The Chair of Governance is offering a master’s seminar on the topic “Organizational Stigma in Polarized Societies” (seminar language: English) during the upcoming winter semester 2026/27.

The master’s seminar examines organizational stigmatization in increasingly polarized societies. Following Devers et al. (2009: 155), we define organizational stigma as “a label that evokes a collective, stakeholder-group-specific perception that an organization possesses a fundamental, deep-seated flaw that deindividualizes and discredits the organization.”

The focus of our seminar is on how organizations deal with stigmatization, how they reflect on their position in society, and what role social polarization plays in these processes. Examples include companies in controversial industries, politically exposed organizations, social movements, platforms, or organizations that come under particularly intense pressure in public debates.

We analyze how social conflicts, media attention, and moral debates shape the perception of organizations and what strategies organizations develop to cope with stigma, criticism, and public controversy. The goal of the seminar is to develop an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of organizational stigmatization in polarized social contexts. Assignments include presentations on the progress of the work as well as an independent, literature-based, conceptual, or qualitative-empirical seminar paper.

Suggested reading for the introduction: Devers, C. E., Dewett, T., Mishina, Y., & Belsito, C. A. (2009). A general theory of organizational stigma. Organization Science, 20(1), 154–171. https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.1080.0367.

Please apply using our application form. Applications are accepted until the start of the winter semester! If you have any questions or issues with the application, please contact Tim Emmel.

our department is offering the following courses in the upcoming summer term.

• 39963 Vorlesung: Stakeholdermanagement (Bachelor) (German-speaking course)

The course Stakeholder Management introduces the stakeholders in the immediate and wider environment of a company and analyses the different interests. Stakeholders include all groups and individuals that can influence the company and/or are influenced by it, for example customers, suppliers, the regional environment, the state and the public. It discusses the questions: What constitutes successful stakeholder management? Why does a company need to involve the various stakeholder groups?
Stakeholder management takes place at the level of analytical identification (Which persons and groups exactly belong to a company's stakeholders and what are their ‘stakes’?), process design (How does a company organise its relationship with stakeholders?) and the design of a reciprocal exchange relationship (How does interaction with stakeholders take place and what resources are used for this?). The lecture takes place every Thursday from 8-10 am in HK14b, SR017. In the afternoon we offer two exercise slots.

• 39962 Seminar: (Bachelor) (German-speaking course)

This semester we are looking at the topic: ‘Corporate legitimacy in normatively controversial fields of activity’. The application period has already ended. All accepted participants have been informed. The seminar takes place every Wednesday from 12-2 pm, in HK14b, SR102.

• 39995 Practical Course: Network Management in Startup Processes (Master) (English-speaking course)

Entrepreneurs are increasingly faced with networking requirements, especially at the beginning of a business start-up. As these are very often crucial for the start-up success, this module aims to disclose the success factors and prepare students for possible hurdles in the context of founding a company.
In the course of the module, traditional principles of entrepreneurial networking are examined as well as those requirements that are specifically related to the start-up processes of purpose-driven companies. The course is based on “problem-based learning” (PBL) as a method for acquiring knowledge and developing interdisciplinary competences and problem-solving skills. The students acquire knowledge about network management in start-up processes by means a “vignette” (case study). Due to demand last semester, we are also offering the course in the summer semester 2026. The course is blocked, with the kick-off event taking place in calendar week 21 (mid-May). Two further course blocks (Friday + Saturday each) are planned for June/July. Details regarding times and rooms will follow shortly.

• 39999 Practical Course: Governance (Master) (English-speaking course)

Corporate governance assigns decision-making authority and establishes decision-making rules at the management level of a company. The legal form, the articles of association and the management organization of a company are the essential elements of corporate governance (see Neus 2018, Einführung in die BWL, 10th ed.). The design of corporate constitutions is regulated by company law (e.g. GmbHG, AktG). The practical course “Governance” uses case studies to analyze how a corporate constitution should be designed in order to achieve corporate goals. It uses the methodology of Problem Based Learning (PBL) as a method for acquiring flexibly usable knowledge and developing interdisciplinary skills and problem-solving abilities. The students work on the course content in teams, accompanied by the teacher. Course takes place every Wednesday, 10-12 am, in HK14b, SR102. As the course is 4 SWS, a second weekly slot for teamwork will be allocated flexibly during the first session to accommodate all team members' schedules.

• 39998 Lecture: Business-Book of the year (Master) (English-speaking course)

The Master's course Business Book of the Year deals with economic concepts on the basis of reading and discussing a popular science book that changes from semester to semester and is widely discussed in the media. Students will independently research the literature on which the book is based and relate the source literature to the core statements of the ‘book of the year’. Students are encouraged to critically analyze relevant book chapters independently. They learn to differentiate between the normative and descriptive aspects of a book and to separate them analytically. They discuss the socio-political categorization of the chosen literature. For the summer term 2026 we have selected "The Dark Pattern: A Framework for Uncovering Corporate Scandals" by Guido Palazzo as “book of the year”. Course takes place every Wednesday, 8.30-10 am, in HK14b, SR102.

