Value Creation Management

Value creation management deals with the optimization of internal and cross-company value chains. It is based on a process-oriented, cross-functional view that encompasses the entire service creation process.

Holistic operational excellence and lean management concepts play a special role here. In particular, future topics such as digitalization, automation, agile methods, artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0 topics are also integral components in order to design optimal processes. For successful and fast implementation in practice, soft skills such as agile project management methods, teamwork and especially coaching and leadership skills are a prerequisite.

Value added describes the value by which the output of an economic activity exceeds the input. It thus represents the added value created by a business entity.

Content and structure of the program

The part-time Bachelor's program is divided into 11 semesters in order to offer working students the opportunity to combine work, study and family.

Chart (PDF)

Basic modules

The program includes 19 basic modules, consisting of five compulsory modules and two compulsory elective module blocks. You must select seven of the compulsory elective module blocks. Vocationally qualified students such as master craftsmen, technicians and technical business administrators who have already acquired competencies and skills as part of their training can receive credit for the basic modules after examination, if applicable. In addition, the practical study semesters can be waived for this target group upon presentation of appropriate proof. Participants without credit possibilities can complete the basic modules e.g. in distance learning via the Virtual University of Bavaria or in comparable institutions.

Advanced modules in the presence study

All aspects of value creation management are covered in 24 modules of the face-to-face study program. The individual modules are clearly structured and divided into fundamental topics of value creation management, soft skills, operational excellence and lean management concepts. Skills relevant to the future are also particularly important.   

The fundamental topics lead the participants towards philosophy and understanding on the topic of value creation management. Soft skills are also particularly important, ranging from presentation techniques and change management to coaching and leadership skills. Especially with regard to the implementation of the philosophy of value chain management, but also with regard to the preparation of leadership responsibilities in the company, these must be in line with the professional competencies.

The pillars of operational excellence and lean management represent essential contents of the study program. Lean Management focuses on the methods and procedures for the continuous improvement of operational processes from a logistics perspective. Here, methods such as value stream design, SMED, Heijunka and other strategies for administration and development are studied in depth. The operational excellence pillar focuses on problem solving techniques, preventive and autonomous maintenance, quality methods to a holistic approach to the company.

The industry is currently experiencing rapid change, so future topics such as digitalization and automation as well as agile management, artificial intelligence and industry 4.0 are of particular importance in the further optimization of processes in the company. These topics can be adapted very flexibly to the requirements in industry.

The teaching methodology is tailored to the needs of professionals!

The entire study workload is divided into three areas. Firstly, the attendance times, i.e. lectures, workshops and practical exercises in the training factory. These have been reduced to a minimum of approx. 20-30 % of the total study time, so that the participants are not absent from the workplace for too long. A balance has been created by shifting part of the study workload to the company.

The results of the projects are simultaneously incorporated into the examination performance. The time and effort spent in the company combined with independent study amount to altogether approx. 70-80% of the total study load. This allows the participant to devote the majority of time to study and to be organised to best meet the demands of everyday working life.

With regard to attendance studies, the study and lecture plan is ideally suited to participants with a national interest in studying at Ansbach University of Applied Sciences.

There are three block courses per semester, divided over the semester period.  As a rule, each block takes place from Wednesday to Saturday all day, i.e. 9 working days and 3 Saturdays per semester, plus one Saturday reserved for examinations.

Each semester normally consists of four modules. One to two modules are completed per block.  Between the individual blocks, the participants are located in their companies. During this time it is possible to carry out the study-specific projects in the company. These are regulated by the corresponding cooperation agreement. Participants determine the times for independent study themselves.

Collaboration between companies and universities

The part-time course, Value Creation Management,  is carried out in close cooperation with the industrial partners. The industrial partners are usually the companies in which the students are employed during their studies. The concept of the course is based on three recipes for success. Firstly, the transfer of theoretical knowledge by experienced professors and lecturers within the framework of attendance times at the university and in the training factory of the CETPM. In addition, the students supplement their knowledge with appropriate periods of independent, supported by e-learning content. An essential and new element of the course is the integration of industrial companies. Here, relevant study projects are carried out to deepen the knowledge content. These projects are determined in cooperation with the companies and carried out by the students on site. In order to ensure that graduates complete the course successfully and that there is a rapid and lasting benefit for the industrial partners, the university draws up a corresponding cooperation agreement with the participating companies before the start of the course.

Essential contents of the collaboration agreement:

• Ansbach University of Applied Sciences undertakes to properly implement the study programme in accordance with the study and examination regulations for the study programme.
• The industrial partner undertakes to employ the students in the company in such a way that they can develop and deepen the practical training contents and projects of the study in the individual modules. The corresponding amount of time required is specified in the curriculum depending on the module.

Collaboration agreement (German)

Qualified employees are eligible i.e. graduates of the master craftsman examination (e.g. industrial foreman) or an equivalent advanced training examination as well as graduates of technical schools and academies (e.g. technicians, business economists) and those with at least two years of vocational training and subsequent at least three years of professional experience, in each case in a field related to the course of study; or people with a general higher education qualification for university entrance or a technical college entrance qualification. In addition, proof of a completed vocational training in the technical-industrial or commercial field is required.

Consultation

Due to the special requirements of the Value Creation Management course, each applicant is interviewed in detail. Here, among other things, the talents specific to the course of study such as process-oriented thinking and the understanding of continuous improvement are highlighted. This discussion serves in particular to clarify the study workload and to point out the basic private and professional conditions, in order to ensure the success of the study.

Recognition of existing competences

For those with professional qualifications and for university graduates, there is the possibility of crediting existing competences that are already available and verifiable within the framework of vocational education and training. For example, the practical semester and, under certain conditions, the foundation modules can be credited. This may reduce the duration of study from ten semesters to as little as six semesters, i.e. three years.