INTERDISCIPLINARY ELECTIVES

Who are your lecturers?

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

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

Mode
On-Campus | Monday till Friday during the day

Assessment
Project Work

• Introduction to determinants of sports performance, sports equipment and the challenges of developing products for sports
• Introduction to the specificity of human movement
• Introduction to measurement principles, data acquisition technologies of human movement data. Such as IMU, Force plates, Pressure insoles, Videoanalysis and EMG.
• Introduction to data analysis of biosignals and movement data
• Realization of a small scale project
• Contribution and participation to a scientific study

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

• Understand the basic principles of human movement. In a mixture of theory and practice fundamental movement principles are defined for given sports examples.
• Choose appropriate methods to analyze human movement. This skill will be learned in a hands-on experience.
• Critically analyze human movement data. During the acquisition part of the course data was recorded. Now it is time to critically analyze the data and find the corresponding lessons learned.

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

• The MC-exam (50%) consists of 20 questions and exercises, duration 30 minutes. The date of the exam will be set 1 to 2 weeks after the last session. The exact date will be communicated at the first course day.
• The cases/papers (50%) are going to be all the content learned in class and will be submitted individually. The due date of the assignments is communicated in each session by the respective lecturer.

Digital Badge
This elective can be credited towards the MCI Badge Scientific Data Management. You can find more information HERE.

• 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

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.

Who are your lecturers? 

Aleksander Groth, PhD is Professor for Digital & Organizational communication at the Department of Management, Communication & IT (MCI). His research interest is focused on the video game domain, specifically on large-scale video game & eSports communities and their ability to organize themselves, in the absence of identifiable actors. After his short eSports career, he now follows along everything eSports and enjoys playing video games.

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.

Dr. Claudia Brauer is Professor of Business and Management at MCI. For more than 16 years she has been researching in the areas of digital marketing and measuring the success of digital marketing (web analytics, social media analytics and mobile analytics). In this context, she teaches at several national and international universities. In addition to her research activities, Furthermore, Claudia Brauer has gained extensive practical experience and advises various companies from different industries.

Mode
On-Campus | Monday till Friday during the day

Assessment

• In-class assignments over course week (50%)
• In-class Tournament participation (50%)

• Introduction to the Video Game / eSport Industry: Business, Monetization, and Platform models
• eSport Ecosystem: Stakeholders, key media channels, game communities, and their influence
• Teams & Training: Management of eSport teams and mental and physical training of athletes
• eSports & HR: Application of eSport in recruitment and HR; e.g., identifying skills and leadership talents or fostering employee experience
• Marketing & Events: Role of social media and how marketing drives engagement, sponsorships, brand partnerships, and event outreach
• In-class Experience: Student Team Tournament

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

• Understand the Video Game Industry, eSports, and relevant stakeholders
• Learn about monetization practices, business and platform strategies when games are offered for free
• Understand how professional team training is organized and athletes hone their mind & skills
• Learn about the role of eSports for HR in recruiting, assessment, and team building
• Understand the role of marketing, audience engagement and game communities on digital platforms
• Learn about eSports events and their outreach for destinations in the context of tourism
• Experience and participate in an in-class eSport tournament

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 weekends on campus (Friday afternoon +Saturday) + 1 weekend online

Assessment

• Mastering Presentation Skills – Apply trained presenting and voice tools learned in class to deliver a compelling video presentation. 2-3 minute video, 40%.
• Analysing Deceptive Public Speaking – Apply lie detection principles to analyse a video of a public speaker displaying potential deceptive behaviour. Written assignment, about 1500 words, 60%.

Digital Badge
This elective can be credited towards the MCI Badge Entrepreneurship & Start-ups. You can find more information HERE.

In this course, Yevgen aims to blend his practical expertise and research insights seamlessly. His goal is to provide students with contemporary knowledge and skills essential for emerging entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs — individuals championing their ideas within their respective organisations.

