Business schools regularly launch new programmes, but now the University of Cologne is seeing success from one that combines management, economics, and social science. 

Prof. Andreas Fügener has been a Professor of Digital Supply Chain Management at the University of Cologne’s Faculty of Management, Economics, and Social Sciences since 2019. His research focuses on human-machine interaction and has been published in leading journals in Operations Management and Information Systems. In addition to his academic work, he brings industry expertise from his time as a consultant with The Boston Consulting Group in Munich.

Fügener was instrumental in founding the Bachelor in Management, Economics & Social Sciences programme, which launched in 2021 and has since attracted more than a thousand student applications annually. As Academic Director, he has shaped the programme’s interdisciplinary and applied learning approach, ensuring that graduates develop the analytical and strategic skills needed to navigate complex business environments. We spoke to him to find out more, here’s what he said:

Why did you decide to create a programme that combines all of your disciplines (management, economics, and social sciences)?

The decision to create a program that combines management, economics, and social sciences stems from the recognition that these disciplines together offer a comprehensive understanding of complex societal, economic, and organisational dynamics. Economics provides a foundation for understanding the allocation of resources and market systems, while social sciences—such as psychology, sociology, and political science—offer insights into human behaviour, social structures, and the broader impact on society, economy, and ecology.

Integrating these fields allows students to gain a holistic perspective, equipping them with the tools to analyse how individual organisational decisions can affect economic systems and broader societal outcomes. A key strength of the University of Cologne lies in its interdisciplinary approach, with a shared faculty composed of experts from each of these fields, fostering collaboration and providing students with access to diverse perspectives.

How does the course help to drive sustainable change?

The program drives sustainable change both in content and through its teaching methods. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainability from multiple dimensions—economic, social, and ecological—and explore the fundamental principles of management, with a particular focus on entrepreneurship.

The teaching style emphasises active participation, encouraging students to engage deeply with the material and take initiative. By fostering hands-on learning experiences, students develop the mindset that real change requires active involvement. As a result, students from the first cohorts have already applied this knowledge by participating in the creation of social start-ups, demonstrating the program’s impact in driving sustainable innovation.

In what way does the programme encourage students to address global challenges?

The program encourages students to address global challenges through its international focus in both content and structure. The study material covers critical global issues, such as climate change and demographic developments, providing students with a broad understanding of the interconnectedness of global systems. The language of instruction is English, and every student is required to participate in a mandatory semester abroad, which enhances their global perspective and cross-cultural competence.

Additionally, the program invites prominent speakers on multiple occasions, such as Massamba Thioye from the United Nations Global Innovation Hub, to provide students with valuable insights into global challenges and their impact, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable solutions on an international scale.

How does the programme innovate to address emerging ethical challenges, such as artificial intelligence, data privacy, or environmental sustainability?

The program innovatively addresses emerging ethical challenges, such as artificial intelligence, data privacy, and environmental sustainability, by placing a strong emphasis on developing critical thinking. In dedicated courses like business ethics, students actively engage in discussions around these ethical issues, while similar conversations are integrated into various other courses across different contexts.

Additionally, the program features an introduction week before the start of the study program and a final leadership seminar, where students reflect deeply on their core values and the ethical implications of their actions. These components ensure that students are not only aware of emerging ethical challenges but are also equipped to navigate them thoughtfully in their future careers.

For additional insights, announcements and perspectives about other aspects of Business Education, visit the conversation here.