Business Management Module Syllabus

BUSINESS STUDIES

1. semester

This introductory module provides you with a comprehensive overview of the key areas of business administration. You will become familiar with the fundamental functions of a business, including management, finance, marketing, human resources, and production. In the process, you will learn about essential business models and methods that describe economic activity and corporate management. Through case studies and real-world examples, you’ll learn how companies make strategic decisions and successfully compete in the marketplace. This module thus lays the foundation for more advanced, specialized content in your degree program and optimally prepares you for business challenges.

In this module, you will examine the microeconomic and macroeconomic conditions that significantly influence business activity. You will learn about fundamental economic models that explain aspects such as supply and demand, business cycles, inflation, and monetary policy. Using theoretical concepts and current economic developments, you will analyze how national and international economic policy measures influence markets and businesses. The goal is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of economic interrelationships so that you can place business decisions within the broader economic context.

This module introduces you to the fundamental legal framework governing business activities that influence entrepreneurial decision-making. You will become familiar with the key concepts and institutions of civil law, as well as commercial and corporate law. You will explore topics such as contract law, product liability, consumer protection, types of business entities, contracts for services, and data protection law. Through practical case studies, you will learn how to draft contracts in a legally sound manner, minimize liability risks, and safeguard innovation processes by managing intellectual property. Upon completion of the module, you will be able to identify legal issues and risks in a business context and develop solutions while taking relevant legal norms into account.

In this module, you will acquire mathematical methods that are indispensable in business administration. You will learn how linear algebra, calculus, financial mathematics, and optimization techniques are used to solve economic problems. Practical applications and exercises illustrate how mathematical models contribute to the evaluation of investments, the optimization of processes, and the analysis of market data. The module thus lays the foundation for sound quantitative analysis and helps you mathematically model complex economic problems.

This module covers fundamental marketing concepts and tools. Students explore market research, target audience identification, and strategic positioning. The four classic marketing tools—product, pricing, communication, and distribution strategies—are covered. Practical examples and case studies illustrate how companies build their brands and analyze the market to achieve long-term success. The module thus lays the foundation for making market-oriented decisions and strengthening a company’s customer loyalty and market presence.

This module serves as an introduction to the study of business administration. It provides you with an overview of the program, its key topics, and the exam requirements. You’ll receive practical tips on self-organization, time management, and how to use library and online resources. In addition, opportunities for networking and academic advising will be presented. The goal is to help you get off to a smooth start in your business studies, alleviate any uncertainties you may have, and show you ways to structure your studies in a focused and successful manner.

2. semester

This module provides an introduction to the fundamentals of bookkeeping and financial reporting. It covers the recording of business transactions, the preparation of annual financial statements, and the interpretation of balance sheets and income statements—in accordance with the legal requirements of the German Commercial Code (HGB) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). In addition, the module addresses fundamental tax considerations and regulatory frameworks that are of central importance for external financial reporting. Students learn how to systematically document and analyze financial information in order to transparently present the financial position of companies. Real-world examples illustrate how key financial ratios are used in external accounting for corporate management purposes.

This module covers the fundamentals of industrial production, with a particular focus on the integration of production, procurement, and logistics. It explains how companies design their supply chains, determine demand, and make strategic and operational procurement decisions (e.g., make-or-buy, ABC analysis). Furthermore, it examines production management, manufacturing techniques, lean production, quality management, and digitalization in production and logistics. Case studies and theoretical approaches link an understanding of industrial value creation with practical applications. Students will be equipped to analyze the core processes of manufacturing companies and develop economic solutions for optimizing business processes along the value chain.

This module provides a practical overview of the fundamentals of business informatics. Students will learn about the key IT systems used in companies to support business processes—from ERP systems and databases to modern cloud solutions. In addition, the module covers fundamental concepts of programming and data analysis, including IT security and data protection. The goal is to develop an understanding of how digital technologies influence business success and how processes can be optimized.

This module teaches entrepreneurial skills through a hands-on approach. Students go through the process of starting a business, from generating ideas to creating a business plan. Topics include target audience analysis, market research, competitive analysis, the development of a viable business model, and the financial and legal aspects of starting a business. Practical workshops, boot camps, and a final pitch enable students to implement the concepts they have developed in interdisciplinary teams and to critically reflect on them. This module also aims to foster a spirit of innovation and teamwork skills.

