The Master of Science

in Management, Technology and

Economics

Study Guide 2016

Department of Management, Technology and Economics

The combination of natural sciences, technology, management, and economics is a unique

feature of D-MTEC. The department truly combines academic excellence and a strong
engagement with practice. As a result, MTEC students bring sound theoretical knowledge,
combined with practical applications and a good sense for economic relevance to get things
done at the firm.
Dr. Markus R. Neuhaus, Chairman of the Board of Directors of PwC, Switzerland

During my studies at MTEC, I could complement my technical background with strong

business capabilities. The combination of analytical skills, together with fundamental
knowledge on systems thinking and entrepreneurship, allowed me to understand the
emergence of new business opportunities and the interplay of technical, social, and market
dynamics. Such skills were fundamental for starting my career as a management consultant
and then co-founding a successful cleantech venture.
Peter Stein, D-MTEC Alumnus, Head of Sales at greenTEG AG

What do I like most about DMTEC? Definitely the opportunity it offers to combine my
technical background, which for me is physics, with managerial skills. I was looking forward
to a better understanding of the commercial side, which at the end of a day drives the
transformation of the inventions and technological breakthroughs into innovative products.
And this programme definitely exceeded the greatest of my expectations.
Aleksandra Soltamova , Master Student, D-MTEC

After my Bachelors degree in engineering, the Masters degree at D-MTEC allowed me to

broaden my perspective. The combination of down-to-earth management know-how and
high level research helped me to develop a profound understanding of Management,
Technology, and Economics. I also learned to deal with different business logics and how to
build bridges between business partners and stakeholders a capability that turned out to
be of utmost importance in my current job.
Nicola Blum, D-MTEC Alumna, Programme Director at Impact Hub Zurich, Switzerland

Master of Science in Management, Technology

and Economics Study Guide
Content
1. Introduction

2. Professional Profile of the Master of Science ETH in Management, Technology,

and Economics

3. Concept and Curriculum

3.1 Tutor System and Curriculum Structure
3.2 Grading System
3.3 Academic Standards & Academic Writing Course
3.4 Skill Areas
3.5 Core Courses
3.6 Elective Courses
3.7 Supplementary Courses
3.8 Internship
3.9 Masters Thesis
3.10 Applications and Enrolment
4. Mobility
5. Scholarships
6. Special Programmes
6.1 MTEC Executive-in-Residence Programme
6.2 MTEC Entrepreneurial Leadership Seminar
6.3 MTEC Corporate Masters Thesis Programme
6.4 MTEC Career Talks
6.5 MTEC Knowledge Lunch Talks
6.6 MTEC Climate-KIC Master Programme
6.7 MTEC Risk Studies Certificate
7. Additional MTEC Degree Programmes (MAS, MBA, Doctoral Programme)
8. Useful Contacts & Services
8.1 ETH Services
8.2 Contacts at ETH Rectorate
8.3 Extracurricular Activities
8.4 Maps and Directories
Annex
3

1 Introduction
The MSc ETH MTEC is a four-semester, full-time programme attracting ambitious
students with a Bachelors degree in engineering or natural sciences. Integrating the
perspectives of engineering, technology, and the social sciences, the programme
offers students a unique learning environment and a multidisciplinary education. We
aim to enable you to develop innovative and intelligent products and systems to meet
today's most pressing challenges in business and society: shaping business
practices, employment opportunities, and sustainable solutions in a world of finite
resources.
The programme delivers comprehensive training in management and economics. By
building on students extensive knowledge in engineering and natural sciences, the
MSc MTEC provides a solid foundation for developing systemic solutions to complex
professional challenges.
Our programme takes pride in having strong contacts and frequent interaction with
entrepreneurial leaders in business and society: The MTEC Executive-in-Residence
Programme is building bridges between students and leaders in society and the
corporate world. The MTEC Corporate Masters Thesis Programme provides the
opportunity to write an in-company Masters thesis in areas of high strategic impact.
The annual Entrepreneurial Leadership Seminar offers ambitious MTEC Masters
students an exceptionally rewarding learning opportunity by providing a real case on
strategy, innovation and leadership in close collaboration with the top management
of an outstanding company. Each spring term, the MTEC Career Talks facilitate direct
access to innovative employment opportunities and key contacts. Many courses
include highly qualified guest lecturers.
An international student population, study visits and industrial placements are part of
the MTEC MSc experience and prepare students to take on leadership positions in
industrial, consulting and technology-intensive organizations. Last, but not least,
extracurricular initiatives such as student clubs (e.g. OBIS, ETH Juniors, ETH
Entrepreneur Club) add valuable perspectives into the corporate world.
This Masters study guide provides basic information and links to background
documents relating to the ETH Masters in Management, Technology and Economics.
We hope that the guide will enable you to identify the opportunities for shaping your
tailor-made ETH MSc MTEC degree. Enjoy the journey!

