HEALTH ECONOMICS Culture. A question of character. Studying Management and Economics in Witten [ 1

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1 HEALTH ECONOMICS Culture A question of character Studying Management and Economics in Witten [ 1

2 Witten/Herdecke University: A question of character»witten/herdecke University will embody the expression of esprit engagé, a dedicated spirit, to be developed and employed for the fostering of our society.«dr. Alfred Herrhausen, 1989, at the founding ceremony of Witten/Herdecke University 2 ]

3 Witten/Herdecke University (UW/H) enjoys an excellent reputation among German institutions of higher education. Numerous rankings, e.g. the CHE university ranking, acknowledge our top performance in both research and teaching. Witten graduates range among the highest demanded in the national labour market. In addition to management and economics, UW/H offers programs in medicine, dental medicine, nursing science, as well as philosophy and culture, with a total of 1200 students currently enrolled. Founded in 1982, UW/H offers the widest range of degree programs among German private universities. What is the secret behind the UW/H success story? Possible reasons: RR fundamental studies for students of all disciplines who meet one day per week to discuss such topics as ethics, history, culture, literature, arts, and philosophy RR a strong practical element in all programs. At the Faculty of Management and Economics students gain valuable job experience in mentor companies right from the start. RR international orientation, promoted via study periods spent abroad (mainly self-organized) and internationally renowned guest lecturers RR close links among students and graduates and commitment to the university. Witten/Herdecke has established an extensive alumni network, of great benefit to graduates in planning and starting a career. [ 3

4 Economics studies with a vision Recent trends and radical changes in the global economy demonstrate that successful business decision-makers and this is what our graduates are going to be require a sense of responsibility and social competence as much as excellent subject-related knowledge. Student education at UW/H always implies value orientation and character building. The Faculty of Management and Economics accepts social responsibility as an academic institution and adheres to the Principles for Responsible Management Education (for details on this initiative see in all degree programs. Faculty of Management and Economics 4 ]

5 The primary goal is to educate economics graduates with not only superb training but character formation and the ability to look beyond the boundaries of their discipline (compare: Change of perspective Studium fundamentale p. 14). Even in the Bachelor and Master degree programs, Witten offers the freedom for exploratory studies i.e. in-depth reflection of essential questions. Economic issues are analysed from a wider perspective. This educational culture is complemented by a relational culture of close collaboration. In seminars and discussions lecturers and students meet at eye level, always challenging and scrutinizing generally accepted theories. This relational culture also implies a lively exchange with industries and firms as evidenced by numerous cooperation projects (see company mentorship concept p. 16). All degree courses at the Faculty of Management and Economics are accredited by AQAS. [ 5

6 Research and Teaching: Key Philosophy The Faculty strives to address topical and socially relevant issues and challenges and to build bridges between disciplines. This ambition also applies to students they are always welcome to initiate and implement their own research ideas. The Faculty of Management and Economics has two key fields of research which are central themes in teaching as well. Under the heading entrepreneurship and leadership one field concentrates on primarily managerial questions regarding the behaviour of (prospective) leaders in business and society on the protagonist level. The Witten Institute of Family Business (WIFU) explores economic, family-related and legal dimensions of family businesses, while the Reinhard Mohn Institute of Management and Corporate Governance (RMI) has a research focus on management and corporate governance, law, corporate culture and business ethics. Pioneers in Germany 6 ]

7 Research in the economics-oriented field comes under the heading markets and institutions, with a focus on rules for sustainable management of markets and market systems (e.g. health management and health care systems). Such research issues actually demand an interdisciplinary approach, since many essential social challenges of the future may only be addressed adequately in a combined effort of different scientific professions. The profiles of our key research activities are also reflected in the degree courses the Faculty offers. Our core management and economics programs are the Bachelor degree in Business Economics (B.A.) and the Master degree in General Management (M.A.). In addition, we offer a Bachelor degree in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (B.A.) in joint organization with the Faculty of Humanities and Arts, and a Master degree in Family Business Management (M.Sc.). Both programs document our pioneer position in Germany, reflecting topics of major economic and social relevance and underlining that society and business are indivisible. This view over the fence of individual scientific disciplines has a long tradition in Witten/Herdecke starting with the fundamental studies. The Chairs at the Faculty cover all major academic issues of business management and economics. We strive to attract seriously committed and innovative researchers as instructors who enjoy teaching and working with students. Renowned honorary professors, international guest lecturers and successful representatives of the business world complement our teaching staff. In the GründerWerkstatt (start-up incubator) first-year economics students develop marketable ideas for their own businesses. These ideas are traded on a virtual stock exchange, and the idea with the highest market value wins start-up capital for implementation. Experienced business executives provide support and advice this is excellent practical and theoretical preparation for future careers. The GründerWerkstatt concept received several awards, e.g. in the Land der Ideen competition (Land of Ideas, landmark 2009) and the BMWI start-up competition Einfach gründen. [ 7

