DBA. Die steuerliche Behandlung der behandelten Vermögensstrukturen als Instrumente des International Private Wealth Managements wird in Form von grenzüberschreitenden Fallstudien grundlegend vertieft. Darüber hinaus erfolgt eine Vermittlung grundlegender Kenntnisse des Steuerstrafrechts in Liechtenstein, Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz.

Interaktive Vorlesung mit Fallbeispielen

Die Studierenden erwerben folgende Fachkompetenzen:
Sie

• sind mit der nationalen Besteuerung von transparenten und intransparenten Stiftungen, Trusts und Anstalten in Liechtenstein sowie – soweit in der nationalen Rechtsordnung kodifiziert – in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz vertraut
• kennen die steuerliche Behandlung liechtensteinischer und ausländischer Stiftungen, Trusts und Anstalten in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz
• sind mit der Besteuerung von Gesellschaftern, Stiftern, Errichtern und Begünstigten in Liechtenstein, Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz vertraut
• kennen die steuerliche Behandlung intransparenter liechtensteinischer privat platzierter liechtensteinischer Lebensversicherungsverträge, insbesondere die Besteuerung des/der Versicherungsnehmer/s, des/der Begünstigten und/oder Erben sowie des Versicherungsunternehmens in Liechtenstein, Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz
• können bestehende Doppelbesteuerungen grenzüberschreitender Fälle durch Anwendung unilateraler Massnahmen und bilateraler Abkommen vermindern oder zur Gänze vermeiden
• sind in der Lage, die gewonnenen Kenntnisse auf konkrete praxisorientierte Fallbeispiele anzuwenden
• kennen die nationalen Bestimmungen betreffend das Steuerstrafrecht in Liechtenstein, Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz

Schriftliche Modulendprüfung (zu Beginn Modul 4) über den gesamten Lehrinhalt
Dauer: 90 Minuten (90 Punkte)

Besides a more in-depth knowledge in epistemology doctoral students in entrepreneurship and management research require an applicable base of research methods and tools. The course will cover the following topics:

• Epistemology in entrepreneurship and management research
• Research design and the use of theory
• Research questions and hypotheses
• Quantitative methods
• Qualitative methods
• Mixed method procedures
• Transdisciplinary research
• Research projects with industrial partners

Participant centered learning approach consisting of cases, best practices, self-study, presentation as well as paper by students

The students will be able to

• clearly understand and communicate the epistemological underpinning of their research work
• differentiate between different schools of thought
• design research processes corresponding to their research questions
• select suitable qualitative and quantitative research methods
• evaluate their own research with respect to validity, reliability and generalisability

Selected Required Readings (a full reader will uploaded on moodle):

• J. W. Cresswell (2009). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Method Approaches. Thousand Oaks, California, Sage Publications Inc. (preferably the whole book)
• P. Johnson and J. Duberley (2000). Understanding Management Reserach. London, SAGE Publications. Chapter 1+8
• H. Ulrich (2001). Die Betriebswirtschaftslehre als anwendungsorientierte Sozialwissenschaft. Gesammelte Schriften. H. Ulrich. Bern, Verlag Paul Haupt. 5: 17-51.
• J. Bortz and G. A. Lienert (2008). Kurzgefasste Statistik für die klinische Forschung: Leitfaden für die verteilungsfreie Analyse kleiner Stichproben. Heidelberg, Springer. Chapter 1.
• K. M. Eisenhardt and M. E. Graebner (2007). "Theory Building from Cases: Opportunities and Challenges." Academy of Management Journal 50(1): 25-32.
• A. F. Chalmers (1999). What is this thing called science?: an assessment of the nature and status of science and its methods. St. Lucia, University of Queensland Press. Selected chapters.
• M. Easterby-Smith, R. Thorpe, et al. (2008). Management Research: Theory and Practice. London, Sage Publications ltd.

Additional / suggested reading:

• J. Strübing (2004). Grounded Theory: Zur sozialtheoretischen und epistemologischen Fundierung des Verfahrens der empirisch begründeten Theoriebildung. Wiesbaden, VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften. Chapter 1.
• P. Feyerabend (1986). Wider den Methodenzwang. Frankfurt am Main, Suhrkamp Verlag.

The students will be assessed in this module through:

• Paper; ready to be submitted to a scientific conference (e.g. AOM) or journal (min. 5000 words)

For all organizational details please get in touch with Zorica Zagorac (zorica.zagorac@uni.li).

