Master in Operational Excellence (M.B.A. and Eng.)
"Through the Operational Excellence program, it is possible to reflect on how innovation, leadership, teamwork and new tools merge to allow for competitive advantage and value creation. Studying at Hof University represents an opportunity for interacting with like-minded people and motivating each other in reaching professional and personal goals. Particularly, I like the University's practice-oriented approach and its commitment on the continuous development of the German language abilities for international students."
Edgardo Quevedo,
Graduate M.B.A. and Eng. Operational Excellence from El Salvador
You already earned a Bachelor of Engineering and gathered some professional experience? You are interested in modern business and production processes and the secrets of “Made in Germany”? Then our Master program in Operational Excellence is just right for you.
Our business-oriented modules provide you with the strategic and financial framework of companies. Find out about the critical factors for success in leadership and change processes and how to master them with expert communication and negotiation skills. On the engineering side, the focus is on operational excellence, particularly on methods such as lean management, Six Sigma, agile management, digitalization and Industry 4.0.
With our holistic management approach, we also look at business operations such as purchasing or IT. Our teaching methods include various modern methods like cloud-based simulations, haptic management games and case studies.
Fast facts

degree awarded | Master of Business Administration and Engineering (M.B.A. and Eng.) |
language of instruction | fully taught in English language |
duration | 4 semesters (2 theoretical, 2 practical) |
application deadlines | April 15 - May 31 (winter intake) November 05 - November 30 (summer intake) |
academic dates including orientation session | mid-September - March 14 (winter semester) March - September 30 (summer semester) |
fees | EUR 3,300 in tuition fees per semester (i.e. a total of EUR 13,200) plus approx. EUR 100 in student union fee per semester |
Practical experiences at Hof University: Industry 4.0 system
An innovative "Industry 4.0" system has recently been added to the machine hall at Hof University. It provides students with a practical insight into the topic of Industry 4.0 and optimum preparation for their future careers. Prof. Dr. Heike Markus, Head of the Master in Operational Excellence, explains what it is all about.
Your benefits

After graduation, you benefit from
- a unique Master's degree at the interface of management and technology with the special degree M.B.A. and Eng.
- a perfect interdisciplinary toolbox of knowledge and skills of engineering and business know-how
- an innovative and diverse mix of teaching methods - virtual learning, blended learning, simulations and case studies besides regular lectures
- German language skills of at least B1 at graduation
- development of your intercultural competence
- excellent career perspectives in various fields, e.g. production management, factory planning or supply chain management
Course structure

- The standard period of study is 4 semesters.
- The first two semesters provide practice orientated theory (case studies, working in labs, excursions, expert meetings…).
- The third and fourth semester is spent working as an intern in a production facility or SCM department to gain more practical experience. The Master’s Thesis has to be written during this time as well.
- After successful completion of the program, Hof University of Applied Sciences awards the academic degree Master of Business Administration and Engineering (M.B.A. and Eng.).
Course outline

Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
60 ECTS |
| ||
120 ECTS in total |
Course content

The Master’s program contains 12 modules, 5 ECTS per module (4 basic modules + 6 core modules + 2 elective modules):
Basic modules:
- Applied Economics and Research on the German Market
- Communication and Negotiation Skills
- Leadership and Change Management
- Strategic and Financial Framework
Core modules:
- Factory Planning and Engineering
- Production Process Excellence
- Quality Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Industry 4.0/Data Management
- Production Execution and Logistics
Elective modules:
- Information and Process Management
- Corporate Strategy and Controlling
- Project Management
- Procurement Management and Risk Management
- Industrial Marketing and Sales Strategies
- Recent Trends in Operational Excellence
- Applied Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and Internet of Things
- German language A2*
- German language B1*
* If you have a German language level of A1 at the point of admission, the modules German A2 and B1 are mandatory. Other elective modules may be passed as additional modules but will not count toward your degree and can be charged with an extra fee.
Students having advanced German language knowledge on level B1 or higher are free in choosing two elective modules. German language B2 or C1 can also be selected as electives.
Internship
The 3rd and 4th semester are dedicated to an internship (30 ECTS) in a company and a practical Master's Thesis (30 ECTS). For entering the internship, all students have to prove at least the German language level B1.
Master's Thesis
- Application of the methodological procedures, which were obtained and trained during the entire program.
- The thesis should be written during the internship and should cover a current topic of the company.
- Topic selection has to be done in accordance with the supervising professor.
Internship