8 Business Economics (B.A.): Your choice For the Bachelor degree in Business Economics (B.A.), newcomers may choose between two versions: one with a standard period of six semesters (180 ECTS credits) and one with eight (240 ECTS credits), compared to the standard version at other German universities (six semesters Bachelor, four semesters Master). The eight semester alternative offers a chance to select a specific focus, e.g. Family Business, or Management and Governance, or Economic Policy. This Minor specialization is recorded in the diploma supplement and facilitates a change to specialized one-year Master programs offered mainly in Anglo-Saxon countries. The six semester option offers less comprehensive certificates of specialization.»this university is innovative and motivates me to take the initiative: in study organization, personal development and social commitment. This kind of freedom is alive here and is encouraged as an expression of responsibility.«jannis Keuerleber, student 8 ]

9 Both options include the GründerWerkstatt and introductory seminars on business economics and general management for the first three semesters. Students also acquire relevant basic knowledge in mathematics, law, accounting, and logistics. In the following semesters they are free to attend advanced seminars from all these areas. Students determine their individual focus themselves and choose from a wide range of seminars. They may document their performance via certificates of specialization or the Minor. Subjects offered cover a variety of topics, from business-related disciplines to general studies in humanities and arts (see p. 14), to law. One day per week throughout the program is reserved for internships with mentor companies. Such hands-on experience is reflected in specific seminars. The Company Mentorship Concept offers students the opportunity to test theoretical knowledge and integrate the practical experience into their studies. Students are free to initiate and implement projects e.g. independent studies, conference studies or other projects. They may apply to the Faculty of Management and Economics to have such studies recognized as part of the required academic achievements. A Bachelor thesis on a self-selected topic concludes the program. Study periods abroad are not mandatory, but the university and the faculty strongly recommend and support them. Students are free to plan and organize an exchange period independently. They may complete 50 % (maximum) of all examinations at foreign universities. The idea is to encourage international orientation and independence. [ 9

10 Philosophy, Politics and Economics (B.A.): On the cutting edge The new degree program in Philosophy, Politics and Economics organized jointly with the Faculty of Humanities and Arts aims at an effective integration of economic, political and philosophical dialogues, based upon Humboldt s educational concept along with a broad general education. Many problems in the world of business and finance may be understood and, even more important, be solved only through an interaction of politics and business. The PPE program was developed primarily for students wishing to address fundamental social phenomena beyond conventional economic theories. Courses focus on overlapping issues between economics, philosophy and politics. 10 ]

11 The B.A. in Philosophy, Politics and Economics thus offers a qualification with a broad basis and specifically includes knowledge not covered by economic theory. Seminars and teaching events comprise micro and macro economics, politics and social affairs, philosophical thinking, political economics and economic philosophy. Specific courses combine all three disciplines, each course exploring a particular issue from a trans-disciplinary perspective. Applicants may opt either for a six or eight semester version of this program.»the new Bachelor program in Philosophy, Politics and Economics is the perfect answer to challenges involved in the recent global financial and economic crisis: it is important to leave the well-known paths of thought and action in economics, business and politics and to find new and interdisciplinary approaches that transcend traditional boundaries.«wolfgang Clement, former Prime Minister of North Rhine Westphalia (NRW) and Federal Minister for Economics and Labour Affairs [ 11

12 General Management (M.A.): One Master, many options The admission requirement for the Master program of four semesters is a Bachelor or equivalent degree acquired in business/economics. Students decide for themselves how to organize their Master studies. They may combine courses from a range of seminars held in either the German or the English language in business economics and general management, fundamental studies in humanities and arts, or individual projects. They are free to opt either for a general education or a specialization. Major subjects like Health Economics or Corporate Governance are certified with the MA certificate. The focus may be either on research or application-oriented studies, depending on a student s individual objectives. The program concludes with a Master thesis scheduled for the duration of one semester. All M.A. students, regardless of personal study focus, have access to the know-how of affiliated institutes, WIFU, or RMI, or ZNU, the Center for Sustainable Corporate Leadership, a consultancy for sustainability in the food industry. The Company Mentorship Concept is open to M.A. students. They may also organize individual study periods abroad and complete a maximum of 50 % of all examinations at universities outside Germany. 12 ]

