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Major in People Management and Organisation Master of Science in Business Administration
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Business Administration Major in People Management and Organisation
Lucerne School of Business We develop top talent for companies, public institutions and not-for-profits with our demanding, practical and research-based bachelor’s and master’s programmes. Our range of continuing and executive education programmes make us the largest provider of continuing education among the Schools of Business of the Swiss Universities of Applied Sciences. Our research and development projects emerge in dialogue between research, business and the public. Clients from all areas of society benefit from our experts’ extensive specialist knowledge. We are perfectly situated and rooted in Central Switzerland and our large national and international network allows us to open doors to the world.
Contents Welcome!
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Why choose the Master’s in People Management and Organisation? 4 Your skills profile after graduation 10 reasons why you should study at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts 6 Programme Structure
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Programme Content
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Programme Modules
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The Programme at a Glance What our graduates say Industry testimonials
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Business Administration Major in People Management and Organisation
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Welcome! People change organisations. Here’s where you learn how. Companies that want to stay relevant tomorrow need to reinvent themselves today – continuously. HR Tech delivers the data. But driving change? That’s still down to people. This is where the MSc in Business Administration, Major in People Management and Organisation, comes in.
add a Minor in Data Science – becoming the sought-after link between HR and tech. Fascinated by the intersection of people, management and organisation? Then this is your programme. We look forward to welcoming you to Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts – School of Business.
In the MSc BA, Major in People Management and Organisation, you will learn how an organisation really works, where it gets stuck – and how to move it forward. Interdisciplinary, connected, hands-on: psychology, organisational science and HR expertise come together in a Master’s programme built on substance. And after graduation? More options than fit in a single job posting. The direction is yours to choose. Our alumni are driving transformation and organizational development as Transformation Consultants, Organizational Development Leads, and Business Development & Strategy Experts. Others are shaping the future of HR as HR Business Partners, People Analytics Experts, and HR Managers. The MSc BA is a consecutive Master’s programme taught in English, building on a Bachelor’s degree. Students interested in a career in Digital People Management can
Prof. Dr. Stephanie Kaudela Baum Co-Head of Programme MSc in Business Administration, Major People Management and Organisation
Lorena Wespi Master’s Secretariat
Prof. Dr. Anna Sender Co-Head of Programme MSc in Business Administration, Major People Management and Organisation
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Business Administration Major in People Management and Organisation
Why choose the Master’s in People Management and Organisation? Companies Need People Who Shape Change The world of work is changing – fast, radically, irreversibly. Entire job profiles are disappearing, new ones emerging almost overnight. And many people still lack the skills for what’s coming.
This major opens doors – lots of them. You’ll initiate, design and successfully drive strategic processes in HRM, Leadership and Organisational Development. You consult. You found your own company. Or you lay the groundwork for a career in public administration or the non-profit sector.
This is where you come in: highly qualified talent who actively shape change – and go on to take the lead. Solid expertise, analytical thinking, entrepreneurial vision, leadership strength, and the ability to actually get things done: that’s what makes the difference.
With the Minor in Data Science, you go one step further: Digital HR Transformation Management or People Analytics – you shape the data-driven future of HR.
The MSc in People Managment and Organisation equips you with exactly these capabilities and prepares you to meet the challenges of the future.
