Quantitative Methods Department

The course is offered in both German and English and forms part of the Bachelor’s degree programmes at the School of Business, in both full-time and dual-study formats, with the exception of the Digital Media and Business Law programmes.

It introduces fundamental methods and techniques in linear algebra, calculus, and financial mathematics. Students learn to explain and apply these methods and to formulate and solve business-related problems using mathematical approaches. In this way, they develop the analytical skills required to make well-founded decisions and justify them on a sound quantitative basis.

The Statistics course is offered across several Bachelor’s degree programmes within the School of Business. Depending on the programme, it is taught in German, while in the International Business programme it is offered in English. The course focuses on the use of data as a basis for sound business analysis and decision-making.

Students acquire fundamental knowledge of descriptive and inferential statistics. They learn to summarise and explain the objectives of both areas and to apply key statistical concepts and methods confidently. In addition, they practise analysing business-related questions using standard statistical methods, interpreting results, and critically assessing empirical findings.

Through statistical hypothesis testing, students also learn how to formulate empirically testable hypotheses and evaluate them using scientific methods.

The German-language module is designed for students enrolled in the Digital Media and Business Administration B.Sc. programmes, in both full-time and dual-study formats. It builds on the knowledge acquired in the Statistics course and applies it to practical research.

Working in groups, students conduct their own empirical study and prepare a term paper in which they present their methodological approach and the results of their statistical analyses. In addition, they learn to work with statistical software and develop their academic research and writing skills.

In Cryptographic Methods, students explore the mathematical foundations and practical application of modern encryption techniques. The German-language module is part of the Cyber Security Management programme in both full-time and part-time study formats.

Topics include symmetric and asymmetric encryption methods such as AES and RSA, elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), hash functions, and cryptographic protocols. Students learn to identify and analyse common attacks on cryptographic systems and to critically evaluate security protocols. The module also provides an outlook on future challenges, including those arising from quantum computing.

In Research Methods, students engage with key foundations of the philosophy of science and fundamental research methods in business administration. The German-language course is part of the Business Administration M.Sc. and Management M.Sc. programmes.

Students learn to develop scientific research questions and to select and apply appropriate methods for addressing practical management problems. They also acquire skills in the use of statistical software and in interpreting the resulting outputs. In this way, they are prepared to analyse business-related questions on a sound scientific basis and to evaluate research findings in a transparent and well-founded manner.

In Quantitative Analytical Methods, students deepen their knowledge of advanced mathematical and statistical methods. The course focuses on applying quantitative techniques to business-related questions. Taught in English, it is part of the International Business M.A. and International Business – Latin America M.A. programmes.

The course further develops students’ competencies in analytical research and equips them with methodological tools for future academic and practice-oriented analytical work.