Electives - MCI Innsbruck

EXPLORE | EXCHANGE | EVOLVE

As a student of MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®, you not only enjoy a profound study program in your relevant discipline, you also have the unique opportunity to participate in one of our interdisciplinary electives from a wide range of inspiring topics.Our multidisciplinary curricula allow you to "look beyond" your own study program and work together with students from other disciplines. Prepare yourself for an educational adventure that will transform your perspective and ignite your intellectual curiosity!

Contact

If you have any questions about the electives, please contact the office management of your study program.

How to choose your elective

Overview

Get an overview of the electives and their contents

Selection

Find your four favorite electives from the total offer

Prioritization

Prioritize your four electives on the registration site

Assignment*

We will assign you to one of your four electives

Notification

You will receive an email with the final allocation

*We will make every effort to allocate you to a course with the highest priority. However, please note that it may not always be possible to secure your top choices and you could be assigned to a lower-priority course. The timing of your registration has no influence on the allocation of places.

Course Formats

The interdisciplinary electives take place between November 2 and November 13, 2026. Within these two weeks, the following formats are offered:

On-Campus: Monday till Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. | synchronous (+ further teaching units asynchronous)

Online: 2 evenings each week online between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. + Friday afternoon each week online between 2:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. | synchronous (+ further teaching units asynchronous)

Mixed: 2 evenings each week online between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. + 1 weekend on-campus, Friday between 2:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. & Saturday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. | synchronous (+ further teaching units asynchronous)

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Tactical Entrepreneurship Skills: Communication, Voice & Lie Detection

Mixed

Principles of Entrepreneurial & Personal Finance

On-Campus

Entrepreneurial & Ethical Decision Making

On-Campus

ImpacThon: Developing Solutions with Real-World Impact

On-Campus

Mindful Leadership: Impact | Future | Management

Mixed

AI-Driven Entrepreneurship

On-Campus

The Business Behind Formula Student: Be Part of It

On-Campus

Study Tour South Africa: Discovering Future Markets

Study Tour

Designing the Future of Leisure

On-Campus

Workshop: Develop Your Own Health Wearable Device

On-Campus

Innovation for Impact: Social Business Models

Online

Flying Penguin: Introduction to Linux & Networks

On-Campus

Sports Technology: From Product Development to Research

On-Campus

Invest & Play: Next-Gen Funding in Gaming Start-Ups

On-Campus

The Power of Blockchain & Cryptos

On-Campus

Spatial Analysis Essentials

Online

Chongqing & Chengdu Study Tour: Culture meets Tech

Study Tour

Global Forces Shaping Tomorrow's Careers

Mixed

International HRM: Singapore Study Tour

Study Tour

Cultural Events & Festivals

On-Campus

Conflict & Crisis Management

Online

Stand Up! Using Humor in Communication

On-Campus

Study Trip to the EU Institutions in Brussels

Study Tour

The Modern State: Structure, Democracy & Security

Mixed

Future of Work: Human Skills for a Digital World

On-Campus

Understanding Diversity & Fighting Discrimination

On-Campus

Investing in Financial Markets: A Practical Guide

Online

Factorio - Serious Project Management

Online

Study Tour: Scandinavian Sustainability Strategies

Study Tour

Course Offer

Tactical Entrepreneurship Skills: Communication, Voice & Lie Detection

Having a brilliant business idea is just the beginning; the key to success lies in your ability to effectively sell that idea. Launching a startup is a milestone, but only a select few achieve real success. Your journey hinges on effective communication, the perception of investors, and the trust within your innovative team. Mastering the art of public speaking and interview skills empowers you to sway your audience. The ability to discern honesty builds a foundation of trust for your innovative venture. Meanwhile, mastering your voice becomes the instrumental tool in persuading potential investors. This course is your gateway to acquiring these tactical entrepreneurship and innovation skills, strategically equipping you for the dynamic journey of business success.

Short Facts

Who is your lecturer?

Yevgen Bogodistov is an enthusiastic researcher, teacher, and practitioner with a diverse focus. Having ascended to the role of Chief Operating Officer in a Ukrainian mid-sized enterprise, Yevgen has forged a successful career as a practitioner. He also served as a project coordinator at the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation in Kyiv, orchestrating numerous seminars dedicated to communication, creativity, and value-driven behaviour.

Mode
Mixed | 2 evenings each week online + 1 weekend on-campus

Assessment

Individual / Group Presentation
Written Paper / Report

Contents

In this course, Yevgen aims to provide students with contemporary knowledge and skills essential for emerging entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs – Lie Detection, Voice Mastery, Stress Reduction in Public Speaking, Psychological Games, Deep Communication.

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

Employ psychological tools for accurate lie detection in various contexts.
Command attention with a refined voice, mastering pitch, depth, pace, and power.
Navigate media interviews confidently, avoiding pitfalls and presenting a polished image.
Employ stress reduction techniques to enhance composure during public presentations.
(if time and desire permit) Apply strategies to prevent conflicts and enhance communication efficacy, ensuring smoother interactions in professional settings.

Principles of Entrepreneurial & Personal Finance

The ability to make prudent economic and financial decisions is a crucial skill for successful entrepreneurs and self-reliant citizens alike. In the elective "Principles of Entrepreneurial and Personal Finance", students will learn how to effectively manage personal finances and develop key entrepreneurial financial skills. The course covers essential topics like budgeting, investing, and retirement planning, while also delving into business-focused areas such as cash flow management, start-up funding, and investor relations. This holistic approach equips students with the knowledge and tools necessary for sound financial decision-making in both their personal lives and entrepreneurial ventures.

Short Facts

Who are your lecturers?

Michael Razen is a Professor of Finance and Head of MCI’s Business & Management Department. In his research, he investigates how we can improve our economic and financial decision-making. Aside from his academic teaching, Michael has also developed the financial education program “FiT – Financial Training” and currently heads the Scientific Committee of the National Financial Literacy Strategy for Austria.

Michael Rauhofer has been working as general manager in the industry, establishing Austria’s largest incubator for high tech start-ups and works now in the field of company pension schemes and financial advisory services for SMEs, private clients and institutional investors. He earned his degrees at TU Vienna, Donau University Krems and at Harvard Business School. Michael also teaches Entrepreneurship at MCI.

Florian Blösl is a lecturer at MCI and an external PhD student at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, focusing on the effects of proactive decision-making in entrepreneurship and finance. With a background in banking and wealth management, his professional experience has significantly influenced his academic research.

Mode
On-Campus | Monday till Friday during the day

Assessment

Individual / Group Presentation
Individual / Group Project Work

Contents

Introduction to economics and finance
Risk and time value of money
The psychology of economic and financial decision-making
Personal financial management (budgeting, saving and investing, debt management, retirement planning, taxes)
Managing receivables, payables, and cash-flows
Understanding balance sheets and income statements
Start-up funding and relations with investors and creditors/banks

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

Be familiar with the basic principles of economics and finance
Understand the broader contexts and relevant factors surrounding financial decisions
Understand risk and how it can be managed
Make reflective and informed economic and financial decisions in personal and entrepreneurial contexts
Understand how to calculate and manage cash flows
Conceptualize their business ideas and pitch them to potential investors

Entrepreneurial & Ethical Decision Making

Decisions are the only way to influence what is important to you - privately, professionally, and socially. Unfortunately, people make a lot of mistakes when making decisions. In this course, students receive decision-making skills training that works. Studies have shown that my students learn to make better decisions and, as a result, are happier with their lives and more entrepreneurial. The TEDxTalk provides a good introduction to the topic „Nudge yourself to make better decisions | TED Talk (bit.ly/TEDxTalkSiebert). Empower yourself to take action to make the world a better place!

