For the DDM4SME project it was essential to focus on a learner-based approach for setting up the future LL.M program. One measure taken to achieve this approach was the creation of so-called learner and vision personas. These personas are hypothetical students or graduates of the future LL.M program and by thinking about their needs and expectations, the personas give the project team some guideline for drafting the curriculum.
The learner personas created, which represent enrolled students, consist, for instance, of a legal trainee, IT-lawyer and an assistant tax advisor. The reasons for enrolling for the DDM4SME LL.M program may vary. They range from strengthening already acquired skills, to expanding the field of work to broaden the knowledge regarding other jurisdiction. The team therefor knows that the curriculum must be appropriate for a broad range of future students.
The vision personas, which represent future graduates of the program, consist, for example, of a Start-Up founder, a Data Protection manager and a legal consultant. The main goals for these after the master are working in a larger company, founding an own company or expand the own company. This shows the team that the curriculum needs also a focus on business related application off the learned content and not pure theory.