College of Business | Pforzheim, Germany Program

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Pforzheim, Germany Program

Date:
October - February
March - July

Sponsored by:
The College of Business at Auburn University has established a relationship with Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences, Pforzheim, Germany for a student exchange program. Students from Pforzheim may come to Auburn University, and Auburn students, likewise, may go to Pforzheim for a semester.

About:

The Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences was established in 1992 by merging two formerly independent institutions. The Pforzheim Business School (Fachhochschule fuer Wirtschaft) and The Pforzheim School of Design (Fachhochschule fuer Gestaltung). In addition a School of Engineering with three departments was founded in 1992 and established in 1994/1995.

The Pforzheim University now includes three more or less independent schools/units: Design, Engineering, and Business/Management. In 1996, the first program in the field of Business Law was established. In 1999 Pforzheim University founded the Pforzheim Graduate School to integrate all Masters degree programs. Pforzheim University is a public institution under the supervision of the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. A more general information about the education system is available via the web site of the Department of Science Research and Arts of the state of Baden Wuerttemberg.

Location - Pforzheim, Germany:

The city of Pforzheim is located in the southwest part of Germany at the northern edge of the Black Forest and is part of the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. It is very close to Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, Baden-Baden and Strasbourg (France).

History:

Pforzheim was founded as the Roman village Vicus Portus in 90 A.D. As a city, Pforzheim is documented since 1095. In the Middle Ages the Latin School at Pforzheim was famous for teachers like Johannes Reuchlin (born 1455) and Philipp Melanchthon (born 1497). In 1767 the first factory for watches and jewelry was founded; gold and silver manufacture became the prospering and dominating industrial branch. After World War II the almost totally destroyed city was rebuilt and Pforzheim became the center of the Northern Black Forest region.

City and Surroundings:

Pforzheim (12000 inhabitants) is an industrial city which enjoys worldwide recognition as the center of the European jewelry and watchmaking industry. Though jewelry and gold are still important at Pforzheim, the whole range of the metal industry, communication products and mail order warehouses are now included in the industrial landscape which is dominated by SME-companies like Hammer & Sööhne, Witzenmann, Ungerer, Doduco, Degussa, Klingel, Bader etc. Alcatel, DaimlerChrysler, Porsche, Bosch, IBM, Hewlett Packard and some more are well-known major companies in the area.

The surroundings of Pforzheim are also very attractive: The Black Forest, the famous monastery of Maulbourn (World Historic Monument), vineyards, medieval villages, hills, mountains, rivers and small lakes create a typical landscape. The art of cooking, inspired by France and Switzerland, is famous too. The cities of Pforzheim, Karlsruhe and Stuttgart, the capital of the state Baden-Wuerttemberg, offer a full range of cultural events (theatres, concerts, sports, exhibitions, fairs etc.). The airport closest to Pforzheim is Stuttgart International Airport (about 40 minutes), but also Frankfurt International Airport is within close proximity.

The Program:

Several options for study at Pforzheim are described at:

http://intl.fh-pforzheim.de/in/SAPROG/default.html

Two of the most promising options for students with little or no German-speaking ability are:

German as a Second Language
English-taught graduate courses in Business/Management

German as a Second Language (Deutsch fuer den Beruf):

This program is designed for undergraduate or graduate students. Participants will join an intensive course "German as a second language" at Pforzheim. The course covers an intensive introduction period (two weeks before a semester starts) and an intensive course "German for beginners" offered during the semester. All participants will have to pass the final examination "Deutsch fuer den Beruf" of the Goethe institute; examinations are offered at Pforzheim. Participants will be selected by International Programs at Pforzheim and will get the status of a full time non-degree student. Class size is limited to max. 25 participants.