Short Facts

Who is your lecturer?

Johannes Siebert is a full professor of Decision Sciences and Behavioral Economics at MCI. He has managed research and consulting projects for national and international business, politics, and society clients, such as Bayer, the California Department of Transportation, and the Pentagon. He is a successful keynote and TEDx speaker and regular guest author for Focus Online in Germany.

Mode
On-Campus | Monday till Friday during the day

Assessment

Individual / Group Presentation
Individual / Group Project Work
Written Paper / Report

Contents

This course introduces students to the concepts of how to make proactive, entrepreneurial, ethical, and sustainable decisions
In interactive sessions, methods are presented and practiced using small exercises
The students choose a life-changing personal or professional decision or a decision of significant societal importance and apply the methods step by step in group work
The (interim) results are reflected on and discussed by the class in a critical but constructive manner
The result is a decision-analytically sound recommendation for action in the decision-making situation

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

Be empowered to become the (decision) architect of their own fortune
Internalize how to make good individual decisions
Formulate and model personal, entrepreneurial, or societal choices appropriately
Develop their personal life objectives
Understand how to make ethical decisions
Understand how to use AI effectively in decisions
Understand how to become more effective and efficient in personal and professional tasks

ImpacThon: Developing Solutions with Real-World Impact

Unique opportunity to apply design-thinking and experience open innovation by working directly with companies, organizations, and policymakers on real-world challenges.
Develop entrepreneurial, innovative, and collaborative skills in interdisciplinary teams while generating tangible impact.
Create solutions with measurable social, environmental, or organizational impact through hands-on, experiential learning.
Engage in a dynamic learning journey that blends immersive on-campus teamwork with flexible digital preparation and reflection.

Short Facts

Who are your lecturers?

Desiree Wieser has over 10 years of experience in higher education teaching and research, spanning the fields of entrepreneurship, social impact (2022 Ars Docendi Recognition Award for Excellent Teaching in Austrian Universities), responsible management and ethics, as well as family business. Desiree has been involved in and led national and European research projects focused on entrepreneurship education, developing innovative teaching formats to foster entrepreneurial skills of students and educators (e.g., ETI Labs (ongoing), EICAA, TripleE Entrepreneurship Teaching Toolkit).

Anita Zehrer is a Professor and Head of the Family Business Center and Research in Management and Society at MCI | The Entrepreneurial School ®. With a PhD from Innsbruck University and post-doctoral qualification from the Catholic University of Eichstaett-Ingolstadt, her research focuses on entrepreneurial behavior and family business management, particularly in SMEs. She is also a certified Business Coach and Mediator.

Mode
On-Campus | Monday till Friday during the day

Assessment

Individual / Group Project Work
Individual / Group Presentation

Contents

This course bridges academia and practice through a hands-on, challenge-based ImpacThon with the aim of connecting students, companies, researchers, and policymakers. This event fosters entrepreneurial, and innovative competencies via co-creation and design-thinking.

Adopting a science shop–inspired design thinking approach structured into three progressive phases – from problem exploration to real-world solutions – blending onsite teamwork with reflective learning and digital tools off campus. Students are provided with a real-world challenge by a company/institution and will work in interdisciplinary teams on finding a solution for this challenge.

Doing so, they will start with a site visit to the respective company/institution. Afterwards they will participate in an intensive 3-days on campus program (ImpacThon) where they will explore the challenge, co-create a solution with practitioners, and finally present this solution.

The goal is to develop a solution that generates impact beyond the immediate target group and for the wider society. All solutions will be pitched in the end and the best solution will be awarded. All pitches will be made available in a digital format to vote for the best.

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

Develop creative and entrepreneurial skills to design solutions for real-world challenges.
Work effectively in interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with peers and external stakeholders.
Co-create solutions that generate measurable social, environmental, or organizational impact.
Reflect on learning and teamwork through hands-on, iterative, experiential and digital experiences.

Mindful Leadership: Impact | Future | Management

The demands of the working world are changing. They are becoming more dynamic, more complex, faster-paced and therefore more challenging. This means that in future, we will need managers who can deal with these demands to solve global issues and regional developments innovatively and effectively. This requires a strong and healthy mindset, a high degree of resilience, a forward-looking approach and, above all, leadership skills for the future. This course not only meets academic standards, but also combines them with practical insights to prepare students for life after graduation.

Short Facts

Who is your lecturer?

Sonja Karbon is Managing Director of KARBON Consulting; Co-Founder of the Good Neighbours Cooperative; Board Member of Impact Hub Tirol; Erasmus+ & Inner Development Goals Ambassador; Trainer, Keynote Speaker & Coach.
Master's degree in Educational Sciences, International Health & Social Management, & Organisational Development and Consulting, as well as certified consulting course in Mindful-based System Change.

Mode
Mixed | 2 evenings each week online + 1 weekend on-campus

Assessment

Individual / Group Presentation
Individual / Group Project Work
Written Paper / Report

Contents

Mindful leadership is no longer a passing trend, but has established itself as a necessary factor for success in top management. This course introduces relevant leadership concepts related to mindfulness, provides practical tools for effective self-management and teamwork, and offers insights into examples of good practice in mindfulness in organisations in the working world.

The course aims to cultivate successful, healthy and sustainable entrepreneurship and explore the fundamentals with gamification approaches, real-life simulations and practical case studies.

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

have a basic understanding of Mindfulness in the management context;
know theories, concepts and models around Mindfulness like emotional intelligence, salutogense, Theory U, Inner Development Goals, etc.
apply practical tools of self-management in everyday life
differentiate between management and leadership
identify resilience and know the importance of their mental health as future managers
understand the relationship between their practice of self-management and the impact in the work environment
increase their level of self-reflectio
strengthen their problem-solving-strategies

AI-Driven Entrepreneurship

AI is a very hot topic, and students are eager to gain a deeper understanding of it from both practical (learning the tools) and strategic perspectives. While their curiosity about the subject is high, they require proper guidance to navigate and explore it effectively. A course focused on innovation provides the right balance of theory and practice, enabling students to critically reflect on the impact of this technology on the economy, society and on their wish to become entrepreneurs.

Short Facts

Who is your lecturer?

Gilberto Pastorella is Director at Jakala, a global data and AI consultancy based in Milan. His background is in Applied Mathematics and Tech Project Management. Before moving to the consultancy world, he founded two startups focused on technology and education in Spain and spearheaded the development of an AI-focused startup in Italy.

Mode
On-Campus | Monday till Friday during the day

Assessment

Written Exam
Individual / Group Project Work

Contents

The course aims to equip students with the essential skills required to leverage AI in their future entrepreneurial journeys. Specifically, the course focuses on:

Mastering AI fundamentals: core concepts and terminology.
Understanding the core challenges of a founder and how AI is changing the way to overcome them.
Hands-on experience with state-of-the-art AI tools for ideation, validation, and prototyping.
Exploring AI's transformative impact on businesses and investment landscapes.
Integrating AI into startup frameworks: Business Model Canvas (BMC), Lean Cycle and more.
Developing critical thinking skills to evaluate AI capabilities and limitations.