Business Administration Major in People Management and Organisation
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Your skills profile after graduation Interdisciplinary skills in People Management and Organisation – Specialist knowledge of megatrends and drivers of change such as digitalisation, internationalisation, innovation, New Work transformation and changing values, as well as their implications for people management – Sound knowledge of business admini stration and psychology for the successful design, development and support of complex development and change processes – Advanced knowledge of how to enhance employees’ potential and performance when addressing and implementing future-oriented topics within an organi sational context Social and organisational skills – Skills in designing, leading and supporting complex organisational transformation projects at the interface of strategy, culture, technology and people – Knowledge of group processes, organisational dynamics and intercultural influencing factors – Ability to successfully initiate and facilitate cooperation and decisionmaking processes involving internal and external stakeholders – Knowledge of future-proof role concepts for the design of HRM processes
– Ability to apply creativity and innovation management methods Applied research skills – Ability to design and implement research projects and methods in accordance with academic principles – Skills in developing and researching future-oriented topics using literature reviews, qualitative and quantitative methods, mixed methods and case studies Analysis and problem-solving skills – Analysis of complex questions and problems in the areas of people management and organisation from an interdisciplinary perspective – Identification of design requirements, solution approaches and alternative options Expressive and presentation skills – Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, both verbally and in writing – Presentation and defence of complex specialist content to audiences such as clients and expert panels Reflection and judgment – Responsible and self-critical reflection on one’s own actions – Ability to shape professional people management practice in a way that develops potential and enhances performance
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Business Administration Major in People Management and Organisation
10 reasons why you should study at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts 1 High-quality study experience The small, focused study groups, our personal tuition and direct access to lecturers are the key ingredients of a high-quality study experience in a personal atmosphere.
2 Innovative teaching practice We rely on innovative learning settings and creative — and often digital — learning methods. Among other things, we develop our own simulation games or online assessments and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.
Business Administration Major in People Management and Organisation
3 Practical relevance Our programme distinguishes itself through its practical, entrepreneurial focus. In addition to the exploration of topical and relevant issues, talks by guest speakers from the management of leading companies enrich the curriculum. 4 Leading-edge and well connected The lecturers at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts infuse their teaching with their valuable practical and research experience. As a student, you will benefit from the mutual transfer of knowledge between science and business as well as from a broad, varied and wellcultivated network. 5 Co-creating the programme Make it your own personal programme by combining relevant modules and selecting your preferred Major. You will also set the topics for your semester and project assignments and for your Master’s Thesis. You can also plan study trips and stays abroad to suit your needs. 6 Work-study options A compact timetable and block instruction allow for professional activity of up to 2.5 days per week. This gives you the opportunity to advance your practical skills over the course of the programme.
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7 Three-semester study option If you wish to complete the programme in three semesters, our schedule is for you. It is intense and compatible with professional activity of one to 1.5 days per week.. 8 Flexible start date In addition to the duration of study and depending on your needs, you can also choose between a start date in spring or in autumn. 9 Continuous exchanges Flexibility is a key feature of the MSc in Business Administration. Our heads of programme, lecturers and administrative staff will be happy to discuss any questions you may have. Benefit from continuous close specialist and personal exchange with your fellow students and lecturers. 10 Perfectly located in Lucerne The course venues are located directly by Lucerne main station. The Lucerne campus offers many connecting points to internationally active companies and public institutions.
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Business Administration Major in People Management and Organisation
Programme Structure Core Modules Research Methods
Core Modules Management
Master’s Thesis
Majors
Pre-Master’s Modules
Minor Data Science
Business Administration Major in People Management and Organisation
Gathering, analysing, interpreting and communicating data. – Research Theory & Ethics – Qualitative Research Methods – Quantitative Research Methods
Understanding, interpreting and applying selected management principles and theories. – Digital Customer Management – Strategic Network & Ecosystem Management – Organisational Transformation & Changee
Researching a major-specific topic using research methods to make a contribution to theory and practice.
Theoretically exploring and practically experiencing and implementing major-specific topics. – – – –
Applied Research Project & Colloquium People Strategy & Management AI & Workforce Transformation Innovation Leadership (incl. International Study Week) – Collaborative Learning & Knowledge Management – Psychological Competencies for the Future of Work – Global People Management Perspectives
Pre-Master’s Modules: Research Skills, Statistics Bootcamp, Macro Economics, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Operations Management, Strategy, Organisational Behaviour and Design, Accounting & Financial Management possibility of post-qualification for the fulfilment of admission criteria
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A Study Architecture That Thinks Ahead The MSc BA combines General Management with focused Major specialisation: you build a broad portfolio of competencies – while specialising exactly where your career is heading. No Bachelor’s in Business Administration? The Pre-Master modules bring you up to speed – so everyone starts the programme on equal footing. Current trends from practice and the latest research findings flow directly into the content. The closely interwoven module types (see graphic) ensure that theory and practice enrich each other throughout the entire programme – true to our guiding principle: Applied Science. Doing, Reflecting, Creating. And because the study design is consistently practice-oriented, you can work up to 50 percent alongside your studies.