Target group:	Students at undergraduate or graduate level motivated to complete an intensive language program in less than six months.
General Requirements:	Visa (incl. financial statement); for the admission procedure: Statement of motivation and letter of recommendation.
Language Requirements:	None. Some basic knowledge of German to get you by (housing, dining, etc) is recommended.
Admission Requirements:	Completed application form for "German as a second language", C.V., two photos, adequate health insurance, receipt of the payment to the Deutsche Studentenwerk, payment of the fee for the student card.
Length of the Program:	One semester - incl. an additional two week introduction. The course covers a total of about 330 contact hours.
Start of the Program:	Programs starts in mid September and in mid February - a two week intensive course is obligatory before the semester starts.
Fees:	For admission all students have to pay about $30 per semester as a contribution to the Deutsche Studentenwerk (Mensa, Cafeteria). This fee includes free access to the public transport system in Pforzheim. In addition students have to pay a fee ($ 8 ) for the student card. All students will have to pay the examination fee (about $ 100) for the final examination "Deutsch fuer den Beruf"
Housing:	Participants have to find housing. Pforzheim University and a private agency assists students to find appropriate accommodation. Housing is about $ 250 per month.
Cost of Living per month:	Estimated costs of living are $ 550 per month; this includes housing. International students should add the travel costs to Germany and some travel costs in Germany.
Deadline for Applications:	For winter semester (October): June 1; for the summer semester (March): December 15
Further Information and Person to contact:	Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences, International Programs, Mrs. Heiderose Frei, phone: 011-49-7231-28-6145, fax: 011-49-7231-28-6140, email: aaa@fh-pforzheim.de

English-taught Graduate Courses in Business/Management:

(Study Abroad at Pforzheim within English-taught graduate programs in Business/Management as a non-degree international student)

This study abroad program is designed for graduate students motivated to complete one semester within an english taught graduate program in Business/Management at Pforzheim University. Participants will have to fulfill the entrance requirements for graduate admission (first degree in Business/Management, TOEFL :: 250, GMAT :: 550); they will need a letter of recommendation and will have to pass an interview (normally via phone and/or email). Admission is handled by the International Programs Office. All Students will get a transcript of records and a certificate "International Management" within the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Most classes will be part of the english taught MBA-program and/or the International Management Program IMP.

Target group	Students in graduate programs in Business/Management (Master's-degree in business incl. MBA-programs) and/or applicants with a Master's degree in Business/Management (to top-up the degree with international experience)
General Requirements	Visa (incl. financial statement); for the admission procedure: Statement of motivation, letter of recommendation, and Graduate Management Admission Test GMAT :: 550.
Language Requirements	English as a native language or Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL :: 250). German language is not required, but some basic knowledge of German to get by (housing, dining, etc.) is recommended.
Admission Requirements	Completed application form for non-degree graduate students (IMP-form)-, C.V., two photos, adequate health insurance, receipt of the payment to the Deutsche Studentenwerk, payment of the fee for the student card.
Length of the Program	One semester - students may apply for a credit transfer towards a degree program.
Start of the Program	Programs starts in October and in March - see semester dates.
Fees	For admission all students have to pay about $30 per semester as a contribution to the Deutsche Studentenwerk (Mensa, Cafeteria). This fee includes free access to the public transport system in Pforzheim. In addition students have to pay a fee ($ 8 ) for the student card.
Housing	Participants have to find housing. Pforzheim University and a private estate agency assists students to find appropriate accommodation. Housing is about $ 250 per month.
Cost of Living per month	Estimated costs of living are $ 550 per month; this includes housing. International students should add the travel costs to Germany and some travel costs in Germany.
Deadline for Applications	Rolling admission system. At least two weeks before a semester starts either in October (winter) or March (summer). In case a visa is required, please consider min. two months for getting it.
Further Information and Person to contact	Pforzheim University of Applied Sciences, International Programs, Mrs. Andrea Held, phone: 011-49-7231-28-6145, fax: 011-49-7231-28-6140, email: heldaaa@fh-pforzheim.de

Course Credit and Requirements:

Auburn University students must complete a Study Abroad/Exchange Course Approval Form and be registered for an Auburn Abroad course to receive appropriate credit. All students must have adequate health insurance coverage and complete Release from Liability forms through the Study Abroad Office.

