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After a successful launch in FSS 2025 the course “Managing the Family Business – Strategy, Governance, and Change” will return in FSS 2026 as a COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) between University of Mannheim, NHH (Bergen) and UNWE (Sofia). The course aims to highlight the significance of family firms in both research and practical applications, emphasizing their unique contributions to the business landscape. Students will explore the specific characteristics that differentiate family firms from non-family businesses, such as governance structures and decision-making processes, while also becoming aware of the diverse forms these enterprises can take. The course will introduce relevant theories from family firm research and demonstrate their practical applications, equipping students with the knowledge needed to navigate this sector effectively embedded in an international context. 

The curriculum features guest lectures from industry experts and case presentations for practical insights. This hybrid format combines in-person and online teaching, promoting collaboration among students from the ENGAGE.EU network between Mannheim, Bergen and Sofia while fostering academic and intercultural development. 

Course Outline 

The course is structured into four block seminar days spread over five weeks in FSS 2026. Each block day includes two theoretical lectures delivered by each of the three teaching instructors from Mannheim University, NHH and UNWE followed by a guest lecture from a speaker representing a renowned, local family business, providing practical context to the theoretical concepts. Afterward, students work collaboratively in small groups to analyze case studies related to the lecture topics, preparing for the final presentation. On the last block day, students present their group case studies.

As family businesses are the central focus of this course, we are thrilled to host distinguished guest speakers from prominent organizations within the European family business eco­system. There will be one guest lecture in each location which will be live streamed at the other locatios. These include:

• Day 1 (Mannheim): Vorwerk
• Day 2 (Bergen): tbd
• Day 3 (Sofia): tbd

Learning outcomes 

Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate governance structures in family versus non-family firms using established frameworks.
2. Assess the complexities of succession planning in family businesses and its impact on long-term sustainability.
3. Formulate strategic approaches for value creation in family firms by harnessing distinctive family assets, while addressing challenges in innovation and internationalization.
4. Diagnose common crises in family businesses and devise preventive measures alongside effective response strategies.
5. Work collaboratively to analyze case studies and recommend tailored solutions for the unique challenges faced by family enterprises.

Prerequisites

There are no mandatory prerequisites except for the course application: Short application letter (approx. 100 words) stating your motivation to participate in the course and submitting your current CV. (see more below)

A foundational knowledge of management principles, corporate governance, and business strategy, along with experience in case study analysis or group collaboration, is recommended for this course.

Registration & Application

The course registration comprises two important steps:

1. Registration via Portal2 (according to the general deadline, date tbd)
2. Submission of CV and a short motivational letter (max. 100 words) that explains why you want to participate.

Please submit your application via mail to Elisa Sauerbier (contact provided below).

Since you will receive the feedback if you are accepted to the course only after the registration period, please refrain from sending Emails beforehand regarding the status of your registration.

Course capacity is strictly limited as the format involves groupwork. Thus, students who registered but decided not to participate in the course have to deregister from the course during the deregisteration period indicated in Portal2.

Please see Portal2 for the periods of de-registeration and notification of acceptance for the course.

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory and all students are required to attend all classes at their home university in person (exceptions are made for students who provide a medical certificate or have an exam). Unexcused absence will lead to individual grade deductions. The lectures that are not held live at the home university will be streamed in respective facilities at the other universities. Updates on the exact procedure will follow soon.

Place and Time 

Please note: place and time have been provisionally set and are subject to change until the end of the HWS 2025. 

• Bootcamp Day 1 (Mannheim):
  12.03.2026 ; Place: 209 Seminarraum (B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F)
• Bootcamp Day 2 (NHH):
  19.03.2025 ; Place: tbd
• Bootcamp Day 3 (UNWE):
  26.03.2025 ; tbd
• Bootcamp Day 4 (Final presentation day):
  16.04.2025 ; online

The zoom links for joining the hybrid lectures will be shared in time before the lectures.