Syllabus
Registration via LPIS
Dates:
- 16.10.2026, 09:00-11:00: D5.6.029
- 16.10.2026, 11:00-18:00: D4.0.047
- 13.11.2026, 09:00-12:00: D5.6.029
- 13:11.2026, 12:00-18:00: D2.0.330
This course examines how innovation and entrepreneurial behavior are shaped by risk, organizational structures, and decision-making as organizations scale.
1. Innovation and Risk Logic
- Innovation beyond technology: understanding innovation as a function of decision-making under uncertainty
- Risk perception as a central driver of organizational behavior
- Entrepreneurial vs. organizational decision logic
- How organizations shape what is perceived as “safe” vs. “risky”
2. Organizational Dynamics and Entrepreneurial Behavior
- Evolution of organizations with growth and scale
- Shift from opportunity-driven to risk-controlled decision-making in growing organizations
- Structural barriers to innovation in large organizations
- The role and limitations of dedicated innovation units
- Self-selection effects: why entrepreneurial individuals leave organizations
3. Cultural Operating Systems
- Different approaches to innovation across regions (e.g. Europe, US, China)
- Planning vs. iteration as dominant development logics
- Cultural impact on speed, risk-taking, and experimentation
- Implications for global organizations and ecosystems
4. Innovation, Stability, and Market Success
- The paradox of large organizations: why they succeed despite slower innovation
- Role of trust, reliability, and integration in B2B markets
- Trade-offs between innovation and execution
- Strategic implications for startups and incumbents
The course aims to impart, expand, and deepen knowledge, skills, and analytical capabilities in understanding innovation in organizational contexts.
- Understanding Risk and Decision-Making: Analyze how risk perception influences innovation and strategic decisions
- Organizational Analysis: Identify how structures, processes, and KPIs shape behavior and outcomes
- Entrepreneurial Behavior: Explain how entrepreneurial thinking evolves and changes in organizations
- Cultural Awareness: Compare different cultural approaches to innovation and execution
- Critical Analysis: Evaluate trade-offs between innovation, speed, and stability
- Presentation: Apply conceptual frameworks to real-world cases and organizational challenges (group presentation 20-25 min incl Q&A)
To successfully complete the course, students must attend at least 80% of all sessions.
Active participation in discussions and group work is essential due to the interactive nature of the course.
In general, all absences in the course must be notified to the course instructors via email (if possible in advance) and confirmation (for example a medical certificate, or in case of an exam a note confirming the date of the written examination) must be submitted as soon as possible. Absences can result in additional compensation work to ensure the course's learning outcomes.
- Teaching and discussion of theoretical concepts and frameworks
- Case-based learning using real-world decision situations
- Group discussions and plenary sessions
- Application of concepts through exercises and analysis
- Presentation of group work
- Peer feedback and reflection
The course is designed to move from conceptual understanding to application in real organizational contexts.
General criteria:
- In-Class Participation: Active engagement in discussions and sessions
- Practical Tasks and Presentations: Application of concepts and analysis of cases
Grading system:
- 30% Active participation
- 30% Practical tasks (group-based)
- 40% Final presentation
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