In this course, there will be multiple projects into which the students will be split up.

The project partners for this semester are:

• Kearney: From Niche to Default? The Future of Parcel Lockers in Germany & Austria 

  Parcel lockers are often seen as a solution to rising last-mile costs, failed deliveries, and sustainability challenges - but will they truly become the default delivery option? In this project, students will assess how parcel locker adoption in Germany and Austria is likely to evolve over the next 5-10 years, identify the key levers that can accelerate consumer adoption, and explore future use cases beyond traditional parcel delivery, including new revenue opportunities. The project combines market analysis with primary research, including a consumer survey, expert interviews, and targeted desk research.

• Accenture
  The project aims to explore and design an optimal Transformation Value Office (TVO) model that helps organizations effectively manage, prioritize, and realize value from transformation initiatives. Students will analyze current industry practices, assess organizational pain points, and develop a strategic “to-be” design proposal outlining the structure, remit, and governance of an effective TVO.

In all projects, the challenge is to connect theory to a real-life business case, paired with data collection and evaluation. Constant status meetings will ensure the exchange of ideas and feedback among all three groups as well as the academic supervisors and the partner companies.

Please note that due to the nature of projects, information as stated on this page is subject to potential changes (e.g., the times of the first or the last class may change). Specifically, note that most classes will be reserved for work-on-project and/or coaching sessions. However, there are some dates on which we will have class (more information on this in the Kick-off Session). In addition, however, a maximum of 1 or 2 additional meeting dates will come up to allow for extended interaction with the corporate partner. Also, telephone conferences may be arranged outside of the indicated hours.

The aims of the projects are

• to investigate and structure a complex management challenge that an international company faces
• to provide an in-depth analysis of the current status by undergoing a thorough survey
• to provide strategic solutions that are viable under the given organizational conditions

After completing this project students will have

• gained insights into what challenges a global company faces in an international management environment and how it deals with such issues
• learned how to analyze and structure real-life management situations in a global context
• combined and applied several theoretical concepts to the international management challenge
• received feedback from practitioners on the outcome of their analysis and the viability of their recommendations

Students will have the ability to

• develop critical thinking and defend their developed arguments in class and in front of practitioners
• organize teamwork including presentation skills
• present and "sell" their solutions in a professional way, through presentation skills and support of suitable media

IMPORTANT:

Generally, you need to attend all sessions. However, we will not meet in class at every unit indicated in the course catalog as some of those sessions are blocked for group work. Hence, you will not have to attend all of those meetings but only those for your group (please block all of them in your calendars for the time being though). More information will be given during the first session.

Sessions with required attendance (further dates to be announced in due time):

18/03/2026

20/03/2026 (CEMS Workshop)

29/04/2026

03/06/2026

For the Kearney project, please mark the following additional dates (to be confirmed with students and project partners):

• Kick-off: 25/03/2026 (09-14:00)
• Midterm: 22/05/2026 (from 9am onwards)
• Final: 19/06 or 26/06 (from 9am onwards)

For the Accenture project, please mark the following date:

• Kick-off: 16/03/2026 (14-17:00) @Accenture Office

The process will be split up in a way that ensures crisp project work with the company on the one hand as well as detailed feedback and reflection on the other hand.

For the former, the students will work closely and independently with the company.

For the latter, several status meetings will be held during the semester in which the groups are to present their project, reflect critically as well as give and receive valuable feedback. Furthermore, the two sessions will include parts of the academic supervisors giving theoretical and practical background information and guidance. 

Allocation to one of the projects is done by CEMS Office

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Please note that due to the nature of projects, information as stated on this page is subject to potential changes. Specifically note that most classes will be reserved for work-on-project and/or coaching sessions (except for the ones indicated above). Consequently, you most probably do not have to be in class every week all the time (but reserve them for the time being. In addition, however, additional meetings or telcos will come up to allow for extended interaction with the corporate partner (these will be arranged flexibly between you and the corporate partner). Midterm and final presentation dates not incluede yet.