International Business Management (IBM)

The MSc in International Management is designed for business graduates who wish to develop their analytical and problem-solving skills at an advanced level. The aim of the programme is to build on knowledge of business functions and organisations acquired at the undergraduate level by examining the complexity of business systems and developments in contemporary management thought and analysing interdisciplinary problems. Particular emphasis is placed on the future challenges that business organisations will face and the aims of sustainable management.

An academically challenging programme, the degree has a strong scientific and research focus. Participants will work together with professors on one of a number of management research topics and will be expected to master quantitative and qualitative analytical methods.

This unique Master's degree will appeal to students who are interested in scientific research as well as keen to question management practice and explore new ideas in a changing business environment. We are looking for bright, highly-motivated graduates with a thirst for knowledge and the creativity to bring new ideas to class discussion.

Course modules:

• Scientific Procedures: The aim of the first part of the module Philosophy of Science is to familiarise students with the philosophical foundations and the historical development of science. Opportunities and limitations of scientific work, both of science in general and economics in particular, will be explored. The second part will focus on research design, which will enable students to design a research strategy and apply different research methods and techniques. Also, the design and development of a research strategy as well as the collection of quantitative and qualitative data will be practised.
• Advanced Statistical Methods and Applications: This module will enable students to interpret and discuss the results of multivariate statistics primarily in the fields of social science, organisational research, and marketing. Major methods covered will be factor analysis, conjoint analysis, multidimensional scaling, multiple regression, cluster analysis, and variance analysis. Students will select, study, present, and discuss current scientific articles, in which advanced statistics have been applied. Based on existing data sets, students will be able to run their own data analysis using SPSS or similar statistical software packages.
• Research Project: Two research projects over the course of semesters one and two will be part of the curriculum in this MSc programme. Students will work in a team on a selected current research topic and complete their own academic research assignment. The research projects are an essential part of the preparation for the Master's thesis.

Educational organisation

Course modules:

• Organisations & Markets: The module integrates elements from the fields of organisation, competition, and industrial economics. It helps students to understand the internal and external challenges of firms to allocate resources. The first part of the module, Managing Organisations in Complex Environments, is dedicated to different contemporary applications of organisation theory. This is followed by the exploration of firms' organisational boundaries, collaboration patterns, and leadership challenges in complex organisational environments. The second part of the module, Managerial Economics, addresses mainly microeconomic aspects and the competitive framework within which firms operate, and which have an influence on strategic decision-making.
• Strategic People & Innovation Management: In the first part of this module, students will understand how to deal systematically and strategically with current challenges in Human Resource Management (HRM) such as talent shortage, organisational transformation, globalisation and diversity. Based on selected topics, students will become familiar with the latest concepts and related scientific insights. As such, students will gain a differentiated perspective on HRM-related solutions. Some of the selected topics could include, for example, social media, employer branding, and talent management. The second part of this module looks at Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship. Building on the foundations laid out in the first part of this module, the second part will integrate HRM aspects into the wider view of innovation management as a cross-functional strategic activity in firms. Based on a holistic understanding of innovation, including technological and non-technological aspects, different strategic options for innovation will be explored. Furthermore, the organisational limitations and enabling factors for successful innovation as well as issues related to intellectual property rights, external collaboration, and entrepreneurial design will be addressed.
• Sustainability: The module Sustainability sets out a wider framework and deals with firms´ and organisations' relation to and role within society. Today, the responsibilities of managers are becoming increasingly diverse. Stakeholders as well as the triangle of economic, social, and ecological sustainability define the scope of managerial responsibility. These responsibilities have expanded to tasks such as installing a system of corporate governance, compliance and risk management, liability management, or conflict management. The pressing challenges of economic, social, and ecological sustainability require a multidisciplinary and integrative perspective as well as a critical approach towards existing business practices. This module will address these complex issues and explore potential solutions for responsible and sustainable management.
• Research Seminar on Interdisciplinary Collaboration: This seminar exposes students to the complexity of the multicultural and interdisciplinary environment we face today. The volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous setting for international work necessitates a global mindset and global competences, which enable students to leverage and benefit from the diversity. Beginning with the topics discussed in the first study semester within the contexts of Philosophy of Science and Research Design, the more specific challenges of coordinating various cognitive styles, professional disciplines, and other cultural preferences relating to collaborative working styles will be explored. The psychology of group dynamics in general and the specificities of global face-to-face and virtual teamwork will be examined.

Internships

None

Forms of assessment

E.g., oral exam, written exam, presentations, written work, term papers

Course objectives

• Acquire advanced qualitative and quantitative methodological skills for problem solving
• Explore the responsibilities of management in corporate governance, compliance and risk management
• Develop an understanding of economic, social and ecological sustainability and the implications for management
• Build a broad knowledge of industry and market dynamics
• Develop a strategic mindset and competences for working with diversity
• Foster an awareness of the historical, cultural and philosophical roots of knowledge
• Encourage critical awareness and self-reflection
• Become familiar with the process of scientific research, data analysis and academic writing

Graduates of this programme will have acquired advanced problem-solving skills that are needed for leadership positions both in industry and in the public sector. The broad scope, the strong methodological foundation and the international focus of this programme prepare graduates for a wide range of professional possibilities. Some examples are:

• Leadership positions in both multinational companies and SMEs - particularly those active in international markets
• Positions in all types of management consultancies
• Strategic positions in industry associations
• Becoming an entrepreneur
• Starting a PhD

Language requirements

Proficiency in English in written and spoken form as indicated by TOEFL, IELTS, or the Cambridge Certificate of proficiency in English

Academic requirements

Students will need an above-average undergraduate degree in a business-related field. They must have an excellent command of English, proven by TOEFL, IELTS, or the Cambridge Certificate of proficiency in English.
Chinese and Vietnamese applicants will need to provide an APS certificate.
Students must also send a digital copy of their Bachelor's thesis.

Enrolment fees

120 EUR per semester (modified each semester) - administration and social fee

Costs of living

Students will need approx. 670 EUR per month to cover personal expenses.
Mandatory health insurance in Germany will cost students approx. 90 EUR per month.

Arrival support

The Business School's own International Student Support Coordinator is available for all international students throughout their studies at Furtwangen University. We aim to help our students with all questions and problems they may face: from accommodation to residence permits, assistance with language-related problems, etc.

Services and support for international students

The HFU Business School's International Student Support, together with the International Center, organises an orientation programme for international students in the two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester.
Most of the administrative issues which a student new to Germany faces will be covered in this programme.

Accommodation

Accommodation is available on the private market. Rent for a single room in a shared flat is approx. 350 EUR (including all extra costs, like heating or Wi-Fi).