13 Family Business Management (M.Sc.) Family businesses have particular characteristics that demand particular expertise. The combination of family relationships, business and property involves tremendous competitive advantages but also considerable risks. How to cope with this challenge? This requires the art to maintain a balance between business and family related strategies, and to operate successfully in the context of market forces and family dynamics. Students acquire the pertinent competences in seminars. The program in Family Business Management consists of an interdisciplinary approach, integrating a variety of scientific fields: economics, psychology/sociology and jurisprudence. All seminars and lectures are designed to address the competences relevant to family businesses from several perspectives.»the new Master program at the Faculty of Management and Economics is an up-to-date, interdisciplinary and academically sound orientation guide for young executives, whether family or from outside. Here our successors find an ideal setting and scope for personal growth and subject-related training an important contribution to ensuring the future of family businesses in Germany.«Peter Pohlmann, Chairman Supervisory Board, POCO-Domäne Holding GmbH [ 13

14 Studium fundamentale: Change of perspective Today s university graduates are faced with increasingly complex challenges. Subject-related expert knowledge is no longer enough for prospective leaders. They need skills that transcend the boundaries of their discipline: skills like creative, emotional and social intelligence, capacity for teamwork, and confidence in handling open and rapidly changing systems. All programs are therefore interdisciplinary in design. Students transcend traditional boundaries and learn to perceive the entire picture through a variety of perspectives. Fundamental studies offer ample opportunities to discover new perspectives obligatory for all UW/H students, and winner of the national competition 2006 Schlüsselqualifikationen plus (key qualifications) initiated by the Mercator Foundation and the Stifterverband, a German industry initiative promoting science and learning. Students of all UW/H faculties meet each Thursday for seminars and lectures in philosophy, sociology, cultural history, arts, literature, and music. They compare and complement patterns of thinking, discuss positions and find new definitions for what seems self-evident. They enjoy a highly stimulating exchange of insights from scientific specializations, complex issues from the world in which we all live, basic experiences in arts, and fundamental aspects of self-conception. 14 ]

15 Teaching events cover three main fields of competence: Reflective competence develops thought and discrimination by conveying basic theoretical and methodolocigal knowledge beyond a student s own discipline. Artistic competence facilitates personal involvement in artistic-creative processes and schools aesthetic perception. Communicative competence helps to cope with complex communicative and organizational conditions and processes. In addition, students acquire media competences at the interface between science and arts. The aim of all these concepts and approaches is to ensure that our students learn to handle their own potentials and skills responsibly and reflectively, and become aware of possible alternatives, social demands, and different perspectives.»critical reflection, a skill acquired in fundamental studies, has become an integral part of my daily research. Fundamental studies promote evolution via challenge. I know of no other university in Europe or North America where students are so intensely stimulated and encouraged to transcend the firmly established boundaries of disciplines.«markus Giesler, Prof. Dr. rer. pol., Chair for Strategic Marketing, Faculty of Management and Economics, UW/H [ 15

16 The Company Mentorship Concept Hands-on experience A decisive competitive advantage for economics graduates at the onset of a career is a solid background of job experience acquired as a student. Witten/Herdecke encourages this advantage to a unique extent: many newcomers at UW/H provide proof of comprehensive previous job experience, and during their time at the university they have additional opportunities to become active in a business enterprise or organization. For this purpose the Faculty cooperates with a large number of companies from different sectors. Mentor companies range from small local businesses to consultant firms and international corporations of all sizes. Twice per year they meet economics students at the UW/H marriage market, a trading event for internships and other projects.»germany needs individuals who use their great intellectual potential in responsible ways; this requires personal commitment.«catharina Prym, alumna 16 ]

