In the economy of any country, family-owned businesses occupy a very special place. They are to be found in all sizes and organizational forms. A family business may be anything from a medium-sized business to a multinational corporation. Similarly, family businesses may be found in any sector and range from workshops and small service providers to hotels and tourism-related institutions, as well as any kind of industrial businesses. The main differences between businesses run by a family and companies run by a manager are illustrated by the so-called magical triangle of family, business, and ownership.

The Certificate Family Business program tackles the peculiarities of family-run businesses. It discusses their strengths and opportunities as well as the challenges and risks linked to them. The aim is to strengthen the participants’ role as entrepreneurs and secure their companies’ success in the future.

Participants are enabled to actively engage in the systematic planning of their family businesses’ future and learn how to take the necessary steps. The course in particular draws attention to the critical event of a business takeover, as this bears the largest challenge in the life cycle of many family-owned businesses.

After compelting the certificate course you will
  • be familiarized with the characteristic features of family-owned businesses and enabled to derive internal as well as external requirements and challenges,

  • learn how to identify the requirements and needs of individuals handing over or taking over a business as well as the conditions for the successful continuation of a company,

  • acquire application-oriented knowledge on how to successfully manage procedures in critical situations

  • learn how to apply appropriate methods and instruments to analyze and systematically master new challenges and conflicts.

The compact certificate course is particularly appropriate for owners of a family business or family members in a leading position eager to learn how to develop a successful future for their company, to prepare for the process of company takeover or succession, and to secure the company’s assets.

In cases where a company is preparing for takeover, it is highly recommended that both the person who is handing over and the person who is taking over participate.

Of course, individuals who are currently planning to take over an external business or have already completed takeover of an external business are also welcome to enroll.

Your way to success

Find out all the details you need to make your decision here:

What awaits you?

The Certificate in Family Business program is a part-time course of study based on a didactic concept tailored to the needs of professional decision makers.

The program includes eight on-campus sessions discussing the magical triangle of family, business, and ownership. You will learn how to manage conflicts and emotions in family-owned businesses. You will not only profit from the most recent research findings produced by the MCI Family Business Center, but also receive the opportunity to exchange experiences with other participants. Two reflection papers and a final project will allow you to reflect on what you have learned in the context of your own professional situation.

More information on costs & teaching principles can be found here.

Curriculum ( pdf | 79.55K )

Who awaits you?

The lecturers in this course are proven experts in family business and leadership and have both excellent academic qualifications and international experience. They will provide a range of practical examples to assist the discussion of and reflection on recent scientific findings.

Scientific Management

FH-Prof. PD MMag. Dr. habil. Anita Zehrer
MCI Professor and Head of the MCI Family Business Center, Innsbruck / Tyrol

Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Bernhard Baumgartner, MBA (IMD)
Independent Consultant and Expert in family-owned businesses, restructuring, and financial recovery, Kitzbühel / Tyrol

Faculty (excerpt)

FH-Prof. Dr. Gabriela Leiß, MBA
MCI Professor and Lecturer in the Business & Management Bachelor Degree program, Innsbruck / Tyrol

Univ.-Prof. FH-Prof. Mag. Dr. Franz Pegger
Lawyer & Partner of Greiter, Pegger, Kofler Law Firm, Innsbruck / Tyrol

Dr. Christian Vohradsky
Business Consultant and Expert on mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, and corporate strategy, Wattens / Tyrol

Recognition of Credits

The MCI certificate programs have been designed to meet the highest international quality standards. They are continuously assessed by internal and external bodies.

All business-related MCI study programs have been accredited by the renowned Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

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