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351-0778-00L 3 Credits BSC , DR , MSC D-USYS , D-MTEC , D-CHAB , D-ARCH , D-MAVT , D-INFK , D-GESS , D-ITET

Discovering Management

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Volker Hoffmann, Prof. Dr. Stefano Brusoni, Prof. Dr. Bart Clarysse, Prof. Dr. Torbjörn Netland, Dr. Laurens Piet T Vandeweghe, PD Dr. Patrick Tinguely, Dr. Filipe Da Conceição Barata

Entry level course in management for BSc, MSc and PHD students at all levels not belonging to D-MTEC. This course can be complemented with Discovering Management (Excercises) 351-0778-01.

VVZ CR 4.07

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:16:55

Abstract

Discovering Management offers an introduction to the field of business management and entrepreneurship for engineers and natural scientists. By taking this course, students will enhance their understanding of management principles and the tasks that entrepreneurs and managers deal with. The course consists of theory and practice sessions, presented by a set of area specialists at D-MTEC.

Objective

The general objective of Discovering Management is to introduce students into the field of business management and entrepreneurship. In particular, the aims of the course are to: (1) broaden understanding of management principles and frameworks (2) advance insights into the sources of corporate and entrepreneurial success (3) develop skills to apply this knowledge to real-life managerial problems The course will help students to successfully take on managerial and entrepreneurial responsibilities in their careers and / or appreciate the challenges that entrepreneurs and managers deal with.

Content

The course consists of a set of theory and practice sessions, which will be taught on a weekly basis. The course will cover business management knowledge in corporate as well as entrepreneurial contexts. The course consists of three blocks of theory and practice sessions: Discovering Strategic Management, Discovering Innovation Management, and Discovering HR and Operations Management. Each block consists of two or three theory sessions, followed by one practice session where you will apply the theory to a case. The theory sessions will follow a "lecture-style" approach and be presented by an area specialist within D-MTEC. Practical examples and case studies will bring the theoretical content to life. The practice sessions will introduce you to some real-life examples of managerial or entrepreneurial challenges. During the practice sessions, we will discuss these challenges in depth and guide your thinking through team coaching. Through small group work, you will develop analyses of each of the cases. The theory sessions will be assessed via a multiple choice exam.

Resources

Lecture Notes

All course materials (readings, slides, videos, and worksheets) will be made available to inscribed course participants through Moodle. These course materials will form the point of departure for the lectures, class discussions and team work.

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , DR , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 90 minutes
Aids: Only dictionary allowed. (No electronics)

The final presentation will be graded and counts for 30 % the final grade (compulsory performance assessment). The session examination counts 70 %.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	Discovering Management	Fri 08:15-11:00 (HG E 1.1)	3 h weekly

Offered In

Mechanical Engineering Bachelor
- Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2010)
  - Focus Specialization
    - Management, Technology and Economics (Focus Coordinators: Prof. Bart Clarysse D-MTEC and Swantje Pless D-MTEC)
Chemistry Bachelor
- Electives (Students are free to choose from a range of D-CHAB chemistry courses appropriate to their level of study (please note admission requirements). In case of doubt, contact the student administration.)
  - Economics
Computer Science Bachelor
- Minor Courses
  - Minor Courses
Environmental Sciences Bachelor
- Social Sciences and Humanities
  - Electives
    - Management
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Bachelor
- Electives (This is only a small selection. Other courses from the ETH course catalogue may be chosen. Please consult the "Richtlinien zu Projekten, Praktika, Seminare" (German only), ).)
  - Economics, Law and Management Electives (These subjects are particularly suitable for students planning to apply to the Master's Degree Program in Energy Science and Technology (MSc EST) or Management, Technology and Economics (MSc MTEC).)
Chemical Engineering Bachelor
- 5. Semester
  - Compulsory Subjects
    - Examination Block IV
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology Master
- Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2018)
  - Tracks (all): Electives (This is only a short selection. Other courses from the ETH course catalogue may be chosen in agreement with your tutor. As an alternative to the elective courses, students may do a second semester project or an internship in industry. Please consult your tutor.)
Management, Technology and Economics (General Courses) (In the section "general courses", lectures are listed which are offered by the D-MTEC as service lectures for students not belonging to D-MTEC.)
- General Courses
Doctorate Architecture (More Information at: )
- Subject Specialisation
Doctorate Mechanical and Process Engineering (More Information at: )
- Subject Specialisation
Science, Technology, and Policy Master
- Electives