First Semester
Module Number:
SEPT 101
Module Name:
Foundations of Economics and Development
Type
Compulsory
Contents
This module provides specialized knowledge of managerial and development economics giving an introduction to the most important management topics for SMEs in developing countries.
It will be accompanied by a seminar practicing the analysis and presentation of scientific texts, which make basic statements about central terms and concepts of managerial economics. Considering the different experiences of the participants, this will give all students the ability to deal with up-to-date practical and scientific discussions about managerial and development economics and therein included specific situation and challenges of small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries.
Objectives
The introduction to the basics of managerial and development economics and discussions of up-to-date trends in this field
The presentation of scientific and concept papers
Teaching and learning methods
Workload
The module content in detail
Lecture: Managerial Economics (40 h)
Lecture Development Economics (20 h)
Reading Course (15 h)
Workshops and guest lectures (15 h)
10 CP = 300 hours learning
101.1. Lecture: Managerial Economics (40 hrs)
• Managers, Profits and Markets
• Demand, Supply and Market Equilibrium
• Marginal Analysis for Optimal Decision Making
• Demand Estimation and Forecasting
• Cost Theory and Estimation
• Market Structure and Managerial Decisions
• Risk Analysis
101.2. Lecture: Development Economics (20 hrs)
Theories of Development Economics
Practical Implications of Development Policies in SME Development
101.2. Reading Course (15 hrs)
Review of several relevant academic publications
101.3. Workshop: Institutional framework for SMEs (15 hrs)
Vietnam Government’s policies to SMEs promotion Policies relevant to capital and supporting SMEs of Banks
Module
Number: SEPT
102
Module Name:
Entrepreneurship Management
Type
Compulsory
Contents
This module illustrates in depth the main strategies and concepts for the
management of business start-ups.
In the first place students will learn the methodologies for elaborating a
Business Model and a Business Plan. In this way, they develop
important competences which can be applied in the conception and
planning of new businesses.
In the progress of the module, an internet-based “Business Simulation
Game“, will be carried out, using the acquired knowledge to write
Business Plans. Groups of max. 4 members are formed and must
encounter strategic decisions to business planning.
Objectives
The introduction to the entrepreneurship discussion To gain experience with entrepreneurial behaviour and skills To understand how to develop a business model and a business
plan To define and solve problems using group work
Method of
assessment
Business Plan
Teaching and
learning
methods
Workload
The module
content in detail
Lecture: Entrepreneurship Management (30 h)
Simulation: Business Simulation Game (30 h)
Workshop: Business Model Development (15 h)
Workshop: Presentation Techniques (15 h)
10 CP = 300 hours learning
102.1. Lecture: Entrepreneurship Management (30 hrs)
The Entrepreneur and the Business Idea (characteristics of entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship theory, customer benefit, USPs)
Tools for Idea Management (brain storming, brain writing, morphological box, service blue printing, bionic, functional analysis, semantic intuition, idea evaluation)
Developing a Business Plan (structure of a business plan)
Market research (market research instruments, questionnaire development, market research process, tool for market research)
Marketing and Distribution (4 Ps, 7 Ps, pricing strategies, distribution strategies, distribution channels)
Financial Planning (investment planning, personnel planning, profit & loss, cash flow)
102.2. Simulation: Business Simulation Game (30 hrs)
In the progress of the module, an internet-based “Business Simulation
Game“, will be carried out, using the acquired knowledge to write
Business Plans. Groups of maximum 4 students are formed and must
encounter strategic decisions to business planning.