Minor Data Science The optional minor equips you with the confidence and skills to work with data throughout the entire process, from data collection and analysis to optimisation and transformation into business solutions.
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Business Administration Major in People Management and Organisation
Programme Content In the first semester of study, the selected management topics “Strategic Network & Ecosystem Management”, “Digital Customer Management” and “Organisational Transformation & Change” are developed and applied at master’s level. From the very beginning the focus is on case studies
which are analysed in a practically oriented manner. Research methods also relevant to this practically oriented approach are included in the programme. These are specifically incorporated into project work in order to ensure the reliability and validity of the outcomes.
1st semester 2nd semester 3rd semester 4th semester
Developing organisations and people for the future through a customer-focused, innovative approach and the use of digital technologies
Curriculum Start Fall | 4 Semester Digital Customer Management
Organisational Transformation & Change
Strategic Network & Ecosystem Management
6 Credits
6 Credits
6 Credits
Applied Research Project & Colloquium
People Strategy & Management
AI & Workforce Transformation*
9 Credits
9 Credits
6 Credits
Preliminary Study for the Master’s Thesis
Innovation Leadership (incl. International Study Week)
3 Credits
6 Credits
Collaborative Learning & Knowledge Management 6 Credits
Master’s Thesis
Global People Management Perspectives
12 Credits
6 Credits
Business Administration Major in People Management and Organisation
It is possible to select an elective module amounting to 6 ECTS credits from another major if this attracts you and fits into your desired degree profile.
Please note: This graphic shows the programme with a September start. The programme design is slightly different for a February start.
Research Theory & Ethics
Qualitative Research Methods
Quantitative Research Methods
3 Credits
3 Credits
3 Credits
Psychological Competencies for the Future of Work 6 Credits
* or an elective module from a different Major: – AI Business Lab: Legal, Ethics & Governance – Digital Transformation in Society & the Economy – Entrepreneurial Management – Sustainability Management in Tourism & Events Credits = ECTS credits (1 credit = 30 hrs of student work)
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Business Administration Major in People Management and Organisation
Programme Modules Organisational Transformation & Change This module considers the intersection of the company and its markets from a dynamic and development-oriented perspective. Changes are seen as a source of innovative technologies, services and processes and thus as a condition for securing the long-term resilience of public and private organisations. The task is to identify what needs to be changed and to plan, supervise, steer and evaluate change processes. 6 Credits, 1st semester
Digital Customer Management In most cases, the customer is considered to be the main source of corporate success. Across industries, customer-centred company management is therefore the “leitmotif” for companies of all sizes. Customer Relationship Management has proven its validity as an approach that can secure long-term profitable customer relationships through the cross-functional coordination of strategies, processes and measures. This module teaches operational methodological skills and knowledge and, in doing so, teaches ways to shape the customer orientation of a company. 6 Credits, 1st semester
Strategic Network & Ecosystem Management This module discusses strategic management in network contexts. Building on the strategic management process in organisations, students explore the specifics of management in networks and business ecosystems. They analyse the dissolution of traditionally contradictory concepts like “co-operation” and “competition” or “market” and “hierarchy”. Moreover, they learn how to create viable strategies and processes to secure the long-term success of a company and its partners within the network. 6 Credits, 1st semester
Pre-Master-Module During the admissions interview, the heads of the major discuss with applicants which pre-master’s modules, if any, must be completed before starting the MSc in Business Administration programme. This bridging programme is particularly relevant for students from other disciplines such as psychology, law, sociology and other fields.
