Project week: Analyze. Plan. Act. - Strategic Solutions for the Five Grand Challenges of Global Decarbonization

Content

This interdisciplinary module invites Master students from all study backgrounds to explore one of the most urgent challenges of our time: global decarbonization. Participants will gain a strategic and systems-level understanding of sustainability, focusing on the role of businesses in addressing the Five Grand Challenges—manufacturing, electricity, agriculture, transportation, and buildings.
The course is designed around three key components:

1. Kick-off and Introduction (onsite at TUM, 14.11.2025):
The course begins with an introductory day including a welcome session, administrative and organizational overview, and a comprehensive sustainability lecture. In this lecture, participants will explore the current state of global decarbonzation efforts and engage with the Five Grand Challenges in detail. Emphasis is placed on the role of businesses in climate mitigation and the core methodologies of strategic sustainability consulting. Students will then be introduced to five real-world companies  — one representing each challenge — for which they will develop decarbonization strategies. After forming teams (three students per company), each group will conduct initial research and deliver a 10-minute Kick-off presentation to outline their first strategic approach and project plan. This presentation is ungraded but will receive direct feedback to guide further work.

2. Group Work Phase:
Over the course of 2–3 weeks, student teams will develop tailored decarbonization concepts for their selected company. One optional 30 mins online coaching session with the instructor will be available for individualized support and guidance.

3. Final Presentations (onsite at TUM, 02.12 2025):
The module concludes with a half-day of final team presentations and discussions. Each group presents for 20 minutes, followed by 20 minutes of questions and feedback. The session wraps up with a course-wide reflection on the key takeaways and student feedback.
This course is ideal for students with a motivation to work at the intersection of climate action, strategic thinking, and business transformation—whether in consultancy, corporate roles, policy, or academia.