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

Critically understand the innovations AI is bringing to businesses and leverage them to their advantage.

Identify and evaluate new venture opportunities to determine their strengths, weaknesses, and overall business potential.
Describe the new venture creation process — including the activities, challenges, and opportunities involved.
Use selected state-of-the-art AI-tools with improved skills and awareness

During this course, students will also:

Develop teamwork skills, ownership and leadership skills, due to the group work
Improve their oral and written communication skills

The Business Behind Formula Student: Be Part of It

Joining the Formula Student team in Innsbruck offers a unique opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting, enhancing engineering, management, and teamwork skills. Students work on real-world projects, from design to production, gaining hands-on experience in areas such as finance, marketing, and HR. Being part of the CTM team fosters innovation, problem-solving abilities, and professional networking, paving the way for a successful career. It's a dynamic, interdisciplinary adventure that makes your CV shine.

Short Facts

Who is your lecturer?

Phillip Kronthaler, head of Mechatronics, is passionate about engineering. As an advisory board member of Campus Tirol Motorsport (CTM), he supports the Formula Student team – an international contest where students design, build, and race single-seaters, uniting engineering, finance, marketing, and HR. Recent seasons were outstanding – join CTM: https://ct-motorsport.at

Mode
On-Campus | Monday till Friday during the day

Assessment

Individual / Group Presentation

Contents

Join the online info session with Formula Student
members on March 26, 5:00 p.m.: https://meet.mci4me.at/r/39_MM-PublicRoom2

Note: To take this course, contribute ≥100 h to Formula Student by Oct 2026. Work is verified via time logs and a final presentation.

Departments: Administration, Public Relations, Aerodynamics & Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical

Timeline:

Oct ’25 - Apr ’26: be(come) active team member
Mar/Apr ’26: apply for elective
Oct ’26: submit Excel time log (≥ 100 hours from Oct ’25 - Oct ’26)
Nov ’26: present (20 min + 10 min Q&A).

More details can be found here.

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

Work in interdisciplinary teams
Manage projects in big groups
Apply theoretical knowledge to real projects
Develop something new from the idea to the implementation
Collaborate with like-minded people
Pimp their CV by adding “Formula student team member”

Study Tour South Africa: Discovering Future Markets

The study tour provides MCI students with an authentic experience of Africa. With its young population, growth rates, and its rich resources, Africa is of great importance for the global future of humanity. Especially South Africa is seen as a gateway to the continent.

In partnership with the world-famous Stellenbosch University this study tour addresses the following topics:

Collaboration on specific entrepreneurial projects/feasibility studies
Generation and realization of start-up
Development of partnerships, formation and strengthening of "eco-systems"/networks

Short Facts

Who is your lecturer?

Gerhard Hillmer

Doctorate in Process Engineering
Industrial Engineering expert with multinational experience in the process industry in various professional & leadership positions
Academia: 25 years at MCI as professor and head of department / study head
Post Grad Executive Master in Management
Currently study head Industrial Engineering & Management Master

Mode
Study Tour

Assessment

Individual / Group Project Work
Written Paper / Report
Individual / Group Presentation

Contents

Orientation & Contextual Grounding
Innovation Ecosystems & Social Impact
Introduction to Entrepreneurship
Value Propositioning, Business Model Canvas
Guest Lectures from African Universities
Future literacy: What are the key competencies in future thinking
From Insight to Action: Overview of Case Studies and Launching the Think Tank
Team Pitches & Award ceremony
Discover the beauty of the Western Cape (Cape Town / Cape of good Hope / Township Tour / Waterfront / Boulders Beach / Wine tasting/ Hiking tour in the Stellenbosch Mountains)

Study tour program as listed in the presentation here.

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

Understand factors that are relevant for the analysis of international markets
Identify social/economic problems as business opportunities
Develop entrepreneurial thinking
Understand the principles of sustainability
Apply the basic principles of business model design (value creation and value capturing logic)
Recognize the importance of the 17 SDGs and the Africa Agenda 2063 framework
Develop essential interpersonal key skills in international collaboration

Designing the Future of Leisure

In times of uncertainty and rapid transformation, personal is becoming an essential competence for future managers, entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs. This course supports students in developing an open, future-oriented mindset and equips them with proven methods and tools to navigate complexity, uncertainty and change. This is done through a topic every student can relate to: their own leisure time activities.

Taught by an intradisciplinary team of lecturers, the elective brings together elements of futures thinking, strategic foresight, design thinking, sustainable transformation and leisure studies. Students gain practical skills to anticipate emerging developments, design meaningful and sustainable solutions, and strengthen their individual and professional resilience. This elective is therefore ideal for those who want to be well prepared for future careers in dynamic and evolving environments. It also provides the conceptual and methodological foundations needed to contribute to both personal and organisational resilience in future professional contexts.

Short Facts

Who are your lecturers?

Siebert Johannes WEB

Antje Bierwisch: 20+ years in applied futures research, innovation management, and entrepreneurship, expert in futures thinking, creativity, certified LEGO Serious Play facilitator, chairholder of UNESCO Chair in Futures Capability for Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Prof. Dr. Birgit Bosio is a tourism researcher and lecturer at MCI Tourism in Innsbruck with a strong focus on sustainability, tourism and leisure management, and service design. Her work combines applied research, teaching, and strategic communication for alpine destinations and tourism organizations.

Helga Mayr: Expert in Design Thinking–based educational design and participatory co-creation processes; lecturer at higher education institutions; background in International Economics and Business Education as well as a PhD in Geography with a focus on Education for Sustainable Development and Design Thinking.

Mode
On-Campus | Monday till Friday during the day

Assessment

Individual / Group Presentation - Final presentation on last day
Individual / Group Project Work - Documentation of the whole design process in Miro
Written Exam Reflection as a learning journey

Contents

Introduction to Futures Thinking, Strategic Foresight and Scenario Exploration
Introduction to Design Thinking and Human-Centered Innovation
Design Sprint on selected real-world challenges around student’s own leisure behaviour
Problem framing supported by contextual interviews, desk research and data analysis
Development, prototyping and testing of possible solutions through ideation cycles
SDG integration into ideas and prototypes
Final student presentation , including reflection on learning outcomes and future implications

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

think critically, creatively and strategically about possible futures using futures thinking skills and mindsets
apply core concepts of design thinking through hands-on, iterative practice
develop innovative yet feasible solutions via a structured creative process
use systemic thinking to recognise interdependencies and leverage points
navigate complexity and uncertainty with confidence and reflective capacity
strengthen personal and collective resilience in times of transformation
collaborate effectively in diverse, interdisciplinary teams to co-create future-oriented solutions
reflect on one’s own leisure behavior and its sustainability impact

Workshop: Develop Your Own Health Wearable Device

Choosing this elective provides you with an opportunity to dive into the sector of wearable health technologies. It is designed as a hands-on workshop where you will have the opportunity to design and build a digital wearable device including hardware and software yourself. This includes assembling sensor electronics circuitry, design and additive manufacturing of mechanical components and programming an app to work with your device. No prior technical skills are required for this course, but it is designed as an introductory course which allows to get to know basic skills used in engineering.

Short Facts

Who are your lecturers?

Daniel Sieber is a professor and head of department for Medical, Health & Sport Technologies, has 15 years of experience in the medical device industry, and served as an Executive Research & Development Manager and Scientific Director.