Business Administration Major in People Management and Organisation
Research Theory & Ethics Students know and understand the salient aspects of the philosophies underlying current research methods. Students can describe, evaluate and design research approaches in the context of this understanding. This includes the ability to use and reflect on suitable theoretical research paradigms. Students use appropriate quality criteria to evaluate research outcomes. Research ethical considerations form an important part of the module throughout. 3 Credits, 1st semester
Quantitative Research Methods Quantitative empirical methods and statistics help future-oriented companies to initiate projects, to lead them successfully and to achieve profitable results. In this module basic concepts of quantitative methods and applied data analysis are taught as well as applied with the software R. In the classroom the contents and techniques are introduced, in tutorials exercises are worked on with support. Quantitative methods are a means to the end of finding reliable answers to business questions. 3 Credits, 1st semester
Qualitative Research Methods The focus of the module is on conducting a model qualitative research project and going through the steps of a qualitative research process. The students get to know selected qualitative data collection and data analysis methods. They formulate their own research question, develop a suitable research design, collect and interpret data and present the results appropriately. Furthermore, they reflect on the quality of their research using the quality criteria of scientific research. 3 Credits, 1st semester
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Business Administration Major in People Management and Organisation
Applied Research Project & Colloquium In this module, you work on real-world questions from People Management – in groups, supported by faculty members and practice partners. A practical problem is translated into a research question, which is then answered using scientific methods.
People Strategy & Management Demographic change, shifting generations, evolving values, and digital transformation are fundamentally reshaping the world of work. As a result, organisations must continuously adapt and remain highly agile. A well-designed People Strategy is a key success factor for ensuring long-term organisational performance and effectively supporting the business strategy.
Possible research topics: – How can onboarding be improved to improve newcomer engagement and retention? – How should performance management be designed in self organized teams? – How can organisations identify employee talent effectively and fairly? The colloquium focuses on different research designs, data analysis tools, and reflection on one’s own approach. 9 Credits, 2nd semester
In this module, you will learn how to develop, implement, and align People Strategies with the business strategy, organisational context, and organisational culture. You will analyse the People Strategies of different organisations, critically reflect on their strengths and challenges, and develop your own strategic approaches to address the future needs of organisations.
Business Administration Major in People Management and Organisation
After completing this module, you will be able to: – develop People Strategies and align them consistently with the business strategy, organisational context, and organisational culture – analyse the strategic areas of People Management across the employee lifecycle and develop forward-looking solutions – analyse strategic People Management challenges and make well-founded decisions to design future-ready organisations 9 Credits, 2nd semester
AI & Workforce Transformation (elective module) Artificial intelligence is transforming not only individual tasks and processes, but also the way work is organised, decisions are made, and organisations create value. This module provides the knowledge, practical skills, and critical mindset needed to actively shape this transformation.
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The focus is not on the technical development of AI, but on its use within organisations: How are generative AI, algorithmic decision-making, and digital collaboration changing roles, leadership, structures, and organisational culture? You will engage with current developments such as algorithmic management, hybrid and platform-based work, and human–AI collaboration. You will learn how organisations can use these developments to augment human capabilities, meaningfully redesign work, and strengthen participation, fairness, and agency. After completing this module, you will be able to: – analyse and actively shape AI-enabled organisational change – critically assess the opportunities and risks of algorithmic decision-making – develop approaches for the fair and employee-centred implementation of AI systems – design and facilitate new forms of collaboration – between humans and AI, in hybrid settings, and through digital platforms 6 Credits, 2nd semester
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Business Administration Major in People Management and Organisation
Innovation Leadership Unlocking creativity and innovation potential at every level of an organisation is one of the central tasks of modern organisational and HR development. In this module, you’ll learn how to evaluate and foster creative and innovation-driving capabilities in employees, teams and entire organisations.
