The Management Simulation and Business Planning course offered at the end of every 3rd semester of Pforzheim University’s International Management MBA program grants our candidates practical application of the knowledge and learnings gained throughout their studies. Under the guidance of the exceptionally seasoned and experienced Professor Eckart Liesegang, this year’s batch reached into their cerebral repository of strategic management, innovation management, marketing, business development, finance, accounting, and project management to plan and execute - with the help of a simulation software program - business plans in the capacity of managers. Groups were formed to represent companies that competed against each other in the sales market. At the end of the course and competition, the group which produced the best numbers in the criteria “share price” and “EVA” was announced as the winner.
One of the key takeaways (and certainly a highly crucial aspect for any organization or team) that our candidates had noted from this course is the importance of soft skills such as collaboration, communication and respectful conduct to facilitate smooth operations as well as the successful execution of strategy. Overall, the students found it to be an engaging, practical and fun 8-day exercise, so much so that they’d put up the suggestion for it to be availed every semester albeit perhaps on a smaller scale.
The MBA program would also like to extend a very special and heartfelt thank you to Professor Liesegang for temporarily coming out of retirement to conduct this course for our students!

Text und photos: Michelle Ahras, MBA Class of 2023