102.3. Workshop: Business Model Development (15 hrs)
Business Idea Development
Business Model Canvas
102.4. Workshop: Presentation Techniques (15 hrs)
Training of Presentation Technique
Module
Number:
SEPT 103
Module Name:
Strategies for the Development of Small- and Medium -sized
Enterprises
Type
Compulsory
Contents
This module discusses in depth the new concepts for the promotion of
small and medium sized enterprises, with focus on
Innovation and Technology Promotion Social Capital Value Chain Analysis Internationalisation Local Economic Development
Objectives
The introduction to the international discussion about new concepts related to the promotion of SMEs
The introduction to concept of global value chains and its potential for integration and upgrading into this chains for SMEs
The introduction to the innovation theory and the related concepts of innovation and technology promotion
The introduction to the concept of “social capital” and interpretation of its meaning for the establishment of networks, capacity of innovation and changes for growth of SMEs
The reflection on the present development strategies regarding small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries
Method of
assessment
Essay
Teaching and
learning
methods
Workload
The module
content in detail
Lecture Series: New concepts in SME promotion (70 h)
Workshop: Local Economic Development (20 h)
10 CP = 300 hours learning
103.1. Lecture Series: New Concepts of SME Promotion (70 hrs)
Innovation and Technology Policy o Concept of Innovation o System of Innovation Approach o Technology Transfer o Technological Capabilities
o Case studies: Germany, USA, Taiwan and others
Social Capital o Concept of Social Capital o Relevance of Social Capital in Economy and Society o Norms, Trust and Networks o Bonding and Bridging Social Capital o Enterprise-Related Social Capital
Value Chain Analysis o Concept of Value Chain o Upgrading in Value Chains o Governance of Value Chains
Internationalization o Internationalization of SMEs o Internationalization Capabilities
103.2. Workshop: Local Economic Development (20 hrs)
SME Promotion Tools o Local Economic Development o Local Innovations System o Case studies
Second Semester
Module Number:
SEPT 201
Module Name:
Innovation Management in SMEs
Type
Elective
Contents
Innovations are important factors for strengthening the competitiveness
of any enterprise. Product and service innovations oriented to new or
existing markets, as well as the development and implementation of
new production processes and organizational structures, are decisive
factors in the marketplace. In market-driven innovation processes, the
company’s attention is focused on the newly discovered unfilled need of
the potential customers. Today’s possibilities to access information
worldwide have changed the role of the customer in the global
marketplace. Market-driven innovation management requires a
systematic approach that allows for understanding and developing
solutions which effectively respond to the fulfillment of the users’ needs.
The “customer’s voice” must be integrated from the beginning in order
to identify the clients’ needs, wishes and the changing customer trends.
Hence, the fuzzy nature at the front end of innovation processes
requires the application of effective techniques and tools to drive this
integration in a consistent way.
Objectives
Introduction to specific aspects of management of the innovation process in companies
To get to know the specific concepts of innovation management To be able to apply the innovation management tools Application of concepts in achievement of solutions in case studies
Method of
assessment
Project report
Teaching and
learning
methods
Workload
The module
content in detail
Seminar: Innovation Management in SMEs (45 h)
Case Study Analysis (45 h)
10 CP = 300 hours learning
201.1. Seminar: Innovation Management in SMEs (45 hrs)
Innovation Concept and Innovation Process
Success Factors in Innovation Management
Strategic Innovation Management
Innovation Management Tools
Innovation and Quality Management in Services
201.2. Case Study Analysis (45 hrs)
Real Case Analysis
Module
Number: SEPT
202
Module Name:
Marketing in SMEs
Type
Elective
Contents
The module explains the problematic nature of the marketing of SMEs.
Many concepts on marketing, mostly on the international context were
developed for large firm and can only be adopted by SMEs according to
their realities. Therefore, the module concentrates on the presentation of
marketing concepts for this group of enterprises and discusses its
applicability especially in the international marketing of SMEs in
developing countries.
