first semester - vietnamese-german university

First Semester

Module Number:

SEPT 101

Module Name:

Foundations of Economics and Development

Type

Compulsory

Contents

This module provides specialized knowledge of managerial and development economics giving an introduction to the most important management topics for SMEs in developing countries.

It will be accompanied by a seminar practicing the analysis and presentation of scientific texts, which make basic statements about central terms and concepts of managerial economics. Considering the different experiences of the participants, this will give all students the ability to deal with up-to-date practical and scientific discussions about managerial and development economics and therein included specific situation and challenges of small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries.

Objectives

The introduction to the basics of managerial and development economics and discussions of up-to-date trends in this field

The presentation of scientific and concept papers

Teaching and learning methods

Workload

The module content in detail

Lecture: Managerial Economics (40 h)

Lecture Development Economics (20 h)

Reading Course (15 h)

Workshops and guest lectures (15 h)

10 CP = 300 hours learning

101.1. Lecture: Managerial Economics (40 hrs)

• Managers, Profits and Markets

• Demand, Supply and Market Equilibrium

• Marginal Analysis for Optimal Decision Making

• Demand Estimation and Forecasting

• Cost Theory and Estimation

• Market Structure and Managerial Decisions

• Risk Analysis

101.2. Lecture: Development Economics (20 hrs)

Theories of Development Economics

Practical Implications of Development Policies in SME Development

101.2. Reading Course (15 hrs)

Review of several relevant academic publications

101.3. Workshop: Institutional framework for SMEs (15 hrs)

Vietnam Government’s policies to SMEs promotion Policies relevant to capital and supporting SMEs of Banks

Module

Number: SEPT

102

Module Name:

Entrepreneurship Management

Type

Compulsory

Contents

This module illustrates in depth the main strategies and concepts for the

management of business start-ups.

In the first place students will learn the methodologies for elaborating a

Business Model and a Business Plan. In this way, they develop

important competences which can be applied in the conception and

planning of new businesses.

In the progress of the module, an internet-based “Business Simulation

Game“, will be carried out, using the acquired knowledge to write

Business Plans. Groups of max. 4 members are formed and must

encounter strategic decisions to business planning.

Objectives

The introduction to the entrepreneurship discussion To gain experience with entrepreneurial behaviour and skills To understand how to develop a business model and a business

plan To define and solve problems using group work

Method of

assessment

Business Plan

Teaching and

learning

methods

Workload

The module

content in detail

Lecture: Entrepreneurship Management (30 h)

Simulation: Business Simulation Game (30 h)

Workshop: Business Model Development (15 h)

Workshop: Presentation Techniques (15 h)


102.1. Lecture: Entrepreneurship Management (30 hrs)

The Entrepreneur and the Business Idea (characteristics of entrepreneurs, entrepreneurship theory, customer benefit, USPs)

Tools for Idea Management (brain storming, brain writing, morphological box, service blue printing, bionic, functional analysis, semantic intuition, idea evaluation)

Developing a Business Plan (structure of a business plan)

Market research (market research instruments, questionnaire development, market research process, tool for market research)

Marketing and Distribution (4 Ps, 7 Ps, pricing strategies, distribution strategies, distribution channels)

Financial Planning (investment planning, personnel planning, profit & loss, cash flow)

102.2. Simulation: Business Simulation Game (30 hrs)

In the progress of the module, an internet-based “Business Simulation

Game“, will be carried out, using the acquired knowledge to write

Business Plans. Groups of maximum 4 students are formed and must

encounter strategic decisions to business planning.

