Module Catalog: M.Sc. Consumer Science
Module Catalog: M.Sc. Consumer Science
www.tum.de
www.wi.tum.de
Module Catalog: General Information and Notes to the Reader
Non-binding Information
Module descriptions serve to increase transparency and improve student orientation with respect to course
offerings. They are not legally-binding. Individual modifications of described contents may occur in praxis.
Legally-binding information on all questions concerning the study program and examinations can be found in the
subject-specific academic and examination regulations (FPSO) of individual programs, as well as in the general
academic and examination regulations of TUM (APSO).
Elective modules
Please note that generally not all elective modules offered within the study program are listed in the module
catalog.
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
Content:
The objective of this module is to provide students with an understanding of consumer behavior and scientific
approaches to consumer behavior research. The students get to know the main models of consumer behavior and
the main determinants of consumer behavior in the cultural and socio-demographic background. The module also
provides an understanding of how consumers make choices and which factors influence the process of decision-
making.
Media:
slides, case studies, exercises
Reading List:
Peter, J. P. and J. C. Olsen (2010). Consumer Behavior and Marketing Strategy. Boston, McGraw Hill;
Solomon, M.R., G.J. Barnossy, S. Askegaard, and M. Hoog (2010). Consumer Behavior. The European Market.
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4th Edition. Financial Times Prentice Hall. Addtitional references are provided in the course.
In the first part students show that they know and that they can apply the basic descriptive and inductive methods
of quantitative research. In a computer-based exam (60 minutes) students show their ability to differentiate
between the different methods and to apply them to an unknown data set using the software SPSS. Students proof
that they are able to conduct basic data analyses with SPSS and that they are able to evaluate and interpret the
outcomes. Moreover they proof that they can draw significant conclusions from their data analysis based on their
statistical knowledge. By answering additional questions, students reproduce basic statistical methods and
formulas and rewrite their purpose in their own words. Finally, they need to be able to explain the advantages of
quantitative methods for certain research questions as compared to qualitative methods.
In the second part of the exam (60 minutes) students proof that they can reproduce the basic theoretical concepts
of qualitative research methods. By answering standardized questions students show, that they remember and
understand and are able to compare case study and ethnographic research and the different means of data
collection (verbal, written, visual). In addition, they must be able to explain for what kind of research questions,
qualitative designs are better suited than quantitative designs. By answering open questions students have to
transfer their acquired knowledge to answer practical problems by providing own examples. Students show that
they are able to evaluate research designs, data collection and analysis methods. They need to show that they are
able to apply systematic analysis of qualitative data for theory development.
Repeat Examination:
Next semester
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
Introduction to statistics
Content:
Quantitative RM:
Explorative data analysis (Process of a statistical analysis, Identifying appropriate sample sizes, Scales of
measurement, Organisation of data sets, descriptive statistics); Confirmatory data analysis (non-parametric and
parametric hypothesis testing); Multivariate data analysis (Correlation analysis, Anova, Regression analysis)
Qualitative RM:
At the beginning of the 21st century, qualitative research has become an established method of inquiry in human
Media:
slides, blackboard, computer exercises
Reading List:
Field, Andy (2009). Discovering Statistics with SPSS. 3rd Edition. London: Sage Publ. Lmt.
Additional references are provided in the course.
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
Introductory statistics, principle of consumer behavior
Content:
The module aims to provide the students with the necessary skills to correctly conduct a consumer behavior
research study, and evaluate the findings from the corresponding study. As most consumer behavior research
projects require the appropriate use of quantitate data, emphasis is given to the quantitative aspect of consumer
behavior research, practical data analysis, and the interpretation of research results. The topic covered in the
course includes survey design, questionnaire design, attitude measurement, sampling schemes, factor analysis,
cluster analysis, and conjoint analysis.
Media:
Slides, textbooks, blackboard, exercise on data analysis
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
Research Methods (quantitative) and foundations in Statistics
Content:
The module will cover the following topics:
- Marketing Strategy
- Managing Customer Heterogeneity
- Managing Customer Dynamics
- Managing Sustainable Competitive Advantage
- Managing Resource Trade-offs
- Implementing Marketing Principles and Data Analytics
- Analytics Infrastructure
- Fundamentals of Data Analysis in R
- Data Visualization
- Consumer Analytics in R
- Marketing Research Projects
Media:
Slides, handout, textbooks, research articles, exercise sheets, programming exercises
Reading List:
Palmatier, R. W., & Sridhar, S. (2017). Marketing Strategy: Based on First Principles and Data Analytics. Palgrave
Macmillan. Chicago
Chapman, Chris, and Elea McDonnell Feit. R for marketing research and analytics. Springer, 2015.
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
Principles of economics, principles of calculus
Content:
The module provides an introduction to microeconomic approaches used to explain and analyse consumer
decisions based on rational choice theory. The module covers principles of utility theory as well as the impacts of
policy measures on consumer choice and welfare.
Against this background the module discusses the economic rationale of consumer policy, such as information
asymmetries, competition policy, information policy, quality and safety assurance, liability and contract law. The
students are introduced to a selection of consumer policy institutions and organisations.