• 39967 Kolloquium: Bachelorkolloquium Chair of Governance

The Bachelor's colloquium at the Chair of Governance is a compulsory event for all students who are writing their Bachelor's thesis at the Chair in the current semester. During the colloquia students receive comprehensive support in the preparation of their thesis. Registration is only possible after consultation with the supervisor.n.

• 39968 Kolloquium: Masterkolloquium Chair of Governance

The Master's colloquium at the Chair of Governance is a compulsory event for all students who are writing their Master's thesis at the Chair in the current semester. During the colloquia students receive comprehensive support in the preparation of their thesis. Registration is only possible after consultation with the supervisor.

We look forward to welcoming you to our courses in the coming semester!

Best regards
Your chair team

• Jungwirth, C. (2025). Balancing acts: Navigating leadership, transparency, and compliance in university governance. Beiträge zur Hochschulforschung, 47(1), 10-27. https://www.bzh.bayern.de/fileadmin/user_upload/Publikationen/Beitraege_zur_Hochschulforschung/2025/2025-1-Gesamt.pdf. The article highlights the challenges of university leadership between transparency, compliance, and academic freedom and shows how responsible governance can contribute to a balance between institutional control and individual autonomy.
• Jungwirth, C. (2025). Governance von Hochschulen aus Sicht der Betriebswirtschaftslehre. In: Matiaske, W., Burr, W., Sadowski, D. (eds) Ideengeschichte der BWL III. Springer Gabler, Wiesbaden. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-658-43448-9_17-1. In this book chapter, Prof. Jungwirth places the development of university governance in the theoretical context of business administration and discusses its implications for modern university organizations.

The seminar examines platform governance in emerging medical markets, understood as the rules, structures, and mechanisms by which digital platforms shape the behavior of users, providers, and third parties. The focus is on regulatory issues and business models in the German healthcare sector, for example in the distribution of medical cannabis or in on-demand medical consultation services. We analyze how digital platforms challenge and transform traditional structures in healthcare. The objective is to develop an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of platform-based business models in medical contexts. Assessment components are an individual term paper, an accompanying presentation, and the joint development of precise research questions.

Introductory reading: Hermes, S., Riasanow, T., Clemons, E. K., Böhm, M., & Krcmar, H. (2020). The digital transformation of the healthcare industry: Exploring the rise of emerging platform ecosystems and their influence on the role of patients. Business Research, 13, 1033–1069. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40685-020-00125-x

our chair is offering the following courses in the winter term 25/26:

• 39964 Vorlesung: Nachhaltige Wettbewerbsvorteile (Bachelor; German course)

Die Lehrveranstaltung Nachhaltige Wettbewerbsvorteile vermittelt strategische Ansätze, mit denen Unternehmen langfristig erfolgreich am globalen Markt bestehen können. Ziel ist es, den Studierenden zu verdeutlichen, wie nachhaltige Praktiken integraler Bestandteil der Schaffung kontinuierlicher Gewinnüberschüsse sind. Die Vorlesung beleuchtet, wie sich Unternehmen durch langfristige Differenzierung von ihren Wettbewerbern abheben können. Ein Kernthema ist die kontinuierliche Innovation und die Anpassung an globale Marktbedingungen unter Einbeziehung nachhaltiger Unternehmensstrategien. Durch den Einsatz spieltheoretischer Modelle analysieren wir das dynamische Verhalten auf internationalen Märkten und optimieren strategische Entscheidungen, um Nachhaltigkeit und wirtschaftlichen Erfolg zu vereinen.

• 39995 Practical Course: Network Management in Startup Processes (Master)

Entrepreneurs are increasingly faced with networking requirements, especially at the beginning of a business start-up. As these are very often crucial for the start-up success, this module aims to disclose the success factors and prepare students for possible hurdles in the context of founding a company.
In the course of the module, traditional principles of entrepreneurial networking are examined as well as those requirements that are specifically related to the start-up processes of purpose-driven companies. The course is based on “problem-based learning” (PBL) as a method for acquiring knowledge and developing interdisciplinary competences and problem-solving skills. The students acquire knowledge about network management in start-up processes by means of 2-3 “vignettes” (case studies).

• 39994: Master Seminar

The seminar examines platform governance in emerging medical markets, understood as the rules, structures, and mechanisms by which digital platforms shape the behavior of users, providers, and third parties. The focus is on regulatory issues and business models in the German healthcare sector, for example in the distribution of medical cannabis or in on-demand medical consultation services. We analyze how digital platforms challenge and transform traditional structures in healthcare. The objective is to develop an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of platform-based business models in medical contexts. Assessment components are an individual term paper, an accompanying presentation, and the joint development of precise research questions.

