Project and Change Management for Lean Factory Planning

About

This course introduces students to the principles and practices of project management, change management and related disciplines. Alongside project planning, organization, risk management and teamwork, students also gain foundational knowledge in quality management, production management and lean management.
The module consists of a theory phase, which provides the conceptual background and introduces key methods, tools and approaches across these fields. The main focus, however, lies on the practice phase: students apply their knowledge by creating and implementing a comprehensive project plan for establishing a ballpoint pen factory. This hands-on experience is realized through a physical real-world serious game, in which students work in interdisciplinary teams to test and implement project planning and change management strategies in a tangible and collaborative setting. By integrating theory and practice, the course fosters both technical and social competencies, preparing students to successfully design and manage projects that drive sustainable organizational improvement.

Course leader

Maurice Meyer, M. Sc. & Götz Müller, M. Sc.

Target group

The course is particularly well-suited for students from engineering, industrial engineering, production technology and management-related programs who wish to strengthen their competencies in project planning, organizational change and process improvement. It is equally relevant for students in quality management, business administration or applied sciences who aim to gain practical experience in interdisciplinary collaboration. Due to its strong focus on real-world application and teamwork, the course is open to participants from diverse academic backgrounds and encourages an interdisciplinary mix of perspectives.

Course aim

-Understand and apply the fundamental concepts, methods and tools of project-, change-, quality-, production- and lean management
-Analyze organizational processes and identify opportunities for improvement through systematic project and change management approaches
-Develop, plan and implement a comprehensive project, including risk assessment, project controlling and resource planning
-Experience the dynamics of organizational change by participating in a real-world simulation and reflect on the human, organizational and technical dimensions of change
-Collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary teams, demonstrating communication, conflict resolution and teamwork skills in complex project environments
-Critically evaluate success factors and challenges in project and change management, deriving lessons for professional practice across different sectors

Fee info