Special topics such as household production theory and financial decision making are covered.
Reading List:
Goolsbee A, Levitt S, Syverson C (2013). Microeconomics. New York: Worth Publishers.
Additional references are provided in the course.
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
None
Content:
This module provides an introduction to the basic concepts of economics. It is divided into two parts: micro- and
macroeconomics.
Microeconomics deals with the behavior of individual agents, such as households, firms, and public institutions and
with their interaction on markets. How can market demand be derived from the consumption choices of
households? How can market supply be derived from the production decisions of firms? Which mechanisms give
rise to an equalization of demand and supply? What are the consequences of market failure, and what can the
state do about it?
Macroeconomics takes an aggregated perspective; it analyzes the economy as a whole. How can economic
activity, inflation, and unemployment be measured? What are the factors that determine economic growth? Which
mechanisms give rise to economic fluctuations, and how can these fluctuations be mitigated through fiscal and
monetary policy?
Media:
text books, script
Reading List:
Baumol, William J. and Alan S. Blinder (2015): Economics - Principles and Policy. Boston: Cengage AND
Krugman, Paul and Robin Wells (2015): Economics. New York: Worth AND
Mankiw, Gregory N. and Mark P. Taylor (2017): Economics. Boston: Cengage
One of the management specializations in the following three tables must be selected.
In the chosen specialization, one seminar must be successfully completed from the seminars offered in the
framework of the Advanced Seminar for at least 6 credits.
In addition, within chosen specialization, additional electives of a total of 12 credits must be earned from a
supplementary elective catalog. The following is an example of such a catalog.
Repeat Examination:
Next semester / End of Semester
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
none
Content:
The module deals with different topics within entrepreneurship research such as
- discovering entrepreneurial role models,
- psychology of entrepreneurship,
- entrepreneurial leadership,
- ideation and venture creation,
- venture growth and
- internationalization and strategic entrepreneurship.
The module prepares students for the scientific work in their master theses and provides them with deepening
insights into scientific literature on entrepreneurship. Besides writing a seminar paper, this involves presenting their
final results.
Media:
MS Office, PowerPoint, Whiteboard, Flipchart
Reading List:
Hisrich, R. D./Peters, M. P./Shepherd, D. A.: Entrepreneurship, 8th edition, McGraw-Hill, 2010
Further readings will be announced at the course introduction.
Repeat Examination:
Next semester
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
Fundamentals of Technology and Innovation Management
Students get to know the cooperation partner as well as its industry. The students are working independently and
are coached regularly. In addition two professional presentation coachings are offered. Dr. Christian Hackl from
TUMtech gives Feedback how to improve presentation content and style.
Media:
Participants receive all presented slides and research papers about the lead user method.
Reading List:
- Glen L. Urban / Eric von Hippel (1988). Lead User Analyses for the Development of New Industrial Products,
Management Science, Vol. 34, No. 5, pp. 569-582.
- Herstatt, C., Lüthje, C., & Lettl, C. (2003). Fortschrittliche Kunden zu Breakthrough-Innovationen stimulieren. In
Management der frühen Innovationsphasen (pp. 57-71). Gabler Verlag.
- Henkel, J., Jung, S. (2009) The Technology-Push Lead User Concept: A New Tool for Application Identification,
http://www.researchgate.net/publication/228820209_The_Technology-Push_Lead_User_
Concept_A_New_Tool_for_Application_Identification/links/00b7d521ce2d489500000000
- Lüthje, C. (2000), Kundenorientierung im Innovationsprozess, S. 130-152.
- v. Hippel, E. / Thomke, S. / Sonnack, M. (1999), Creating Breakthroughs at 3M, Harvard Business Review,
September-October, S. 47-57.
- v. Hippel, Eric. Democratizing innovation. MIT press, 2005.
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
Content:
This course provides a graduate-level introduction to the key questions and issues facing policy-makers and
societies when trying to understand, govern, and live with innovation. Students will explore how innovation enters
the policy-process (and vice versa); how emerging technologies and scientific progress pose questions that
require political and public attention; and how innovation is (or isn't) being governed through political institutions.
Over the course of the semester, students will acquire a range of concepts and analytic lenses from the fields of
Science and Technology Studies (STS) and Public Policy that will help them to deal with complex questions
surrounding the policy and politics of innovation. They will learn to identify fundamental patterns and recurring
tensions in innovation policy -- including technocratic vs. deliberative-democratic governance of innovation(s),
deterministic vs. constructivist explanations of innovation success and failure, universal innovation models vs.
irreducible socio-political contingency etc. -- and learn how to speak about them with confidence in the context of
their own research. In particular, students will be encouraged to take and defend a normative position on the
questions and cases they encounter during the class. For example, should the state intervene in innovation?
Should life forms be patentable? How should we asses the benefits, costs and risks of innovation? What should
count as innovative activity? Case studies will draw upon a range of innovative fields and domains, including
biotechnology, information technology, manufacturing, and various nation-level policy strategies.