Objectives
This course aims at integrating all marketing elements in a strategic
planning framework. Emphases are on areas of strategic importance,
especially those with significant implications and relevance for marketing
decisions in competitive situations. Specific issues involved in entering
overseas markets and in conducting marketing operations on an
international as opposed to a “domestic” scale are addressed. Attention
is focused on problems such as identifying and evaluating opportunities
in overseas markets, developing and adapting marketing strategies in
relation to specific national market needs and constraints, and
coordinating strategies in world market
Method of
assessment
Project report
Teaching and
learning
methods
Workload
The module
content in detail
Seminar: Marketing Management (30 h)
Seminar: International Marketing (30 h)
Workshops: Market Research (30 h)
10 CP = 300 hours learning
202.1. Seminar: Marketing Management (30 hrs)
Introduction to marketing concepts & marketing plan
Environmental Analysis
Marketing Research
Understanding customer
Market segmentation
Product strategy
Price strategy
Place strategy
Promotion strategy
Sales management
202.3 Seminar: International Marketing (30 hrs)
Introduction of writing marketing plan
Situation analysis
Market segmentation and target market
Marketing objectives
Action plan Budget and control
202.2. Workshop: Market Research (30 hrs)
Introduction of market research
Defining market research topics
Data collection for the market research
Sampling methods
Measurement and instrument
Module
Number:
SEPT 203
Module Name:
SME Finance
Type
Elective
Contents
The module will give an overview about the most important aspects of
financial management on the micro-, meso- and macro-level. The
module will address the different types of instruments available to
investors, the nature of their expected cash flow, their possible rewards
and the risks related to the investment. It will also address the
determinants of investment value, the appropriateness of the investment
for specific investors and the mechanisms by which the investment
instrument is bought and sold.
Objectives
Presentation of all important aspects of financial management in SMEs
Train the management tools for taking investment decisions Apply the different concepts and instruments for valuation of
enterprises
Method of
assessment
Written Exam (90 minutes)
Teaching and
learning
methods
Workload
The module
content in detail
Seminar: Financial Systems and Financial Management for SMEs (60 h)
Seminar: Managerial Investment (30 h)
10 CP = 300 hours learning
203.1. Seminar: Financial Systems and Financial Management for
SMEs (60 hrs)
Introduction to Financial Management
Fundamental Concepts in Financial Management
Financing sources: Debt and Equity
Analysis of Financial Statements
Introduction to Cost of Capital
The Capital Budgeting Process
Capital Structure and Leverage
Hybrid Financing: Preferred Stock, Leasing, and Options
Financial Forecasting (Planning)
Working Capital Management
203.2. Seminar: Managerial Investment (30 hrs)
Tools in financial analysis
Develop cash flow
Financing options for investment project
Economic and financial analysis of investment project
Financial negotiation
Risk analysis
Module
Number:
SEPT 204
Module Name:
Competence Development in SMEs
Type
Elective
Contents
Focus will be on different concepts for competence development within
the company. The emphasis is put on the discussion of human resource
and knowledge management concepts based on the “Best Practices” of
its development and implementation. Furthermore this module will also
provide a deeper insight in important aspects of organisational
behaviour.
Objectives
To learn the multiple concepts for human resource management in SMEs
To get to know the concept of knowledge management and its relevance for small and medium-sized enterprises
The consideration of the success factors for the management of knowledge and human resources in small and medium-sized enterprises based on actual case studies
To discuss and apply various concepts of organisational behaviour
Method of
assessment
Essay
Teaching and
learning
methods
Workload
The module
content in detail
Seminar: Human Resource Management (30h)
Seminar: Organisational Behaviour (30 h)
Seminar: Knowledge Management (30 h)
10 CP = 300 hours learning
204.1. Seminar: Human Resource Management (30 hrs)
Introducing Human Resource Management
The Legal Framework
Main activities of HRM: o Supply of human resources o Development of human resources o Case studies: HRM in SME (Presentation of Case Studies) o Compensation and incentives
o Administration of human resources o Dismissal and outplacement
204.2 Seminar: Organizational behaviour (30 hrs)
What is organizational behaviour
Perception, personality, emotion
Values, attitudes and their effect in the workplace
Stress in the work place
Motivating self and others
Working in teams
Communication, conflict and negotiation
Power and politics, leadership
204.3. Seminar: Knowledge Management (30 hrs)
The Knowledge Economy (signs, characteristics, indices)
Status of knowledge & learning in SMEs (Objectives; Assessment Tools)
Building Blocks of Knowledge Management
Module
Number:
SEPT 205
Module Name:
Research Methodology and Project Management
Type
Compulsory
Contents
In this preparatory module for the 3rd semester methodical and project
related knowledge is taught by teaching basics of empirical social
research, interview techniques, development of questionnaires and
methods of statistical data analysis. It will familiarize students with
setting up and using SPSS to conduct statistical analysis, introducing
the methods of project planning and execution based on examples of
project management. This will enable the students to prepare a scientific
research concept and make the planning for the field research regarding
contents, methodologies and time.