17 Students are not required to work in a mentor company but the majority are grateful for such a chance, especially since in many cases an internship leads to a job perspective after graduation. In the Bachelor program of Business Economics one day per week is reserved for work in a mentor company. In the Master programs, students organize their time schedule for work in the mentor company independently. A student practice report: I found my mentor company at the annual UW/H marriage market. First conversations with managers were surprisingly easy for a first-year student. I opted for Völker AG. For over two years now I have been active in this leading company for nursing and hospital furniture, one day per week and also during lecture-free periods. A true highlight in this context was the China export project. My language proficiency and country-specific knowledge convinced my mentor to entrust me with substantial organizational assignments at the Peking fair. ( ) Today I am solely in charge of managing our new subsidiary in Belgium. [ 17

18 Abroad: Crossing borders A high degree of personal initiative in organizing a study period abroad is an integral part of the UW/H concept. We leave the decision of when and where to go, and for what exact purpose, to our students. We do not impose limits on their visions and ambitions be it Asia, America, or Africa, UW/H students make their choice based on personal interests and ideas. The Faculty cooperates with numerous partner universities, e.g. in UK, Italy, Spain, Japan, China, Mexico and South Africa. The main idea is to encourage students to organize study periods abroad. The option for Bachelor and Master students to complete 50 % (max.) of all exams at foreign universities makes longer periods abroad possible. Almost all UW/H economics students spend part of their studies abroad, either as exchange students with partner universities, with placements, or realizing some other project. 18 ]

19 Tim Lehmann Five months in Quito, Ecuador. United Nations Development Project (UNPD) on Observatory of the Fiscal Policy. Participant of the eight-month Expedition WELT which explored social entrepreneurship around the globe. Philipp Heinicke and Julian Müller-Schwefe Two months in Mandima, Zimbabwe, in a village development project. They taught at the local secondary school, worked in the fields, and documented their impressions and resulting suggestions in a project report. Laurin Wünneberg Prior to university studies, social peace worker in San Antonio (US) for one year. Organizer of the oikos winter school, an event initiated by the international student organization oikos which started to support sustainable management in An UW/H student team organizes the oikos winter school on a regular basis for international students.»studying economics at Witten/Herdecke University, I discovered many ways to become proactive in a variety of contexts.«maximilian Daub, student [ 19

20 Student initiatives Encourage freedom is part of the UW/H mission statement; in line with this motto almost all UW/H students assume voluntary work in one or more student initiatives. These have become integral parts of campus life, are character-building and convey additional expertise. Here are some examples. Hochschulwerk Witten/Herdecke e.v. This student association supports student life and study conditions at UW/H in many respects. They manage the merchandising agency pro universitate GmbH and the cafeteria. Board members assume financial responsibility, e.g. for the full-time cafeteria staff. Congress for Family Businesses This is a regular event (start: 1999) and unique in Germany. Students in cooperation with business representatives design an agenda geared towards the specific needs of family businesses. An integral part of the congress is training young executives. It is open to adolescents and young adults who grew up in family businesses and»what is good for all must be good for me, too, and what hurts society and the environment will ultimately hurt me, too.«oikos Thesis 20 ]

21 envision their professional and personal future in this context. Planning and implementation of this congress provides experience in organizing an event with over 250 participants, insights into project activities, and last but not least valuable links to decision-makers in the business world. oikos Witten/Herdecke The student initiative oikos is a network that fosters sustainable ideas and projects. oikos offers seminars and workshops on, e.g., climate change, sustainable management, and development aid. oikos students bring persons together who are committed to sustainability and recruit new supporters. Many of them will assume social responsibility in the course of their future careers and thus have a chance to influence the behaviour of others. Witten summer school The motto is Be a student for a week!. The Witten summer school gives school graduates a taste of student life at UW/H. They find typical student accommodation e.g. in a shared flat, plan and implement projects related to economic or cultural issues, attend interactive seminars or discussions with managers. Attractive excursions also form part of the five-day program. [ 21

22 Admission procedures: Personality and job experience Studying at Witten/Herdecke University offers many opportunities but also considerable challenges. This is why the Faculty of Management and Economics has specific admission and selection procedures for all programs. Applicants and the university have a chance to get to know each other and to make an informed decision whether to join forces or not. The first stage is in writing: applicants submit a comprehensive CV and written assignments on given topics. The CV should describe essential stages of an applicant s development, the motivation to study economics, and reasons for choosing Witten/Herdecke University. On the basis of submitted applications, the Faculty will then invite ca. 100 candidates for personal interviews.»after admission interviews I was not sure whether Witten wanted me. But I was absolutely sure that I wanted to study in Witten.«Sebastian Barth, former UW/H student, currently doctoral candidate, Reinhard Mohn Institute for Management and Corporate Governance 22 ]