- What is innovation? What do engineers, executives, and policy makers refer to when they talk about innovation?
How have the social sciences conceptualized innovation in theoretical terms?
- How is innovation organized? What is the (right) role of science, businesses, government, and other members of
Media:
Reader (literature provided in course moodle); power point presentations; flipcharts; video clips; newspaper articles
and blogs
Reading List:
Joseph A. Schumpeter, 'Entrepreneurship as Innovation,' in Entrepreneurship: The Social Science View, ed.
Richard Swedberg, 1 edition (Oxford: New York: Oxford University Press, 2000), pp. 51-70;
Joseph Schumpeter, Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy, New York: Harper and Row, 1942, Ch. 7 (Creative
Destruction), pp. pp. 81-86
Rogers, Everett M, Diffusion of Innovations, New York: Free Press; Collier Macmillan, 1962 (5th ed. 2002), Ch. 1
'Elements of Diffusion,' pp 1-37.
van den Belt, Henk, and Arie Rip. 'The Nelson-Winter-Dosi Model and Dye Chemistry.' In The Social Construction
of Technological Systems: New Directions in the Sociology and History of Technology, edited by Wiebe Bijker,
Thomas P. Hughes, and Trevor Pinch, 135-58. MIT Press, 1987
Pinch TJ and Bijker WE (1984) The Social Construction of Facts and Artefacts: or How the Sociology of Science
and the Sociology of Technology might Benefit Each Other. Social Studies of Science 14(3): 399-441.
Geels FW (2002) Technological transitions as evolutionary reconfiguration processes: a multi-level perspective
and a case-study. Research Policy,
Vannevar Bush, Science, the Endless Frontier., 2nd ed. (United States Office of Scientific Research and
Development, 1945).
Donald E. Stokes, Pasteurs Quadrant: Basic Science and Technological Innovation (Washington, D.C: Brookings
Inst Pr, 1997) pp 58-89 (Chapter 3: Transforming the paradigm)
Stephen J Kline and Nathan Rosenberg, 'An Overview of Innovation,' in The Positive Sum Strategy: Harnessing
The research paper is an assignment that covers most of the material given in the module. The instructor uses it to
estimate how well a student has understood, researched, and incorporated the material and activities associated
with the module. Furthermore, students demonstrate their ability to apply the acquired concepts and knowledge to
a current issue related to the innovation and society. The research paper is an original piece of writing that may
involve empirical research on a specific case.
The reaction papers reflect the content of the classes and enhance the discussion in the classroom. In the papers,
students evaluate the assigned text's strengths and weaknesses, which encourages a close reading of the text that
goes beyond the surface meaning. In their writing, students respond to implied ideas, and elaborate, evaluate, and
analyze the author's purpose and main points. Students submit their papers prior to the class to the instructor and
make them available to the other participants, who can comment on the contributions of their peers both online and
during class. In the reaction papers, students demonstrate their ability to engage critically with the ideas and
theories introduced in the course readings.
Repeat Examination:
Next semester
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
The module is part of the curriculum on Science and Technology Studies (STS) offered at MCTS and the TUM
School of Management Master's Programs. We have designed the module for advanced students who are
interested in the relationship between technology and society. Even though it is open to participants from all kinds
of backgrounds, the courses offered in this module is firmly rooted in the social sciences and humanities. While this
is not mandatory, participants should have a basic academic understanding of social, political, and cultural issues.
Ideally, they have previously taken a course in sociology, political science, history, philosophy, anthropology or
related disciplines.
Content:
This module introduces the participants to key questions and issues facing policy-makers, engineers, and society
writ large when trying to understand, anticipate, and organize the future of technology in society. In order to
comprehend current developments and technoscientific futures, students engage with past and present predictions
about how innovation might change the world we live in. Changes in science and technology have often influenced
Media:
not specified
Reading List:
Beckert, Jens. 2016. Imagined futures: Fictional expectations and capitalist dynamics. Cambridge Massachusetts:
Harvard University Press.
Borup, Mads, Nik Brown, Kornelia Konrad, and Harro van Lente. 2006. 'The Sociology of Expectations in Science
and Technology. 'Technology Analysis & Strategic Management 18(3-4):285-98.
doi:10.1080/09537320600777002.
Jasanoff, Sheila, and Sang-Hyun Kim, editors. 2015. Dreamscapes of Modernity: Sociotechnical Imaginaries and
the Fabrication of Power. Chicago, London: The University of Chicago Press.
Schulz, Markus S., editor. 2015, vol. 63, Future Moves in Culture, Society and Technology: SAGE Publications.
Urry, John. 2016. What is the future? Cambridge UK, Malden MA: Polity Press.
Repeat Examination:
Next semester
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
Modules in entrepreneurship, corporate sustainability and/or sustainability marketing are recommended.