• Lie Detection – utilize psychological tools for effective deception detection.
• Voice Mastery – develop voice skills by mastering pitch, depth, pace, and power.
• Camera-Ready Interviews – navigate interviews with confidence, learning how to handle tough questions from reporters.
• Stress Reduction in Public Speaking – learn strategies to reduce stress and enhance composure during public speaking engagements.
• (Optional) Psychological Games for Effective Communication – explore techniques to prevent conflicts and overcome communication challenges for smoother interactions.

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.

Who is your lecturer?

Gilberto Pastorella: Director at Jakala, a global data and AI consultancy based in Milan. My background is in Applied Mathematics and Tech Project Management. Before moving to the consultancy world, I 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 | synchronous (+ further teaching units asynchronous)

Assessment
A written test for each student + groupwork

Digital Badge
This elective can be credited towards the MCI Badge Entrepreneurship & Start-ups. You can find more information HERE.

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

• Understanding AI basic concepts and terminology.
• Understanding Entrepreneurship basic concepts and frameworks (BMC, Lean Cycle, Value Proposition Canvas etc) and their use and value in an AI-powered world
• Exploring the impact of AI on businesses across various industries.
• Examining how AI is transforming the world of investments.
• Learning how to stay informed in a rapidly evolving field.
• Developing critical thinking skills to navigate beyond the hype.
• Learning to use AI-based tools to enhance speed and quality in the work for the initial stages of entrepreneurship.

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 prompting skills

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 (e.g. by learning how to develop a compelling value proposition statement, an in-depth industry analysis, and/or a persuasive business pitch)

Who is your lecturer?

Phillip Kronthaler holds a BSc. and Dipl.-Ing. in Mechatronics from the University of Innsbruck and UMIT TIROL. His doctoral research at UMIT TIROL focused on model-based control design for semiconductor flip-chip bonding machines. After the doctoral program, he developed mobile lawn mowing robots and new consumer functions at STIHL TIROL. In 2024, he became Head of the Mechatronics Department at MCI

Mode
On-Campus | Monday till Friday during the day

Assessment
Final presentation

Digital Badge
This elective can be credited towards the MCI Badge Entrepreneurship & Start-ups. You can find more information HERE.

Important note: In order to participate in this course, you must contribute at least 100h to the Formula Student project by October 2025. In this course, your achievements and efforts in the Formula Student project will be recognized through time logs and a final presentation.

Join the exciting "Formula Student" initiative and dedicate at least 100h to one of the following departments:

• Administration
• Marketing
• Sponsoring
• Finance
• Electronics & Powertrain
• Software
• Suspension
• Chassis
• Aerodynamics & Composites

How does it work:

October 2024 - April 2025:

• Become an active member of the Formula student team

March 2025:

• Submit for this Interdisciplinary Course

October 2025:

• Submit a time log (using an Excel template) to verify the required 100h. These hours must be performed from October

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
• Collaborating with like-minded people

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
Final presentation of prototypes plus submission of documentation

• Introduction to the Health Tech sector, basics of the development process for medical devices and regulatory approval
• Selection of a suitable sensor suitable for the parameter measured by the wearable device, design of the electronic circuit to use the sensor in the wearable and assembly of the circuit
• Introduction to additive manufacturing (3D printing) methods and design of part using computer-aided design software. 3D design of the housing of the wearable and printing the prototype
• Design of the structure of the software and implementation of the App using a visual programming language

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

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 research & teaching assistant 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
Quizzes and group presentations

• 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

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
• Be able to make reflective and informed economic and financial decisions in personal and entrepreneurial contexts
• Understand how to calculate and manage cash flows
• Be able to conceptualize their business ideas and pitch them to potential investors

Who is your lecturer?

