Entrepreneurial Leadership

Abstract

This seminar provides master and PhD students at MTEC with the challenging opportunity of a real case on strategy, innovation and leadership in close collaboration with the top management of a leading Swiss technology company.

Objective

The general objective of the course is to enable MTEC students to develop leadership skills by dealing with real-world business problems, thinking critically about the concepts discussed in their study programs and learning how to apply these concepts to provide practical implications. It provides students with coaching and mentoring from senior leaders in the company and professors from D-MTEC to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Content

This seminar provides ambitious ETH students and doctoral candidates with a rewarding learning opportunity: a real case study of strategy and innovation in close collaboration with the top management of an outstanding company (TBA). What you can expect: You will work in teams on specific high priority assignments that flow from the company. Delving into the assignments you will both contribute to solving strategic issues and have an impact on their implementation at the company. In the different team assignments not only technical and innovative aspects but also social, ethical, HR and marketing-​relevant aspects play an important role and must be taken into account. To gain insight into the company and its culture you will receive briefings from senior management, conduct interviews with experts and run workshops with your case managers. In the final presentations you will pitch your findings to key stakeholders and top management representatives and receive valuable feedback. Furthermore you will be coached and supported by MTEC professors on the topics of investigation, innovation, strategy and board presentation. The course is directed and organised by PD Dr. Zeynep Erden and Dr. Isabel Spicker as part of the MTEC Leadership Development Programme. What we expect from you: You are an ambitious ETH student or doctoral candidate who is looking for a rewarding learning opportunity and is eager to go the extra mile. You will work on a real case study of strategy, technology and innovation in close collaboration with the senior management of an outstanding Swiss company. The recommendations that you formulate in collaboration with members of your team as well as with internal and external experts will be discussed at the Partner and Director levels. This demands a deep understanding of the company's leadership culture. In this endeavour you are coached and supported by - Pius Baschera, former Chair of Entrepreneurship - Stefano Brusoni, Chair of Technology and Innovation Management - Georg von Krogh, Chair of Strategic Management and Innovation - Torbjörn Netland, Chair of Production and Operations Management - Zeynep Erden, Vlerick Business School/ D-MTEC

Resources