Klaus Beck was born in 1941; studies in business administration, economics and pedagogics at the Universities of Berlin and Mannheim (1962-1967), graduated with a diploma in business education. Postgraduate studies in educational research, psychology and philosophy at the University of Mannheim; doctoral degree (1975) and habilitation (1985). Professor at Universities of Oldenburg (1982-1986) and Erlangen-Nurnberg (1987-1993). Chair of business education at the University of Mainz (since 1994).