Description:

The seminar Case Studies in Management Control applies core concepts of management control to complex, real-world business cases. Students analyze and adapt management control systems or practices to specific management control problems (e.g., lack of motivation, lack of direction, and personal limitations) and systematically evaluate alternative designs and usages with respect to effectiveness, efficiency, and behavioral implications. Emphasis is placed on developing well-justified solutions grounded in analytical rigor. Participants present and critically defend their results in a research-oriented setting. 

Learning Targets:

Students

• are able to demonstrate practical applications of different management control systems and elements to selected case studies that convey real-life business problems and decision-making situations
• are capable of adapting management control systems and elements to the specific use cases
• can evaluate alternative management control system designs and alternative management control element usages with regard to effectiveness, efficiency, and behavioral implications
• are able to present, critically reflect and justify their solution

Literature:

The literature depends on the specific case studies. Students will be provided with relevant literature at the beginning of the seminar. 

Methods of Assessment:

The module-related examination consists of presentation(s) (usually 45-90 minutes of presentation (in sum across all sessions) plus 15-30 minutes Q&A (in sum across all sessions)).

Formalities:

If you would like to participate in this seminar, please register no later than March 31, 11.59 PM, through the enrollment form on the Chair’s website. 

The number of places is limited to 20 students; in case of more enrollments than number of places, allocation will be based on the number of credits earned so far (higher number of credits will be prioritized). Notification of your enrollment takes place on April 14 via email. 

You will be informed about your registration and team formation by email on April 14. The first block seminar will take place on April 23 (the dates for the other block seminars will be announced at the beginning of the semester at the latest). If you have not canceled your registration by emailing the chair by April 23 (11:59 p.m.), your seminar registration is binding: If no presentation takes place, the seminar will be considered failed (grade 5.0).

Prodedure:

For detailled information, please refer to the course manual, which you can find under “material”.

We start with a kick-off in which we (1) introduce management control systems and management control practices to you and (2) train you to develop solution strategies for case studies. Afterwards, within three supervised and supported sessions, you will work in teams on different cases and present and defend your solutions. 

Examination:

The module-related examination consists of presentation(s) (usually 45-90 minutes of presentation (in sum across all sessions) plus 15-30 minutes Q&A (in sum across all sessions)).

Material:

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