Advanced Seminar Consumers, Technology & Sustainability

Key topics of the seminar may include: - Current issues in sustainable consumption - Current issues in consumers and digitalization - Current issues in consumer research

After successful participation in the module students will have in-depth knowledge on the tackled focus of the module. Students will be able to (1) write a scientific research paper, (2) procure relevant literature and (3) structure a topic. Additionally, students will be able to (4) present their research findings in front of seminar participants, (5) answer their questions and (6) moderate a following discussion.

Grading is based on a written seminar paper (~15 pages, 50 % of the grade), whereas the results and conclusions of the seminar paper need to be presented (20 min, 50 % of the grade) in front of the class. The seminar paper as well as the presentation in front of the class demonstrate that students are able to reproduce and summarize their acquired knowledge about the respective research topic. Furthermore, the seminar paper and the related presentation show that the students are able to critically analyze the key aspects regarding their research question. By presenting their findings in front of the class, students prove that they are able to present the key aspects in a concise manner and that they are able to answer further questions on their presented findings.

Knowledge in microeconomics/consumer economics and/or consumer behavior theories. Knowledge in empirical research methods.

The module is a seminar, in which the students will be assigned state-of-the-art research papers from the recent literature. They are expected to prepare high-quality presentations and write-ups, reflecting their analyses, understanding and insights from reading the papers and related literature. The lecturer will provide guidance and advice all along, from the choice of the initial topic, to tips on reading original literature, on scientific writing, and on giving successful presentations.