The world of tomorrow needs managers who understand design. Shape forming has become a decisive factor of success in business - but even more importantly, 'design' has evolved from mere forming into a sophisticated method of dealing with ever more complex and contradictory problems of a globalised economy. The strategies of 'Design Thinking' equip managers-to-be with skills required to deal with an increasingly unpredictable reality!

The new course Management by Design combines two worlds that only seem separated at first glance. An altered understanding of design hereby plays a decisive role, which no longer only concerns the shaping of objects, their function or the interaction with users.. Design, understood as a way of thinking and acting, as a strategy for problem solving, creates a new approach to management. As a design thinker, you can give new impetus in every kind of company.
 

The course

In the bachelor's course Management by Design you acquire a dual expertise, which more than meets the demands of today's business world. On one hand you will acquire extensive business management expertise and consolidated special knowledge in strategy & finance, entrepreneurship & innovation, and marketing. In the management studios you practice the proper application of theories and instruments by means of case studies, while you deepen your expertise in the courses of business administration in order to understand increasingly complex questions of business practice in their overall context and to design and pursue sustainable action strategies.

With regard to design,you acquire insights into the role of design for companies and deal with a concept of design that deals not only with questions of design but also with interpersonal actions. In the design studios you get to know the methods of design which change and shape the practice of management today. The main focus lies on strategic, organisational and institutional questions and applications from a design perspective. Above all, however, you acquire important skills of Design Thinking and learn about its methods – with a focus on e.g. Service Design and Social Design. The course also provides you with insights about the design theory. Thus you not only master the proper consideration and systematic development of design objects in formal and art historical perspectives, but also open up the current tasks of design: for example, the transformation of corporate culture, society as well as forms of communication and production in the digital age.

However, research of design is not an end in itself and not a separate area. On the contrary, design techniques open up an alternative to conventional decision-making in companies. In this course you deploy your knowledge about design and management or business administration experimentally on specific questions. Thus you not only establish the connection between the sides of business and design, but also acquire an integrative understanding of how management is methodically complemented by design practices – and how, conversely, design issues are directly related to entrepreneurial management issues. As design-educated business economist you are familiar with design methods and strategies for solving complex questions in the entrepreneurial field.

NDU advantages

The innovative setting of the New Design University enables you to work on interdisciplinary and creative projects: you work in small groups with students of other fields (graphic design, interior design, event engineering…) on developing complex solutions and obtain valuable experience for your future profession. Due to the strong economical network of the NDU you can also participate in real projects in the Future Lab, which are usually implemented by the clients. Individual supervision by experts with ample practical experience ensures your creative advancement; innovative course formats and future-orientated curricula guarantee you a high-quality academic education.
 

Profession and career opportunities

Graduates can embark on many different careers thanks to these extensive qualifications. They have an excellent foundation for careers in management in all industries, particularly for positions in strategic management, business development and innovative management. The design expertise you acquire gives you problem-solving skills and access to creative methods that turn you into a suitable candidate in the creative areas of companies, whether in the innovative or strategic field. With their BSc degree, graduates will also have the option to embark on postgraduate master’s training.