Management & Controlling/ Information Systems
The major in Management & Controlling / Information Systems enhances the students' ability to analyze, plan and control companies through strategic, tactical and operative leadership that draws on modern information and communication systems.
Content and idea
The rapid economic and technical transformations occurring in a global economy and the transition from an industrial to a knowledge-based economy confront corporate leaders with new challenges. The rising flood of information accompanied simultaneously by the increasing dynamics and complexity of the business environment can no longer be met with personal experience and traditional management methods alone. The degree program offers interdisciplinary instruction and research, which allows students to acquire application-oriented knowledge for practical management solutions. Through the integration of business economics and information systems’ aspects, students will develop up-to-date and innovative ideas for managing corporations on the basis of information and facts.
Information and communication technology focuses on systems for generating, analyzing and processing information relevant to decision-making processes from large quantities of both number-based and text-based qualitative information, as well as on integrating this information into administrative processes and operations, so as to allow efficient and action-oriented management. In the business administrative context, the emphasis lies on analytical business management through the application of fact-based, rational and collaborative methods, the use of accounting as a means of analysis, decision-making, planning and communication, the integration of risk management into planning and decision-making processes, as well as documenting, managing and accounting information.
Structure
During the first semester, students acquire expertise in the field of management support systems, internal accounting, and EDP-supported market management. Students can deepen their knowledge in either process management or risk management in elective modules. The second semester comprises modules in corporate controlling and financial corporate management as well as a module in research methods. Within the scope of a challenging research project, students work in a team to address questions of practical relevance that can be looked at from an either disciplinary or interdisciplinary perspective.
In the third semester, students further deepen their knowledge in either process or risk management in the optional mandatory module. Three additional electives provide the possibility for further specialization according to individual interests. Students can choose from the following modules: Knowledge and Information Management, Business Analytics Research Topics, E-Business Perspectives, and IT Project Management in Global Enterprises. Alternatively, students can choose a maximum of two optional modules from other Management & Entrepreneurship majors. Students are recommended to plan their study abroad in the third semester.
From the first to the third semester, students complete, apart from the modules in their major, additional modules as follows: In the field of Management Studies, students further deepen their specialist skills in management by completing a total of three modules; the cross-disciplinary Complementary Studies program, also comprising three modules, provides students with the general academic foundations reflecting on science. The special focus of this program allows students to familiarize themselves with modes of thinking and working methods reaching beyond disciplinary boundaries and, as a result, to develop different strategies for solving problems arising in science and practice.
In the final semester, students write their master’s thesis and attend the accompanying Master’s Forum.
Prospects
The degree program prepares students to take on analytical, conceptual, consulting, and strategic responsibilities. Graduates have a wide range of career options available to them. They range from business consulting to leadership positions in corporations, especially in controlling, finance and accounting, as well as in information processing organizations and projects.
Upon completion of the graduate program of study, students are awarded the Master of Arts (M.A.) degree.
Aspirants
The degree program in Management & Controlling / Information Systems is targeted at graduates with a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in economics (preferably with focus on accounting and controlling), business information systems, and computer science. Foreign and domestic graduates with comparable degree concentrations are welcome. Admission requirements include, among other aspects, an above average transcript from the previous degree as well as adequate knowledge of the English language.
For further information about admission requirements, please click on the “Application” button.