102.3. Workshop: Business Model Development (15 hrs)

Business Idea Development

Business Model Canvas

102.4. Workshop: Presentation Techniques (15 hrs)

Training of Presentation Technique

Module

Number:

SEPT 103

Module Name:

Strategies for the Development of Small- and Medium -sized

Enterprises

Type

Compulsory

Contents

This module discusses in depth the new concepts for the promotion of

small and medium sized enterprises, with focus on

Innovation and Technology Promotion Social Capital Value Chain Analysis Internationalisation Local Economic Development

Objectives

The introduction to the international discussion about new concepts related to the promotion of SMEs

The introduction to concept of global value chains and its potential for integration and upgrading into this chains for SMEs

The introduction to the innovation theory and the related concepts of innovation and technology promotion

The introduction to the concept of “social capital” and interpretation of its meaning for the establishment of networks, capacity of innovation and changes for growth of SMEs

The reflection on the present development strategies regarding small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries

Method of

assessment

Essay

Teaching and

learning

methods

Workload

The module

content in detail

Lecture Series: New concepts in SME promotion (70 h)

Workshop: Local Economic Development (20 h)


103.1. Lecture Series: New Concepts of SME Promotion (70 hrs)

Innovation and Technology Policy o Concept of Innovation o System of Innovation Approach o Technology Transfer o Technological Capabilities

o Case studies: Germany, USA, Taiwan and others

Social Capital o Concept of Social Capital o Relevance of Social Capital in Economy and Society o Norms, Trust and Networks o Bonding and Bridging Social Capital o Enterprise-Related Social Capital

Value Chain Analysis o Concept of Value Chain o Upgrading in Value Chains o Governance of Value Chains

Internationalization o Internationalization of SMEs o Internationalization Capabilities

103.2. Workshop: Local Economic Development (20 hrs)

SME Promotion Tools o Local Economic Development o Local Innovations System o Case studies

Second Semester

Module Number:

SEPT 201

Module Name:

Innovation Management in SMEs

Type

Elective

Contents

Innovations are important factors for strengthening the competitiveness

of any enterprise. Product and service innovations oriented to new or

existing markets, as well as the development and implementation of

new production processes and organizational structures, are decisive

factors in the marketplace. In market-driven innovation processes, the

company’s attention is focused on the newly discovered unfilled need of

the potential customers. Today’s possibilities to access information

worldwide have changed the role of the customer in the global

marketplace. Market-driven innovation management requires a

systematic approach that allows for understanding and developing

solutions which effectively respond to the fulfillment of the users’ needs.

The “customer’s voice” must be integrated from the beginning in order

to identify the clients’ needs, wishes and the changing customer trends.

Hence, the fuzzy nature at the front end of innovation processes

requires the application of effective techniques and tools to drive this

integration in a consistent way.

Objectives

Introduction to specific aspects of management of the innovation process in companies

To get to know the specific concepts of innovation management To be able to apply the innovation management tools Application of concepts in achievement of solutions in case studies

Method of

assessment

Project report

Teaching and

learning

methods

Workload

The module

content in detail

Seminar: Innovation Management in SMEs (45 h)

Case Study Analysis (45 h)


201.1. Seminar: Innovation Management in SMEs (45 hrs)

Innovation Concept and Innovation Process

Success Factors in Innovation Management

Strategic Innovation Management

Innovation Management Tools

Innovation and Quality Management in Services

201.2. Case Study Analysis (45 hrs)

Real Case Analysis

Module

Number: SEPT

202

Module Name:

Marketing in SMEs

Type

Elective

Contents

The module explains the problematic nature of the marketing of SMEs.

Many concepts on marketing, mostly on the international context were

developed for large firm and can only be adopted by SMEs according to

their realities. Therefore, the module concentrates on the presentation of

marketing concepts for this group of enterprises and discusses its

applicability especially in the international marketing of SMEs in

developing countries.