Yeongmi Kim is a professor in the department of Medical & Health Technology. Her principal research interests are sensory-motor rehabilitation, assistive technology, medical robotics, human computer interaction, and haptic feedback interfaces.

Eva Graf is Senior Lecturer at the department of Medical & Health Technologies at MCI. Prior to joining MCI, she gained experience as a project engineer in the development of minimally invasive medical devices with a focus on the early development stages of new products.

Mode
On-Campus | Monday till Friday during the day

Assessment

Individual / Group Presentation
Individual / Group Project Work

Contents

Hands-on workshop to develop a wearable health device from the first idea to a functional prototype including design and manufacturing of housing components, electronics and programming of a wireless mobile app
Introduction to 3D printing and computer aided design of
parts
Selection of suitable sensors, design and assembly of
the electronic circuitry
Design of the software structure and implementation of the app using a visual programming language
Basics of development process for medical devices and regulatory approval

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

Understand the role of the health technology sector
Describe development and regulatory processes in the medical device sector and differences to other industries
Create a sensor circuit which can be used to measure parameters in a wearable device
Design mechanical parts suitable for additive manufacturing and manufacture prototypes
Understand the underlying logic of programs and develop an Android App interfacing with the prototype

Innovation for Impact: Social Business Models

This elective is designed for students from all disciplines who want to shape the future rather than just study it.

Whether in engineering, IT, life sciences, business or social fields, sustainable and impact-driven business models are becoming a key competitive advantage. You will craft you own impactful solution to real societal challenges.

Students gain practical skills in innovation, strategic thinking and business design that are increasingly demanded by employers, start-ups and organizations facing global challenges such as climate change, digital transformation and health systems sustainability.

Short Facts

Who is your lecturer?

Sabae Ayman: Medical doctor with a Master’s Degree in International Health Systems Management, he is the CEO of the Egyptian social enterprise “Shamseya”: a problem solver that assists governments, development agencies, healthcare professionals & communities in creating sustainable participatory, tech-enabled solutions that put patients front & center.

Mode
Online | 2 evenings during each week + Fridays afternoon

Assessment

Short Written Assignments (4x)
Individual / Group Presentation
Individual / Group Project Work

Contents

This course explores sustainable and impact-oriented business models across industries and in a global context
It focuses on different global models for sustainable business models that are designed to create impact, analyzing their business models, questioning their sustainability and exploring their effectiveness in delivering their targeted impact.
The course invites students to devise new business models that push the edge of how entrepreneurship and impact is defined.

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

Understand sustainable and impact-oriented business models across different industries and organizational contexts.
Develop a critical, contemporary view of different business models for social enterprises, understand their strengths and shortcomings
Understand the current ecosystem of social businesses, restrictions it faces and its changing dynamics
Design and create business models that focus on social impact while remaining economically viable and scalable.
Learn how to navigate challenges, unpredictability and adversities in running modern business environments.

Flying Penguin: Introduction to Linux & Networks

Students who are interested in how computers work and how the modern world is made will benefit greatly from understanding the information infrastructure that is computer networks. In addition, a good introduction to Linux will set students up for a better position when looking for computer science heavy industries.

Short Facts

Who is your lecturer?

Daniel Tunç McGuiness received the B.Sc. in electrical engineering from Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Turkey, and the Ph.D. from the University of Liverpool, U.K., where he studied macro-scale molecular communications. He is currently a lecturer at MCI. His focus is on molecular and nano-communication systems, electric machines, and robotics.

Mode
On-Campus | Monday till Friday during the day

Assessment

Individual / Group Project Work
Individual / Group Project Work

Contents

Linux is everywhere, from the electronics to supercomputers. The purpose of this lecture is to give a strong introduction to the modern world of programming and computer networks. This course will cover fundamentals of Linux and how it can be modelled to suit our needs.

The second part of the lecture will focus on communication. Starting from the physical medium where messages are sent but also to make sure they are sent correctly using error correction. Then we move through the layers to understand what is IP what is a domain and how computers communicate with each other.

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

Work with the Command Line Interface (CLI),
Understand processes, threads,
Work with the C language,
Understand standard communication protocols (NRZ, AM, FM)
Understand what a MAC address is and why is it important.
Get an introduction on understanding TCP/IP IPv4, IPv6

Sports Technology: From Product Development to Research

Sports technology – from product development to research – offers a unique path for those who want to shape the future of athletic performance and wellbeing. The course blends engineering, data analysis, and innovation, allowing students to design smarter equipment, improve training methods, and explore cutting-edge research. It combines practical lab work with real industry challenges, helping learners build skills that are highly valued in sports, health, and tech sectors. Choosing this program means joining a field where creativity, science, and passion for sport come together to make a real impact.

Short Facts

Who are your lecturers?

Bernhard Hollaus is leading the research cluster health technologies at MCI and has been serving as a professor in sports technologies for more than 10 years.

Gerda Strutzenberger is an assistant professor and a lecturer at the department Medical & Health Technologies. She has a broad background in analyzing human movement.

Mode
On-Campus | Monday till Friday during the day

Assessment

Individual / Group Presentation

Contents

First Week:

Introduction to product development in sports
Introduction to human motion
Introduction to measurement principles in sports
Excursion to a sport company (e.g. Salewa, Eurac, Dynafit)
Group Split: Engineering and non Engineering

Second Week Engineering:

Realize your own digital sports product
Present the results

Second Week non Engineering:

Participate in sport research projects
Data Curation for your specific sport
Quick analysis of sports data
Introduction to current research in sports technologies
Present a chosen topic

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

Understand and participate in a sport product development process
Evaluate human motion and its basic patterns
Distinguish between several data sources in sports
Create a prototype of a digital sports product
Explain the current state of the art in specific areas in sports technologies

Invest & Play: Next-Gen Funding in Gaming Start-Ups

You will learn about the business and financial side of the modern video game industry, analyze current monetization strategies (like free2play and early access) and understand the critical roles of player communities.

This course demystifies game financing, covering the investment logic of VCs and angel investors alongside practical alternative models like crowdfunding. The practiced skillsets are vital for students interested in top of the edge financing & investment strategies and help students understand the perspective of game studio managers in this rapidly expanding sector.

Short Facts

Who are your lecturers?

Aleksander Groth, PhD is Professor for Digital & Organizational Communication. His research interest is focused on immersive digital worlds, specifically on large-scale video game & eSports communities and their ability to organize themselves, in the absence of identifiable actors. He is a board member of the Academic eSports Research Center and helps organizing our departments’ eSport Team Goas Gaming.

Thomas Dilger, BA MA teaches and leads various research projects on different aspects of IT governance, corporate budgeting, crypto-accounting, Web 3.0 and corporate finance. Besides his current position as Senior Lecturer, he holds guest lectures at several other universities, e.g. University of Omaha Nebraska | Executive Master of Science in Information.

Dr. Peter Mirski holds a chair on Digital Transformation. He is Director of the academic study programs Management, Communication & IT as well as Digital Business & Software Engineering Online. Peter is also Courtesy Professor at the University of Omaha, Nebraska. As Chief Information Officer he is head of the central IT Services Department of the University.