Content:
Entrepreneurship plays a key role in the transformation towards sustainable development. This is also reflected in
a growing scholarly interest in the topic. In this module, we will investigate the theory and empirical evidence of
sustainable entrepreneurship. The module will cover the following topics:
1) Grand societal challenges of the 21st century and Sustainable Development Goals
2) The nexus of sustainable development and entrepreneurship
3) Sustainable entrepreneurship: What it is and what it is not
4) Entrepreneurship as a process and process theory
5) The process of sustainable entrepreneurship
6) Sustainable opportunity recognition
7) Sustainable opportunity development
8) Sustainable opportunity exploitation
9) Entrepreneurial teams in sustainable entrepreneurship
10) Community entrepreneurship
11) Hybrid organizing
Media:
Presentations, slides, cases, links and further literature will be provided via www.moodle.tum.de
Reading List:
The module is based on key scientific papers (required readings), which form the basis for the reflection essay in
the end of the semester. All materials are provided as pdf files in TUM Moodle (https://www.moodle.tum.de).
The most recent literature review on sustainable entrepreneurship by Munoz & Cohen (2017) provides a holistic
overview of the relevant literature:
Munoz, P. A., & Cohen, B. (2017). Sustainable entrepreneurship research: Taking stock and looking ahead.
Business Strategy and the Environment.
Repeat Examination:
Next semester
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
Modules in entrepreneurship, corporate sustainability and/or sustainability marketing are recommended.
Content:
Whether it is tackling climate change, resource degradation or social inequalities - responding to sustainability
issues constitutes the biggest challenge for businesses in the 21st century. Embracing a great range of industries
including food, energy or textiles, the field of life sciences is a key area for sustainability. Since the production of
these goods accounts for an extensive use of resources, there is great potential for effecting real improvements on
a way towards more sustainable production and lifestyles. In this module we want to invite and inspire students to
make a difference. We introduce them to the theory and practice of sustainable entrepreneurship, pursuing the
triple bottom line of economic, ecological and social goals. We present the sustainable business model canvas as
a tool for the students to explore their own ideas and to develop a sustainable business in the area of life sciences.
Adopting a step-by-step approach, the following topic will be covered (all topics will be explained in general and
then discussed in the context of life sciences):
Media:
Presentations, slides, cases, links and further literature will be provided via www.moodle.tum.de
Reading List:
The module is based on a few key scientific papers and practical tools such as the business model canvas. These
form the basis for classroom discussions and are to be used for developing an own business model. All materials
are provided as pdf files in TUM Moodle (https://www.moodle.tum.de).
Students should be familiar with the United Nations¿ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the basics of the
business model canvas:
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-
development-goals/
Business Model Canvas:
Osterwalder, A. & Pigneur, Y. (2010). Business Model Generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers,
and Challengers. Wiley: New Jersey, US.
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
none
Content:
The module deals with different topics within entrepreneurship research such as
Media:
MS Office, PowerPoint, Whiteboard, Flipchart
Reading List:
Hisrich, R. D. / Peters, M. P. / Shepherd, D. A.: Entrepreneurship, 8th edition, McGraw-Hill, 2010 (optional)
Obligatory readings will be announced at the course introduction.
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
None
Content:
How are decisions actually made in theory and practice?
This module enriches students' knowledge of judgment and strategic decision making (JSDM) on a theoretical and
a practical level. JSDM has been regarded as the core of an organization's operation and a core competence of
any top-level executive. In this course, we will introduce different perspectives on JSDM. More specifically, we will
discuss three different perspectives, First, what are the drivers of individual, group and organizational decisions
from a psychological perspective including common biases and errors present in strategic decision? Second, how
can decisions nowadays be based on data science approaches including AIs and machine learning algorithms?
Third, how are decisions actually made in practice and what are key questions managers face when making
strategic decisions?
Practice:
Students understand how decision making occurs from a practitioner's point of view and will be able to integrate
these viewpoints with scientific theory.
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Method:
Students will gain insights into research methods in the applied setting of decision making, data-driven decisions
and strategic management research.
They are able to analyze different streams of theory, conduct efficient decision making studies and apply results in
practice.
They are able to research, analyze, and evaluate scientific literature.
Media:
Slides, case studies, scientific literature
Reading List:
Bazerman, M. H. & Moore, D. (2013). Judgment in Managerial Decision Making (8th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley
& Sons.
Gigerenzer, G. & Gaissmaier, W. (2011). Heuristic decision making. Annual Review of Psychology, 62, 451-482.
Tversky, A. & Kahnemann, D. (1974). Judgment under uncertainty: Heuristics and biases. Science, 185, 1124-
1131.
Weber, E. U. & Johnson, E. J. (2009). Mindful judgment and decision making. Annual Review of Psychology, 60,
53-85.
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Strategic Decision Making
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Elective Modules Marketing, Strategy and Leadership
Repeat Examination:
Next semester
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
Content:
This interactive module is designed to provide students with the essential knowledge about negotiation strategies
and enable them to apply the methods learnt as well as strategies in negotiations by means of role play. The main
focus of this module is the analysis of negotiation processes, whereby difficulties, especially regarding the issue of
power and influence, will be identified and possible solutions evaluated. In order to prepare the students for
international negotiations, this module also deals with difficulties arising in international negotiation situations.