In this module, you will acquire both basic and advanced knowledge of statistics, which serves as the foundation for business analyses. You will learn how to apply probability theory, descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. Through practical exercises and the use of statistical software, you will learn how companies collect, analyze, and interpret data to make well-informed business decisions. The module thus provides you with the methodological foundations for applying statistical models in various business contexts.

In this module, you will acquire a basic understanding of object-oriented programming. You will learn how to use a practical programming language (such as Java) to develop simple programs, implement basic algorithms, and utilize data structures. In addition to teaching syntax and semantics, the module also covers methodological approaches to problem-solving and software development. Practical programming exercises and projects will help you develop the ability to create efficient and maintainable programs. This module lays the foundation for advanced knowledge in the field of business informatics.

3. semester

This module covers the fundamental concepts of finance. Students learn how investment decisions are made, which static and dynamic investment analysis methods (e.g., net present value, internal rate of return) are used, and what the advantages and disadvantages of the various methods are. In addition, the various forms of financing—ranging from traditional bank loans to alternative financing models such as venture capital—are explained. Practical case studies and exercises help students understand how financial decisions influence a company’s long-term stability and competitiveness.

In this module, you’ll learn the essential fundamentals of leadership and organizational development. You’ll discover how different leadership styles, employee development strategies, and organizational models contribute to increasing employee motivation and organizational performance. Topics such as change management, coaching, negotiation, and the role of micro-politics are taught using practical examples and case studies. The goal is to prepare you to master complex challenges in leadership positions and make strategic decisions in the areas of human resources and organizational development.

This module covers the key aspects of strategic analysis, planning, and business management. It focuses on both traditional and modern concepts and models. You will learn how companies use internal and external analyses to determine their long-term direction and understand the importance of strategic decisions for their long-term success. Topics include strategic analysis, formulation, development, implementation, as well as monitoring and evaluation of strategies. A particular highlight of this module is the business simulation, in which you can put your strategic skills to the test in a realistic scenario. You’ll take the helm of a virtual company, make strategic decisions, and directly experience their impact on market share, finances, and competitiveness. In the process, you’ll test and develop sustainable, competitive concepts that ensure long-term business success. By the end of the module, you will be able to understand and apply the theories and methods of strategic business management in practice.

In this module, you will deepen your English language skills in a business context. You’ll learn how to professionally write technical texts, annual reports, emails, and presentations in English. You’ll explore topics such as business correspondence, academic writing in economics and business, as well as oral presentations and public speaking. The module also focuses on negotiation techniques and intercultural communication. The goal is to communicate complex economic issues confidently and precisely in English—an essential skill for the international business environment.

In this module, you will learn about quantitative methods for decision support in business administration. The course covers linear and nonlinear optimization methods, simulation techniques, and decision analysis, which are used to solve business problems. Using mathematical models and software tools such as MATLAB, you will work on practical applications, for example in production planning and resource allocation. Case studies illustrate how quantitative approaches contribute to increasing efficiency and reducing costs in companies. This module strengthens your ability to systematically analyze complex optimization problems and develop practical solution strategies.

This module covers the central role of relational database systems in business. Students will learn the fundamentals of data modeling, ER modeling, and normalization, as well as the use of the SQL database language. The module demonstrates how databases are conceived, designed, and efficiently managed to support business information systems. This is supplemented by instruction in the use of CASE tools and a discussion of normal form theory. Modern developments such as NoSQL databases are also discussed, although the focus remains on traditional relational systems. Hands-on exercises help students formulate complex database queries and apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.

4. semester

This module focuses on the internal management and controlling mechanisms of companies. Students learn how cost accounting, budgeting, and planning processes are carried out to ensure economic efficiency. Topics such as cost-type, cost-center, and cost-object accounting, as well as methods of planned cost and contribution margin accounting, are taught with a practical focus. In addition, management control tools (e.g., key performance indicator systems, break-even analysis) are introduced to monitor operational processes and support strategic decision-making. The module prepares students to critically analyze internal financial data and implement targeted improvement measures.