Prof. Dr. Marko Kthenbrger

Director of Studies

Dr. Jost Hamschmidt

Coordinator of Studies
4

2 Professional Profile
Graduates of the MSc ETH MTEC programme think holistically and are able to
plan and implement interdisciplinary projects, in cooperation with professional
experts, in different cultural settings. They are independent and efficient
problem-solvers; applying methodological and specialized practical expertise in
the areas of product design, innovation, marketing, logistics, organizational
management, leadership, and strategy.
The curriculum includes methods and findings from social sciences, management
and economics, and research on the sustainable use of natural and human
resources.
Social competencies, i.e. the ability to work and communicate with different
stakeholders, to present results in public and to lead a team, are of increasing
importance in todays business world. Thus, the training of social skills is an
integral part of the ETH MTEC programme.
Upon completion of their degree, a wide and challenging range of responsibilities
awaits MSc ETH MTEC graduates. They take on innovative and leading roles in
many different sectors of industry, services, or public administration. They can be
found in areas such as

project management
technology management & innovation
logistics & supply chain management
strategy
entrepreneurship
product management
risk management and risk assessment
research, in R&D departments and research centres
government agencies
corporate sustainability management
controlling
consulting
banking & finance

Or they start their own company.

3 Concept and Curriculum

3.1 Tutor System, Curriculum Structure
The Masters programme in Management, Technology and Economics consists of
3 semesters of classes and a final Masters thesis completed within 6 months.
The programme is tutor-driven. The aim of the tutor system is to facilitate a
personalized curriculum for the student and to provide individual one-on-one
support, which should ensure a first-rate, specialized education, taking into
consideration the students talents and expectations. During the first semester,
the Masters student selects a faculty member working in the desired area of
studies to be his/her academic tutor, chooses supplementary courses and
registers these courses and the tutor via myStudies. If appropriate, a research
assistant of the faculty member can support this process as a mentor.
Information about the research fields of the MTEC faculty can be found online at
http://www.mtec.ethz.ch/about/professuren
MTEC also organizes the MTEC Masters Fair this fall (Nov. 7, 11.30-1 pm) to
facilitate the process of identifying potential tutors and mentors. By end of the
first semester, students must provide an online agreement between the Masters
tutor and student.
Together with the tutor, students develop an integrated study programme,
comprising the following elements:
- Core courses
- Elective courses
- Supplementary courses
- Internship
- Masters thesis
The curriculum is organized in accordance with the ECTS system (European
Credit Transfer System), which is widely used across European universities to
assess students performance. One credit point (ECTS) is equal to 25 30 hours of
a students workload. To complete the Masters programme, a student must
acquire120 ECTS: 84 ECTS from courses, 6 ECTS from an industrial placement
(internship), and 30 ECTS from the Masters thesis.
Type of Course

min. ECTS required

A Core courses in six skill areas

B Elective courses
C Supplementary courses
Additional courses (from A, B, or C)
Courses Total
Industrial and professional placement
Masters thesis
MSc ETH MTEC programme total
6

51
10
12
11
84
6
30
120

The curriculum for Masters studies at D-MTEC mainly applies the following
methods for the assessment of performance and the assignment of ECTS:
examinations
written reports and essays
lectures
project reports and project results
3.2 Grading System
All exam performances are graded. In other performance assessment methods,
professors can also apply the qualifications of pass or fail.
ETH Zurich does not use the ECTS Grading Scheme. The grading scale goes from
1.0 to 6.0 in quarter grade (0.25) steps. The passing grade is 4.0, the maximum
grade is 6.0. The numerical grades correspond to the following predicates:
ETH Zurich Grades
6.0 5.75
5.5 5.25
5.0 4.75
4.5 4.25
4.0
3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.0

excellent (ausgezeichnet)
very good (sehr gut)
good (gut)
satisfactory (befriedigend)
pass (gengend)
fail (ungengend)
poor (schlecht)
very poor (schlecht bis sehr schlecht)
extremely poor (sehr schlecht)
not measurable (nicht messbar)

The above grades are not rigidly related to any distribution function and are not
awarded according to predetermined percentages or numerical scores. A
students grade in a subject is more related to the students mastery of the
material than to the relative performance of his or her peers.
The professors specify the performance criteria, publish them in written form at
the beginning of the semester and decide on the allocation of ECTS. Binding
rules regarding performance assessment are provided by the course catalogue.

3.3 Academic Standards & Academic Writing Course

In all written works, we trust our students to come up with their own original
ideas while at the same time reflecting the work that has already been done by
others. By signing a Declaration of Originality students attest that (among other
things) they have authored the work in question themselves, read the Citation
Etiquette information sheet on plagiarism, and adhered to the rules of citation
standard in their disciplines.
A signed Declaration of Originality is a component of every Masters thesis,
semester paper, or other qualifying paper written during the course of studies
(including electronic versions). Lecturers may also ask for a declaration of
originality to accompany other written papers they have assigned.
If a work was co-authored by a group, the declaration of originality must be
signed by all members of the group. Collectively, they vouch for the entire
content of the written work.
Each semester, MTEC offers the compulsory Academic Writing course - the aim
of this course is to improve the academic writing skills needed to complete an
MSc thesis successfully. The course provides theoretical input, practical writing
exercises, and detailed individual feedback organized into one group lecture and
four workshops in smaller tutorial groups.
Initially, the lecture provides an overview of the range of demands on academic
essay and MSc thesis writers and outlines the academic expectations that
students must meet. Our goal is to provide a basis for informed decisions when
selecting a thesis topic and supervisor. Guidance is then provided in the
workshops on planning the writing process effectively, and individual feedback is
provided to enhance writing ability.
The course develops a range of practical and transferrable writing skills.
Students can use these skills to improve the overall quality of their MSc theses
and produce their thesis more rapidly and efficiently. The writing skills developed
here can be used beyond the MSc, whether students go on to complete a PhD or
produce reports and other documents in industry.
This course is highly recommended to all MTEC MSc students and compulsory
for students who started in spring 2015 or later. We recommend taking the
course during the first year of your MSc studies.
Download Declaration of Originality (PDF, 1.2 MB)