Complex situations and multi-person negotiations, which frequently occur in a firm/management context and where
advanced knowledge in negotiations is necessary, build the core of this module.
Media:
Presentations, role play, case studies
Reading List:
Bazerman, M.H. und Neale, M.A. (1994): "Negotiating Rationally"
Repeat Examination:
Next semester
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
None
Content:
In this module, classical pricing tools (e.g. conjoint analysis) and approaches will be presented and discussed. In
contrast to these, pricing based on insights from ¿Behavioral Economics¿ will be introduced.
On the basis of numerous case studies from different sectors (FMCG, client services, capital investments) and
markets (B2C versus B2B) methodological implications and strategic options will be developed to examine how
¿Behavioral Pricing¿ can be effectively leveraged in practice. Presented topics are among others:
-Non-linear Pricing
-Price Differentiation
-Price Discrimination
-Test Markets
-Price Experiments
Media:
PowerPoint
Reading List:
Basic literature (in addition, further literature about individual topics will be discussed in the seminar):
¿ Bauer, F. (2010): Pricing beyond the Homo Oeconomicus: Expensive mistakes and profitable opportunities in
pricing research. In: ESOMAR "Best Methodological Paper". Amsterdam: ESOMAR.
¿ Caldwell, L. (2012). The psychology of price. How to use price to increase demand, profit and customer
satisfaction. Surrey: Crimson Publishing.
¿ Poundstone, W. (2010). Priceless: the myth of fait value (and how to take advantage of it). New York: Hill and
Wang.
¿ Smith, T. J. (2011). Pricing Strategy: Setting Price Levels, Managing Price Discounts and Establishing Price
Structures. Cengage Learning.
Repeat Examination:
Next semester
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
Basics of business administration
Content:
Students gain in-depth knowledge about important elements of strategy as well as major concepts and instruments
needed for the successful management of multinational enterprises (MNEs).
Media:
Slides (download)
Online video (download)
International scientific literature (English)
Case studies
if applicable, guest lecture
Reading List:
¿ Hambrick, D. C., Finkelstein, S. 1987. Managerial Discretion: A Bridge between Polar Views of Organizational
Outcomes. In B. M. Staw, L. L. Cummings (Eds.), Research in Organizational Behavior, 9: 369-406.
¿ Collis, D. J., Montgomery, C. A. 1998. Creating corporate advantage. Harvard Business Review, 5/6: 71-83.
¿ Goold, M., Campbell, A., Alexander, M. 1994. Parenting Advantage: The Framework. In: Corporate-Level
Strategy. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.: 12-37.
¿ Grant, R. 1996. Portfolio Planning. In Goold, M. & Sommers Luchs, K. (Eds.), Managing the Multibusiness
Company. Routledge: 93-98.
¿ Penrose, E. 1955. Research on the Business Firm - Limits to the Growth and Size of the Firm. American
Economic Review, 25(2): 531-543.
¿ Penrose, E. 1959. The Theory of the Growth of the Firm. Oxford University Press.
¿ Greiner, L. 1972. Evolution and Revolution as Organizations Grow. Harvard Business Review, 50(4): 37-46.
¿ Markides, C. 1997. To Diversify or Not to Diversify. Harvard Business Review, 75(6): 93-99.
¿ Hutzschenreuter, T. & Voll, J. 2008. Performance Effects of ¿Added Cultural Distance¿ in the Path of
International Expansion: the Case of German Multinational Enterprises. Journal of International Business Studies,
39(1): 53-70.
¿ Ghemawat, P. 2001. Distance Still Matters. Harvard Business Review, 79(8): 137-147.
¿ Goold, M., Campbell, A., Alexander, M.1994. Stand-Alone Influence. In: Corporate-Level Strategy. John Wiley &
Sons, Inc.: 90-138.
¿ Goold, M., Campbell, A., Alexander, M.1994. Linkage Influence. In: Corporate-Level Strategy. John Wiley &
Sons, Inc.: 139-186.
¿ Tallman, S. B. 2011: Offshoring, Outsourcing, and Strategy in the Global Firm, AIB Insights, 11(1): 3-7.
¿ Tallman, S. B. & Koza, M. P. 2010: Keeping the Global in Mind: the Evolution of Headquarters in Global Multi-
Business Firms. Management International Review, 50(4): 433-448.
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
Content:
* First, the module starts with a discussion about how the meaning of luxury evolved from the past until now. It will
elaborate how luxury differs from other related concepts.
* Second, it will focus on understanding consumer behavior association with luxury products and brands. In
particular, it will identify the underlying drivers of conspicuous consumption (e.g. self-reward, social elevation) and
what consumers want to signal through the purchase of luxury products (e.g. status, wealth, power).
* Third, the module will discuss best practices, do's and don'ts, when it comes to building, managing, and
extending luxury brands. Especially, the symbolic power and the identity of luxury brands will be discussed.
* Last but not least, it will discuss the 4Ps of luxury marketing and how to leverage them to develop an effective
marketing strategy.
Media:
Reading List:
- Han, Y. J., Nunes, J. C., & Drèze, X. (2010). Signaling status with luxury goods: The role of brand prominence.