Objectives

This course aims at integrating all marketing elements in a strategic

planning framework. Emphases are on areas of strategic importance,

especially those with significant implications and relevance for marketing

decisions in competitive situations. Specific issues involved in entering

overseas markets and in conducting marketing operations on an

international as opposed to a “domestic” scale are addressed. Attention

is focused on problems such as identifying and evaluating opportunities

in overseas markets, developing and adapting marketing strategies in

relation to specific national market needs and constraints, and

coordinating strategies in world market

Method of

assessment

Project report

Teaching and

learning

methods

Workload

The module

content in detail

Seminar: Marketing Management (30 h)

Seminar: International Marketing (30 h)

Workshops: Market Research (30 h)


202.1. Seminar: Marketing Management (30 hrs)

Introduction to marketing concepts & marketing plan

Environmental Analysis

Marketing Research

Understanding customer

Market segmentation

Product strategy

Price strategy

Place strategy

Promotion strategy

Sales management

202.3 Seminar: International Marketing (30 hrs)

Introduction of writing marketing plan

Situation analysis

Market segmentation and target market

Marketing objectives

Action plan Budget and control

202.2. Workshop: Market Research (30 hrs)

Introduction of market research

Defining market research topics

Data collection for the market research

Sampling methods

Measurement and instrument

Module

Number:

SEPT 203

Module Name:

SME Finance

Type

Elective

Contents

The module will give an overview about the most important aspects of

financial management on the micro-, meso- and macro-level. The

module will address the different types of instruments available to

investors, the nature of their expected cash flow, their possible rewards

and the risks related to the investment. It will also address the

determinants of investment value, the appropriateness of the investment

for specific investors and the mechanisms by which the investment

instrument is bought and sold.

Objectives

Presentation of all important aspects of financial management in SMEs

Train the management tools for taking investment decisions Apply the different concepts and instruments for valuation of

enterprises

Method of

assessment

Written Exam (90 minutes)

Teaching and

learning

methods

Workload

The module

content in detail

Seminar: Financial Systems and Financial Management for SMEs (60 h)

Seminar: Managerial Investment (30 h)


203.1. Seminar: Financial Systems and Financial Management for

SMEs (60 hrs)

Introduction to Financial Management

Fundamental Concepts in Financial Management

Financing sources: Debt and Equity

Analysis of Financial Statements

Introduction to Cost of Capital

The Capital Budgeting Process

Capital Structure and Leverage

Hybrid Financing: Preferred Stock, Leasing, and Options

Financial Forecasting (Planning)

Working Capital Management

203.2. Seminar: Managerial Investment (30 hrs)

Tools in financial analysis

Develop cash flow

Financing options for investment project

Economic and financial analysis of investment project

Financial negotiation

Risk analysis

Module

Number:

SEPT 204

Module Name:

Competence Development in SMEs

Type

Elective

Contents

Focus will be on different concepts for competence development within

the company. The emphasis is put on the discussion of human resource

and knowledge management concepts based on the “Best Practices” of

its development and implementation. Furthermore this module will also

provide a deeper insight in important aspects of organisational

behaviour.

Objectives

To learn the multiple concepts for human resource management in SMEs

To get to know the concept of knowledge management and its relevance for small and medium-sized enterprises

The consideration of the success factors for the management of knowledge and human resources in small and medium-sized enterprises based on actual case studies

To discuss and apply various concepts of organisational behaviour

Method of

assessment

Essay

Teaching and

learning

methods

Workload

The module

content in detail

Seminar: Human Resource Management (30h)

Seminar: Organisational Behaviour (30 h)

Seminar: Knowledge Management (30 h)


204.1. Seminar: Human Resource Management (30 hrs)

Introducing Human Resource Management

The Legal Framework

Main activities of HRM: o Supply of human resources o Development of human resources o Case studies: HRM in SME (Presentation of Case Studies) o Compensation and incentives

o Administration of human resources o Dismissal and outplacement

204.2 Seminar: Organizational behaviour (30 hrs)

What is organizational behaviour

Perception, personality, emotion

Values, attitudes and their effect in the workplace

Stress in the work place

Motivating self and others

Working in teams

Communication, conflict and negotiation

Power and politics, leadership

204.3. Seminar: Knowledge Management (30 hrs)

The Knowledge Economy (signs, characteristics, indices)

Status of knowledge & learning in SMEs (Objectives; Assessment Tools)

Building Blocks of Knowledge Management

Module

Number:

SEPT 205

Module Name:

Research Methodology and Project Management

Type

Compulsory

Contents

In this preparatory module for the 3rd semester methodical and project

related knowledge is taught by teaching basics of empirical social

research, interview techniques, development of questionnaires and

methods of statistical data analysis. It will familiarize students with

setting up and using SPSS to conduct statistical analysis, introducing

the methods of project planning and execution based on examples of

project management. This will enable the students to prepare a scientific

research concept and make the planning for the field research regarding

contents, methodologies and time.

