Business and Process Management (BAPM)

Abstract

The course provides a basic understanding and first experiences of business management, business plans, business processes and management of change, and establishes a correlation between materials engineering and business and process management (BAPM).

Objective

The goal of this course is to provide a basic understanding and first experiences of business management, business plans, business processes and management of change, and to establish a correlation between materials engineering and business and process management (BAPM).

Content

If engineers want to be able to act successfully in a company and to contribute to the success of it they need a basic understanding of business management, business plans, business processes and management of change. Business management and business plans deal mainly with "what to do", business process management mainly with "how to do". Both interrelate, and the introductions of new business activities and business processes have to apply concepts of management of change. The course starts with an introduction into basic concepts and experiences of BAPM and gives examples why and where materials engineers will need BAPM. The following aspects will be covered: - goals and functions of a company - strategy and core competences - How to establish a business plan - business processes and organization in small, medium-sized and global companies - innovation processes (R&D, technology development); product and process development processes - processes to win and execute orders - customer service processes - cultural aspects and change management. The course will build on several case studies, both from Swiss and international companies, and includes a company visit. To apply the concepts students will execute group projects establishing business plans and business processes based on real situations.

Resources