Journal of Marketing, 74(4), 15-30.
- Wang, Y., & Griskevicius, V. (2014). Conspicuous consumption, relationships, and rivals: Women's luxury
products as signals to other women. Journal of Consumer Research, 40(5), 834-854.
- Bellezza, S., Gino, F., & Keinan, A. (2014). The red sneakers effect: Inferring status and competence from
signals of nonconformity. Journal of Consumer Research, 41(1), 35-54.
- Mandel, N., Petrova, P. K., & Cialdini, R. B. (2006). Images of success and the preference for luxury brands.
Journal of Consumer Psychology, 16(1), 57-69.
- Rucker, D. D., & Galinsky, A. D. (2008). Desire to acquire: Powerlessness and compensatory consumption.
Journal of Consumer Research, 35(2), 257-267.
- Griskevicius, V., Tybur, J. M., & Van den Bergh, B. (2010). Going green to be seen: status, reputation, and
conspicuous conservation. Journal of personality and social psychology, 98(3), 392.
- Hagtvedt, H., & Patrick, V. M. (2008). Art and the brand: The role of visual art in enhancing brand extendibility.
Journal of Consumer Psychology, 18.
- Hagtvedt, H., & Patrick, V. M. (2009). The broad embrace of luxury: Hedonic potential as a driver of brand
extendibility. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 19.
- Fuchs, C., Prandelli, E., Schreier, M., & Dahl, D. W. (2013). All that is users might not be gold: How labeling
products as user designed backfires in the context of luxury fashion brands. Journal of Marketing, 77(5), 75-91.
- Wilcox, K., Kim, H. M., & Sen, S. (2009). Why do consumers buy counterfeit luxury brands?. Journal of Marketing
Research, 46(2), 247-259.
- Willems, K., Janssens, W., Swinnen, G., Brengman, M., Streukens, S., & Vancauteren, M. (2012). From Armani
to Zara: Impression formation based on fashion store patronage. Journal of Business Research, 65(10), 1487-
1494.
- Ward, M. K., & Dahl, D. W. (2014). Should the Devil Sell Prada? Retail Rejection Increases Aspiring Consumers'
Desire for the Brand. Journal of Consumer Research, 41(3), 590-609.
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
Knowledge in microeconomics/consumer economics and/or consumer behavior theories. Knowledge in empirical
research methods.
Content:
Key topics of the seminar may include:
- Current issues in sustainable consumption
- Current issues in consumers and digitalization
- Current issues in consumer research
Reading List:
Ethridge, D. (2004). Research Methodology in Applied Economics, 2nd Edition. Ames: Blackwell Publishing.
Reisch, L. (2015). Handbook of research on sustainable consumption. Cheltenham: Elgar.
Relevant literature will be selected and communicated specifically.
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
none
Content:
This module deals with the production, appropriation, and marketing of industrially produced consumer goods in
the 19th and 20th centuries. Using a variety of specific artefacts and goods, we will explore the cultural shaping
and diversity of mass consumption, as well as its social function. How does material consumption become
transformed into individually experienced pleasure and social meaning? The starting point of this seminar is the
understanding of consumption as culturally specific communication and experience that differs in different parts of
our world. We want to make use of the culturally diverse background of our seminar participants in order to analyze
the material and the symbolic dimension of consumer goods.
Media:
scripts, PowerPoint
Reading List:
Bauman, Zygmunt. Consuming Life; Cambridge: Polity Press 2007. Douglas, Mary, and Baron C. Isherwood. The
World of Goods. New York: Basic Books, 1979. Slater, Don. Consumer Culture and Modernity, Oxford, UK and
Cambridge, Mass., 1997. De Grazia, Victoria. Irresistible Empire. America¿s Advance through 20th-Century
Europe. Cambridge MA, London England, 2005.
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
Open to TUM students in any field of study; no prerequisites. This is an introductory course geared toward students
without prior university-level training in political science or any other social science, who seek an understanding of
the systematic, scientific study of politics and public policy.
Content:
This course provides a broad introduction to the systematic study of politics from the local to the global level. We
will study the sources of political preferences, as well as various forms of articulating those preferences (from
public opinion polls and voting to political violence). We compare how legislative institutions translate public
preferences into law and policy in democratic and non-democratic regimes--and we will examine the role of
executives and courts in the political process. Addressing these issues requires empirical analysis but also raises
fundamental questions of political philosophy, such as: What is the nature of power and how is it related to
expertise, authority, legitimacy, and ethics? And what does democracy mean in international politics or global
governance? We will also examine the relationship between politics, economics, law, and technological innovation,
asking questions such as: Why is government intervention in the development of new technologies or elsewhere in
the economy sometimes considered essential and other times the source of severe problems? What are the
political consequences of various kinds of inequality in a democracy? Why are technically or scientifically optimal
policies often passed up for sub-optimal policies that are no more than "second-best"? Are there ways to improve
upon those second-best outcomes? And why is the realization that war makes everyone worse off no guarantee
against the military escalation of interstate disputes? About 2/3 of each week's class will be devoted to the
conceptual, theoretical and empirical-methodological tools of political analysis; during the remaining 1/3 of each
class, we will explore the application of those tools to contemporary issues at the intersection of science,
technology, economy and society.