After this module, you will be able to: – recognise and actively foster creative and innovative potential in teams and organisations – select and apply suitable leadership and coaching approaches for innovation processes – support and drive innovation initiatives in organisations as a Business Partner
You’ll analyse the requirements for fostering creativity and innovation from a range of disciplinary perspectives and identify suitable leadership, consulting and coaching approaches. This prepares you for your future role as a Business Partner for Innovation. Module highlight: a Creativity Block Week abroad, where you’ll work intensively on real future challenges in People Management.
6 Credits, 3rd semester
Business Administration Major in People Management and Organisation
Collaborative Learning & Knowledge Management In modern collaboration, mutual understanding, participation and interaction on equal footing are becoming increasingly important. The central challenge for HR work and leadership: enabling organisations to engage openly and proactively with New Work Transformation – grounded in systemic learning theories and transformative learning, which you experience first-hand through an outdoor experience. In an online game setting, you interact in short sprints within a digital collaboration space: for a fictional client organisation, you develop conceptual and creative solutions to transform it into a learning-oriented organisation – including identifying the right knowledge holders and applying AI-based knowledge management tools. You’ll also explore the latest learning technologies at the HSLU Immersive Realities Lab, including robotics, and experience how these will shape knowledge processes in organisations in the future.
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After this module, you will be able to: – interact effectively in digital collaboration spaces and organise teamwork in sprints – develop organisations into learningoriented organisations based on systemic and transformative learning theories – identify and apply the latest learning technologies for AI-based knowledge management 6 Credits, 3rd semester
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Business Administration Major in People Management and Organisation
Psychological Competencies for the Future of Work Virtual teams, working from home, AI-supported collaboration: New ways of working offer greater autonomy, selfdetermination, and creativity, but at the same time entail risks such as work overload, blurred boundaries, and social isolation. They therefore place new demands on the psychological competencies of employees and leaders.
After completing this module, you will be able to: – analyse the psychological opportunities and risks of new ways of working from multiple perspectives – measure and assess the effects of flexible work on health, motivation, and collaboration – develop individual-, team-, and organisation-level approaches to designing healthy work environments that support high performance
In this module, you will explore the occupational psychology challenges associated with flexible and digital work, as well as how these challenges can be analysed, measured, and addressed through work design. You will examine how new ways of working affect health, motivation, emotions, communication, and collaboration, and derive concrete approaches for shaping work at the individual, team, and organisational levels. In Experience Spaces, you will gain firsthand experience of key competencies such as mindfulness.
6 Credits, 3rd semester
Preliminary Study for the Master’s Thesis The preliminary study is the first part of the Master’s Thesis Project, for which it forms the basis. In their Master’s Thesis Project, students prove that they are capable of independently and expertly addressing a real-life practical problem within a set period of time, with a focus on practicability and solution-finding and commitment to scientific principles. 3 Credits, 3rd semester
Business Administration Major in People Management and Organisation
Global People Management Perspectives How can HR, as a business partner, effectively support top management in accounting for global challenges and when developing international opportunities? This module explores key areas such as internationalizing organizations, global stakeholder management, talent management, employee and leadership development, and managing values and ethics in global contexts. You will learn how local and international management, together with targeted personnel and career development, contribute to the global growth of prosperous, innovative and sustainable organisations. Case studies and practitioner talks anchor your learning in real-world practice. After this module, you will be able to: – design global HR strategies such as internationalizing organizations, talent management and leadership development across different markets – actively support top management as a business partner in shaping globalisation strategies – critically assess questions of values and ethics in global contexts and apply them in practice 6 Credits, 4th semester
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Master-Thesis In the Master’s Thesis, students independently examine a research question and consolidate the specialist, methodological and academic skills they have acquired. The Master’s Thesis is the final assignment of the Master’s programme. 12 Credits, 4th semester
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Business Administration Major in People Management and Organisation