Costs:

Students will pay a program fee of $2800 to Auburn University - College of Business and will not pay tuition or fees at Pforzheim other than those stated above. For Auburn University students, an Auburn Abroad fee, currently $455 for residents and non-residents will be billed additionally to participate in the program through Auburn Abroad. All students will be responsible for travel and living expenses at Pforzheim. Fees are subject to change.

Auburn University students, requesting financial aid, should contact Charles Markel in the Financial Aid Office at (334) 844-6056.

When:

Pforzheim University labels its semesters Summer and Winter, rather than Fall and Spring. Winter semester begins in October and ends in February. Summer semester begins in March and ends in July.

Transportation:

The nearest airport is in Stuttgart. There are several direct or connecting flights to Stuttgart International Airport from the United States. You may also fly to Frankfurt or Stuttgart and take the train to Pforzheim. The approximate cost varies depending on your point of departure and is approximately $850 or less for the Midwest. Prices, however, vary daily.

Applications:

The applications are in PDF formats. Please download this file, print it out, provide the proper information and either drop it by Dr. Amit Mitra's office or mail it to Dr. Mitra at the address provided below:

Pforzheim Application [PDF]
*If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, please go to the COB home page and download the free version.

Additional Information:

For application form or additional information, contact:

Dr. Amit Mitra
Associate Dean College of Business
Suite 516
Auburn University
Auburn, AL 36849-5240
FAX: (334) 844-4861
Telephone: (334) 844-4030
E-mail: mitra@business.auburn.edu

Courses:
Below are listed basic descriptions for the classes being offered.

1. Financial Management and Control
(Course IMP 01 - 2 hours per week; Prof. Dr. Martin Weiblen)

a. The focus in modern Financial Management and Control is on achieving an acceptable return from the money invested in order to secure the survival and growth of a company. The course will, therefore, deal with the most up-to-date tools in Finance for that purpose and touch on subjects like:

b. Financial Management and Control - a major element of the strategic management approach (general aspects, MBO, finance manager personality)

c. Financial Management (German and international financial accounting, Cash flow- and Ratio analyses, Shareholder Value/EVA, financial restructuring, treasury instruments, international profit allocation and transfer pricing)

d. Strategic Control (strategic planning cycle, evaluation of strategies, experience curve/life cycle analysis, target costing, weak signals)

e. Operational Controlling (global budgeting and reporting, project controlling, financial management information systems, new cost control systems: ABC/PKR, GWA, ZBB, cost benchmarking)

f. The course assumes a fair knowledge in all above fields and will center around discussions of the modern finance instruments. Should time and knowledge of the students allow, three case studies (in groups) will be offered: R & D-decision under risk, business/company evaluation, annual budget meeting.

2. International Business Contracts
(Course IMP 02 - 2 hours per week; Prof. Dr. Rainer Gildeggen, LL.M.)

a. International Business and Law (Brief history of International Trade and Law, Contracts in International Business Law)

b. The International Sale of Goods (Conflict of Laws Rules and Unified International Law, The UN Convention on the International Sale of Goods, The International Documentary Sale and Documentary Letter of Credit)

c. Distributorship Agreements ("Model Contracts". Antitrust Issues, Compensation)

d. Technology Transfer: International Protection of Intellectual Property and related Contracts (Patent Protection, Trademark Protection, Knowhow Protection, License Contracts, Franchise Contracts)

e. Transnational Dispute Resolution (Litigation, Arbitration, The Role and Choice of Lawyers for International Business Transactions)

f. Bribes in International Business Transactions

3. International Marketing - Export Business
(Course IMP 03 - 2 hours per week; Prof. Dr. Ulrich Freitag)

a. Fundamentals of International Marketing

b. Forms of Export Marketing (Direct Exporting, Indirect Exporting, License Business, BOT-Contracts, Counter Trade)

c. Market Research in International Marketing (Content of Market Research - natural and cultural environment, demand, competition, import regulations, sales channels, distributors - Methods for Marketing Research, Desk Research, Field Research)

d. Marketing Strategies for Foreign Markets - Product, Price, and Conditions, Communication (personal selling, advertising, sales promotion, public relations), Distribution, After Sales Service

