Student projects are always organised along the same lines. Groups of students explore a specific issue using qualitative social research methods, familiarising themselves with the latter in the process. Expert interviews with selected people of interest and their subsequent systematic analysis, rather than large-scale standardised surveys, are at the centre of this approach. Possible interview subjects range from customers, experts, people affected by change processes, potential business partners, or competitors. The interviews are being recorded and analysed with a view to answering the research question and to testing any underlying hypotheses. The collected data often brings new and unexpected aspects to light. In addition to interviews, students may also explore the subject through observation. Students are supervised and supported by experienced specialist and methodology coaches .
Possible topics
Identification of unexplored potential in a family business, identification of previously undetected problems in an organisation, re-structuring a business to the benefit of all stakeholders, ensuring the smooth transfer of a family business to the next generation, analysis of the impact of the internet on the management of a tourism destination
Project Examples
Online Marketing in the Travel Industry: How do potential customers behave when looking for accommodation on the internet?
Knowledge management as a factor for success
Strategic market analysis for startups and SMEs
Real-life types of change: How was change experienced during and after the financial crisis by team leaders working in the Swiss banking industry?
Management of expert organisations
Employee surveys - current business practices
Student Project in a Nutshell
Group work
Second-year students
Submission of topic proposal by end of July
Selection of topic: September
Submission of project: January
Cost contribution: none
Close