The Programme at a Glance Basis: A bachelor’s degree with at least a foundation knowledge of Business Administration (180 ECTS). It is possible to catch up on this knowledge before or during your master’s studies Internationally recognised degree from a public Swiss university-level institution: Master of Science (MSc) in Business Administration Attractive development opportunities and international career prospects in people management and organisational development – 4 semesters (also possible in 3, 8 maximum) – 2,700 hours – 90 ECTS credits – In-person instruction on two consequtive days (such as Mon and Tue). With the exception of certain block events and catch up modules. – Start: mid-September and mid-February
Opportunity to study abroad: – Second degree programme with Edinburgh Napier University – Semester abroad at selected partner universities Compatibility with gainful employment and family responsibilities: – up to 2.5 days/week if completed in 4 semesters – up to 3.5 days/week if completed in 6 to 8 semesters – Language of instruction: English – Examinations and final theses may also be written in German Total cost for 4 semesters: approx. CHF 3,200.–, or CHF 5,200.– for international students (plus teaching materials and supplementary study activities)
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What our graduates say “Looking back, the applied research project was one of the highlights of the programme. We were tasked with supporting Schindler in implementing a strategy, a challenge that went far beyond theoretical knowledge. Working with selected industry experts made the experience particularly enriching.” Lara Landolt
“One of the programme’s particular strengths is its international learning environment: students from around the world study together, with English used throughout as the language of instruction. This creates a wide range of perspectives and enriching opportunities for exchange.” Alexandre Stebler
“A key element of the major in People Management and Organisation is learning how to bring organisations and people together and drive meaningful organisational development.” Michelle Davies
“The module ‘Innovation Leadership’ offered a challenging opportunity to break away from conventional ways of thinking and develop innovative solutions to real-world problems. I found it extremely exciting to explore new ways of addressing practical business challenges.” Alexis Sargenti
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Business Administration Major in People Management and Organisation
Industry testimonials “The ability to successfully lead and transform organisations in today’s complex and fastpaced world is more important than ever, particularly in roles that combine strategic thinking with strong people skills. This pro gramme takes an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together expertise in organisational development, psychology and human resource management. Graduates develop both analytical and practical skills to actively shape the dynamics of modern working envi ronments. For anyone looking to help shape the future of work, this programme provides an excellent foundation.”
“Developments in today’s workplace are presenting traditional HR roles and practices with new challenges. Technology is (finally) freeing us from administrative tasks, while new organisational structures allow us to fundamentally rethink and redefine how we work. Human Resources has never been more exciting or more demanding. I am delighted that there is a master’s programme that fosters new skills, innovation and the courage to explore new ways of working.” Sylvie Oldenziel Scherrer Head of Organisational and Personnel Development, Caritas Schweiz
Dominique Widmer Head of HR, Schindler AG
“As an entrepreneur and executive coach, I consider this master’s programme essential for developing key skills in people management and organisational development. Its interdisciplinary approach equips graduates to drive holistic transformation and achieve sustainable success in modern organisations.” Felix Hirschburger Executive Coach and Co-founder of Louma and Optimal Mind
Business Administration Major in People Management and Organisation
“Human Resources must be in the driver’s seat of the business because people are a company’s most important asset. HR plays a crucial role in attracting, developing and retaining talent, which in turn drives long-term success and innovation. By shaping organisational culture, unlocking employees’ potential and aligning people with strategic priorities, HR can have a direct impact on business growth. Only when HR is centrally involved in decision-making can an organisation respond flexibly to market changes and secure sustainable competitiveness.” Silvana Leasi CHRO, Luzerner Kantonalbank
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“Strategic people management requires collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders both within and outside the organisation. Doing this effectively requires not only expertise in people management, but also an entrepreneurial mindset, strategic thinking, analytical and digital skills, leadership capabilities and the ability to influence others. These skills can be developed through targeted continuing education and are becoming increasingly important in today’s rapidly changing world.” Marco Beutler Head of HR, Evatec AG
Lucerne School of Business Master’s Secretariat Walter-von-Moos-Promenade 1 6005 Luzern
Learn more about our Major in People Management and Organisation
09-2026
T +41 41 228 41 30 master.wirtschaft@hslu.ch hslu.ch/master-pmo