A unique feature of our M.B.A. and Eng. is that students spend the second year (third and fourth semester) doing a practical internship in industry (e.g. in a production facility or SCM department). Also the Master thesis is project-based and done in cooperation with a company. Thus, you can immediately apply your knowledge, gain profound professional experience and earn money at the same time.
„Studying Operational Excellence at Hof University
has been a remarkable experience.“
Why do you think so?
„Here it is possible to meet great people and gain valuable knowledge. What I like about the program is the consolidation between the business administration and engineering sides. Grasping both extents provides a holistic approach for better decision-making and practical problem-solving. Also, the German language classes and the compulsory internship are big highlights for international students like me.“
What about life outside the classroom?
„Hof is a peaceful and lovely town. Being so close to nature is one of the things I liked the most. The people from the university are always willing to help, which makes the integration process very pleasant. I‘ve been able to get in touch with amazing people and make friends for life.“
Eduardo Alemán
Student M.B.A. and Eng. Operational Excellence from Mexico
Admission criteria

For an admission in this Master program, you need to fulfill the following admission criteria:
- A Bachelor’s degree or similar from an accredited university in engineering sciences, at least 180 ECTS or equivalent (depending on the home country)
- Proficiency in English, proven by either
- official test score documents (TOEFL minimum 90 or IELTS 6.5 or above) or
- confirmation that the Bachelor’s program was taught completely in English language
- Basic language skills in German, proven by official test score documents (e.g. Goethe, telc, ÖSD) - minimum level A1 according to the CEFR (The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).
- In individual cases, other certificates can be accepted, if they contain at least the following information: name and address of issuing institution, responsible persons/teachers, level according to the CEFR, content and grade of the exam).
- Attendance certificates are not sufficient as proof of basic German language skills.
- One year of work experience
- Letter of motivation
For further information please check our application guide.
Application process

All applications must be done via our online application portal.
- The application period for winter intake is between April 15 and May 31.
- The application period for summer intake is between November 05 and November 30.
- An admission committee intensively scrutinizes all applications and decides about final admission. Admission letters will be issued in June for winter intake and December for summer semester intake.
If you have any questions concerning the application process, please contact admission@hof-university.de.
Tuition fees and support structure

Each semester costs EUR 3,300 in tuition fees, plus an administrative fee of approx. EUR 100 per semester. These fees include
- organizational support and guidance before your start at Hof University, e.g. assistance with administrative issues
- assistance in finding accommodation
- intensive social and academic guidance during your studies
- two week Orientation Period prior to the start of your studies
- special social and cultural activities for integration
- career-promoting activities such as intercultural trainings, field trips, company visits
- free public transport in the city of Hof
For a full overview on our support for international students and the practical issues of living in Hof, please have a look at the webpages of our Welcome Service.

Prof. Dr. Heike Markus
Head Master OEX
Department of Computer Science
Computer Science
Hochschule Hof
Alfons-Goppel-Platz 1
95028 Hof
Room: A 226a
Phone +49 (0) 9281 / 409 4901
Fax: +49 (0) 9281 / 409 55 4901
E-Mail: heike.markushof-university.LÖSCHEN.de

Prof. Dr. Gerald Schmola
Head Examination Board OEX
Department of Interdisciplinary and Innovative Sciences
Hochschule Hof
Alfons-Goppel-Platz 1
95028 Hof
Room: B 133
Phone +49 (0) 9281 / 409 4091
Fax: +49 (0) 9281 / 409 55 4091
E-Mail: gerald.schmolahof-university.LÖSCHEN.de

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