Belachew Gebrewold is the Head of Department and Studies of Social Work and Social Policy at MCI, Innsbruck, Austria. His main research areas are conflicts and migration. He was also a member of the steering committee for the preparation of the UN Global Compact for Regular, Safe and Orderly Migration preparatory process in 2017, and a Member of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Informal Advisory Group on Migration, 2017. Moreover, he was a member of the Migration Council of the Austrian Ministry of Internal Affairs from 2014 until 2017

Mode
On-Campus | Monday till Friday during the day

Assessment
ILV (Group Work and Presentation)

Are human rights universal? This is one of the key controversial issues in national and international politics. The political, economic, ecological, social developments around the world currently are highly related to human rights violations. In this course students will learn why human rights are essentially innate and universal. Environmental destruction, economic exploitation, physical and psychological violence and wars, cultural discrimination have been compromising our innate desire to be equal and free.

With concrete examples from experiences of people affected by human rights violations this course addresses inequality, discrimination, poverty, exploitation, and injustice against different social groups like women, children, persons with disabilities, minorities, and migrant workers, and it provides with suggestions and solutions what can be done against it and why human rights violation must be a key area in our academic discussion as well as in economic policies, and in all social practices.

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

• Understand human rights from historical perspectives
• Understand whether and why human rights are universal relative
• Being able to explain how universal human rights and the right to development are interlinked
• Understand the violation of rights of women, children, persons with disabilities, and migrant workers
• Understand why extreme poverty, lack of access to health services, and poor or non-existence of access to education is human rights violations
• Understand how human rights are the foundation of global justice and environmental protection

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

• Group: Group project work (80%)
• Individual: Engagement in class (20%)

• 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 Capital of Culture);
• Cultural event attendance and observation (in small groups).

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.

Who is your lecturer?

Raffael Heiss is a Professor at MCI's Center for Social & Health Innovation. He was also a Fulbright Professor at Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.), where he taught a course titled "Misinformation & Society". He is passionate about tackling misinformation and looks forward to working collaboratively on this topic, drawing on the knowledge and experience of a diverse group of students.

Mode
On-Campus | Monday till Friday during the day

Assessment

• The course includes both lectures and interactive elements.
• Students will work on tailored and practical solutions to the misinformation challenge.
• Their grades will be determined by active participation in discussions, short group presentations, and individual essays.

Misinformation has emerged as a fundamental meta-challenge, influencing the resolution of issues such as public health, peace, climate change, and social polarization. Social media (SM) have become a focal point for misinformation. In this class, we discuss the following topics:

• Causes: Understanding the psychological, economic, and technological drivers of misinformation on SM.
• Impact: How does misinformation affect our minds, and how does it affect individual behavior and public decision-making?
• Solutions: Which policies, laws and technological changes are needed to reduce misinformation?

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

• Improve their own digital literacy and their ability to critically judge content on social media
• Develope a conceptual understanding of misinformation and how it impacts our society
• Develope an understanding of the influence of misinformation on unsuspecting audiences and the implications for science, health, and politics
• Understand the key drivers of misinformation and which interventions can be implemented to counter the misinformation pandemic

Who is your lecturer?

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 specializes in EU foreign relations and worked as Advocacy officer for international human rights organizations in Brussels. Her motivation is to bring the European Union closer to citizens and to actively engage young people in the policy discussion.

Mode
Study Tour

Assessment
At the end of the course, students will demonstrate the knowledge they have acquired in a written report (2-3 pages).

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 ‘lobbying’ (or ‘interest representation’), 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.

Innovative and also multimedia concepts will be used to give students from different programs a first-hand insight in the work of the main EU Institutions and its decision-making processes and political mechanisms. The lecturer will provide students with instruments and tools that can be used to understand and ideally shape these processes.

Details on the two weeks:
Week 46 is intended to provide students (on site and online) with a basic knowledge of the EU institutions. Prof. Markus Frischhut will provide some background an EU Law. Since week 46 is a so-called ‘committee & plenary week’ of the European Parliament in Brussel, various interactive tools (e.g. live broadcasts to committee hearings and votes in Brussels) will be used.