Objectives
To learn the methods of social and economic research based on empirical approaches, as well as their suitability for enterprise related issues
To gain confidence in the use of methods for processing and analyzing data with SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences)
To develop the ability to conceive autonomously a research project including the preparation of time schedules and questionnaires
Method of
assessment
Research concept
Teaching and
learning
methods
Workload
The module
content in detail
Seminar: Research Methodology and Research Design (30 h)
Seminar: Data Analysis & Presentation (30 h)
Seminar: Project Management (30 h)
10 CP = 300 hours learning
205.1. Seminar: Introduction to Research Methodology and Design (30
hrs)
Understanding theory: concept and connection
Scientific thinking
Selecting research topic
Field research design & Questionnaire Design
Design Principles of Questionnaires
205.2. Seminar: Data Analysis & Presentation (30 hrs)
Introduction to Data analysis o Research Process o Data analysis
Introduction to SPSS
Type of Data
Single-answer (SA) versus Multiple-answer (MA) questions
Recoding Variables
Cleaning Data
205.4. Seminar: Project Management (30 hrs)
Project Cycle Management o Concept and Definition o Project design and Planning o Project monitoring and evaluation o HR and Risk management
Team Work: Group Project Presentation and Feedback
Third Semester
Module
Number:
SEPT 301
Module Name:
Research Project
Type
Compulsory
Contents
The module comprises the realization of an applied research project in
cooperation with a partnering institution. Business development
institutions, organizations of development cooperation or companies can
act as a partnering institution. The student defines the goals of the
research project in cooperation with the partnering institution and
executes it with support of the partnering institution. Normally the project
comprehends two stages: the field research and the research report.
The field research for execution of a survey had a minimum duration of 3
months. The research report is prepared subsequent to the field
research.
Objectives
To get to know the everyday life in companies and business development institutions
The independent execution of a survey in businesses or institutions To socialize with relevant business contacts (Networking) The application of the techniques for data analysis Good knowledge of the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social
Sciences)
Method of
assessment
Research Report
Teaching and
learning
methods
Workload
Research project
30 CP = 900 hours learning
Fourth Semester
Module
Number:
SEPT 401
Module Name:
SEPT Colloquium
Type
Compulsory
Contents
This module provide to the students new knowledge in different soft
skills like team management, presentation skills, leadership and others.
Furthermore the students develop and present a 45 min. dissertation
about the results from the applied field research in Module 301. After
each presentation, a phase of discussion takes place, which is
moderated by the students.
Objectives
To develop soft skills The presentation of the field research results The scientific arguing in the framework of a public dissertation with
subsequent discussion To gain experience by conduction of discussions
Method of
assessment
45 minutes oral presentation and 45 minutes discussion
Teaching and
learning
methods
Workload
The module
content in detail
Colloquium (30 h)
Workshop: Advanced Research Methods (30)
Soft Skills Seminar (30 h)
10 CP = 300 hours learning
401.1 Colloquium--Presentation/Discussion of the Research Results (30
h)
Individual Presentation of Field Research Results
Discussion of Individual Research Results
401.2 Workshop: Advanced Research Methods (30 h)
Advanced SPSS
Advanced Data Management
401.3. Soft Skills Seminar (30 hrs)
Communications in today’s competitive business environment
Expanding communication power
Analysing, organizing and composing
Revising, proofreading and evaluating
Report planning and research
Report organization and presentation
Speaking skills and employment communication