The two courses (lecture and exercise) “Management of Research and Development” of the first module are offered every summer semester.
The module provides a comprehensive introduction to the management of innovation and research and development (R&D) with a special focus on technology-oriented companies. The module is divided into two main components: a theory-based lecture and a practice-oriented exercise.
Contents of the lecture
The lecture conveys the theoretical and conceptual foundations of innovation and R&D management. The following aspects are covered in particular:
- Fundamentals of R&D management (e.g.: Innovation process, technology procurement, property rights, bootlegging, etc.)
- R&D methods (e.g.: product development tools, prototyping, FMEA, TQM, etc.)
- Project management for R&D projects (e.g. innovation projects, project atlas, etc.)
- Planning and control of R&D (e.g.: Degree of innovation, target costing, innovation balanced score card, key figures, etc.)
- From R&D to series production (e.g.: life cycle management, sustainability, etc.)
Practice-oriented exercise
The accompanying exercise aims to put the theoretical concepts into practice. For this purpose, external speakers are invited to present concrete examples from the corporate context.
Students learn:
- Phase-specific methods of R&D management
- Application of theoretical concepts in practical scenarios
- Entrepreneurial action in the context of R&D
Learning objectives
Upon completion of the module, students will be able to
- Understand the strategic importance of innovation and R&D in technology-oriented companies
- Explain and apply theoretical concepts of innovation and R&D management
- Identify current trends and innovations in the R&D sector
- Apply practical methods of R&D management
- Analyze R&D-related challenges in companies and develop solutions
This module provides an ideal foundation for students who wish to pursue a career in innovation management or R&D in technology-oriented companies.
The lectures take place on the campus in the city center: Tuesdays from 3:45pm in Breitscheidstraße 2B in room 2.11.
All exercises take place on site at the Vaihingen campus: Thursdays from 11:30am in Pfaffenwaldring 6 (V 6.02).