3.4 Skill Areas

The core courses are organized into six skill areas. These courses provide a
strong foundation in management and economics:
1) General Management and Human Resource Management (min. 6 ECTS)
Responsibilities, functions, and organization of a company; strategic
management; business excellence; leadership; job and organizational design;
work and health; organizational development; human technology interaction,
negotiation.
2) Strategy, Technology, and Innovation Management (min. 9 ECTS)
Innovative product, service and process design; concepts and methods of
strategic management; corporate sustainability; technology transfer; process
management; innovation marketing; management of innovation projects;
cooperative innovation and co-creation.
3) Information Management and Operations Management (min. 9 ECTS)
Design, control and further development of value-adding systems and processes
in companies and company networks; supply chain management; logistics
management; planning and control of business performance; management and
processing of information; design and implementation of information systems.
Entrepreneurship.
4) Quantitative and Qualitative Methods (min. 9 ECTS)
Methods for dealing with complex situations; complex systems and
organizational dynamics; operations research methods; empirical research
methods; basics of project management.
5) Economics (min. 12 ECTS)
Energy economics; resource economics; innovation economics and technical
change; dynamic economic theory; sustainable development; global economic
interdependencies; applied macroeconomics; business cycle research, basics of
policy analysis.
6) Financial Management (min. 6 ECTS)
Managerial economics aspects of business activities; balance and profit
calculation; investment appraisal; cost calculation; profitability and liquidity;
financial and entrepreneurial risks.
For individual courses see: www.vorlesungsverzeichnis.ethz.ch

3.5 Core Courses

Core courses are courses in the six skill areas. A student must attend all but one
core course in each skill area. Details can be found in the study plan[a1] of DMTEC. Core courses comprise at least 51 ECTS. Students holding an ETH
Bachelors degree may be able to reduce this amount to 42 ECTS if they
successfully attended certain MTEC lectures during their Bachelors studies
(Regulations Art. 22.2 a-d). (See Annex 5)
3.6 Elective Courses
Students can choose from a wide range of elective courses from the course
catalogue of D-MTEC and other ETH departments to complement their studies.
Elective courses comprise at least 10 ECTS.
3.7 Supplementary Courses
Within the D-MTEC Masters studies, students can deepen their knowledge in the
area(s) of engineering and/or natural sciences acquired during their Bachelors
studies. After completion of the Masters programme, they can give proof of
competent knowledge of these areas. Supplementary courses comprise at least
12 ECTS and are chosen in consultation with the tutor. They should be
documented in the Learning Agreement, which needs to submitted via myStudies
and be accepted by the tutor by January 30.
3.8 Industrial Placement / MTEC Internship Platform
The compulsory internship can be carried out in Switzerland or abroad, in a
company, or an organization, according to the orientation and career objectives
of the student.
The industrial placement/internship is an excellent opportunity to touch base
with the job market and gain exposure. The internship should be chosen
cautiously, structured, evaluated, and recognized as an integral part of the
course of study. Ideally, it provides the student with the opportunity to spend
some time in a work environment consistent with their chosen specialization.
Students can largely act on their own initiative when choosing a company. Prior
to the placement, students submit via the MTEC Internship Platform an
internship plan including the objectives and partners involved. If appropriate, we
encourage students to complete the internship abroad in order to gain
experience in other cultural environments. Upon submission of a brief internship
report, the internship yields 6 ECTS. If not passed, it can be repeated once.
For more information please check the MTEC Guidelines for Internships and the
MTEC Internship Platform:
Annex 4: MTEC Internship Platform

10

3.9 Masters Thesis

The Masters thesis is supervised by the tutor and normally deals with a subject
chosen from the 6 skill areas. The thesis is often carried out in collaboration with
partners from practice, usually supervised by ETH faculty. In exceptional cases
supervision can be provided by faculty of another university. The Masters thesis
lasts six months (full-time).
The process is as follows: Before starting the Masters thesis, the student shall
identify an appropriate topic in collaboration with the tutor/mentor. The student
must register their Masters thesis via myStudies, including the topic and a short
abstract. The study office subsequently confirms, that Point 2 (Art. 38 of
regulations) is fulfilled. (see also Annex 7). The Masters thesis is graded by the
tutor and is valued at 30 ECTS.
The Masters thesis is approved if the grade received is at least 4.0. If the
Masters thesis is not accepted, it can be repeated once. In case of repetition, a
new subject must be chosen. Students are admitted to the Masters thesis if they
have fully completed their Bachelors studies, completed successfully the
Academic Writing Course and completed the internship, having earned the
corresponding 6 ECTS.
In cooperation with corporate partners, MTEC also offers a corporate Masters
Thesis Programme (see Point 6.3).
For additional details please refer to the Masters thesis information sheet.

