Short description
The course covers the fundamentals of supply chain management, so it focuses on coordination problems related to the provision of products and services and the flow of goods.

Topics

• Demand forecasting
• Process flow analysis
• Service process management
• Inventory management
• Location planning
• Production planning
• Scheduling
• Network management

Learning objectives

• Students will know about the main concepts, theories, and methods in supply chain management.
• In a business game, students will recognize and analyze typical coordination problems along the supply chain.
• In exercises, students will use analytical methods like linear programming, dynamic programming, regression analysis, and exponential smoothing, and state-of-the-art algorithms and heuristics like Silver-Meal and Branch-and-Bound.
• In case studies, students will use these methods to identify business problems, generate solutions, and compare their solutions in terms of quality and accuracy.

Methods

• The module involves interactive lectures with exercises to integrate theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
• Case studies are used to show how the course contents are related.
• A business game is used to illustrate typical coordination problems along the supply chain.
• The e-learning platform Moodle will be used throughout the course for the dissemination of course material and discussions.

Entry requirements

• Students are expected to have basic knowledge and skills in operations management.

Compulsory reading

• Chopra, S., & Meindl, P. (2012). Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operation (5th edition). Pearson: Edinburgh Gate et al.

Short description
The course focuses on process analysis, including approaches and methods for designing, analyzing and simulating processes in organizations.

Topics

• Introduction to process analysis
• Process modeling and design
• Process flow analysis
• Process simulation

Learning objectives

• Students will know how processes can be modeled, analyzed, and simulated.
• Students will know basic methods of process modeling in order to analyze, design, and implement information systems in organizations.
• Students will use methods of process flow analysis and simulation in order to analyze, design, and improve business processes in organizations

Methods

• The module integrates theoretical knowledge and practical skills based on an interactive lecture.
• The e-learning platform Moodle will be used throughout the course for the dissemination of course material and discussions.

Entry requirements

• none

Compulsory reading

• Laguna, M. & Marklund, J. (2013): Business Process Modeling, Simulation and Design, CRC Press: Boca Raton.

Further reading

• vom Brocke, J. & Rosemann, M. (Eds.) (2014). Handbook of Business Process Management. Springer: New York.

In this course we discuss some statistical methods that can help to take decisions in business using data. After reviewing the basic concepts of ''Testing and Estimating'', usually known from an introductory course on probability theory and statistics in any bachelor program, we introduce and discuss some aspects of ''Multiple Linear Regression Analysis'', which can be regarded as one of the practically most relevant statistical techniques.

Topics:

• graphical and numerical characterizations of random variables and their distributions
• framework and basic applications of testing hypotheses and estimating parameters
• ordinary least squares method and its properties
• parameter estimation in multiple linear regression
• classical linear model assumptions and model diagnostics
• inference in multiple linear regression
• model specification techniques
• model selection techniques
• introduction to the software package R

Students are usually asked in advance to read corresponding parts of the textbook (Wooldridge, 2009) in order to prepare for the upcoming lectures. In the interactive lectures, we then introduce the statistical concepts and motivate them by discussing examples in detail. Assignments are then offered to train these skills. During the office hours, individual problems may finally be discussed with the lecturer. In order to analyze realistic data, the software package R will be used.

The same teaching methods will be used in the two different lecture series ''Testing and Estimating'' and ''Multiple Linear Regression Analysis''.

The e-learning platform Moodle will be used throughout the course for the dissemination of course material and discussions.

The students will be provided with the lecture slides and supporting materials (literature and exercises) throughout the course.

Compulsory reading:

• Wooldridge, J.M. (2009). Introductory Econometrics. (International Student Edition, 4th edition). Mason: South Western Cengage Learning.

Further reading:

• Montgomery, D.C., Peck, A.E. & Vining, G.G. (2012). Introduction to Linear Regression Analysis. (5th edition). New York: John Wiley & Sons.
• Faraway, J.J. (2005). Linear Models with R. Boca Raton: Chapman & Hall/CRC.

During an intensive weekly workshop it enables students to further deepen their knowledge of an issue addressed in the project studios and/ or conduct excursions to places and sites addressed in their design project.

