Internal Corporate Accounting
(Language: German)

The course starts with a definition of basic terms and a discussion of the fundamentals of production and cost theory. It goes on to illustrate the individual cost accounting sections (cost type, cost center and cost unit accounting). Further fundamental topics of the course are revenue accounting and profit and loss account. Participants will also discuss cost analysis elements which – summed up as cost information – may also be used for management control purposes. One of the course objectives is to convey an understanding of the terminology used in internal and external accounting (e.g. the differentiation between “costs” and “expenses”). Although the focus is on absorption costing, the course will also address other systems of cost/revenue accounting in order to provide comprehensive insight into cost accounting.

External Accounting
(Language: German)

One focus of this course is on the individual financial statement in terms of commercial law. This includes the generally accepted German accounting principles as well as the regulations on inclusion and valuation. After having discussed the basic elements of balancing, the course will address the key balance sheet items, profit and loss statement and cash flow statement.

Management Simulation
(Language: English)

As students have to run their own company, they will face real life problems of managers. They have to solve diverse managerial problems such as acquiring employees, marketing their product, and tracking their costs. Therefore, students gather knowledge about performance measurement, financial accounting, and management accounting as well as about strategy and marketing. Additionally, the relationship between the different aspects and areas of managerial interest will be highlighted and the intertemporal dimension of decision making emphasized.

Introduction to Management Accounting and Control
(Language: English)

“Introduction to management accounting and control” provides students with knowledge about managerial accounting, the theories and methods in management accounting and control and its tools. They learn and understand the two main issues of managerial accounting, i. e. decision making and control. They will also get an insight into the work of management accountants and the different roles they play in organizations. Furthermore, students get also a first overview of different management control tools (i. e. management control systems).

Participants gain an insight into management accounting and control in general. In particular, they learn the difference between financial and managerial accounting, the methods and theories that are used in managerial accounting as well as the tools that are used. Furthermore, students learn to understand the links between management accounting and management control and how managers can use managerial accounting for both, decision making and control. These theoretical insights are applied and improved by solving case studies and acting as managers in 'real life scenarios'.

Case Studies in Management Accounting and Control
(Language: English)

After a short introduction into managerial accounting, students get the chance to work intensively on different case studies. The case studies will be prepared in teams to enhance social skills, teamwork and collaborative learning.

Students apply their knowledge about managerial accounting and management control systems to solve case studies in managerial accounting. Apart from methodological skills, the course will foster creativity, critical reflection, and preciseness of argumentation.

Management Control Systems
(Language: English)

The course offers an in-depth analysis of the relationship between management theory and practice, with references to a host of specific decision-making situations. Students learn to assess management control-related tools, including Balanced Scorecards and Economic Value Added, as well as non-financial measures of performance. Moreover, a discussion of the similarities and differences between management control and internal control, with reference to Sarbanes-Oxley and similar movements worldwide, will also be covered by the course. Additionally, ethical and multinational issues across a variety of businesses are discussed, i.e. industries and non-profit organizations. Finally, all these aspects will be accompanied by case studies and real-life examples drawn from an international range of firms and companies.

Structured Problem Solving
(Language: English)

Students will learn how to structure organizational (and other) problems. After introductory lectures, they have to apply their newly gathered knowledge in a case study. The students’ experiences are the starting points for the second part of lectures that extend the techniques of problem solving.

Stimulating and developing the creative potential of all members of an organization to solve problems is widely seen as contributing to performance and results. This course introduces ideas, skills, models, and techniques to help students understand how problems can be solved in a structured way.

Participants

• Alexander Fervers, Management (M.A.)
• Nikolaus Munzig, Business Economics (B.A.)
• Maren Raß, Business Economics (B.A.)
• Hendrik Stoffels, Business Economics (B.A.)
• Felix Stremmer, Business Economics (B.A.)
• Maximilian Thomas, Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (B.A.)

Seminars and field trips in 2016

6 to 7 June 2016:
Language training with Nathalie Claude, Managing Director of Klanggewinn.

13 June 2016:
The Talent Programme visits Ubisoft and the Design Studio Ubisoft Blue Byte. Mr. Karsten Lehmann (Public Relations) and Mr. Timo Kornetzki (Project Portfolio Management) provide interesting insights into corporate structures and project management.

4 July 2016:
Students visit Sünner Brewery and Distillery, Cologne, and gain fascinating insights into the family enterprise.

Participants

• Isabel Gadea, Business Economics (B.A.)
• Claudio Gentile, Business Economics (B.A.)
• Louis Jarvers, Philosophie, Politik und Ökonomik (B.A.)
• Richard Knudsen, Business Economics (B.A.)
• Christian Scherpel, Business Economics (B.A.)

Seminars and field trips in 2015

23 June 2015:

Peter Stonn, Managing Director of Improved Reading, gives a speed reading course for the students to increase their reading speed and simultaneously improve text comprehension.

30 June 2015:

Talent Programme participants attend a moderated discussion on the “Agenda 2020” topic of Deutsche Bank. The event takes place outdoor on campus.

3 July 2015:

Students learn to understand and analyze scientific papers during a discussion.

20 October 2015:

The Talent Programm participants visit the VAPIANO Franchising head office. Florian Schneider provides interesting insights into corporate structures, the selection of franchisees and differences between various markets.

27 October 2015:

Students have the unique opportunity to personally speak with Willibert Krüger, founder and managing partner of food manufacturer Krüger. Plant manager Dr. Frank Rabenschlag complements the field trip with a guided tour.

12 January 2016:

Jürgen Dawo, Managing Director of Town & Country Haus Lizenzgeber, gives a lecture on franchising within the Talent Programme context.