Online Course Guide of WHU –
Find all modules and courses of our degree programs.
Please use the filters below to select the term (spring or fall) as well as the respective program (BSc, MSc, MBA, Exchange, Doctoral) of your choice for an overview of all modules offered at WHU. The courses are listed under the modules. Please click on a module to see which courses are part of it. If you would like to find out more about a certain course, click on the name of the course to see detail information. The location of the lecture will be revealed after your course registration on myWHUstudies.
Spring term counts from January - August, fall term counts from September - December.
Important for Exchange Students: As the Full-Time and Part-Time MBA Programs utilize a modular course structure, the dates on which students begin and end the exchange are flexible. Please find here a chronological overview of the preliminary course offering for Fall and Spring.
Entrepreneurial Transformation in Corporations
(Please note that exchange students obtain a higher number of credits in the BSc-program at WHU than listed here. For further information please contact directly the International Relations Office.)
Course Content
Class Dates
Date
Time
Learning Outcomes
Ability to apply these insights in real life setting to address particular challenges
Literature
This module provides an introduction to why companies are forced to become more entrepreneurial than ever, and what prevents them from doing so. In this first session, the different assignments for this course (i.e. individual essay and group assignment) will also be introduced and described.
Module 2: Mimicking startups: Stimulating intrapreneurship
+ Introduction to Group Assignment 1
In this module, we discuss potential structures (i.e. structural and contextual ambidexterity) that companies can use to successfully organize for entrepreneurial transformation.
Reading material
O’Reilly, C.A. & Tushman, L.T. (2004) The ambidextrous organization. Harvard Business Review, April 2004.
Module 3: Investing in startups: Corporate venturing + Group Assignment 2
In this module, we focus on how corporates can successfully invest in startups to stimulate entrepreneurial transformation.
Reading material
Lerner, J. 2013. Corporate Venturing. Harvard Business Review, 91(10): 86-94
Module 4: Collaborating with startups: Alliances + Group assignment 3
Alliances are primary vehicles for develop new capabilities, identifying new business opportunities and accessing new technologies. In this module, we examine how corporates can successfully engage in collaboration with startups.
Reading material
Faems, D.; Janssens, M.; Van Looy, B. (2010) Managing the competition cooperation dilemma in R&D alliances: A multiple case-study in the advanced materials industry. Creativity and Innovation Management, 19: 3-22.
Module 5: Buying startups: Acquiring
+ Group assignment 4
In this module, we explore acquisitions of start-ups as growth instruments. Specific topics will include deal sourcing, target selection, deal structuring, valuation, implementation and post-acquisition integration.
Reading material
Kale, P., Singh, H., and Raman, A.P. 2009. Don’t Integrate Your Acquisitions, Partner with Them. Harvard Business Review, 87(12): 109-115.
Module 6: Introduction to individual assignment