3.10 Applications & Enrolment

The ETH MSc in Management, Technology and Economics welcomes applications
from students holding a Bachelors degree in fields such as engineering, physics,
mathematics, computer science, technology, or other natural sciences from an
internationally recognized university.
Students with a completed Bachelors degree in any discipline of engineering or
in natural sciences are invited to submit an application. Students with a
Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering or in information technology and
electrical engineering from ETH Zurich, EPF Lausanne or one of its partner
universities1 are generally admitted without any condition.
Details on qualifying Bachelors degrees and additional requirements:
www.ethz.ch/en/studies/registration-application/Master/application.html
Application deadlines and details on admission: www.admission.ethz.ch
1

IDEA League partners:

Imperial College
TU Delft
RWTH Aachen
ParisTech

11

4 Mobility
The Department of Management, Technology and Economics strongly supports the
international mobility of its Masters students. As a member of the IDEA League,
UNITECH and the IARU International Alliance of Research Universities, ETH provides
unique international exchange opportunities.
Within the MTEC Masters studies, up to 30 ECTS can be acquired by engaging in
international exchange programmes. The curriculum shall contain courses
comparable to MTEC courses to be completed during the semester abroad. Masters
students wishing to participate in an international exchange programme, must hold a
Bachelors degree from ETH Zurich. Other students might consider to conduct their
Masters degree project abroad or engage in IARU Global Summer Programmes.
A prerequisite for acceptance into an international exchange programme is an
average grade point average of 4.5 within the Bachelors studies. Furthermore,
outgoing students have to submit a learning agreement that fits into D-MTECs
curriculum and is approved by the mobility advisor. If a course is meant to count as
core course, a written confirmation of equivalence from the corresponding D-MTEC
professor has to be submitted.
If a course is meant to count as supplementary course, a written confirmation of the
tutor is required. Elective courses can be approved by the mobility advisor. A maximum of 30 ECTS acquired at another university can be included into the ETH diploma.
The translation of grades and credits into ETHs grading and credit system is the
responsibility of D-MTEC.
A further option is to participate in a research project run at another university, and
write a Masters thesis. Interested students plan and organize such a project in
consultation with their tutor.
https://www.ethz.ch/en/the-eth-zurich/global.html
http:// www.mobilitaet.ethz.ch/index_EN
MTEC Students visited in recent years the following Universities, among others.

12

5 Scholarships
ETH Zurich supports excellent students wishing to pursue a Masters degree at ETH
with two scholarship programmes:
Under the Excellence Scholarship & Opportunity Programme (ESOP), students
receive a special scholarship for the duration of their programme, as well as specific
supervision. The scholarship covers study and living costs during their Masters
degree.
Under the Master Scholarship Programme (MSP), students receive a partial
stipend during their Masters degree and the offer of an assistantship.
Students intending to apply for a scholarship should carefully check the guidelines
for scholarship applicants. The application consists of an application form, a letter of
motivation, a pre-proposal of their Master's thesis (see the separate guidelines on
how to write a pre-proposal and letters of recommendation from two professors.
More Information:
https://www.ethz.ch/en/studies/financial/scholarships/excellencescholarship.html
https://www.mtec.ethz.ch/studies/admission/excellencescholarship.html
https://www.ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/main/education/finanzielles/Guidelines_Prep
roposal.pdf
For ETH Students, ETH also offers the ETH Pioneer Fellowships - these Fellowships
are awarded to an individual or groups of individuals intending to independently
develop a highly innovative product or service to be used commercially and/or for the
benefit of society.
More Information: https://www.ethz.ch/content/main/en/research/researchpromotion/eth-internal-programmemes/pioneer-fellowships.html/

13

6 Special Programmes
6.1 MTEC Executive-in-Residence Programme
In appointing senior executives as special faculty members, D-MTEC has introduced
the Executives-in-Residence Programme. The appointments strengthen the link
between academia and practice by facilitating student instruction on successful
leadership and advice on their future careers. The programme also provides the
department with networking and outreach opportunities. Executives-in-Residence
are selected based on their excellent standing in industry, government, large NGOs
or international organizations and their personal affinity both to academic research
and to teaching and advising students.
The main tasks of Executives-in-Residence are to teach at the Masters level, to offer
counselling opportunities for graduate and PhD students and to support the
department in networking and outreach activities.
Currently MTEC has appointed two Executives-in-Residence:
1)
Markus Neuhaus, Chairman of the Board, PricewaterhouseCoopers
Switzerland
Lecture (HS): Corporate Finance:
2)
Calvin Grieder, Chairman of the Board, Bhler AG
Lecture (HS): Cases in Technology Marketing (with Prof. F. v. Wangenheim)
6.2 MTEC Entrepreneurial Leadership Seminar (ELS)
This annual seminar provides the most ambitious MTEC Masters students with an
exceptionally rewarding learning opportunity. Each autumn term, MTEC provides a
real case on strategy, innovation and leadership in close collaboration with the top
management of an outstanding Swiss company (2012: Georg Fischer AG, 2013:
Bhler AG, 2014: Swisscom, 2015: PwC; 2016: ABB). Students work in teams to tackle
a specific assignment that flows from the current strategic agenda of the companies
top management. While gaining substantial insights into the structure, dynamics and
challenges of a major industrial sector, students immerse themselves in the
business model, culture and strategic landscape of the partner company. Aspects of
the programme include: site visits, discussing ideas with top executives and
interviews with members of the management team, internal and external experts
and clients. Interested students ideally apply for the programme in the 3rd. Semester.
https://www.mtec.ethz.ch/studies/special-programmes/els.html