• 62019: Simulations-Planspiel Scale Up: (Bachelor und Master; German course)

Das kompetitive Strategieplanspiel Scale Up ist eine Management Simulation, in der Unternehmen mit einer langjährig soliden Strategie in einer traditionellen Branche an ihre Grenzen stoßen. Im konkret vorliegenden Fall versetzen sich die Teilnehmenden in die Rolle der Geschäftsführung eines Herstellers von Motorrollern. Das Unternehmen steigt auf E-Mobilität um und braucht in Zeiten von Digitalisierung und Globalisierung ein zukunftsfähiges Geschäftsmodell. Dabei muss die bisher erfolgreiche Geschäftsstrategie entsprechend überarbeitet werden und zugleich die Produktion sowie der Verkauf von Elektro-Rollern umgesetzt werden. Im Planspiel lernen die Teilnehmenden, mit Disruptionen und Volatilität im Markt umzugehen, komplexe Entscheidungssituationen zu bewältigen und ein neues Geschäftsmodell zu skalieren. The simulation game is designed as a 2.5-day block seminar and will take place from December 11-13, 2025. Registration will open on Stud.IP at 12:00 p.m. on October 1st. Places are limited!

We look forward to welcoming you to our courses in the coming semester!

Best regards,
Your department team

As a department, we are currently offering interested students the opportunity to participate in the following two events free of charge:

1. MMK26 - Bold Moves @ TU München (10.-11. March 2026): Over 100 top managers, scientists, and founders will gather in the main lecture hall and on campus to discuss the key questions of our time: How can AI be turned into a business? How can we leverage the space race effect for other industries? How can we scale ecosystems—and how can we remain globally relevant?
2. MMK Heilbronn - Industrie AI @ Bildungskampus Heilbronn (2. December 2025): A new practical format focusing on industrial AI – 30+ speakers, 300+ participants. MMK Academy: interactive sessions for 20–40 students (bring your laptop!). Rolling Campus: shuttle buses with program activities during the journey.

Are you interested? Clicking on this link will take you to the invitation and provide you with detailed information on how to purchase tickets.

• BayIND Scholarships: The BayIND Scholarship is awarded twice a year for stays throughout India. Funding amount: depends on the duration and type of stay. Application deadline: October 15, 2025. This link will take you directly to the online application.
• Scholarships from the Bavarian Minister-President: Every year, BayIND also awards three scholarships from the Bavarian Minister-President for study-related stays (internships, study and research stays) in Karnataka (India). Funding amount: EUR 2,500. Next application period: November 2025 – April 30, 2026.

Information on all programs and funding opportunities is also published on the BayIND website.

1.  a large proportion of the sources were known to the supervising team, so that the quotations in the text could be reconstructed.
2. an attempt to deceive (undercutting) could be ruled out.

The second point in particular is of central importance to us. On the one hand, the exclusion of an attempt to cheat was based on the consistent identification of external ideas through in-text citations - even if these were hardly verifiable due to the incomplete bibliography. On the other hand, the student claimed to have created the bibliography with the help of an AI tool.
We would like to point out in this context: The use of an AI tool does not release you from the obligation to independently check the content generated with it. The case makes it clear that you are personally responsible for results from the use of AI. Correctly stating the use of AI as part of the declaration of independence required by us can be a decisive factor in distinguishing between negligence and deception in an emergency.
We therefore urge you to check your bibliography carefully before submitting it - it is better to have too much than too little. Also use the declaration of independence to disclose your use of AI correctly, completely and appropriately. Without such disclosure, any AI-related error can be considered an undercut. On the other hand, if the usage is properly disclosed, AI errors are more likely to result in a grade deduction for inadequate personal review of the AI result.

There is no written exam for the following courses. Nevertheless, it is essential to register for the exam in the campus portal in order to successfully complete the course.

The Chair of Governance is offering a Master's seminar on “Platform Governance in Emerging Medical Markets: Regulation and Business Models in the German Healthcare Industry” in the upcoming winter semester 2025/26.

The master's seminar deals with platform governance in emerging medical markets. Platform governance refers to the rules, structures and mechanisms by which digital platforms control the behavior of their users, providers and third parties. Our focus is on regulatory issues and business models in the German healthcare sector, which include, for example, the distribution of medical cannabis or offers for on-demand medical advice. We analyze how digital platforms challenge and change traditional structures in the healthcare sector.
The aim of the seminar is to develop an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of platform-based business models in the medical context. Examination requirements are an independent seminar paper, an associated presentation and the joint development of precise research questions.

Suggested literature for introduction: Hermes, S., Riasanow, T., Clemons, E. K., Böhm, M., & Krcmar, H. (2020). The digital transformation of the healthcare industry: Exploring the rise of emerging platform ecosystems and their influence on the role of patients. Business Research, 13, 1033-1069. doi.org/10.1007/s40685-020-00125-x

Please apply between 30.06.2025 and 07.07.2025 via our application form. If you have any questions, please contact Tim Emmel.