New course series: “Managing the Family Business” – Insight into the world of family businesses
Family businesses are the backbone of many economies – but what makes them so special? The new elective course “MAN 607 Managing the Family Business – Strategy, Governance, and Change”in spring 2025 offers in-depth insights into the unique structures, challenges and opportunities of this form of business.
Led by Prof. Dr. Michael Woywode and Elisa Sauerbier, the course combines academic theories with practical applications. Students learn how family businesses are strategically managed, what special features their governance structures have and how challenges such as succession planning, innovation and internationalization are mastered.
A highlight of the course are the guest lectures by renowned representatives of German family businesses, including Vorwerk, Progroup AG and Haniel. These expert insights provide participants with valuable first-hand practical perspectives.
The hybrid teaching format promotes interactive exchange within the ENGAGE.EU student group. In addition to theoretical units and practical lectures, students work on case studies in groups and present their results at the end of the course.
So if you want to develop a deeper understanding of the dynamics of family businesses and learn in a practical way how these companies remain successful in the long term, you should not miss this course!