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This entry is from Winter semester 2025/26 and might be obsolete. You can find a current equivalent here.

Entrepreneurial Innovation through Design Thinking
(dt. Entrepreneurial Innovation through Design Thinking)

Level, degree of commitment Specialization module, compulsory elective module
Forms of teaching and learning,
workload		 Lecture (2 SWS) and recitation class (2 SWS),
(attendance: 120 hours, preparation and follow-up: 140 hours, preparation of the presentation: 30 hours, Erbringung von Studienleistung: 50 hours)
Credit points,
formal requirements		 12 CP
Course requirement(s):
Examination type: Presentation (6 CP) and Term paper (6 CP). IMPORTANT: This module is offered by FB02; the exam can only be retaken twice.
Language,
Grading		 German,
The grading is done with 0 to 15 points according to the examination regulations for the degree program M.Sc. Business Administration.
Duration,
frequency		 One semester,
Person in charge of the module's outline Prof. Dr. Vivien Procher

Contents

In the first semester (winter semester), students develop solutions and business models in design teams (4-6 students). The starting point for this are socially relevant problem areas that the teams can choose independently. The problem areas are systematically addressed using the design thinking process. Design thinking is one of the most relevant agile methods in innovation management and is based on the principle of human- and needs-centered development of innovative solutions. This process is divided into six phases: 1 Understand; 2 Observe; 3 Synesis; 4 Ideate; 5 Prototype; 6 Test. There will therefore be 5-6 two-day workshop sessions in which, in addition to entrepreneurship and innovation management theory, practical methods will primarily be taught, which the students will apply to their specific problem within the two-day period. There will be 2 to 3 weeks between the workshop dates, during which the groups will continue to work on the problem. At the beginning of each new workshop date, the interim results are presented and discussed by the entire course before moving on to the next Design Thinking phase. Interim presentations serve as an examination.

In the second semester (summer semester), the ideas developed and tested with prototypes are transferred into the format of an application for the very frequently used EXIST start-up grant. The content of the application is based on a typical business plan and essentially comprises the sections Innovation, Market & Competition Analysis and Implementation and Financial Planning. Students are offered workshop formats for these sections, in which they receive input and practical examples on the topics. The application serves as a further examination achievement for the course and at the same time offers a direct opportunity for transfer into a real start-up project.


Qualification Goals

After completing the module, students will be able to

  • reproduce practical and relevant content on the topics of innovation and start-ups,
  • identify relevant problems in teamwork, find adequate solutions, create initial prototypes and develop a viable business model and a mature business plan that allows them to tap suitable sources of funding.

Prerequisites

None.


Applicability

Module imported from M.Sc. Business Administration.

When studying M.Sc. Business Informatics, this module can be attended in the study area Compulsory Elective Modules in Business Administration.

The module is assigned to the focus area Innovation and Information. Further information on eligibility can be found in the description of the study area.


Recommended Reading

(not specified)



Please note:

This page describes a module according to the latest valid module guide in Winter semester 2025/26. Most rules valid for a module are not covered by the examination regulations and can therefore be updated on a semesterly basis. The following versions are available in the online module guide:

  • Winter 2016/17 (no corresponding element)
  • Summer 2018 (no corresponding element)
  • Winter 2018/19 (no corresponding element)
  • Winter 2019/20 (no corresponding element)
  • Winter 2020/21 (no corresponding element)
  • Summer 2021 (no corresponding element)
  • Winter 2021/22 (no corresponding element)
  • Winter 2022/23 (no corresponding element)
  • Winter 2023/24 (no corresponding element)
  • Winter 2025/26
  • Winter 2026/27

The module guide contains all modules, independent of the current event offer. Please compare the current course catalogue in Marvin.

The information in this online module guide was created automatically. Legally binding is only the information in the examination regulations (Prüfungsordnung). If you notice any discrepancies or errors, we would be grateful for any advice.