As one of the electives in the third semester, the MBA offers a course in Agile Project Management, taught by Prof. Dr. Matthias Handrich, which is one of the very sought after classes of the program.
Prof. Handrich brings a wealth of experience to the classroom. With a background in Business Administration from renowned institutions like the University of Mannheim, EDHEC Nice, and the London School of Economics, his credentials are impressive. He has worked as a consultant at Siemens AG, focusing on Digital Transformation, Marketing, Sales, and Technology Management. Additionally, Prof. Handrich contributed to Daimler AG's CASE division, leading projects in Data Science and developing digital business models for autonomous driving. His research has been published in specialized journals like the Journal of Product Innovation Management and the Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science.
The Agile Project Management course covers important topics such as the scrum flow, managing disruptions, advancing Agile Project Management and scrum practices, and understanding their limitations. The aim is to equip students with the skills required to succeed in today's dynamic project management landscape.
Prof. Handrich employs interactive lectures, discussions, and Agile scrum case studies to ensure active student engagement. This approach helps students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of Agile Project Management principles.
The course utilizes various assessment methods to gauge student progress. Team projects allow students to apply their knowledge in practical settings, gaining insights into effective teamwork, communication, and project execution. Additionally, a reflective term paper challenges students to critically analyze their experiences and provide personal perspectives on Agile Project Management.
As the Agile Project Management class concluded, students left with a new found appreciation for the agility required in modern Project Management. Through interactive lectures, discussions, and case studies, they have gained a comprehensive understanding of agile methodologies. Armed with practical skills and theoretical knowledge, the students are well-prepared to navigate the ever- evolving landscape of project execution.

Text and photo: Sourabh Jagtap, MBA Class of 2024