Family Business Management- from innovation to succession, from SME to international firms
WHY ?: Family businesses are the backbone of many economies in Switzerland and around the
world, as well as a formative element of society, for example not only in rural areas, but as well
in cities, etc.. As SMEs but also large international companies, Family Business offer many
people quality jobs. They are usually innovative and can exist on the market for several
generations. What the students acquire here is knowledge about the specific management
challenges of family businesses - a triangulation between business, ownership and family
(emotions). Furthermore, they understand the often long-term goals and strategy setting, which
includes decisions regarding values, business model, growth, internationalization, innovation
and financing - as well as the important question of succession.
WHY ?: Family businesses are the backbone of many economies in Switzerland and around the
world, as well as a formative element of society, for example not only in rural areas, but as well
in cities, etc.. As SMEs but also large international companies, Family Business offer many
people quality jobs. They are usually innovative and can exist on the market for several
generations. What the students acquire here is knowledge about the specific management
challenges of family businesses - a triangulation between business, ownership and family
(emotions). Furthermore, they understand the often long-term goals and strategy setting, which
includes decisions regarding values, business model, growth, internationalization, innovation
and financing - as well as the important question of succession.
- ZHAW Teacher: Angela Beckenbauer (W Lehr- und Forschungspersonal)
- ZHAW Teacher: Christian Hertach (W Lehr- und Forschungspersonal)
- ZHAW Teacher: Petra Moog (W Professorin)