Materials and Economics

Program Directors

Prof. L. Gauckler / Dr. G. Gessinger

Introduction

Materials science focuses on the relationship between structure and properties and on basic methods of processing. The materials engineer is taught to meet engineering specifications and learns how to develop processes for manufacturing. However, in order to make materials development a commercial success, a solid grounding in economics and management is needed.

Objective of Courses

The courses shall be the bridge from the academic training provided during the bachelor’s program to a wide range of possible careers in materials-related research; in the design and development of products; in technical, production and plant management; in consulting; in the financial services sector and entrepreneurship, and in academics.

Teaching Goals

The courses provide the basic economics background to understand the vocabulary to judge the performance of a company, to understand the complexities of bringing a new material to a marketable product; to help selecting the right material from a range of competing materials and manufacturing processes including the make/buy decision. Students shall be equipped with tools to develop strategic plans and business plans.

Courses

Winter semester
Materials and Economy
Technology and Innovation (Technology Management I)
Gründung, Aufbau und Führung innovativer Unternehmen
New Enterprises for Engineers
Summer semester
Business Process Management (BPM)