Certificate Program: Simulation and Target Value in PD
This certificate program combines four complementary short courses in a structured learning path.
Participants who successfully complete the Certificate Program and pass the final examination receive the corresponding ECTS credits. These credits are fully recognized as one module within the HECTOR School Master of Science program.
Participants build a broad understanding of simulation and target values in product development, covering methods of simulation, project work in conception, virtual twins and immersive environments, and target costing. The program further explores how simulation methods, virtual engineering, target-oriented development, and cost-driven design interact to enable efficient, validated, and market-ready product development across all stages.
General Information
| Date | May 31 - Jun 11, 2027 |
| Duration | 10 days |
| Location | On campus - Karlsruhe |
| Language | English |
| ECTS | 6 |
| Cost | 3,950€ |
Further questions?
Martina Waldner
Senior Program Consultant
info∂hectorschool.kit.edu
+49 721 608 47880
Program Stucture
This certificate program combines four complementary short courses in a structured learning path.
Participants build a broad understanding of simulation and target values in product development, covering methods of simulation, project work in conception, virtual twins and immersive environments, and target costing. The program further explores how simulation methods, virtual engineering, target-oriented development, and cost-driven design interact to enable efficient, validated, and market-ready product development across all stages.
Methods of Simulation
Introduction to Methods of Simulation, covering core concepts of simulation potentials and limitations, information integration and IT infrastructure, and the application of market-relevant software systems to support efficient, reliable, and validated product development.
| Date | May 31 - Jun 3, 2027 |
| Duration | 4 days |
Project Work I: Conception
Introduction to Project Work I: Conception, covering core concepts of fault analysis, quality management, and robust design, and applying methods such as SPALTEN, Synectics, and simulation techniques to systematically develop, evaluate, and realize product concepts in a hands-on workshop setting.
| Date | Jun 4 and Jun 9 - 11, 2027 |
| Duration | 3 days |
Virtual Twins and Immersive Environments
Introduction to Virtual Twins and Immersive Environments, covering core concepts of digital twin technologies, real-time simulation, and immersive visualization, enabling the design, validation, and optimization of products and processes through interactive, data-driven virtual environments.
| Date | Jun 7 - 9, 2027 |
| Duration | 2,5 days |
Target Costing
Introduction to Target Costing, covering core concepts of cost-oriented product development, value analysis, and market-driven pricing, enabling the systematic alignment of design decisions with cost targets to develop competitive, profitable, and customer-focused products.
| Date | Jun 11, 2027 |
| Duration | 0,5 days |
Who should attend
This certificate program is designed for professionals seeking a structured introduction to simulation and target values in product development.
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Development engineers and product managers
Apply simulation methods and target-oriented development to design efficient, high-quality products. -
Simulation and CAE engineers
Use FEM, MBS, and virtual methods to analyze, validate, and optimize product designs. -
Virtual engineering and digital twin specialists
Leverage virtual twins and immersive environments for design, testing, and collaboration. -
Cost and value engineers
Apply target costing and value analysis to align design decisions with cost and market goals. -
Project managers and R&D team leads
Coordinate concept development, simulation, and target-value-driven project work. -
Consultants and researchers
Support simulation-based development and apply modern PD methods in practice.
Ready to join the full certificate program?
Book the complete program to benefit from a coherent learning journey across all four certificate courses.