6.3 MTEC Corporate Masters Thesis Programme

The MTEC Corporate Masters Thesis Programme is carried out annually with a
corporate partner and a number of MTEC chairs. It provides 5-10 MTEC students with
the opportunity to write a Masters thesis in cooperation with the corporate partner
under a special coaching scheme. The programme aims to fertilize collaboration and
synergy between several chairs of D-MTEC and create an effective learning
experience, not limited solely to the subject of the thesis but encompassing
management/strategy/ innovation and leadership in general. The programme
14

supports personal development by cultivating collaborative and reflective methods,

such as peer-to-peer learning and individual coaching. The 2016 programme was run
in cooperation with Swisscom AG.
6.4 MTEC Career Talks
Each spring term, D-MTEC hosts a series of career talks during lunchtime, focusing
on information giving and covering specific industries, skills and occupations. Each
talk is accompanied by snacks and drinks, offering the opportunity for deeper,
informal exchange. The MTEC careers talks are information sessions rather than
recruitment centred they provide insights into different types of careers in specific
industry sectors. The talks are exclusively open to MTEC students (MSc, MAS, PhD
level) and students must register in advance. Guest companies in previous talks
included Migros Genossenschaftsbund, SwissRE, Georg Fischer and two cleantech
start-ups.
Further Information:
https://www.mtec.ethz.ch/studies/special-programmes/careertalks.html

6.5 MTEC Knowledge Lunch Talks

The MTEC Knowledge Lunch Series is an offer by the study office which is used
specifically for the purpose of transferring knowledge, building trust and social
learning on specific student issues of interest. The lunches are open to MTEC
students (MSc, MAS, PhD level) and students must register in advance. In autumn
2016, MTEC will host knowledge lunches with the ETH Career Center (September 27,
11.30), with Climate-KIC on options to engage in Cleantech Entrepreneurship (Oct. 4)
with ETH Mobility on international study opportunities (Oct.11), and on organizing an
Industrial Placement on October 25. Join us!
6.6 MTEC Climate-KIC Master Programme
The ETH cooperation with the European Institute of Technologys (EIT) Knowledge
and Innovation Community on Climate Change (Climate-KIC) enables ETH students
from selected departments to develop relevant knowledge in cooperation with
leading European technical universities and cleantech companies. Within the
Climate-KIC Master Programme students develop the right set of skills to
commercialise their climate change-driven business ideas. The programme allows to
discover how the latest climate change science is being transformed into new
products and services. Participants within the programme can obtain the ClimateKIC certificate by actively engaging in a five week climate innovation summer school
(1), attending a series of thought-provoking talks and seminars (2), spending 30 ECTS
of their Master programme outside of ETH Zurich (e.g. by doing an internship or
thesis research) (3), taking complementary courses in climate sciences or
entrepreneurship worth at least 12 ECTS (4) and finally writing a Masters thesis on a
topic related to climate change and entrepreneurship.

15

Further Information: https://www.mtec.ethz.ch/studies/specialprogrammes/climate-kic.html

See also: http://www.climate-kic.org/for-students/Masters-education/
6.7 MTEC Risk Studies Certificate
MTEC Students with a focus on risk management may apply for the MTEC certificate
MSc studies with a focus on Risk Management and Policy. The certificate is
provided to successful MTEC MSc students who are 1) supervised by a Tutor (MTEC
Faculty), who is member of the ETH Risk Center, 2) obtained in total 60 points (out of
the 120 points required for the MSc) from risk-related educational contents including
the Master Thesis (30 ECTS), a risk related internship (6 ECTS) and 24 credit points
from risk related courses (approved by the Tutor).
Further Information: https://www.mtec.ethz.ch/studies/specialprogrammes/riskmanagement.html

16

7 Additional MTEC Degree Programmes

(MAS, MBA, CAS, Doctorate)
7.1 MAS and MBA
The Master of Advanced Studies ETH in Management, Technology, and Economics
(MAS ETH MTEC) is a 4-semester continuing education programme (60 ECTS). Most
lectures at D-MTEC are offered for both MSc and MAS students.
More Information: http://www.mas-mtec.ethz.ch/
The Master of Business Administration Executive MBA programme in Supply Chain
Management (MBA ETH SCM) provides leading-edge supply chain management
expertise and know-how required for success in today's increasingly integrated
businesses. The programme starts in September of every year.
More Information: http://www.mba.ethz.ch/
7.2 CAS in International Policy and Advocacy
Founded in 2016, the Swiss School of Public Governance (Chair Prof. Dr. Michael
Ambhl) offers executive education programs in public governance and management
and hosts a network for governance scholars and professionals. It seeks to enhance
critical public administration capabilities by teaching relevant practical and
theoretical skills for public officials and other professionals working on issues of
governance. It leverages the strenghts of multiple ETH departments and centers,
including the ETH's global leadership in the study of technology, innovation,
negotiation engineering and security studies.
The Certicificate of Advances Studies in International Policy and Advocacy (CAS IPA)
enables participants to effectively manage complex governance projects within a
competitive international context.
More Information: www.sspg.ethz.ch
7.3 Doctorate
Excellent MSc MTEC graduates may consider continuing their studies at the PhD
level. Applications should be made directly to a professor at D-MTEC.
The doctoral programme includes attending selected courses and the completion of
autonomous scientific research (dissertation). The doctoral studies are often
combined with a research fellow position. Besides supervising students during their
exercises, internships and Masters theses, research fellows have the opportunity to
deepen the knowledge acquired during their university studies. Continuous contacts
with Swiss companies and international organizations provide interesting insights
into different sectors of the economy and society. Thus, working as a research fellow
can be an excellent start into an attractive career.
Additional information on admissions to doctoral studies:
www.ethz.ch/en/doctorate.htm
17

