This optional module allows for various kinds of research studies. It is closely connected to the five units of the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and is usually part of ongoing research projects. The supervision consists of directing the students towards clear results within a given field of research. The individual study is reviewed within the respective unit.

Sustainable Design Unit:
In this module, you will engage in a detailed analysis of a sustainability indicator such as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), or building standards like LEED or DGNB. You will explore how these indicators can be integrated into a sustainability matrix. The scope and complexity of your research, as well as its relevance to architectural inquiries, will determine the workload, which will be agreed upon in consultation with your supervisor. Your interests and prior knowledge will be taken into consideration at the outset of the project. This elective module provides an opportunity to engage in research focused on defining sustainable building practices within the Alpine Rhine Valley. In alignment with ongoing research at the LSA, the module is centered on the development of a comprehensive catalogue of themes related to sustainable construction. Through comparative analyses of building labels and broader sustainability frameworks, you will examine how these themes can guide sustainable architectural practices in the region. This module presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the academic discourse on sustainability and to shape future building practices. Participants will conduct self-directed research working either individually or in collaborative groups. The scope of your work will be customized to align with the specific requirements of your project and will be overseen by the research unit. Essential literature and resources will be provided at the start of the course, with continual updates throughout the semester to support your research on sustainability in architecture.

Self-defined design or research studies, developed individually or in groups agreed upon with research units and under the guidance of mentors. The size of the module is determined by the respective unit.

After successful completion of the course, students will be able to

None.
It is recommended to complete this course in the third semester. The prerequisite for admission is a subject registration and the approval of the responsible unit.

Minimum 75% compulsory attendance, regular meetings with instructors, continuous assessment, portfolio and final review.
The final grade is calculated according to the weighting of the following components: final submission (80%) and oral presentation (20%).

Individual appointments will be set with the tutor.

Group projects are also possible, as well as group work with individual submissions.

In Sustainable Finance, students will learn about the corporate sustainability, its measurement and applications in corporate finance and asset pricing. The course will be taught based on contemporary academic studies. Students are required to explain inferences from different methodological approaches in this research field. Practical impli-cations of theoretical and empirical studies are being discussed. The course topics change from semester to semes-ter, but the course usually addresses the following topics:

• Current and past developments in sustainable finance
• Definition, measurement and critical evaluation of corporate sustainability
• ESG data, data providers and materiality
• Regulatory frameworks and initiatives
• Research methods in sustainable finance
• Sustainable financial products

• The course involves interactive lectures and group presentations and discussions

After successful completion of the course, students will

Professional competence

• understand and discuss past and current developments in sustainable finance.
• acquire a basic understanding of Sustainable EU-Regulation.
• design sustainable financial products based on selected nonfinancial KPIs.
• evaluate the financial and nonfinancial performance of equity portfolios.

Methodological competence

• understand the structure, challenges and alternative providers of ESG data.
• understand research designs in sustainable finance studies.

Social competence

• collaborate in teams and engage in discussions with other students and the faculty.

Personal competence

• engage in critical thinking and in-class discussions.
• summarize empirical academic studies and synthesise the primary implications for finance practitioners.

Technological competence

• identify the appropriate technologies to support practical work and academic inquiry in sustainable fi-nance.

Final written exam

In this course, student groups work on solving a current and relevant practical problem in finance. The problem is provided by a project owner, typically a financial services company or a faculty member with practical experience. Students will apply complex theoretical concepts to develop a satisfying solution to the given problem.

• Group project work
• Practical problem-solving in finance
• Collaboration with project owners
• Application of theoretical concepts
• Final project report preparation

• Interactive seminar sessions with multiple presentations.
• Communication with project owners.
• Preparation of a final project report.

After successful completion of the course, students will
Professional competence

• learn to autonomously solve complex practical projects in finance.

Methodological competence

• develop teamwork skills.
• structure projects into manageable packages.
• utilize the abilities of all group members effectively.

Social competence

• enhance discussion and writing skills.
• become a convincing and contributing team member.

Personal competence

• exercise and improve presentation skills.
• become effective communicators.

Technological Competence:

• use project management software.
• apply financial analysis tools.
• utilize digital platforms for collaboration and communication.

.

Depending on the project type; Attendance is mandatory (80%)

In the viva voce examination the doctoral student proves that he/she meets the requirements on the dissertation by publically defending his/her dissertation.

The Chairperson of the Board of Examiners, the supervisor and the co-supervisor(s) shall determine a grade for the viva voce examination.

Grundlagen und Abgrenzung des Controlling (Funktion und Rolle des Unternehmens, Konzepte der Unternehmensführung, Unternehmen als komplexes System, Steuerungsmechanismen für Unternehmen), Grundlagen der Bilanzanalyse, Kennzahlensystem ROI, finanzielles Rechnungswesen als Analyse- und Informationsinstrument (Bewegungsbilanz, direkte und indirekte Cashflow-Ermittlung, Kapitalflussrechnung, Fallstudien), operative Steuerung mit Finanzkennzahlen (Liquidität, Stabilität, Rentabilität), Kapitalbedarfs- und Gründungsplanung, zukunftsgerichtete finanzielle Steuerung (Planungsinstrumente, Abgrenzung der operativen Planung, Leistungsbudget, Finanzplan, Planbilanz), wertorientierte Unternehmenssteuerung, Kostenplanung und Abweichungsanalyse.

Vorlesung

Mit gezielten Strategien sozialer Kompetenz und vielfältigen Interventionsmethoden werden Situationen und Kommunikationsprozesse wirksam gestaltet und für ein ressourcenorientiertes Management nutzbar gemacht. Soft Skills gekonnt anwenden zu können, eröffnet neue berufliche und persönliche Perspektiven. Dazu gehört das selbstverantwortliche und erfolgreiche Handeln in unterschiedlichen Rollen und Settings sowie die selbstbewusste und überzeugende Kommunikation mit verschiedensten Menschen und Menschengruppen (Stakeholder). Die Fertigkeit vielfältige Interventionsmethoden effizient und kontextbezogen nutzen zu können, soll verbessert werden, letztlich mit der Zielsetzung kompetent mit Entwicklungs- und Veränderungsprozessen in Organisationen umgehen zu können. Damit soll die emotionale und soziale Intelligenz im (Führungs-)Alltag gefördert und verstärkt genutzt werden.

Präsentationen, Fallstudien, Diskussionen

Essay, praktische Prüfung (Rollenspiel, Fallstudie)

Essay, praktische Prüfung (Rollenspiel, Fallstudie)