Doctoral students in Architecture and Planning require in-depth knowledge in epistemology and ontology as well as an applicable base of research methods and design methodical tools. The individually tutored, recherche based investigative project will complement the module Research Design, and be tailored to the needs of the individual students and cover a selection of the following and other related topics:

• Theories of design in architecture and urban planning
• Form values in history
• Normative approaches to the theory of spatial quality
• Research design and the use of theory in architecture and planning
• Inquiry by design
• Interdisciplinary research in design and planning
• Research projects with industrial and government partners in he built environment
• Action research in planning and environmental studies
• Project design / design project

Participant centered learning approach consisting of inquiry into the literature, cases and best practices in a structured process of self-study, concluded by a presentation as well as a paper submission.

The students will be able to

• understand and be conversant in the ontological and epistemological foundations of their research work
• differentiate between different schools of thought
• design research procedures according to valid research questions
• select, develop and apply suitable qualitative and quantitative research methods
• evaluate their own research with respect to the ability to validate assumptions and hypotheses
• be successfully examined by a group of academics in a presentation and paper submission at the end of the tutorial recherche

Selected Required Readings

Research methods specific to architecture and design:

Groat, L. and D. Wang (2002) Architectural research methods. New York: J. Wiley

Laurel, B. (2003) Design research: methods and perspectives. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press

Valiela, I. (2001) Doing science: design, analysis, and communication of scientific research. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press

Zeisel, J. (2006) Inquiry by design: environment/behavior/neuroscience in architecture, interiors, landscape, and planning . New York: W.W. Norton

Sanoff, H. (1991) Visual research methods in design. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold

de Jong, T.M. and D.J.M. van der Voordt (2002) Ways to study and research: urban, architectural and technical design. Delft: DUP Science

Theory of Perception:

Arnheim, R. (1969): Visual Thinking. University of California Press, Berkley (especially chapters 1,2,3)

Merleau-Ponty, M. (1958): Phenomenology of Perception. Routledge London & NY (orig. 1945)

Crary, J. (1990): Techniques of the Observer. October Book/ MIT Press, Cambridge MA

Burnett, R. (2004): How Images Think. MIT Press, Cambridge MA


Suggested additional general reading:

J. W. Cresswell (2009). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Method Approaches. Thousand Oaks, California, Sage Publications Inc.

K. M. Eisenhardt and M. E. Graebner (2007). "Theory Building from Cases: Opportunities and Challenges." Academy of Management Journal 50(1): 25-32.

A. F. Chalmers (1999). What is this thing called science?: an assessment of the nature and status of science and its methods. St. Lucia, University of Queensland Press. Selected chapters.

T. Lorenz and P. Staub (2011): Mediating Architecture. AA Publications, London

The students will be assessed in this module through:

• Paper
• Presentation

A personalised working-schedule and tutorial times for participants will be agreed in due time.

The research proposal must include a description of the dissertation as a research agenda and of the methodical approach. In the colloquium on the research proposal, doctoral students shall present their dissertation project and provide reasons for their chosen approach.

Details are listed in the Implementing Provisions concerning the Doctorate Regulations

The supervisor and the co-supervisor decide on the acceptance of the research proposal and recommend a grade.

The main objective is to provide opportunities of engagement at a high level of research development, and of networking at international conferences. The focus is on presenting and arguing the PhD candidates' research in a competitive and international scientific environment. Paper submissions are to be vetted through an expert academic committee. This module is to develop the communicative competence of candidates. Students participating in this module will find themselves in an internationally acknowledged conference in architecture and planning suitable to their area of focus. They will receive critical comments and feedback on their research project by experienced faculty members, conference delegates and other student participants.

Preparation of paper and presentation

The primary objective of the conference participation and paper presentation is to present, argue and advance the candidates' doctoral research in an international, scientifically relevant conference.

Successful participation will strengthen students' understanding of competitive scientific discourse, documentation and career development through conference participation and publishing.

The students will be assessed in this module through:

• competitive paper review process
• line of argument and discourse
• formal presentation aspects
• research paper presentation
• event report and evaluation
• quality of proceedings publication

Module availability:
In coordination with supervisor: upon application and successful submission of a paper at an international conference relevant to the focus of the candidates' dissertation, in architectural design theory; low-carbon building technology and building integrated sustainability systems; or sustainable spatial development, urban and regional planning and design, or an approved related field.