Mode
On-Campus | Monday till Friday during the day

Assessment

Individual / Group Project Work
Individual / Group Presentation

Contents

Introduction to the Video Game / eSports Industry: Business, Monetization, and Platform Distribution Models
Community-oriented funding models like Early Access, Crowdfunding and alternative financing paths, but also free-to-play business models
Monetization models like In-app purchases, subscriptions, ads, premium pricing, live-ops, and hybrid models; unit economics and LTV/CAC.
Micro-VCs and angel investors | funding programs
Opportunity assessment - Market sizing, segment fit (mobile/PC/console), genre dynamics, and competitive landscape.
Team and execution risk: Founder–market fit, roadmap, production pipeline, and live-ops capability.
Financial viability: Cohort analyses, KPI benchmarks (retention, ARPDAU, CPI), runway and milestones.
Company visits to local game developer studios in Innsbruck (e.g., Stillalive, Clockstone) and Munich (tbd)

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

Understand the Video Game Industry, eSports, and relevant stakeholders, specifically game communities.
Learn about monetization practices, business and platform strategies when games are offered through early access, crowdfunding, or for free.
Understand the investment logic of micro-VCs, angel investors, and public funding programs.
Know different alternative financing models (e.g., crowdfunding, crowd-investing, and community-funded development) and determine which model aligns best with the needs of an early-stage indie game project.
Evaluate monetization and business model fit using relevant KPIs and benchmarks for gaming studios & start-ups.
Identify key risks and propose mitigations and value-creation levers.

The Power of Blockchain & Cryptos

Blockchain and cryptocurrencies are two of the most bespoken topics of the last years. Nevertheless, curricula lacking courses with current independent data and knowledge.

This course provides students with distinct knowledge about blockchain from a sociotechnical, economical, technical and le-gal perspective and provides insights in the new crypto economy and Web 3.0. Students are guided to reveal the most current questions like:

How blockchains could be used and in which situations is a usage counterproductive?
How crypto tokens can be used, utilized, booked, taxed …?

Short Facts

Who are your lecturers?

As the main coordinator of this elective, Thomas Dilger, BA MA teaches and leads various research projects on different aspects of IT governance, corporate budgeting, crypto-accounting, Web 3.0 and corporate finance. Besides his current position as Senior Lecturer, he teaches at several other universities, e.g. University of Omaha Nebraska | Executive Master of Science in Information.

Aleksander Groth PhD is a full-time lecturer at MCI and holds a Diploma Degree in Business Management, with a specialization in Service and Strategic Management. His core lectures are in the field of human-computer-interaction, with a focus on digital behavior, applied project work, as well as methods courses in quantitative research and user-centered studies. He held courses at MCI and at the University of Omaha in Nebraska, USA.

Arno Rottensteiner, BA MA holds a Master’s degree in Management, Communication & IT and gained international experience during an educational stay at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Strategic Management with a research focus on understanding drivers and barriers of organizational openness of SMEs.

Mode
On-Campus | Monday till Friday during the day

Assessment

Written Exam
Individual / Group Project Work

Contents

What is the Blockchain?
Types of Blockchains
Blockchain Simulation
Blockchain Security
Blockchain Limitations
Terminology: e.g. Web 3.0
Impact of Crypto Communities
How companies handle Crypto Tokens?
Crypto Accounting (UGB and IFRS)
Crypto Taxation
Crypto Regulatory
Smart Contracts
Build your own Smart Contract
EVM vs. Non EVM
Blockchain Trilemma: Scalability, Security, Decentralization
Current Trends
Future Outlook and Business Opportunities

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

Understand blockchain phenomena and differentiate types.
Learn how companies handle crypto tokens in financial statements per regulations.
Gain knowledge on crypto taxation, including declaring gains and losses.
Identify changes in crypto regulatory and anticipate future developments.
Understand validation routines like proof of work, proof of stake for gamification.
Grasp blockchain possibilities, downsides, and limitations.
Address security concerns in blockchain transactions.
Gain insights into current trends and business opportunities from experts.

Spatial Analysis Essentials

Spatial data, i.e. data connected to a location on Earth, is becoming increasingly valuable. By analyzing spatial relationships and patterns, we can uncover insights that enable data-driven decisions in governments, businesses and science. Spatial analysis is used e.g., in social sciences to examine voting behavior, in public safety to address natural hazards, and many other fields.

In this course you will gain essential skills to analyze, interpret, and communicate spatial data effectively. Whether you're interested in launching your own company or consulting for established organizations, spatial analysis empowers you to make well-informed, data-driven decisions.

Short Facts

Who are your lecturers?

Willemijn van Kooten is a teaching and research assistant at the department of Digital Business & Software Engineering at MCI. During her doctoral studies at the University of Potsdam, which she completed in 2023, she analyzed spatial patterns of mountain building in the Argentinian Andes.

Lukas Schifferle obtained his doctoral degree in mineralogy at the University in Potsdam in 2023. He is currently a project manager and earth scientist at Energieagentur Tirol. Working with spatial data is his daily business, analyzing patterns of energy usage and potential for municipalities in the state of Tyrol.

Mode
Online | 2 evenings during each week + Fridays afternoon

Assessment

Short Written Assignments (4x)
Individual / Group Project Work

Contents

Introduction to spatial data, including data types and formats
Geographic information systems and QGIS as open-source GIS software
Spatial data sources and their integration into (Q)GIS
Fundamentals of spatial analysis, including core concepts, spatial relationships and spatial queries
Visualization of spatial data
Automation and scripting in QGIS using Python
Hands-on practical exercises in QGIS during lectures
Asynchronous small case studies for self-paced learning

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

Identify and understand spatial data types, formats and sources.
Navigate and operate within QGIS to load, adapt and manage spatial datasets, including external data sources.
Apply core concepts of spatial analysis in QGIS practically to analyze spatial relationships and solve spatial problems.
Visualize spatial data through e.g., maps, charts and dashboards in order to communicate the information effectively.
Solve small case studies with real-world spatial problems.
Automate geospatial workflows in QGIS using Python scripting.

Chongqing & Chengdu Study Tour: Culture meets Tech

China is deeply rooted in history and tradition, shaped by a distinct culture, rapid economic growth, and technological progress. As its global influence grows, understanding its complexity, opportunities and challenges becomes increasingly important.

This course offers insights for students interested in global careers. The study tour provides firsthand experience of Chengdu’s livable urban environment and Chongqing’s dynamic innovation ecosystem, in partnership with Chongqing University, it fosters academic collaboration and intercultural exchange.

Important information: While the agenda is organized by the lecturers, the students must organize and pay for travel and accommodation.

Short Facts

Who are your lecturers?

Siebert Johannes WEB

Prof. Wei Manske-Wang holds a PhD in Economics, is Professor of International Business and Head of the China Center at MCI. Prof. Wei Manske-Wang strengthens Europe-China ties by connecting students, academia, industry, and society.

Rauhofer Michael

Yiqiao Wang, Assistant and Project Manager at the China Center, as well as a Chinese language teacher at the Language Center, seamlessly integrates language education with intercultural exchange.

Mode
Study Tour

Assessment

Individual / Group Presentation
Short Written Assignments (4x)

Contents

Blended learning: Unlocking business and society in China

Info Session of the course and traveling to China (onsite)
Blended Learning (online)
How does the Chinese political system impact essential aspects of the business environment?
Who are the key players in the Chinese economy, state-owned vs. private enterprises?
What has contributed to China's rise as an innovation powerhouse?
China’s rich cultural heritage, urban development, and smart city transformation
Intercultural competence in doing business with China

Chongqing & Chengdu Study Tour: Urban Innovation meets Cultural Heritage

Study tour programs can be found here.