Intensive seminar week: excursion, exercises, experiment, research, writing, visualising, modelling, presenting, case study, peer feedback

Professional competence

• Execute complex defined and self-defined projects of research, development or investigation and identify and implement relevant outcomes.
• Communicate and articulate ideas and information fluently in English language and work comprehensively in visual, oral and written forms.
• Make formal presentations about specialist topics to informed audiences.
• Exercise autonomy and initiative in carrying out set project briefs and self-directed programmes of study.
• Demonstrate ability to manage time and physical resources in relation to set project briefs and self-directed programmes of study as an individual and a group member.
• Show confidence in analysing case studies and the ability to infer principles and motivations.

Methodological competence

• Apply a variety of design- and research methods and visualization and production techniques
• Have knowledge of scientific or artistic methods within an interdisciplinary context

Social competence

• Explain competently, discuss and critique own work through oral presentations, writing or visual communication
• Lead a team and assume responsibility
• Demonstrate the ability to work with other students for assignments, exercises, experiments, presentations etc

Personal competence

• Gain confidence in own role, and the persuasive and accountable manner in which it is expected to be performed.

Literature lists are issued and updated each semester

Presentation, portfolio, participation, minimum 75% mandatory presence

During an intensive weekly workshop it enables students to further deepen their knowledge of an issue addressed in the project studios and/ or conduct excursions to places and sites addressed in their design project.

Intensive seminar week: excursion, exercises, experiment, research, writing, visualising, modelling, presenting, case study, peer feedback

Professional competence

• Execute complex defined and self-defined projects of research, development or investigation and identify and implement relevant outcomes.
• Communicate and articulate ideas and information fluently in English language and work comprehensively in visual, oral and written forms.
• Make formal presentations about specialist topics to informed audiences.
• Exercise autonomy and initiative in carrying out set project briefs and self-directed programmes of study.
• Demonstrate ability to manage time and physical resources in relation to set project briefs and self-directed programmes of study as an individual and a group member.
• Show confidence in analysing case studies and the ability to infer principles and motivations.

Methodological competence

• Apply a variety of design- and research methods and visualization and production techniques
• Have knowledge of scientific or artistic methods within an interdisciplinary context

Social competence

• Explain competently, discuss and critique own work through oral presentations, writing or visual communication
• Lead a team and assume responsibility
• Demonstrate the ability to work with other students for assignments, exercises, experiments, presentations etc

Personal competence

• Gain confidence in own role, and the persuasive and accountable manner in which it is expected to be performed.

Literature lists are issued and updated each semester

Presentation, portfolio, participation, minimum 75% mandatory presence

During an intensive weekly workshop it enables students to further deepen their knowledge of an issue addressed in the project studios and/ or conduct excursions to places and sites addressed in their design project.

Intensive seminar week: excursion, exercises, experiment, research, writing, visualising, modelling, presenting, case study, peer feedback

Professional competence

• Execute complex defined and self-defined projects of research, development or investigation and identify and implement relevant outcomes.
• Communicate and articulate ideas and information fluently in English language and work comprehensively in visual, oral and written forms.
• Make formal presentations about specialist topics to informed audiences.
• Exercise autonomy and initiative in carrying out set project briefs and self-directed programmes of study.
• Demonstrate ability to manage time and physical resources in relation to set project briefs and self-directed programmes of study as an individual and a group member.
• Show confidence in analysing case studies and the ability to infer principles and motivations.

Methodological competence

• Apply a variety of design- and research methods and visualization and production techniques
• Have knowledge of scientific or artistic methods within an interdisciplinary context

Social competence

• Explain competently, discuss and critique own work through oral presentations, writing or visual communication
• Lead a team and assume responsibility
• Demonstrate the ability to work with other students for assignments, exercises, experiments, presentations etc

Personal competence

• Gain confidence in own role, and the persuasive and accountable manner in which it is expected to be performed.

Literature lists are issued and updated each semester

Presentation, portfolio, participation, minimum 75% mandatory presence

During an intensive weekly workshop it enables students to further deepen their knowledge of an issue addressed in the project studios and/ or conduct excursions to places and sites addressed in their design project.