23 The application requirement for a Bachelor s degree program in economics is the German Abitur (higher education entrance certificate) or equivalent NRW-recognized qualification. Applicants without such a qualification may acquire access to the application process via an additional entrance examination. Applicants must submit proof of a good command of the English language. Applicants for the B.A. program in Business Economics and for the Master s degree programs are expected to have acquired some degree of commercial experience. This ensures high quality of seminars, specifically during the first semesters, since academic contents are always reflected against a background of job experience. For more details on admission procedures and application requirements see the homepage of the Faculty of Management and Economics ( or contact application services (phone: , wiwibewerber@uni-wh.de). Open Day is held twice per year. In addition to these dates, applicants may get a personal impression during lecture periods on taster days, to be arranged individually. Please register here: [ 23

24 Tuition fees and modes of payment Witten/Herdecke University is a private limited liability company, financed mainly by donations from private individuals, business enterprises and foundations and to a small percentage by NRW government funds. Donors support UW/H as a very special institution of higher education that offers excellent comprehensive subject-related and general education, evidenced by intensive support and services for students, practice orientation, work in small groups, fundamental studies as an integral part of all courses, and outstanding professors and teaching staff. In order to finance, preserve and develop this unique educational approach, Witten/Herdecke University requires not only students personal commitment and initiative, but also tuition fees. Students may choose from several options to finance their studies and from several modes of payment. 24 ]

25 The Student Association (StudierendenGesellschaft Witten/Herdecke e.v.) designed an intergenerational contract for students, a tuition payment concept unique in Germany. The idea is to avoid social selection and ensure access to the university independent of an applicant s financial position. Students may choose between income-related payment of tuition fees after graduation, direct payment in fixed rates while at the university, or a combination of both. For more details see our homepage. Several financial institutions offer loans to prospective students. For detailed information on the above-mentioned modes of payment and suggestions how to finance your studies see ticket to Witten/Herdecke is not money but character!«julika Franke, student [ 25

26 Interchange Bochum 40 Interchange Dortmund-West DORTMUND BOCHUM Interchange Bochum-Witten Interchange Dortmund-Witten Witten Stockum Alfred-Herrhausen-Str. 50 WITTEN 43 irection Wuppertal/Köln Contact and Directions direction Hagen Witten/Herdecke University Faculty of Management and Economics Alfred-Herrhausen-Str. 50, Witten, Germany Phone Fax By train: You reach Witten main station either from Bochum main station or from Dortmund main station via local train or S-Bahn (surburban railway). Leave the station, turn left (ca. 4 minutes) to bus stop, take the 310 bus to stop Marienhospital, change to the 371 bus and get out at stop Universität. By car: to motorway A44 From Frankfurt take A45 direction Dortmund/Oberhausen, at junction Dortmund/Witten take A44 direction Bochum; from Essen or Recklinghausen take A 43 direction Wuppertal, at junction Bochum/Witten take A44 direction Witten; from Cologne or Düsseldorf take A43 direction Bochum, at junction Bochum/Witten take A44 direction Witten; from Münster, Bielefeld or Hannover take A1 direction Cologne, at junction Westhofener Kreuz take A45 direction Dortmund/Oberhausen, at junction Dortmund/Witten take A44 direction Bochum. 26 ]

27 1 Interchange Westhofen 1 direction Frankfurt direction Kassel/Hannover By car: from motorway A44 Motorway A44, exit Witten-Stockum, take Pferdebachstraße direction Witten-Zentrum; roundabout after ca. 350 m, take third exit: Alfred- Herrhausen-Straße. The first building on the right is the FEZ, the second on the right is the UW/H campus building. By air: Airport Düsseldorf: by cab to the university ca. 45 minutes, or via S-Bahn Airport Dortmund: by cab to the university ca. 20 minutes, or alternatively take the airport shuttle to Dortmund main station, then via S-Bahn to Witten main station (see above). [ 27

28 Witten/Herdecke University Faculty of Management and Economics Alfred-Herrhausen-Str. 50, Witten, Germany Phone Fax June 2011 Impressum_design: AadR; photos: Jürgen A. Appelhans, Ingo Beisheim, istockphoto, Jannis Chavakis, Philipp Heinicke, Julian Müller-Schwefe, Britta Radike, Uwe Seifert we also thank all others not mentioned here who made photos available for this booklet. Printers: Buschhausen