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

Gain insight into the structure, functions, and dynamics of China’s major urban centers in the past and present
Examine the drivers of innovation and sustainability, including smart manufacturing, digital ecosystems, and industrial strategies
Understand cultural differences, their underlying causes, and how they influence communication and collaboration
Expand global perspectives and creative thinking
Prepare for a global professional career

Global Forces Shaping Tomorrow's Careers

This course will explore key global issues that are shaping society and how these trends are changing workplaces and job opportunities. It will examine how AI and technology, geopolitics, sustainability, and demographic change are impacting work, skills, business, and economies. Students will use case studies and empirical research to investigate how organizations are responding to changing global conditions and to develop future employment scenarios. Students will create personal career strategies to position themselves to thrive and take advantage of emerging market and workforce opportunities.

Short Facts

Who is your lecturer?

Charles Krusekopf is a Professor of Business at Royal Roads University in Canada and a visiting lecturer in International Business and Management at MCI. He worked globally for international organizations including the World Bank and Soros Foundation, and teaches regularly at universities in Asia and Europe. His research interests include the business case for sustainability, economies of the Indo Pacific region, and social and business implications of global demographic change.

Mode
Mixed | 2 evenings each week online + 1 weekend on-campus

Assessment

Individual / Group Presentation
Written Paper / Report

Contents

Examine key global forces such as AI, geopolitics, climate change and demographics shaping society and business and how they are impacting jobs, skills, organizations, and economies.
Explore how AI and technology are reshaping work and future career options.
Gain an understanding of geopolitical trends and how they are changing production, trade and supply chains.
Discover careers related to sustainability, ESG and emerging energy technologies as organizations and countries address climate change.
Understand how demographic shifts and an aging population will change workplaces and create new market opportunities in the longevity economy.

Learning Goals

Gain an understanding of how key global trends including AI, geopolitics, sustainability, and demographics will shape society, organizations and employment in the future.
Analyze the impacts of global trends on jobs, industries, and skills.
Evaluate organizational strategies for adapting to global trends through case studies and empirical research.
Identify emerging career pathways and talent demands.
Develop personal career strategies to position yourself to thrive in the workforce of the future.

International HRM: Singapore Study Tour

Students who wish to gain international HR expertise and understand how to manage talent across borders will benefit from this elective. It enables in-depth appreciation of cross-cultural competences and offers the opportunity to experience real-world HRM practices in South East Asia through the study tour to Singapore. The study tour offers a unique opportunity to visit organisations in one of Asia’s most dynamic business hubs. Through these visits and experiential learning, participants will apply classroom concepts to real-world challenges and hence make the learning process practical and impactful.

Short Facts

Who is your lecturer?

A professor of management as well as entrepreneur, Karin Sixl-Daniell has extensive work experience in Austria, Canada, Dubai, Germany, Hungary, India, Malaysia and Singapore. She established her own research and advisory businesses in Singapore and was also a member of the Advisory Panel to the INSEAD Financial Education for Women initiative FinEdX.

Mode
Study Tour

Assessment

Individual / Group Presentation
Written Paper / Report

Contents

In-depth exploration of International Human Resource Management (IHRM)
Focus on managing people across borders in a globalized economy
Key topics include strategic HR practices in international settings, cross-cultural management, international talent acquisition, expatriate management, diversity and inclusion
Study tour to Singapore with lectures, discussions and company visits as well as case studies in IHRM
Opportunity to observe best practices in IHRM in a multicultural environment

Study tour programs can be found here.

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

Analyze the complexities of managing human resources in international contexts
Evaluate strategies for global talent management and expatriate assignments
Apply cross-cultural management principles to real-world HR challenges
Assess HR practices in Asia through experiential learning in Singapore
Develop actionable insights for aligning HR strategies with global business objectives

Cultural Events & Festivals

Events and festivals come in different shapes and sizes, and they play a significant role in our everyday lives. Some are professionally organized; others just “happen” when people get together and celebrate what is important to them. This elective allows students to develop an understanding of cultural events in general, why we attend events, and how events impact communities and society. Students will also attend a cultural event during the 2-week Elective period. Please be aware that this will likely take place in the evening or on the weekend!

Short Facts

Who is your lecturer?

Prof. Raphaela Stadler, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at MCI Tourism. She has international experience in teaching Event and Festival Management, and is currently involved in several research projects with event organizations in Austria, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K. Her main area of expertise are community events and their impact upon well-being.

Mode
On-Campus | Monday till Friday during the day

Assessment

Individual / Group Project Work
Engagement in class

Contents

Cultural policy, cultural events and their role in society;
Cultural and social impacts of events;
Managing culture, rituals, and traditions in an events context;
Events and marginalised communities, expressing difference, and issues of inclusion/exclusion;
Community cultural development and empowerment through events;
Events and placemaking, sense of belonging and pride;
Protest events and social movements;
Contemporary event case studies (e.g. Pride events, Full Moon Party, European Song Contest);
Cultural event attendance and observation (in small groups).

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

Discuss how events are both producers and preservers of culture;
Assess how events can help develop a sense of place and belonging;
Explain the role of rituals and rites of passage in events;
Highlight how events can express and celebrate ‘difference’;
Debate issues of discrimination, inclusion and exclusion at events;
Discuss how cultural events can empower marginalised communities; and
Think critically about current challenges and opportunities within the events industry.

Conflict & Crisis Management

In today’s globalized world, professionals are increasingly required to navigate crises such as pandemics, natural disasters, and emergencies while managing conflicts within communities, systems, and organizations.

Additionally, the diversity of populations in crisis contexts poses unique challenges, requiring specialized knowledge in supporting well-being and inclusivity during crises. This course equips students with essential knowledge and practical skills in conflict and crisis management, with a focus on supporting the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations.

Topics include conflict resolution, crisis communication, leadership during emergencies, and strategies for promoting stability and resilience for all.

Short Facts

Who is your lecturer?

Siegfried Walch, professor & head of the department for Social, Health & Public Management and a member of the Center for Social & Health Innovation at MCI. Since 2012 he serves as a board member of the Eu-HEM consortium. Eu-EHM or "The European Master in Health Economics & Management" is a joint master degree program offered by MCI together with the Universities of Bologna, Erasmus Rotterdam and Oslo. He further represents MCI at the European University Ulysseus, launched in 2020.

Mode
Online | 2 evenings during each week + Fridays afternoon

Assessment

Short Written Assignments (4x)
Written Exam

Contents

The course content …

Prepares students to address real-world conflicts and crises with a focus on well-being and inclusion.
Teaches how to consider diverse and vulnerable groups in all emergency contexts.
Covers geopolitical tensions, cyber risks, climate disasters, public health threats, and social polarization.
Builds skills to analyze conflicts, design inclusive crisis responses, and communicate clearly and empathetically.

Learning Goals

After completing this course students will be able to …

Analyze conflicts with data, mapping causes, stakeholders, and impacts on vulnerable groups.
Design crisis strategies across phases with ethical, inclusive leadership and clear decision rules.
Create and execute transparent, empathetic communication that counters misinformation and supports a society’s resilience and well-being.
Evaluate a global crises and the impact on conflict and resource limitations, consider resource constraints, and produce actionable outputs (strategy, communication plan, press release).