Objectives

To learn the methods of social and economic research based on empirical approaches, as well as their suitability for enterprise related issues

To gain confidence in the use of methods for processing and analyzing data with SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences)

To develop the ability to conceive autonomously a research project including the preparation of time schedules and questionnaires

Method of

assessment

Research concept

Teaching and

learning

methods

Workload

The module

content in detail

Seminar: Research Methodology and Research Design (30 h)

Seminar: Data Analysis & Presentation (30 h)

Seminar: Project Management (30 h)


205.1. Seminar: Introduction to Research Methodology and Design (30

hrs)

Understanding theory: concept and connection

Scientific thinking

Selecting research topic

Field research design & Questionnaire Design

Design Principles of Questionnaires

205.2. Seminar: Data Analysis & Presentation (30 hrs)

Introduction to Data analysis o Research Process o Data analysis

Introduction to SPSS

Type of Data

Single-answer (SA) versus Multiple-answer (MA) questions

Recoding Variables

Cleaning Data

205.4. Seminar: Project Management (30 hrs)

Project Cycle Management o Concept and Definition o Project design and Planning o Project monitoring and evaluation o HR and Risk management

Team Work: Group Project Presentation and Feedback

Third Semester

Module

Number:

SEPT 301

Module Name:

Research Project

Type

Compulsory

Contents

The module comprises the realization of an applied research project in

cooperation with a partnering institution. Business development

institutions, organizations of development cooperation or companies can

act as a partnering institution. The student defines the goals of the

research project in cooperation with the partnering institution and

executes it with support of the partnering institution. Normally the project

comprehends two stages: the field research and the research report.

The field research for execution of a survey had a minimum duration of 3

months. The research report is prepared subsequent to the field

research.

Objectives

To get to know the everyday life in companies and business development institutions

The independent execution of a survey in businesses or institutions To socialize with relevant business contacts (Networking) The application of the techniques for data analysis Good knowledge of the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social

Sciences)

Method of

assessment

Research Report

Teaching and

learning

methods

Workload

Research project


Fourth Semester

Module

Number:

SEPT 401

Module Name:

SEPT Colloquium

Type

Compulsory

Contents

This module provide to the students new knowledge in different soft

skills like team management, presentation skills, leadership and others.

Furthermore the students develop and present a 45 min. dissertation

about the results from the applied field research in Module 301. After

each presentation, a phase of discussion takes place, which is

moderated by the students.

Objectives

To develop soft skills The presentation of the field research results The scientific arguing in the framework of a public dissertation with

subsequent discussion To gain experience by conduction of discussions

Method of

assessment

45 minutes oral presentation and 45 minutes discussion

Teaching and

learning

methods

Workload

The module

content in detail

Colloquium (30 h)

Workshop: Advanced Research Methods (30)

Soft Skills Seminar (30 h)


401.1 Colloquium--Presentation/Discussion of the Research Results (30

h)

Individual Presentation of Field Research Results

Discussion of Individual Research Results

401.2 Workshop: Advanced Research Methods (30 h)

Advanced SPSS

Advanced Data Management

401.3. Soft Skills Seminar (30 hrs)

Communications in today’s competitive business environment

Expanding communication power

Analysing, organizing and composing

Revising, proofreading and evaluating

Report planning and research

Report organization and presentation

Speaking skills and employment communication

first semester - vietnamese-german university

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