Intensive seminar week: excursion, exercises, experiment, research, writing, visualising, modelling, presenting, case study, peer feedback

Professional competence

• Execute complex defined and self-defined projects of research, development or investigation and identify and implement relevant outcomes.
• Communicate and articulate ideas and information fluently in English language and work comprehensively in visual, oral and written forms.
• Make formal presentations about specialist topics to informed audiences.
• Exercise autonomy and initiative in carrying out set project briefs and self-directed programmes of study.
• Demonstrate ability to manage time and physical resources in relation to set project briefs and self-directed programmes of study as an individual and a group member.
• Show confidence in analysing case studies and the ability to infer principles and motivations.

Methodological competence

• Apply a variety of design- and research methods and visualization and production techniques
• Have knowledge of scientific or artistic methods within an interdisciplinary context

Social competence

• Explain competently, discuss and critique own work through oral presentations, writing or visual communication
• Lead a team and assume responsibility
• Demonstrate the ability to work with other students for assignments, exercises, experiments, presentations etc

Personal competence

• Gain confidence in own role, and the persuasive and accountable manner in which it is expected to be performed.

Presentation, portfolio, participation, minimum 75% mandatory presence

The module provides an introduction to research methods.

Topics:

• Introduction to research
• Literature reviews
• Qualitative research
• Quantitative research
• Design science research

The module integrates theoretical knowledge and practical skills in an interactive lecture. It prepares the ground for the module “Topics in IS Research,” where students develop the exposé for their master’s thesis.

The e-learning platform Moodle will be used throughout the course for the dissemination of course material and discussions.

The students will be provided with handouts and supporting materials throughout the course.

Primary reading:

Recker, J. (2012). Scientific Research in Information Systems: A Beginner’s Guide. Springer, Heidelberg, Germany.

Further readings (in order of importance):

Kumar, R. (2014). Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners. London, UK: Sage Publications.

Creswell, J. W. (2003). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. London, UK: Sage Publications.

Oates, B. J. (2006). Researching information systems and computing. London, UK: Sage Publications.

Bryman, A. & Bell, E. (2011) Business research methods. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.

Miles, M. B. & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis. An expanded sourcebook. London, UK: Sage Publications.

Written examination

Theories of International Trade and International Finance aim at explaining underlying dynamics of economic and social developments in a global context. They also allow to investigate relations between market and industry structures and flows in goods, services and financial flows. Furthermore they serve in designing and evaluating the impact of macro-economic policies, currency fluctuations and trading regimes on economies, business strategy and operations.

The module aims at examining how national policies can, in theory, shape international trade and finance, and constrain the climate for international business. It extends this analysis to the international system discussing the role of international arrangements and institutions, e.g. the WTO, on international trade and investment.

Using a series of country-based case studies, students will have the opportunity to investigate how firms feel and master the impact of government policy and institutional set-ups in a specific nation state or economic region, for example China, India, the Arab World and South-America.

Contents of the module are:

• Sources of international comparative advantages (differences in natural resources, technology and factor endowment)
• Principles of strategic trade theory and geographic economic integration
• Goals, instruments and impact of modern international trade policy in industrial and emerging economies
• International trade agreements and organisations

The purpose of this module is to enable students to understand the challenges of international trade and investment and to analyse the opportunities they represent concerning a specific nation state or a wider economic region.

• Explain fundamentals of neo-classical and strategic trade theories
• Distinguish implications for national trade policies
• Illustrate main themes and debates in international economics
• Assess the impact of macroeconomics, political forces and international agreements on firm strategies and competition in a specific nation-state or economic region

Web-based online evaluation upon completion of module

Educational Journey

• Banking and Financiall Management students: please click on the course-link at the top of this page - "Educational Journey BFM". For further questions please contact the module coordinator Jurij-Andrei Reichenecker.
• Entrepreneurship students: the Educational Journey in your Master's degree programm is a sperate module with the correalting course "Discover new markets" -see lecture Schedule

Extracurriculare Activities comprise of various activities that are not linked to the Curriculum of the MSc in Banking and Financial Management, which are optional and further support the studying of the Master programme.