During week 47, students will visit Brussels and its EU institutions during 3-4 days and have the possibility to establish personal contacts with members of the European Parliament and their staff, European Commission officials as well as national diplomats and representatives from interest groups.
Students will be provided the possibility to extend their personal and professional network and to elaborate on professional opportunities within the European institutions and beyond.

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

• Identify the main EU institutions and understand the EU decision making process.
• Understand the interaction of these EU institutions and to understand their policy impact on our daily lives, as nowadays the most important decisions are taken at EU level.
• Gather knowledge about what it means to be an EU citizen and to defend EU interests (‘lobbying’).
• Identify job offers within the EU Institutions in Brussels and beyond and understand the importance of networking in the EU.

Who are your lecturers? 

Hannah Gratzer: Expertise in future-oriented topics (Sustainability, Communications, Leadership). Self-employed as a Business Coach, Consultant and Trainer. Teaching at FH Wien, FH Burgenland, University of Salzburg.

Lena Stern: Expertise in Sustainability & related topics like Transformation, Communication & Leadership. Self-employed Business Coach & Trainer; Former Consultant for Sustainability, Transformation & Cultural Change and sustainability manager.

Mode
Mixed | 2 weekends on campus (Friday afternoon +Saturday) + 1 weekend online

Assessment 
Grading is based on critical analysis of the topics and reflection tasks through presentations and a reflection paper.

Digital Badge
This elective can be credited towards the MCI Badge Sustainable Development. You can find more information HERE.

• Foundations of sustainability (definition, historical context, concepts of sustainability, responsibilities)
• Deep Dive:
  1. Environmental sustainability (biodiversity, climate change and resources)
  2. Social sustainability (equity and social justice, education, health, diversity and inclusion)
  3. Economic sustainability (sustainable and responsible business models e.g. circular economy, degrowth)
  4. Personal responsibility in sustainability (personal sustainability practices, communication, argumentation)

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

• Understand the interconnectedness of environmental, social and economic systems using a systemic thinking approach
• Be aware of responsibilities and develop a pro- active mindset for addressing sustainability challenges
• Emphasize holistic views of future challenges and ensure inclusivity
• Navigate in polarizing discussions and use empathy and active listening to facilitate constructive dialogues
• Gain practical knowledge of best practices in political, business, and personal contexts

Who is your lecturer?

Tim Herberger is Associate Professor and Chaired Professor (Entrepreneurship, Finance and Digitalization) and Head of Master Study Program Management and Leadership at Andrássy University Budapest (since 09/2018); PhD 2012; Habilitation 2023; since 2017 lecturer in the online master program Corporate Governance and Finance and Business Psychology & Management. Research and Teaching Focus: Finance; Financial Intermediation; Digital Finance; Intangible Assets; Sports Management

Mode
Online | 2 evenings during each week + Fridays afternoon

Assessment 
Student Research Project and Presentations

• The Role of Sports in a Sustainable Society
• Organizations in Sports in the Public and Private Sector and Their Inner Structures
• Sports Club and Sports Association Decisions from a Legal Point of View
• Sports Finance under Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
• Sports Marketing
• Sustainable Sports Venue Management
• Planning of Sustainable Sports Events of Worldwide Interest
• The Role of Trend Sports and E-sports

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

• Understand sports, fandom, and sports organizations as essential pillars of social systems and to develop them further in the spirit of sustainability.
• Understand the legal framework of international sports and the process of awarding major global events and transferring them to future major sports events.
• Acquire skills to address both individual and team sports, as well as financing and marketing issues, in a target group-specific way under considering sustainability goals.
• Understand the basics of sustainable sports venue management and apply them in a practice-oriented way.
• Experience the conceptualization, planning and presentation of applications for major sports events based on practical cases under sustainability goals.
• Learn to recognize and anticipate future trends in sports, with a particular focus on the role of e-sports and big data.