The primary objective of the doctoral consortium or the International Conference Participation is to present and defend the PhD students' research in a competitive and international scientific environment.
Since successful applications are invited to be discussed by a selective academic committee this module also serves to further develop the communicative and social competences of the students.
Students' participating in this module arranged in the context of an internationally well-regarded doctoral consortium or a conference in International Financial Services receive critical comments and feedback on their research project by experienced faculty members and student participants. Moreover, they benefit from listening to the other students' experiences and results.

Preparation of paper and presentation

This module helps to enable the student

• to further intensify the existing knowledge and methodology needed for the dissertation project;
• to independently develop a research concept for specific research questions;
• to develop, analyze and synthesize new complex ideas;
• to develop a social, scientific and/or cultural progress for an academic or non-academic environment;
• to discuss methodological issues with colleagues working in the same area and also with laymen.

Students will be able to:

• Have an advanced and intensified overview on specific topics needed for the dissertation project;
• Develop their own research project;
• Apply the methodological structures of these specific topics for their dissertation project;
• Present, discuss and defend their research results to academics and make it understandable for laymen.

• specific articles related to the dissertation topic

The students will be assessed in this module through:

• competitive selection process

Module availability:
On application at an internationally renown doctoral consortium or conference on International Financial Services.

In the defence the doctoral students prove whether they have fulfilled the requirements of the dissertation.

The defence can be held when the dissertation has been recommended for acceptance in the written appraisal of the supervisors and each supervisor has awarded a minimum grade of 4.0.

The Doctoral Examination Board holds the defence and determines which grade is awarded.

This module aims at fostering professional competences. In particular, an overview on theories of the firm is given in order to provide students with a profound background for better understanding the various current topics of their discipline.

The set of theories dealt with in the course will continuously be reviewed and adapted. So far, the following theories of the firm are considered to be particularly relevant for all three doctoral programs currently being offered by the graduate school:

• Introduction to the Theory of the Firm (Prof. Dr. Stefan Güldenberg)
• The Nature of the Firm and the Problem of Social Cost (Ass.Prof. Dr. Tanja Kirn)
• Agency Theory (Prof. Dr. Marco Menicetti)
• Property Rights and Contractual Theory (Dr. Martin Angerer)
• Information Processing Theory (Prof. Dr. Jan vom Brocke)
• Resource-based Theory of the Firm (Prof. Dr. Christian Marxt)
• Behavioral Theory of the Firm (Prof. Dr. Stefan Güldenberg)
• Knowledge-based Theory of the Firm (Prof. Dr. Stefan Güldenberg)

Lecture; self-study; presentation and paper by students

• Basic understanding of the fundamental research questions connecting to the existence and boundaries of organizations
• Basic understanding of the different approaches which try to explain the existence and boundaries of organizations from various perspectives
• Basic understanding of the underlying assumptions of these approaches

Students will be able to:

• gain an overview about various theories of the firm and their history
• critically review and discuss different theories of the firm
• apply theories of the firm as guiding theoretical framework to own thesis topic and research questions

Buckley, P.J.; Michie, J. (eds.) (1996): Firms, Organizations and Contracts: A Reader in Industrial Organization, Oxford/New York Oxford Management Readers

The students will be assessed in this module through:

• paper (5000 - 7000 words)
• Presentation of paper

This module helps the student to further broaden and intensify his knowledge and methodological skills needed for his dissertation.
This module could focus on Banking, Finance or Taxation.

Lecture or seminar or self-study, possibly combined with preparation and presentation of a paper.

Based on lectures offered on the master's level, this module helps to enable the student

• to further intensify the existing knowledge and methodology needed for the dissertation project;
• to independently develop a research concept for specific research questions;
• to develop, analyze and synthesize new complex ideas;
• to develop the scientific and/or cultural progress for an academic or non-academic environment.

Students will be able to:

• Have an advanced and intensified overview on specific topics needed for the dissertation project;
• Develop their own research project;
• Apply the methodological structures of these specific topics for their dissertation project.

• Cochrane, J. (2001). Asset Pricing. Princeton: Princeton University Press
• Specific articles and books on Empirical Finance

The students will be assessed in this module through:

• competitive selection process of the research seminar
• specific mechanisms of the research seminar

Module availability:
On application at an internationally renown PhD program, such as organised e. g. by London School of Economics, University of Constance, Zürich, St. Gallen, Innsbruck.