MCI Professor Johannes Siebert Nominated as Finalist for European Teaching Award

Shortlist nomination recognizes innovative teaching and commitment to sustainable decision-making

Prof. Dr. Johannes Siebert, Professor of Decision Sciences, Behavioral Economics, and Supply Chain Management at MCI, has been shortlisted for the European Award for Excellence in Teaching in the Social Sciences and Humanities, one of Europe’s most distinguished recognitions for academic excellence in Higher Education.

This pioneering award, first announced in 2011 on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Central European University, honors academics in the social sciences and humanities who teach at higher education institutions in the European Higher Education Area. The Diener Prize of 5,000 euros, which accompanies the award, is made possible by a generous gift from Steven and Linda Diener in memory of Ilona Diener.

The award jury commended Dr. Siebert’s work, stating his application was “among the most notable in a highly select group from a highly diverse pool of gifted educators from across the European Higher Education Area."

Since joining MCI in 2017, Dr. Siebert has revolutionized the way decision-making is taught. His teaching philosophy combines innovation, research-driven content, and socially engaged learning. Central to his approach is the conviction that education must go beyond knowledge transfer and actively empower students to make informed, ethical, and sustainable decisions.

Key elements of his teaching innovations include:

• Blended and interactive learning: Dr. Siebert integrates cutting-edge blended-learning models, combining digital tools, MOOCs, and interactive in-class activities that foster deep engagement. His MOOC, “Proaktiv Smarte Entscheidungen treffen,” co-developed with Duke University’s Ralph Keeney, ranks among the most popular iMoox courses, boasting outstanding user ratings (Link).
• Problem-oriented, real-world projects: Students analyze complex decisions from business, politics, and society—ranging from corporate investments to sustainable urban development—bridging theory and practice.
• Decision-support technologies: He co-initiated the online tool Entscheidungsnavi, which incorporates AI-based decision support and allows students to model and visualize decision-making processes.
• Research-based teaching: Dr. Siebert continually integrates the latest findings from his internationally recognized research, ensuring courses are scientifically rigorous and practically relevant. His studies demonstrate measurable improvements in students’ decision-making competence, life satisfaction, and sustainable behavior (Link).
• Socially engaged initiatives: With the KLUGentscheiden program, more than 400 teachers have been trained to impart decision-making skills to high school students, multiplying the impact far beyond the university (Link).
• Supporting decision worldwide: As a Board Member of the Alliance for Decision Education, he promotes Decision Education globally in collaboration with leading figures such as the late Daniel Kahneman and Richard Thaler (Link).

At MCI, his contributions have shaped institutional strategy: during the AACSB accreditation process, Dr. Siebert was instrumental in establishing sustainable decision-making as one of the three central learning goals for all 19 bachelor programs.

In addition, he makes a significant contribution to the dissemination of knowledge. He has been featured in interviews with Der Standard and the ZEIT Studienführer, is a regular guest author at Focus Online (Link), and delivered a highly successful TEDx Talk that has already been viewed more than 175,000 times (Link).

The nomination for the final round was based on a comprehensive application that included a detailed statement on teaching philosophy and innovative instructional concepts, exemplary course outlines and evaluation strategies, an extensive teaching portfolio, testimonials from eight colleagues and ten students, as well as detailed course evaluations.

The evaluations were outstanding, with an exceptional average rating of 1.1 on a five-point scale over six years and countless enthusiastic comments attesting to the lasting impact of the courses. Phrases such as “best course ever”, “mindblowing”, and “this course changed my life” were not exceptions but rather typical of the feedback received.

“This nomination is a wonderful recognition of my mission: to equip students not only with knowledge but with the courage and competence to make better decisions for themselves, their organizations, and society.  I am sincerely thankful that my students and colleagues recognize and appreciate my dedication to teaching,” says Dr. Siebert.

Prof. Dr. Claudia Mössenlechner, Deputy Head of the Academic Council and Head of Learning Solutions at MCI, comments: “I have been working with Dr. Siebert for more than seven years and have witnessed his exceptional dedication and the impact on our academic community. His achievements align perfectly with MCI’s strategy of fostering excellence in teaching and learning and make a valuable contribution to further strengthening our international reputation. We are proud to see his work recognized on the European stage.”

We invite you to make use of the fascinating proactive decision-making in our attractive study programs (BA Wirtschaft & Management for Professionals, BA Business & Management, BA Betriebswirtschaft Online, BA Business Administration Online, and MA International Business & Management) to accelerate your personal and academic development as well as your professional career.