8 Further Contacts and Weblinks

8.1 ETH Services
Internal Phone Directory of ETH Zurich
www.ethz.ch/people/index_EN
Organisation of Business and Industrial Engineering Students (OBIS)
www.obis.ethz.ch
Affordable Student Housing - Woko Studentische Wohngenossenschaft
Sonneggstrasse 63, 8006 Zrich www.woko.ch
Housing Office UZH / ETH Zrich
Sonneggstrasse 27, 8006 Zrich www.wohnen.ethz.ch
Student Jobs - Arbeitsvermittlung der Studentenschaft der Universitt Zrich
www.arbeitsvermittlung.unizh.ch
ETH Career Center
Universittstrasse 19, CH-8092 Zrich, Phone +41 44 632 20 44
https://www.ethz.ch/content/main/de/wirtschaft-gesellschaft/career-center.html/
ETH Get Hired
The Job Platform for Careers Made in Switzerland
http://www.eth-gethired.ch/
FEMTEC Female Career Building Programme
https://www.ethz.ch/en/industry-and-society/career-center/for-students-anddoctoral-students/promotion-programmes/femtech.html
ETH Zurich Ombusdsman (help and mediation in case of conflict)
(Confidential qualified help in case of serious difficulties, conflicts and personal
crises) www.ombudsstelle.ethz.ch/index_EN
Nightline Zurich
(Telephone hotline in the evening hours by students for students of Zurich University
and ETH Zurich, Mon - Fri: 20:00 24:00)
Phone: +41 44 633 77 77
E-Mail: info@nightline-zuerich.ch www.nightline-zuerich.ch
Psychological Counselling University Zurich and ETH Zurich
Phone: +41 44 634 22 80
E-Mail: pbs@ad.uzh.ch www.pbs.uzh.ch/index_en.html
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8.2

Contacts at ETH Rectorate

Listed below are some of the most important links and contacts. The Rectorate is
responsible for the administration of teaching and, hence, for study in general but not
for the study programmes in detail.
www.ethz.ch/students/en/studies/administrative.html
International Student Support
ETH Zurich, Main Building, HG F22.3 Phone: +41 44 632 20 95
E-Mail: international@rektorat.ethz.ch
Admissions Office
ETH Zurich, Main Building, HG F 21.2-21.5
Opening hours for Masters students: Mon Fri: 11:00 - 13:00
Phone: +41 44 632 93 96; +41 44 632 28 80 ; +41 44 633 91 78
E-Mail: Master@ethz.ch
Registrars Office
Registration, enrolment, semester on leave of absence
ETH Zurich, Main Building, HG F 19
Opening hours: Mon Fri: 11:00 - 13:00
Phone: +41 44 632 30 00, Fax: +41 44 632 10 61
E-Mail: registrar@rektorat.ethz.ch
Examinations Office
ETH Zurich, Main Building, HG F 18.1
Opening hours: Mon Fri: 11:00 13:00 or by appointment
Phone: +41 44 632 20 68
E-Mail: exam@ethz.ch

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8.3

Extracurricular Activities: Student Clubs, Competitions and other

Opportunities

MTEC students regularly engage in local, national and international platforms

promoting the development of student expertise, international exchange and societal
progress. A number of initiatives is listed here, which might be of interest as
extracurricular activities to complement the MTEC studies. Initiatives like these
provide valuable new perspectives for students to develop their knowledge, show
their skills and share their talents with potential employers.
a) ETH Student Organizations
Organization for Business and Industrial Engineering
Students:
http://www.obis.ethz.ch/

ETH Entrepreneur Club: http://www.entrepreneurclub.org/

ETH Juniors: http://www.ethjuniors.ch/

ETH Project 21: http://www.project21.ch/

ETH Model United Nations: http://www.mun.ethz.ch/

Note that this list is not comprehensive. For additional student organizations, please
have a look at: http://www.global.ethz.ch/partners/students

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b) External Extracurricular Initiatives (Selection):

ESTIEM Tournament in Management and
Engineering Skills (TIMES Competition)
The annual ESTIEM Tournament in Management and Engineering Skills (TIMES)
competition is the largest pan-European case study competition for Industrial
Engineering and Management students. More than 250 student teams compete each
year (national qualification: November/December).
https://www.estiem.org/default.aspx?PageId=544
Impact HUB Summerpreneurship

Each summer, the Impact Hub Zurich brings early stage, impact-driven start-ups
together with talented students who are looking for an exciting summer internship
(with a duration of 8-10 weeks in the period between June and September). This way,
students have a unique opportunity to get to know the social entrepreneurship sector
and, at the same time, social entrepreneurs get valuable support to drive their
ventures (Application deadline: April)
https://zurich.impacthub.ch/programme/summerpreneurship4entrepreneurs/

