The main research tasks of Business Education lie in developing and reflecting on research findings, as well as deriving sound decision-making tools for the practice of institutionalized teaching and learning in the fields of business, administration, and vocational education and training. From a scientific-systematic perspective, Business Education as a subdiscipline of Vocational and Business Education encompasses Business Didactics.

Against this background, the following sections systematize the shared research interests and focal points of the Chair of Business and Entrepreneurship Education and the Chair of Business Didactics with a Focus on Digital Teaching and Learning in Vocational Education. These two chairs at the University of Rostock represent modern disciplinary directions within the field. Considerations regarding methodological approaches complete this conceptual framework.

Shared Research Interests:
Both chairs share research interests in the design of teaching and learning arrangements through innovative methodological and media-based approaches, as well as in the critical examination of socio-economic education. Other common focal points include the facilitation of teaching and learning processes through tutoring, mentoring, and e-portfolio work, as well as the digitalization of teaching, learning, work, and business processes.

In this context, the Chair of Business and Entrepreneurship Education generally addresses research questions on the macro level, while the Chair of Business Didactics with a focus on digital teaching and learning in vocational education focuses on the micro level. Overlaps occur particularly on the meso level. To generate insights and shape different levels of the educational system, both chairs engage in intra- and interdisciplinary, national and international, as well as intra- and extramural collaborations. Their research and development activities are continuously presented, discussed, and published in national and international academic and practical contexts and are also used to attract third-party funding. Additionally, the results are prepared in a target-group-oriented manner to ensure effective transfer to science, practice, and policy.
A special area of expertise for both chairs lies in knowledge transfer, particularly into company-based and regional education initiatives, digital innovation centers, entrepreneurship support, and vocational teacher education.

Research Focus of the Chair of Business and Entrepreneurship Education

The research at this chair focuses on regional institutional and system development through the establishment of networks and partnerships. Closely linked to this are the investigation and design of innovations in vocational education and training, especially continuing education.
At the Future Center Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, for example, transformations triggered by digitalization, artificial intelligence, demographic change, and internationalization are analyzed and shaped. The chair also conducts research on innovations and reforms in vocational education systems, including international comparative perspectives that help identify process-influencing factors.

Furthermore, the chair addresses mismatches in career and study choices, channeling them through the development of suitable individual career strategies and accompanying counseling services. Another key research area involves the analysis and design of structures and processes of entrepreneurial ventures. Overall, the research consistently considers the relationships between the individual, institutional, and systemic levels.

Research Focus of the Chair of Business Didactics with a Focus on Digital Teaching and Learning in Vocational Education

The central focus of this chair lies in the development, testing, evaluation, and implementation of innovative teaching and learning arrangements. For example, an innovative model for promoting lesson-planning competence is being further developed.
The research also addresses the effective and efficient use of digital game-based learning, e-learning and e-portfolio systems, as well as synchronous and asynchronous forms of teaching and learning in face-to-face, digital, and hybrid formats. These topics can be assigned to teacher education research.

In addition, the chair conducts curriculum research, focusing on the development of degree programs in business education and on competence development among bachelor’s and master’s students. In terms of disciplinary and science studies, the chair investigates the structure and evolution of the publication culture in vocational and business education. In the field of higher education research, the introduction, diffusion, and design of university mission statements are central topics of inquiry.

Methodological Considerations

Most research projects can be assigned to empirical social research. Since these projects often involve the development, implementation, evaluation, and optimization of concrete tools and concepts, Design-Based Research (DBR) plays a central role as a design-oriented and participatory research approach. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis are employed, with an emphasis on qualitative approaches.

The choice of methods depends on the research subjects and questions. Research in innovative and less elaborated areas also implies the development of new methodological approaches.

You can find the complete research concept in our media library.