Global Trade Management – cooperative (M.A.)

This module equips students with the strategic management tools required to run, grow, transform and turn round an international company. Students learn to analyse a company’s environment and resources, develop competitive advantages and decide between organic and external growth. Using real-life case studies and guest lectures from international corporations, they practise structuring complex decisions and presenting solutions to boards of directors. Sustainability, stakeholder value and restructuring are also covered.

Business Psychology explores how people in organisations form judgements, make decisions and can be influenced in their behaviour. Students gain in-depth knowledge of key concepts such as cognitive biases, choice architecture, persuasion and group dynamics, and learn how this research has shaped behavioural economics. The module also covers consumer behaviour, the psychology of pricing and purchasing, and resilience, including how to cope with and learn from failure.

This module introduces the main theories and approaches to leadership, ranging from small teams to large organisations. Students examine leadership styles, team leadership, group dynamics and change processes, with a focus on acting responsibly in difficult situations. Particular emphasis is placed on the challenges of leading and resolving conflicts in multicultural teams and global business environments.

The ‘Foreign Trade Operations’ module provides a solid grounding in the practical and political framework of international trade. Topics include trade theory and policy, the WTO, doing business in and with the European Union, foreign direct investment and trade agreements. Students also learn about the operational aspects of foreign trade, such as export and import procedures, customs and trade controls, currency risks, international taxation and trade finance.

This module covers the economic principles underpinning international trade and finance. Students study the balance of payments, traditional and modern trade theories, trade restrictions and exchange rates. Further topics include global and monetary integration, the competitiveness and vulnerabilities of economies, economic crises and development economics.

In the first practical module of the work-study programme, students get to know their partner company in depth following the first semester’s on-campus phase. They prepare an overview of the company and compare its needs – for example, in logistics, international trade or digitalisation – with the content of their studies. Together with the company and their academic supervisor, they draw up a plan setting out the focus of the subsequent practical phases.

In the second semester, students choose three compulsory elective modules to deepen their expertise in line with their interests and career goals. The options include, for example, Advanced Corporate Finance, International Supply Chain Management, Advanced International Controlling, Strategic Marketing and Relationship Marketing, and Advanced Customs and Foreign Trade Management. All elective modules have an international focus and are taught in small groups with a strong practical emphasis, including project work, workshops and company visits. The modules on offer are announced at the start of each semester.

In the second semester, students choose three compulsory elective modules to deepen their expertise in line with their interests and career goals. The options include, for example, Advanced Corporate Finance, International Supply Chain Management, Advanced International Controlling, Strategic Marketing and Relationship Marketing, and Advanced Customs and Foreign Trade Management. All elective modules have an international focus and are taught in small groups with a strong practical emphasis, including project work, workshops and company visits. The modules on offer are announced at the start of each semester.

In the second semester, students choose three compulsory elective modules to deepen their expertise in line with their interests and career goals. The options include, for example, Advanced Corporate Finance, International Supply Chain Management, Advanced International Controlling, Strategic Marketing and Relationship Marketing, and Advanced Customs and Foreign Trade Management. All elective modules have an international focus and are taught in small groups with a strong practical emphasis, including project work, workshops and company visits. The modules on offer are announced at the start of each semester.

Global Market Research and Data Analytics introduces students to market research methods and the fundamentals of data analytics. They learn how to identify research topics, design questionnaires and conduct experiments. The statistical section covers organising, describing and visualising data, as well as estimation theory, correlation and regression analysis.

Students develop an understanding of current issues in e-commerce markets, regulation and business strategy. Topics are examined from a research, an industry and a regulatory perspective. The specific focus changes each semester to reflect current developments and may include online advertising, price discrimination, social media, platforms and market power.

In the second practical module, students update their plan for the practical phases based on their experience and choice of elective modules. They analyse their day-to-day work within the company in relation to the theoretical knowledge acquired in the first two semesters. The results are presented and discussed in a practical report and a presentation.

During the work placement semester, students spend at least 20 weeks working in a company in Germany or abroad. They undertake specific business tasks, which may include project work as well as day-to-day operations in one or more departments. Students reflect on how the theoretical knowledge gained during their studies applies in practice and document their experience in a work placement report.

In the Master’s thesis, students independently investigate a complex management problem – ideally one with practical relevance – using scientific methods. They apply the knowledge and problem-solving techniques acquired during their studies and relate their findings to current research. The thesis is written over a period of five months and concludes with a colloquium at which students present and defend their findings.