Doctor of Economics (PhD)

This module provides a structured introduction to the fundamental disciplines of business administration. Key areas include financial and managerial accounting, cost and performance accounting, investment and financing principles, and the basics of operational value creation. These are complemented by foundational concepts in management and organizational theory.

The curriculum is designed to foster a comprehensive understanding of business processes and to build the analytical skills required to derive well-founded decisions and actionable strategies within a corporate environment

This module provides in-depth knowledge of market-oriented thinking and targeted sales strategies. Core topics include the analysis of market and competitive structures, the development of marketing concepts, pricing strategies, and the strategic and operational organization of sales. The module also covers practical approaches to customer relationship management and brand positioning. The curriculum is structured to enable a systematic understanding of how demand is generated, managed, and transformed into long-term customer loyalty – always with a focus on measurable business success.

This module deepens Your understanding of financial structures and teaches You how to use key figures effectively for corporate management. Core topics include the analysis of balance sheets and income statements, interpretation of financial ratios, working capital management, and the evaluation of investment decisions. The module also covers practical approaches to budgeting and financial decision-making. The curriculum is designed to equip You with the ability to interpret financial data confidently, assess it in a business context, and use it as a solid foundation for strategic decisions.

This module addresses the management of people-related processes at the intersection of economic efficiency and cultural responsibility. The focus lies on strategic personnel development, contemporary leadership approaches, and the cultivation of organizational culture. Current challenges such as talent retention, diversity, new work concepts, and values-based leadership are examined in a structured and practical manner. The module aims to empower organizations to create environments in which individuals can realize their potential – aligned with corporate objectives and the demands of an evolving world of work.

This module provides a systematic understanding of legal frameworks, corporate regulation, and internal control and oversight mechanisms. The focus lies on the practical application of commercial and corporate law, contract law, as well as employment and data protection regulations. In addition, fundamental principles of corporate governance and compliance management are addressed – with a view to transparency, risk mitigation, and sustainable corporate leadership. The module aims to promote confidence in dealing with legal and regulatory requirements and to cultivate a sense of responsibility for corporate conduct within normative boundaries.

This module explores the strategic development of future-oriented business concepts in the context of evolving economic, technological, and societal dynamics. It focuses on structured approaches for designing, evaluating, and advancing innovative business models, while also addressing the influence of digitalization and disruptive market forces. Participants engage with both creative methodologies and established tools of innovation management to understand how new ideas can be systematically embedded into corporate structures. The module aims to strengthen the ability to design market-relevant business models proactively and to integrate innovation processes sustainably into strategic corporate planning.

This module explores the evolving demands placed on effective leadership in digitally driven and dynamic organizational environments. The content focuses on contemporary leadership theories, digital leadership models, change management strategies, and the purposeful application of technology to foster sustainable organizational development. In addition, it deepens the understanding of values-based leadership, self-management, and communication effectiveness. The module aims to equip leaders with the strategic and interpersonal competencies required to navigate transformation processes, provide clarity, and empower teams in complex change scenarios.

In the capstone Project, you consolidate the competencies acquired throughout the program and apply them within the framework of a practice-oriented project. You will analyze a complex business issue, independently develop solution strategies, and critically assess their feasibility in a corporate context. Both analytical and conceptual methods are employed. The project may be based on real company data, case studies, or your own professional experience.

The module aims to deepen the theory-to-practice transfer, strengthen your analytical and problem-solving skills, and demonstrate your ability to manage and execute a structured project independently.