HULT Prize Social Entrepreneurs

Competition

The Hult Prize (First Prize: 1 Million USD) is a start-up accelerator for budding young
social entrepreneurs emerging from the worlds universities. Named as one of the
top five ideas changing the world by President Bill Clinton and TIME Magazine, the
annual competition for the Hult Prize aims to identify and launch the most
compelling social business ideasstart-up enterprises that tackle grave issues
faced by billions of people. Winners receive 1 million USD in seed capital, as well as
mentorship and advice from the international business community.
http://www.hultprize.org/en/
Project Firefly

Project Firefly is an annual Emerging Leaders Essay Competition in the field of

Finance and Risk offering the opportunity to be a participant at high-level investment
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conferences. Competition entries are evaluated by renowned professors

(Submission deadline: February). Project Firefly stands for equality of opportunity,
collaboration and openness to allow bright and inspired minds to provide fresh,
meaningful perspectives on the problems of today and tomorrow. The CS-sponsored
competition targets students in Management, Finance and Risk.
www.project-firefly.com

W.A. de Vigier Foundation

Entrepreneurship Prize

Since 1987, the Swiss based W.A. de Vigier Foundation has sponsored innovative and
future-looking business ideas with a development award of CHF 100,000 per idea. In
addition to this start-up capital, the award winner also gains access to valuable
contacts, has the opportunity to exchange information and experiences at Alumni
Events and receives media exposure (Submission deadline: September).
http://www.devigier.ch/Home.aspx?lang=en-US

Wings of Excellence Award Leaders of Tomorrow Essay Competition

Take part in the St. Gallen Wings of Excellence Award to qualify for participation as a
Leader of Tomorrow at the St. Gallen Symposium, one of the worlds premier
opportunities for intergenerational debates. 200 students are invited each year,
expenses for travel, board and lodging are covered, travel service is provided and a
prize of EUR 20,000 is shared by the three winners (Submission deadline: February).
http://www.symposium.org/en/what-we-do/Communities/Leaders-ofTomorrow/Essay-Competition

This list is not comprehensive. Check out additional competitions:

http://studentcompetitions.com

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8.4 Maps and Directories

Zurich City Guide
www.stadtplan.stadt-zuerich.ch/zueriplan/stadtplan.aspx

ETH Department of Management, Technology an Economics: How to find us:

MTEC Student Office, Weinbergstrasse 56/58, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
MTEC

D-MTEC Student Office (MSc, MAS, MBA):

Weinbergstrasse 56/58, CH 8092 Zurich

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Annexes
Annex
Annex
Annex
Annex
Annex
Annex
Annex

1: D-MTEC functions and addresses

2: MTEC professors and subject areas
3: Declaration on originality
4: MTEC Internship Platform
5: Study Plan
6: Admission process to start the Masters thesis
7: Other important forms and documents

Annex 1: D-MTEC Functions and Addresses

Head of Department
Prof. Dr. Gudela Grote
Chair of Work and Organizational Psychology
WEV K507, Weinbergstrasse 56/58; 8092 Zurich
Phone: +41 44 632 70 86; E-Mail: ggrote@ethz.ch
Deputy and Head of the Doctoral Committee
Prof. Dr. Florian von Wangenheim
Chair of Technology Marketing
WEV J409, Weinbergstrasse 56/58; 8092 Zurich
Phone: 044 632 69 24; E-Mail: fwangenheim@ethz.ch
Director of Studies and Head of the Teaching Committee
Prof. Dr. Marko Kthenbrger
Char of Public Economics
LEE G 110, Leonhardstrasse 21, 8092 Zrich
Phone: +41 44 632 54 46; E-Mail: koethenbuerger@kof.ethz.ch
Coordinator of Studies, Mobility Advisor, Admission Affairs
Dr. oec. Jost Hamschmidt
WEV E 010.3, Weinbergstr. 56/58, 8092 Zurich
Phone: +41 44 632 96 52; E-Mail: jhamschmidt@ethz.ch
Study Administration (Internships / Incoming Mobility / Masters Thesis
Admission)
Prisca Rohr
WEV E11, Weinbergstrasse 56/58, 8092 Zurich
Phone: +41 44 632 43 50; E-Mail: prohr@ethz.ch
Department Coordinator and Controller
Dr. sc. techn. ETH Albert Schneider
WEV E 010.2, Weinbergstrasse 56/58, 8092 Zurich
Phone: +41 44 632 08 23; E-Mail: aschneider@ethz.ch
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Annex 2: MTEC Professors and Subject Areas

Chair of Negotiation and Conflict Management: (Prof. Michael Ambhl)