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acquire knowledge of key theories and core methods of political analysis, and learn how to apply some of the
conceptual, theoretical and methodological tools of the social sciences to some of the big contemporary policy
questions affecting science, technology, economics and society.
Media:
Various (readings, slides, etc.)
Reading List:
Required readings are taken from various books (including Aristotle's The Politics; The Oxford Handbook of
Political Economy; International Political Economy: Perspectives on Global Power and Wealth (Frieden, Lake &
Broz, eds.); and The New Global Rulers: The Privatization of Regulation in the World Economy (Büthe and Mattli),
as well as academic journals (such as the American Political Science Review, Antitrust Bulletin, International
Organization, and West European Politics) and occasionally from popular magazines and online publications."
Politics for Rocket Scientists (An Introduction to Political Science for Non-Political Scientists) (lecture, 3 SWS)
Büthe T, Buckley Y
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Module Description
POL40100: Introductory Lecture: Politics and Technology
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
None
Content:
The module is intended as an introduction to the questions and research being addressed in the main thematic
areas of the master's program: big transformations and their environmental, technological, and social dimensions;
democracy in a digital age; and global governance, ethics and technology. The links between these areas and
research areas found in the TUM, such as economics and policy, digital technologies, social responsibility and
corporate governance, and urbanization, mobility, and energy will be explained.
Media:
Online-Reader, PowerPoint
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
Knowledge about foundations of ethics/business ethics
Content:
1. Which ethical problems arise from human-machine interactions?; 2. How should human-machine interactions
be designed from an ethical perspective?; 3. Do technical systems carry responsibility?; 4. What is "mindless
morality"?; 5. Are the ethical limits to progressive thinking; 6. How can consequences of technologies be
evaluated?; 7. How can problems of an ethics of technology be investigated empirically?; 8. What do social-
science experiments achieve for an ethics of technology?; 9. What causes societal resistance against technological
progress?; 10. How should one deal with concerns about technological progress?
Media:
Moodle, whiteboard, exercise sheets, flipchart, PowerPoint, films
Economics of Innovation
TUM School of Management
Repeat Examination:
Next semester
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
Familiarity with microeconomics
Content:
This module will provide students in-depth insights into the field of the Economics of Innovation. The module will
discuss some of the prevailing models in the field of Industrial Organization dedicated to the analysis of the
incentives and constraints to innovative activities (R&D activities) as well their relation with imitation, spillovers, firm
size and market structure. The module also comprises a dynamic and knowledge-based view, introducing models
involving the direct generation of new knowledge, the catching-up/falling behind dynamics of competition and the
role played by market selection between innovative firms. The objective of is also to apply the acquired knowledge
to selected topics in the field of innovation research. The students will be asked to write a research paper and to
present their work in class.
Media:
Reading List:
in general:
- Fagerberg, J., Mowery, D. and Nelson, R. R. (2010), Oxford Handbook of Innovation, Oxford: Oxford University
Press
- Hall, B. H. and Rosenberg, N. (2010), Handbook of the Economics of Innovation, Oxford: Elsevier,
specific topics:
- Czarnitzki, D., Hottenrott, H. and Thorwarth, S. (2011) `Industrial research versus development investment - the
implications of financial constraints', Cambridge Journal of Economics, 35, 527-544.
Repeat Examination:
Next semester
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
A basic knowledge in Microeconomic theory is recommended
Content:
a) Economic growth and the environment
b) Economic analysis of environmental problems
c) Role of institutions and liability rules
d) Analysis of environmental economic instruments
- Command and control measures
- Pollution taxes
- Emission trading
- Payments for environmental services
e) Valuation methods for environmental goods
f) Cost-benefit analysis.
Media:
PowerPoint
Reading List:
A digital reader consisting of various textbook chapters and journal articles will be put on Moodle for each chapter
of the course.
The research paper is an assignment that covers most of the material given in the module. The instructor uses it to
estimate how well a student has understood, researched, and incorporated the material and activities associated
with the module. Furthermore, students demonstrate their ability to apply the acquired concepts and knowledge to
a current issue related to the innovation and society. The research paper is an original piece of writing that may
involve empirical research on a specific case.
The reaction papers reflect the content of the classes and enhance the discussion in the classroom. In the papers,
students evaluate the assigned text's strengths and weaknesses, which encourages a close reading of the text that
goes beyond the surface meaning. In their writing, students respond to implied ideas, and elaborate, evaluate, and
analyze the author's purpose and main points. Students submit their papers prior to the class to the instructor and
make them available to the other participants, who can comment on the contributions of their peers both online and
during class. In the reaction papers, students demonstrate their ability to engage critically with the ideas and
theories introduced in the course readings.
