Contents 

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.
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 while fostering academic and intercultural development.

Course Outline 

The course is structured into four block seminar days spread over five weeks in the summer semester of 2025. Each block day includes two theoretical lectures delivered by Prof. Dr. Michael Woywode, followed by a guest lecture from a speaker representing a renowned German 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 German family business eco­system. These include:

• Vorwerk
• Progroup AG
• Haniel 

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

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.

There are no mandatory prerequisites except for the course application.

Registration & Application

The course registration comprises two important steps:

1. Registration via Portal2 (according to the general deadline, February 6th 2025)
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).

The application procedure for OEI-students will be provided in the Mobility Online Portal. For further information see here: https://www.uni-mannheim.de/en/academics/coming-to-mannheim/engageeu-study-offers/#c284038 

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 deregisteration and notification of acceptance for the course.

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory and all students are required to attend all classes (exceptions are made for students who provide a medical certificate or have an exam). OEI-students are required to participate online via the provided Zoom-Links.

Place and Time 

Please note: place and time have been provisionally set and are subject to change until the end of the HWS 2024. 

• Bootcamp Day 1:
  13.03.2025 ; Place: 209 Seminarraum (B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F)
• Bootcamp Day 2:
  20.03.2025 ; Place: 209 Seminarraum (B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F)
• Bootcamp Day 3:
  27.03.2025 ; Place: 209 Seminarraum (B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F)
• Bootcamp Day 4 (Final presentation day):
  10.04.2025 ; Place: 209 Seminarraum (B 6, 30–32 Bauteil E-F)

Further information including room updates and the zoom-link for OEI-students will be provided via Portal2.