The lecture will be held in three blocks each of them on a Saturday (starts on September 23, 2017) Each block will focus on one of the three main topics of the course. Between the blocks the students will work on specific case studies to deepen the subject matter.
Globalization of markets increases global competition and requires enterprises to continuously improve their performance to sustainably survive. Engineers substantially contribute to the success of an enterprise provided they understand and follow fundamental international market forces, economic basics and operational business management.
Objective
The goal of the lecture is to get a basic understanding of international market mechanisms and their consequences for a successful enterprise. Students will learn by practical examples how to analyze international markets, competition as well as customer needs and how they convert into a successful portfolio an enterprise offers to the global market. They will understand the basics of international business management, why efficient organizations and effective business processes are crucial for the successful survival of an enterprise and how all this can be implemented.
Content
The first part of the course provides an overview about the development of international markets, the expected challenges and the players in the market. The second part is focusing on the economic aspects of an enterprise, their importance for the long term success and how to effectively manage an international business. Based on these fundamentals the third part of the course explains how an innovative product portfolio of a company can be derived from considering the most important external factors and which consequences in respect of product innovation, competitive product pricing, organization and business processes emerge. Each part of the course includes practical examples to demonstrate the procedure.
Lecture notes
A script is provided for this lecture.
Prerequisites / Notice
The lecture will be held in three blocks each of them on a Saturday. Each block will focus on one of the three main topics of the course. Between the blocks the students will work on specific case studies to deepen the subject matter. About two weeks after the third block a written examination will be conducted.
Performance assessment
Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
A repetition date will be offered in the first two weeks of the semester immediately consecutive.
Additional information on mode of examination
The course ends with a written examination (120 min). The exam takes place typically 2 weeks after the last lecture and will be agreed with the students at the beginning of the Semester.