Chair of Integrative Risk Management and Economics: (Prof. Antoine Bommier)
Chair of Economics / Resource Economics: (Prof. Lucas Bretschger)
Chair of Technology and Innovation Management: (Prof. Stefano Brusoni)
Chair of Entrepreneurship: (Prof. Bart Clarysse)
Chair of Applied Economics: Innovation and Internationalization: (Prof. Peter Egger)
Chair of Agricultural Economics and Policy: (Prof. Robert Finger)
Chair of Energy and Public Economics: (Prof. Massimo Filippini)
Chair of Information Management: (Prof. Elgar Fleisch)
Chair of Macroeconomics: Innovation and Policy: (Prof. Hans Gersbach)
Chair of Work and Organizational Psychology: (Prof. Gudela Grote)
Chair of Sustainability and Technology: (Prof. Volker Hoffmann)
Chair of Public Economics: (Prof. Marko Kthenbrger)
Chair of Risk and Insurance Economics: (Prof. Wanda Mimra)
Chair of Production and Operations Management: (Prof. Torbjrn Netland)
Chair of Economics / Energy Economics: (Prof. Sebastian Rausch)
Chair of Organizational Behavior: (Prof. Petra Schmid)
Chair of Logistics, Operations and Supply Chain Management: (Prof. Paul
Schnsleben)
Chair of Systems Design: (Prof. Frank Schweitzer)
Chair of Entrepreneurial Risks: (Prof. Didier Sornette)
Chair of Applied Macroeconomics: (Prof. Jan Egbert Sturm)
Chair of Strategic Management and Innovation: (Prof. Georg F. von Krogh)
Chair of Technology Marketing: (Prof. Florian von Wangenheim)
Chair of Logistics Management: (Prof. Stephan Wagner)
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Annex 3: Declaration of Originality

This is an online-form to be filled out electronically. Any papers or Masters theses

shall be submitted only including a signed declaration of originality. It is available at
https://www.ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/special-interest/mtec/mtec-departmentdam/studies/files/Education/declaration-originality.pdf

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Annex 4: MTEC Internship Platform

MTEC Internship Guidelines:

https://www.ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/special-interest/mtec/mtec-departmentdam/studies/files/Internship/Guidelines_internship_mtec_en.pdf

Register your Internship on the MTEC Internship Platform online at

https://mtec.sp.ethz.ch/internships/SitePages/Home.aspx

27

Annex 5: MTEC Study Plan

28

Annex 6: Admission Process to Start the Masters Thesis

To start your Masters thesis process please fill out the respective form in myStudies
at functions -> Projects/Papers/Theses
https://www.lehrbetrieb.ethz.ch/myStudies/
Please check also the background information on the Masters thesis available at
https://www.ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/special-interest/mtec/mtec-departmentdam/studies/files/Education/Information_to_Master_s_thesis.pdf
Masters thesis shall be submitted only including a signed declaration of originality.
https://www.ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/special-interest/mtec/mtec-departmentdam/studies/files/Education/declaration-originality.pdf

Annex 7: Other Important Documents and Forms

1.
The MTEC study plan including all core courses:
https://www.ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/special-interest/mtec/mtec-departmentdam/studies/files/Education/study_plan.pdf
2. List of recommended electives
https://www.mtec.ethz.ch/studies/education/elective-courses.html
3. Citation Etiquette and students declaration on plagiarism
The ETH Citation Etiquette informs about how to handle the intellectual property of
others informs about the most important rules covering intellectual property. The
authorship of scientific texts requires that the thought processes, methods and
theories of one author may be deployed by another author only if they are clearly
designated as borrowed intellectual property.
https://www.ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/special-interest/mtec/mtec-departmentdam/studies/files/Education/plagiarism-citationetiquette.pdf
MTEC students are aware of the etiquette and confirm its implementation by adding a
declaration of originality to each semester paper and the Masters thesis.
4. Programme regulations of the Masters degree programme in Management,
Technology, and Economics - Department of Management, Technology, and
Economics, Version February 26, 2015 (English translation of the German (legally
binding) version).

29

30

And finally
Whats OBIS?
Alexander Portera, OBIS President 2015

OBIS The Organization of Business and Industrial Engineering Students is

the official student organization of D-MTEC students at ETH. Our utmost
concern is to facilitate both the academic, as well as the social and cultural
life of the MTEC students. OBIS provides a framework that supports all
students in their efforts to accomplish their respective individual goals.
Students interests are represented by OBIS through actively participating in
academic decision making by electing and sending delegates to the
department conference. Further we keep the students informed about recent
affairs in academic politics by participating in VSETH (assembly of all ETH
students) delegate meetings.
OBIS wants to promote a common identity for the MTEC students by
encouraging contact between fellow students within the same and among
other semesters and Alumni. To do so we regularly organize versatile events
such as ski trips, start- & end of semester events, BBQs and many more. To
ensure contact to local and global firms, which are interested in students of
our field of study, we organize panel discussions and workshops with potential
employers.
We further facilitate the cultural exchange with other European students in
similar fields of study by being part of ESTIEM, the European Students of
Industrial Engineering and Management organization. They are active in 25
countries and regularly offer local group exchanges, meetings and workshops,
where OBIS members can participate.
Do not hesitate to get in touch: www.obis.ethz.ch

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Our Vision is
... to understand, shape, and relate the interactions between technology,

organizations, and society and their impact on the sustainable use of natural
and human resources.
If you have any questions, visit our website or send us an email. Thank you.

MTEC Director of Studies

Prof. Dr. Marko Kthenbrger: mkthenbrger@ethz.ch
MTEC Study office
Coordinator of Studies
Dr. Jost Hamschmidt: jhamschmidt@ethz.ch
Student Administration
Prisca Rohr: prohr@ethz.ch
Doctoral Administration
Judith Holzheimer: phd-mtec@ethz.ch

ETH Zurich
Department of Management, Technology and Economics
Weinbergstrasse 56/58, 8092 Zurich
www.mtec.ethz.ch
32