Repeat Examination:
Next semester
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
The module is part of the curriculum on Science and Technology Studies (STS) offered at MCTS and the TUM
School of Management Master's Programs. We have designed the module for advanced students who are
interested in the relationship between technology and society. Even though it is open to participants from all kinds
of backgrounds, the courses offered in this module is firmly rooted in the social sciences and humanities. While this
is not mandatory, participants should have a basic academic understanding of social, political, and cultural issues.
Ideally, they have previously taken a course in sociology, political science, history, philosophy, anthropology or
related disciplines.
Content:
This module introduces the participants to key questions and issues facing policy-makers, engineers, and society
writ large when trying to understand, anticipate, and organize the future of technology in society. In order to
comprehend current developments and technoscientific futures, students engage with past and present predictions
about how innovation might change the world we live in. Changes in science and technology have often influenced
Media:
not specified
Reading List:
Beckert, Jens. 2016. Imagined futures: Fictional expectations and capitalist dynamics. Cambridge Massachusetts:
Harvard University Press.
Borup, Mads, Nik Brown, Kornelia Konrad, and Harro van Lente. 2006. 'The Sociology of Expectations in Science
and Technology. 'Technology Analysis & Strategic Management 18(3-4):285-98.
doi:10.1080/09537320600777002.
Jasanoff, Sheila, and Sang-Hyun Kim, editors. 2015. Dreamscapes of Modernity: Sociotechnical Imaginaries and
the Fabrication of Power. Chicago, London: The University of Chicago Press.
Schulz, Markus S., editor. 2015, vol. 63, Future Moves in Culture, Society and Technology: SAGE Publications.
Urry, John. 2016. What is the future? Cambridge UK, Malden MA: Polity Press.
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
Students have to complete a stay abroad relevant to their subject of studies before they can be admitted to the
module. In general, for this purpose international study experience, practical training abroad as well as the
completion of a project study or master's thesis is accepted.
(Details see:
https://www.wi.tum.de/programs/master-in-management/downloads/
https://www.wi.tum.de/programs/master-consumer-affairs/downloads/
https://www.wi.tum.de/programs/master-mt/downloads/)
Content:
This module gives an introduction to basic theoretical knowledge in scientific conceptualisation of culture, cultural
differences and difficulties as well as their overcoming. During the module various scientific definitions of culture
and different scientific approaches of cultural dimensions are outlined. By means of selected cultural characteristics
and practical examples it is explained how to deal with different matters occurring when people with different
cultural background interact. Additionally, different management styles in view of different cultures are declared.
During the module explanatory approaches to difficulties which result from different cultural backgrounds in an
international business environment are elaborated on. Further approaches how to overcome these difficulties are
outlined by means of practical examples in a global working environment and in international teams. In addition,
basic theoretical knowledge in communication and different models of communication are provided. Furthermore, it
is defined how to deal with different communication styles of different cultures and how to communicate adequately
in an international context. For this purpose, selected cultural characteristics and practical examples are used.
Media:
Digital Scripts (PowerPoint Slides, PDF files), videos, scientific literature, exercises
Reading List:
Standard references (amongst others):
Hofstede, Geert (2001): Culture's Consequences. Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations
Across Nations. 2nd edit. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications Inc.
Hall, Edward T.; Hall, Mildred Reed (1990): Understanding Cultural Differences. Maine: Intercultural Press.
Trompenaars, Fons; Hampden-Turner, Charles (2012): Riding the waves of culture. Understanding diversity in
global business. Revised and updated 3rd edition. New York: Mc Graw Hill.
In the Elective Modules, at least 24 credits have to be taken from a supplementary catalogue of electives. The
supplementary catalogue of electives will be announced promptly before the start of classes in an appropriate way
by TUM School of Management.
As an alternative, up to 24 credits can be provided as General Knowledge Modules from the overall offer of the
Technical University of Munich at the Master's level.
Instead of providing the Electives in Consumer Science & Technology (elective modules) at the TUM, subject-
related examinations at a foreign university can be provided as part of a stay abroad.
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
Consumer Behavior, Consumer Economics, Research Methods
Content:
The project study consists of a specific problem statement or challenge which a company or any other similar
institution is confronted with. This challenge may have a research related or practical character. Analyzing potential
sales volumina of new markets, developing a marketing strategy for a new product or the adoption of new
technologies by consumers are just a few examples of what may be subject of the project study. The project study
and its findings regarding the outlined problem set are based on students¿ academic knowledge gained through
their study programs.
Media:
literatur, presentations
Reading List:
General literature to project management:
Rowe, S. (2015). Project Management for Small Projects, 2nd Edition. Oakland: Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
Relevant literature will be selected and communicated specifically for the project.
(Recommended) Prerequisites:
The registration for Master thesis is possible after the successful completion of 60 Credits.
Content:
The Master's Thesis focuses on a research topic in economics or management. It is also possible to research a
topic related to consumer science from an interdisciplinary perspective. Usually, the student works with an
empirical question. The thesis is always supervised by a professor and might be done in co-operation with an
external business or research organization. The research is planned in a way that allows finishing the Thesis in six
months.
Reading List:
specific literature based on the topic