Managing the Family Firm

What it is about

You will learn which peculiarities, opportunities and challenges shape the management of family businesses. In the end you will be able to recognise, critically reflect on and apply professional aspects such as governance, financing, succession, strategy, marketing, HR and CSR in family businesses to practical cases.

What you will be able to do

• Positioning of the distinctive features of family businesses
• Critical reflection on governance, finances and succession
• Understanding non-financial and financial owner goals
• Application of theoretical concepts to case studies
• Evaluation of family businesses in the context of CSR and major societal challenges
• Identification of opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship in family firms
• Consideration of international, sectoral and size-based differences

What the module consists of

• Lecture / SeminarConveying theoretical foundations and discussion of academic literature
• Group workJoint critical engagement with theories and application to cases
• Guest lecturesPractical insights from owners and experts
• Exercises / Case studiesApplication of what has been learned to practical tasks
• Online elementsInteraction and exchange via online polls and other tools

Teaching method

• Lectures with slidesExplanation of theoretical foundations
• Discussion of academic literatureDeepening and critical reflection of scientific findings
• Group workPromotion of teamwork and practical application
• Guest talks and multimedia case studiesEstablishing the link to practice
• Online polls and technology-assisted interactionEnsuring active participation and feedback