Stand Up! Using Humor in Communication

This course offers a unique blend of communication training and creative performance. Students gain practical tools to speak with confidence, adapt to multicultural audiences, and express ideas through humour and storytelling. Whether preparing for presentations, intercultural teamwork, or public speaking, the course provides an engaging, supportive space to build real-world communication competence while having fun.

Short Facts

Who are your lecturers?

Jason Chan is an English and communication specialist with extensive experience teaching in multilingual, intercultural contexts. Alongside his academic work, he performs amateur stand-up comedy, using humor as a tool for connection. His teaching blends linguistic expertise with creative communication through storytelling and comedy.

Mode
On-Campus | Monday till Friday during the day

Assessment

Individual / Group Presentation

Contents

This elective explores how humor enhances communication across disciplines. Drawing on principles of communication in English, intercultural awareness, and stand-up comedy, the course introduces students to storytelling, audience engagement, and creative expression. Topics include cultural perspectives on humor, crafting clear messages, using humor in communication, and developing confident speaking skills for diverse settings.

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

analyze intercultural communication through humor
craft short comedic narratives in English
apply techniques from stand-up to improve clarity, confidence, and audience awareness
develop skills in message design, spontaneous speaking, and cultural sensitivity, enabling them to communicate effectively in personal, academic, and professional contexts.

Study Trip to the EU Institutions in Brussels

Students will have the unique opportunity to deep dive into the ‘Brussels bubble’ and to understand how the European Union and its main institutions work. They will be able to better understand democratic processes, the decision-making processes within the European Institutions and how EU law is reflecting our daily lives. Students will be made aware of instruments and tools that can be used to participate in the decision-making process. Last but not least, students will have to unique chance to extend their personal and professional network by meeting EU officials and staff and identify possible career perspectives within the EU institutions.

Important information: While the agenda is organized by the lecturer, the students must pay for travel and accommodation. The MCI services will perform a group booking for accommodation in Brussels for four nights (approx. costs 250 Euro), travel arrangements will be done individually by each student. The lecturer will try to organize some financial sponsoring covering parts of travel and accommodation and restauration. Nevertheless, no legally binding guarantee for funding can be made at this stage and students will need to fulfill certain conditions (e.g. group bookings) to order to receive it. Previously the MCI has been granted 150 Euro of financial funding.

Short Facts

Who is your lecturer?

Siebert Johannes WEB

Victoria Pirker holds a degree in political science from the University of Innsbruck and Science Po Paris and has many years of work experience with and within the EU institutions, in particular the European Parliament. She worked as Advocacy officer for international human rights organizations in Brussels. Her motivation is to bring the EU closer to citizens and to actively engage young people in the policy discussion about the future of Europe.

Mode
Study Tour

Assessment

Written Paper / Report
Individual / Group Project Work

Contents

The course aims to offer MCI students the opportunity to better understand the European Union (EU) policy-making, the EU institutions and the interaction between politics, business and civil society organizations in Brussels. Special attention will be paid to the concept of interest representation (“Lobbying”), in order to show how not only companies but also EU citizens can participate in the decision-making process. The individual thematic background of the students will be considered and tailor-made visits and interdisciplinary lectures will be requested.

Students will be provided the possibility to extend their personal and professional network and to elaborate on career opportunities within the European institutions and beyond.

Study tour programs can be found here.

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

identify the main EU institutions (Commission, Council and Parliament) and understand the decision-making process
within the European Union.
understand the interaction between them and the policy impact EU decisions have on our daily lives.
elaborate upon the concept of interest representation (“Lobbying”) and to understand how it shapes decision
making.
identify job offers within the EU Institutions in Brussels and beyond and understand

The Modern State: Structure, Democracy & Security

Choose this elective if you want a cross-disciplinary understanding of how public power works today. You’ll connect core state design (legitimacy, constitutions, institutions) with democracy (elections, parties, accountability) and the real policy cycle from agenda to law, budgets, and implementation. You’ll also tackle current challenges –welfare and the economy, climate and digital/AI governance, security and prevention within the rule of law – and see how EU decisions shape everyday outcomes.

Short Facts

Who are your lecturers?

Lukas Kerschbaumer is a sociologist focused on welfare states, democracy, elections, political and social dynamics. Research: labor‑market policy, poverty, participation. He teaches social/ public management/rights and heads MCI’s BA in Social, Health & Public Management.

Franz Steger-Künz is an expert on national security and counter-extremism at the State Office for National Security and Counter-Extremism.

Othmar Karas and Helmut Tomac are invited as guest speakers

Mode
Mixed | 2 evenings each week online + 1 weekend on-campus

Assessment

Short Written Assignments (4x)
Written Paper / Report

Contents

Foundations of the Modern State: Legitimacy, Institutions, and Multilevel Authority
Democratic Systems and Representation: Elections, Parties, Inclusion, and Accountability
Policymaking in Practice: Agenda-Setting, Coordination, Legislation, and Implementation
The State Today and Tomorrow: Welfare, Economy, Sustainability, and Digital Governance
Security in the Modern State: Prevention, Radicalization Dynamics, and Rule-of-Law Safeguards
The EU and the Modern State: Shared Competences, Everyday Impacts, and Future Challenges

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able

analyze how modern states build legitimacy and organize authority across institutions and levels of governance
evaluate how democratic designs shape representation, inclusion and accountability
explain how public problems become policy, assess decision-making and implementation dynamics
assess how economic, welfare, climate, and digital transitions reshape state capacities
apply critical thinking to security challenges, balancing effectiveness with proportionality and privacy
interpret EUs influence on national policy via shared competences, rules, and participation

Future of Work: Human Skills for a Digital World

Choose this course to master the essential skills needed for the future of work in an evolving digital landscape. Learn how to bridge the intersection of human skills, digital tools, and algorithmic systems. Strengthen your adaptability, resilience, and self-management strategies while understanding the ethical implications of technology in modern workplaces. Explore tools to balance productivity, well-being, and authenticity in tech-driven environments, and reflect them in relation to your career goals.

Short Facts

Who are your lecturers?

Aleksander Groth

Aleksander Groth, PhD, is a Professor of Digital & Organizational Communication at the Department of Management, Communication & IT (MCI). With a background in Interaction & User Experience Design, his research interests lie in the domain of digital behavior and human-technology interaction, specifically on how digital tools augment, enter, and shape the lifeworlds of humans.

Dr. Olli Kupiainen is a Senior Lecturer at the Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences. His current work focuses on human-AI collaboration, how individuals learn with AI and how this learning could potentially transfer to organizational level. In addition to that, he explores organizational identity and future-making during organizational disruption.

Dr. Teresa Spieß is a Professor of Organizational Behavior and Change Management at the Department of Management, Communication & IT (MCI). Her work focuses on the dynamic interplay between people and technology, with a particular emphasis on shaping and humanizing the Future of Work in the digital age within organizational contexts.

Mag. iur. Julia Waldegger, MSc, is a Lecturer at the Department of Business Administration Online (MCI). She has an academic background in law, political science, and organization studies. Her research focuses on algorithmic management and its consequences. She endeavors to weave themes of responsibility and ethics into her educational approach.

