Thesis: Decision-making under Uncertainty

The chair of Production Management at the Institute of Technology Management (ITEM-HSG), headed by Prof. Dr. Thomas Friedli, is looking to a (with immediate effect or by arrangement)

Bachelor or Master Thesis Student (m/f/d)

Introduction to the research area

The Institute for Technology Management conducts international research projects in close cooperation with renowned industrial companies and consulting firms. As part of your thesis, you will support us in the area of Global Production by working on research projects related to the design and management of global production networks.

Introduction to the thesis topic

Faced with the dynamics of an ever-changing world, managers must make smart, capital efficient investment decisions. In particular, managers of multinational companies must make decisions about the design and global distribution of production facilities, production personnel, knowledge, machinery, and equipment.

The frequency of global risks such as geopolitical conflicts, supply chain disruptions, and natural disasters is increasing. When making investment decisions, critical information such as customer demand data is likely to be unknown or at least highly uncertain.

Overall, managers are increasingly faced with incomplete and uncertain information. As a result, it is difficult to make a realistic assessment of the success of an investment project. As a result, most managers rely on gut instinct when making important decisions.

The advertised bachelor/master thesis should introduce the topic of "uncertain decision making". In addition to a literature review, the student will be asked to research best practices and successful management practices. A possible outcome of the thesis could be an exemplary management guide that aids managers through the process of making good decisions in an uncertain environment. In addition, the bachelor's/master's thesis could also discuss how manufacturing managers can be enabled to deal with incomplete information when making investment decisions (e.g. investing in a new location, purchasing machinery, allocating resources in global production networks, etc.).

Your own ideas are also appreciated

  We offer:

• Involvement in current research activities
• Participation in an industrial project in cooperation with international companies (if wanted)
• Inspiring working atmosphere in a young, highly motivated team
• Possibility to supervise a bachelor/master thesis in cooperation with external universities

We expect:

• Student in economics, management, (business) psychology, (industrial) engineering, computer science or a similar field
• Interest in issues related to manufacturing and production management (interest in economical or financial research also welcome)
• Result-oriented and structured work ethos, with motivation, initiative and accuracy
• Ideally, initial experience in a business environment through internships or part-time jobs
• Very good knowledge of English as well as knowledgeable handling with the common MS-Office programs

Are you interested?

We are looking forward receiving your message. Please send us your application (short motivation, curriculum vitae). Feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding the advertised thesis.