Organizational Processes at the TUM Graduate School

Strategic and Operative Committees, Reporting and Controlling
The objectives and tasks of TUM-GS are defined, implemented, monitored and evaluated by the committees described in the Statutory Regulations. The Graduate Dean is obliged to report to the University Board of Management. Via the Graduate Council, the doctoral candidates have a voice on both the TUM-GS and university level.

Process Management
The organizational processes and procedures at the TUM-GS as well as the interfaces to other TUM institutions are evaluated, revised, and improved as needed on a regular basis. The aim is to increase customer satisfaction and optimize the utilization of resources.
In order to ensure the quality of work at the TUM-GS Management Office and in the Graduate Centers, quality management topics are discussed in workshops held on a regular basis.

Managing Doctoral Candidates
Since 01-01-2014, the DocGS online platform has enabled standardized, IT-supported recording and management of the doctoral candidates and doctoral process. The DocGS platform is used by the doctoral candidates, deans’ offices, and TUM-GS institutions alike. It facilitates the collection of data and statistics for the monitoring, controlling and strategic supervision of the doctoral program at TUM. From 2017, the Higher Education Statistics Act will also require the transmission of extensive data on current and completed doctorates.

Internal/External Evaluations
The TUM-GS strives to offer the best possible services and offers for doctoral candidates. Therefore, these are evaluated and continuously optimized through regular surveys of users and course participants. In addition to the content of the interdisciplinary courses, the trainers used are also evaluated. In addition, external surveys such as the National Academics Panel Study (NACAPS) provide a detailed picture of doctoral conditions at TUM. 

International Benchmarking
The doctoral education and training program at TUM is aligned with the best international standards, and in turn actively shapes them as well. Accordingly, TUM-GS is a member of national and international networks such as UniWind, European University Association, and the Council of Graduate Schools.

Personnel Development
The employees at the TUM-GS Management Office continue their education in TUM-internal and external courses on an ongoing basis. In addition, four employees are trained as prospective Science Managers in the Science Management Qualification Program, a two-year structured qualification program.