4. International Consulting
(Course IMP 04 - 4 hours per week; Prof. Dr. Jüürgen Janovsky)

a. During the last 15 years, International Consulting has developed into one of the most growing service industries. There are various indicators outlining that this tendency will continue. According to recent studies, about 250,000 new recruits will have to be found by Year 2,000 to meet demand. American top consulting are offering starting salaries of $92,000 to 1998 graduates, and many companies complain that they do not find enough young academics potentially qualified for the consulting business. In the light of this, our seminar will address issues such as:

Qualification profiles required for International Consulting

Developing New Projects

Managing consulting companies and assignments

b. Apart from lectures provided by a Professor with several years of experience in International Consulting, the seminar will comprise the analysis of reports produced by consulting firms, the execution of case studies and the presentation of papers by high-level consultants from various companies.

5. Globalization of Business
(Course IMP 06 - 2 hours per week; Dr. Manfred GooBBI)

a. The world economy is in a radical change with a strong impact on its players - the national enterprises. Competitors in the Far East and in South East Asia offer consumer and capital goods in good quality for reasonable prices. In order to keep or gain market share, companies from the industrialized Western countries are now forced to globalize their business activities. It is the content of this course to look deeper into alternative policies and to develop strategies to implement global activities.

6. Strategic Management
(Course IMP 07 - 2 hours per week; Prof. Dr. Howard Sutton)

a. The term "Strategy" means different things to different people depending upon the size of a company, prevalent time horizon, environmental situation etc. Nonetheless, a starting situation, an end scenario and the way in which these two situations are bridged remain the essentials of the strategic management process. We will approach the overall problem from a process - formulation, communication, implementation and review - will be addressed in a chronological sequence. The answers to the ensuing questions will be developed with the assistance of a number of analytical instruments which structure and simplify the situation, thus enabling alternative solutions to be found and evaluated.

b. These instruments constitute a tool-kit which can be applied to all possible combinations of companies and environments. However, it should be recognized that because of complexity of the strategic management task no "standard solutions" are available.

7. Fundamentals of Information Technology
(Course IMP 08 - 2 hours per week; Dr. Stephan Thesmann)

a. The dawn of a new age - the Information Age - glows with the promise of new ways of thinking, working, and living. The amount of information in the world is said to be doubling every six years. The course "Fundamentals of Information Technology" provides the computer novice with the key information necessary to keep up with this development. It explains

1. Computer Hardware
2. Systems Software
3. Applications Software
4. Networks including the Internet
5. How software is developed
6. What has to be done for security and privacy

8. Corporate Finance
(Course IMP 09 - 2 hours per week
Prof. Dr. Martin Weiblen)

a. The course addresses the interaction of the financial community (shareholders, creditors, potential investors, banks, financial analysts, governments, tax authorities and the like) with commercial organizations. Subjects to be considered are wide ranging and may vary along student's interests; however, these may include:

1. Investor Relations
2. Company Valuation
3. Project appraisal / Financial value of R & D expenses
4. Managing a balance sheet
5. Corporate Treasury and Financial Risk Management
6. Interlinks between Financial and Business Strategies
7. Start up and small business financing
8. Exit strategies / Going Public (IPO) / LBO
9. Merger & Acquisitions
10. Asset Management / Investment banking / Portfolio management
11. Top Management Remuneration

b. The course is not primarily designed for stock exchange investors, but for (future) financial managers of companies. Those, more and more, have to take into account the expectations of financially educated investors, public media and volatile financial markets, and, as a consequence, accept the impingement of the financial realities and external considerations on company management decisions.

c. The course has a workshop character with student's presentations, case studies, group discussions and (as far as available) presentations from outside financial experts. A fair knowledge of the students in balance sheet analysis and financing is assumed.