This module focuses on quantitative approaches in marketing. You will learn how statistical methods and empirical research help to systematically collect and analyze market data, and how these insights can be applied to marketing initiatives. Through case studies and practical exercises, you will learn methods such as quantitative and qualitative market research, regression analysis, and forecasting. The module demonstrates how companies can develop and optimize marketing strategies and initiatives based on quantitative data.

In this module, you will learn project and process management methods that are essential in modern companies. You’ll not only become familiar with traditional project management but also with agile methods such as Scrum and Kanban, as well as overarching strategic approaches like Cynefin. Using practical case studies, you’ll analyze business processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop concepts for process optimization. The module teaches you techniques for the structured planning, steering, and monitoring of projects, as well as for the continuous improvement of operational processes. The goal is to equip you with the fundamental skills needed to efficiently manage both projects and processes.

This seminar provides intensive preparation for academic work. It covers methodological fundamentals, literature research, proper citation practices, and techniques for writing literature reviews. You will learn how to collect and evaluate empirical data and incorporate it into academic texts. Practical exercises, supplemented by a seminar paper, will help you develop the ability to approach academic questions in a structured manner. The goal is to equip you with the necessary tools for writing your bachelor’s or master’s thesis and to strengthen your ability to critically analyze academic sources.

To help you deepen your knowledge in a specialized field of your choice, we offer the following areas of concentration: For further details, please refer to the Business Administration Module Handbook and the Study and Examination Regulations.

To help you deepen your knowledge in a specialized field of your choice, we offer the following areas of concentration: For further details, please refer to the Business Administration Module Handbook and the Study and Examination Regulations.

5. semester

For further details, please refer to the Business Administration module handbook and the academic and examination regulations.

6. semester

This module covers the concepts and methods of risk management in the financial sector. You will learn about the financial risks—such as market, credit, liquidity, and operational risks—that can arise in companies. The module covers risk measurement methods, such as Value-at-Risk, and risk mitigation strategies, such as the use of derivatives and hedging. In addition, regulatory frameworks, such as Basel III, are incorporated into the analysis. Using practical case studies, you will develop the ability to systematically identify and assess risks and to devise preventive measures to ensure the financial stability of companies.

In this module, students learn how to use data as a strategic resource. The course covers the CRISP-DM methodology, data preparation using data pipelines (e.g., with NumPy and Pandas), and data visualization with tools such as Matplotlib, Seaborn, and PowerBI. The concept of storytelling using Jupyter Labs & Notebooks is introduced to present analysis results in a clear and engaging way. Machine learning methods and exploratory techniques are discussed. Through practical case studies, students learn how companies make data-driven decisions to optimize their business processes.

To help you deepen your knowledge in a specialized field of your choice, we offer the following areas of concentration: You can find further details in the Business Administration Module Handbook and the Study and Examination Regulations.

To help you deepen your knowledge in a specialized field of your choice, we offer the following areas of concentration: You can find further details in the Business Administration Module Handbook and the Study and Examination Regulations.

Elective courses help Business Administration students develop their academic profile. You can find further details in the Business Administration Module Handbook and the Study and Examination Regulations. This list is continuously updated and expanded to include current topics!

Elective courses help business administration students develop their academic profile. You can find further details in the Business Administration Module Handbook and the Study and Examination Regulations. This list is continuously updated and expanded to include current topics!

7. semester

Your bachelor's thesis is the culmination of your studies. It gives you the opportunity to explore a topic that particularly interests you. In collaboration with a company, a research institution, or the university, you will address a research question drawn directly from real-world practice or current research.

To help you deepen your knowledge in a specialized field of your choice, we offer the following areas of concentration: You can find further details in the Business Administration Module Handbook and the Study and Examination Regulations.

Elective courses help Business Administration students develop their academic profile. You can find further details in the Business Administration Module Handbook and the Study and Examination Regulations. This list is continuously updated and expanded to include current topics!

Elective courses help business administration students develop their academic profile. You can find further details in the Business Administration Module Handbook and the Study and Examination Regulations. This list is continuously updated and expanded to include current topics!