The art of arguing - let the sparks fly

Astrid Kleinhanns-Rollé and Helga Pattart-Drexler of the WU Executive Academy can argue with each other really well because they have found a way of doing it in an open and appreciative manner. Their example goes to show that, when done properly, arguing is a good thing. Based on very personal experiences, Astrid and Helga have identified 4 reasons why every company should have an open conflict culture.

Read more

Digitization vs. globalization: Are megatrends a boon or a bane?

When history repeats itself: In the 1980s, it was globalization; today, it is digitization. Both megatrends instill(ed) collective fear in people's minds, causing them to forget just how much the good outweighs the bad, despite all the potential threats. In this article, Prof. Barbara Stöttinger, Dean of the WU Executive Academy, talks about the fears arising from these two megatrends and how they are perfectly understandable but utterly counterproductive.

Read more

Interview with Bodo Janssen: "Happy cows give more milk. That's manipulation."

Bodo Janssen's management task at the Upstalsboom hotel chain is quite simple: to strengthen people. For this, he climbs the Kilimanjaro with his trainees, lets a student run one of his hotels and offers employees numerous paths to self-determination. During the panel discussion Personnel Development 4.0 on April 11, 2019, which was jointly organized by the WU Institute for Personnel Management and the WU Executive Academy, Bodo explained why he consciously chose a unique path for a manager.

Read more

2019 QS Global EMBA ranking: Global Executive MBA moves up to 12th in the world

The WU Executive Academy's Global Executive MBA has yet again improved its performance in the QS Global EMBA Ranking. Scoring 74.1 out of 100 possible points, the double-degree program, which is offered in collaboration with the Carlson School of Management (USA), has moved up in the category “joint MBA programs” (MBA programs delivered by two or more providers). A remarkable achievement that makes the Global Executive MBA the world's number 12 Executive MBA program. In five of the nine individual categories (e.g. diversity of the student body, career advancement or experience in C-level positions), the program got the maximum score in this ranking published just last week.

Read more

Successful with blockchain: understanding technology and business

Blockchain technology is transforming the business world in an unprecedented manner. In order to use this technology improve your company, you should be able to understand it from both a technological and a business point of view. In the 4-day short program Blockchain Transforming Business you will be able to bring blockchain technology and business together. Prof. Claudio Di Ciccio, the program’s Academic Director, highlights that the program is practice-oriented instead of theory-oriented, with tangible use cases for real operational challenges. Sessions take place in Vienna, Europe’s blockchain hotspot.

Read more

New Africa residency for WU EA alumni and students to Silicon Savannah

Entrepreneurship and digital transformation in East Africa: In collaboration with Africa expert Hans Stoisser, Managing Director of ECOTEC, the WU Executive Academy is organizing a unique learning journey to Silicon Savannah, the emerging region around Nairobi, for its students and alumni. The trip will take place from September 23 to 26, 2019. Check out all information on this new, exciting residency!

Read more

Ivan Jandrić, Member of the Board at Addiko Bank Hrvatska

"Lifelong learning is the path of one's own growth. The path you take in order to be satisfied with the life you live, and the things you do and create," believes Ivan Jandrić, Board Member of Addiko Bank Hrvatska and Professional MBA Finance alumnus. When choosing the perfect program for himself, he wasn't aware that the right MBA was right around the corner. In this issue of our Career Story, you can read why Ivan appreciates the regular get-togethers in the alumni community so much and why he finds his own leadership style not too bad.

Read more

The dark side of blockchain

Whether it is e-government, car sharing or cryptocurrencies: blockchain technology leads to new business models and allows for innovative applications. Yet, there is no light without shadow. Therefore, two recognized blockchain experts, Robert Schwertner, Head of Business Development at 0bsnetwork.com, and Prof. Alfred Taudes, Academic Director of WU Vienna's Research Institute for Cryptoeconomics, take a closer look at the dark side of one of the most promising technologies of the 21st century.

Read more

25% scholarship for the Professional MBA Marketing & Sales - Apply now!

For the upcoming start of the Professional MBA Marketing & Sales in October 2019, you can now apply for a partial scholarship amounting to 25% (EUR 8,250) of the participation fee; apply by June 15, 2019. Use this chance to get one of the two special awards.

Read more

Game of Thrones: Will Westeros become the next Silicon Valley?

The 8th season of the fantasy series Game of Thrones is currently breaking all records, leaving humanity divided in two groups - those who feel excluded and those who are afraid of spoilers. However, what role do entrepreneurship and innovation play in Westeros? Prof. Nikolaus Franke, Academic Director of the Professional MBA Entrepreneurship & Innovation, thoroughly analyzed the first 7 seasons. What he has found is that both entrepreneurship and innovation are underdeveloped, which has clearly negative consequences for Westerosi in terms of welfare effects.

Read more

From Libya to Germany: starting a global career with the right MBA

The more international an MBA is in terms of content, participants, professors or study trips, the more likely it is that graduates will pursue a global career. A wonderful example is Thomas Perterer, Director Cluster Western Germany at Lhoist and Global Executive MBA alumnus. In an exclusive interview, he told businessbecause how he launched his international career after an MBA in Vienna and the added value it gave him in this regard.

Read more