Mode
On-Campus | Monday till Friday during the day

Assessment

Written Exam

Contents

The Future of Work: Explore how work evolves through various scenarios in hands-on workshops to envision and prepare for emerging trends
Mastering Essential Skills: Cultivate key competencies, including adaptability, resilience, self-management, and strategies for well-being in times of change
Algorithmic Management: Analyze the impact of algorithmic systems across various work environments, focusing on ethics and worker well-being
Digital Age Productivity: Understand the principles of multitasking, the use of digital tools, and their effects on performance and work-life balance

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

Explore the interconnection between human and digital worlds shaping the future of work
Build adaptability and resilience for thriving in evolving work environments
Reflect on values, strengths, and meaningful work, aligning them with individual career aspirations
Understand and critically assess how algorithms shape hiring, monitoring, firings, and their ethical implications
Learn how digital tools and AI impact productivity and efficiency while maintaining authenticity and professional integrity
Explore strategies for balance, detachment, and well-being in tech-driven work environments

Understanding Diversity & Fighting Discrimination

In our globalized world, students encounter people with different belief systems and from diverse backgrounds. This course will enhance their knowledge of diversity and discrimination, providing them with valuable skills that will also benefit their future professional life. It will support students in understanding and respecting differences, fostering empathy, and imparting strategies for creating inclusive environments, all of which are highly relevant and sought-after qualities in the workplace. The learning from this course contributes to their overall personal growth in an interconnected world.

Short Facts

Who is your lecturer?

Robert Koglek, Senior Lecturer at MCI/Department of Social Work, worked for 12 years as a manager in a non-profit organization in a culturally diverse area in London. He started his career in Germany working with refugees including unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC), families and elderly people. His main research interests include diversity, discrimination, anti-racist approaches and post-colonialism.

Mode
On-Campus | Monday till Friday during the day

Assessment

Individual / Group Project Work
Written Paper / Report

Contents

Introduction to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in contemporary societies
Key concepts and frameworks for analysing inequality, exclusion and power
Understanding intersecting social categories (e.g. gender, race, class, disability, religion)
Reflective tools to examine personal assumptions, biases and social positioning
Analysis of current global and societal developments from diverse perspectives
Guided study visits to a mosque and a synagogue as experiential learning opportunities

Learning Goals

Understand core concepts of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in contemporary societies
Apply key frameworks to analyse inequality, exclusion and power relations
Recognise and reflect on intersecting social categories (e.g. gender, race, class, disability, religion)
Critically reflect on personal assumptions, biases and social positioning
Analyse current global and societal developments from diverse perspectives
Develop reflective insights through experiential learning during visits to a mosque and a synagogue

Investing in Financial Markets: A Practical Guide

Wealth accumulation is important for an individual’s long-term financial well-being, playing a crucial role in retirement-planning, large planned purchases or supporting their children. However large volumes of household wealth are held in highly unprofitable savings accounts. For long investment horizons and with only little guidance, vastly more profitable options exist. If used incorrectly, however, risky assets and strategies can lead to large losses, too. This course aims to provide a measured view of the potential benefits and dangers of financial market activity, aiming for concrete practical guidance at all stages.

Short Facts

Who is your lecturer?

Moritz Mosenhauer is a Professor at MCI, having commenced his academic career with a Bachelor's degree specializing in East Asian Economies. He pursued a Master's degree in economics at the Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich, and subsequently, undertook doctoral studies at the University of Glasgow in the same field. His primary research interests encompass experimental finance, organizational economics, and behavioral economics.

Mode
Online | 2 evenings during each week + Fridays afternoon

Assessment

Written Exam
Written Exam

Contents

We will discuss how to profitably invest available personal savings on financial markets (not including real estate). Emphasis lies on shares and ETFs as assets. Based on academic findings, we formulate guidance on which strategies and opportunities to pursue or avoid. Moreover, we deal with possible brokers and portfolio compositions to facilitate a possible transition of course participants to active investors.

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

Make better use of available savings in growing their long-term wealth.
Recognize investment options on financial markets
Understand some important Dos & Donts on financial markets.
Know academic literature on active trading, trading funds and informational advantages
Know concrete avenues to start their own trading career.

Factorio - Serious Project Management

Because blowing up your project plan in Factorio is way cheaper than doing it in real life.
Master your project and thesis planning the same way you master conveyor belts: with style, efficiency, and only minimal chaos.
Learn to manage resources, timelines, and teammates who occasionally wander off—just like real projects!
Boost your CV with a course that proves you can handle complexity without setting anything on fire… mostly

Short Facts

Who is your lecturer?

Alexander Jahn studied biotechnology in Berlin and Busan, pharmacy in Seoul and worked as a senior researcher as well as a lecturer in Korea. He was active in FabLabs, is a proponent of interdisciplinarity, avid user of CAD and CAM. His research focuses mostly on bioprocess engineering in the area of microalgae and cell culture

Mode
Online | 2 evenings during each week + Fridays afternoon

Assessment

Individual / Group Project Work

Contents

A practice-oriented course using Factorio as a simulation tool to teach advanced project-management skills.
Students learn to plan, structure, and optimize complex workflows through realistic production and logistics challenges.
Covers goal definition, resource allocation, time planning, risk assessment, and iterative improvement.
Methods taught are directly applicable to Bachelor’s and Master’s thesis planning, including research structuring and milestone design.
Equips students with transferable skills for managing academic and professional real-world projects.

Learning Goals

Understand core principles of project planning, scheduling, and resource management.
Apply Factorio-based scenarios to model complex workflows and dependencies.
Develop skills in goal setting, milestone design, and iterative optimization.
Identify risks, evaluate alternatives, and make data-driven decisions.
Collaborate effectively in teams and communicate project progress clearly.
Use project-management tools to structure Bachelor’s or Master’s thesis work.

Study Tour: Scandinavian Sustainability Strategies

Sustainability is a critical issue in today's world, and understanding its various dimensions is essential. This elective offers practical insights and real-world applications, making the learning experience highly relevant and immediately applicable.

Scandinavia is renowned for its progressive approaches to sustainability and circularity. This elective provides a unique opportunity to experience these approaches first hand.

Important information: While the agenda is organized by the lecturer (Degischer), the students must organize and pay for travel and accommodation.

Short Facts

Who is your lecturer?

Daniel Degischer holds a position as Senior Lecturer at the Department of Management & Law at MCI. His research interests are in the field of strategic management & sustainability. He has published in academic journals, and has been track chair for the Knowledge and Learning track at the British Academy of Management Annual Meetings since 2016. Moreover, he has been guest lecturer in the MSc program International Business at TU Dublin and at EGADE, Tecnologico de Monterrey.

Mode
Study Tour

Assessment

Written Paper / Report
Individual / Group Project Work
Short Written Assignments (4x)

Contents

We will embark on a transformative journey to Copenhagen, the heart of sustainability.
Our study trip offers first hand insights of the world’s most sustainable city, as ranked by the environmental Performance Index.
We will engage directly with companies driving sustainable change, gain insights from environmental experts, explore the sustainable corners of the city – by bike, besides other social activities.
Ahead of the tour, students will receive input on the challenges of sustainable transformation, sustainable organizational development, and governance mechanisms to drive sustainable change.

Study tour programs can be found here.

Learning Goals

Upon completion of this elective course, students will be able to:

develop critical thinking skills and an in-depth understanding of corporate development and transformation to make students the change-makers of tomorrow.
develop a theoretical and practical understanding of transforming organizations and societies and develop skills to analyze contemporary organizational issues related to sustainability.
understand the theoretical foundations of organizational change and development
become aware of practical challenges and generate transformational and developmental plans for more sustainable organizations.