Press 2014

250th platform session with leading speakers at the Entrepreneurial School® - The MCI success story with its academic lecture series continuesMCI Alumni & Friends recently celebrated a special jubilee: The talk given by H.E. Sergey Nechayev, the Russian Federation’s Ambassador to Austria, was the 250th platform event – with international speakers from the worlds of business, academia, politics and the arts – organized by the Entrepreneurial School®.These unique events deliver a useful stimulus, promote the exchange of knowledge and experience and help students, faculty, partners and visitors to the MCI build up their networks.The list of speakers is as varied as it is impressive and includes such famous names as President Vaclav Klaus, President Jean-Claude Juncker, EU Commissioners Franz Fischler, Benita Ferrero Waldner and Johannes Hahn, numerous ministers and undersecretaries from Austria and many other countries, and the CEOs of international corporations like Daniel Vasella (Novartis), Stefan Sommer (ZF), Michel Wurth (Arcelor Mittal), Helmut Maucher (Nestlé), Brigitte Ederer (Siemens), Helmut Rothenberger (Rothenberger), Peter Bettermann (Freudenberg), Martin Kind (Kind Group, Hannover 96), Mario Moretti Polegato (Geox) and Hap Klopp (The North Face) and of leading Austrian companies like Georg Kapsch (Kapsch), Niki Lauda (FlyNiki), Christian Kern (ÖBB) and Sabine Herlitschka (Infineon).And that is far from the end of the story: For the next few years, the MCI has succeeded in booking the prestigious speakers needed for such a high-powered program: preview“Along with the other offerings, our international lecture series puts our program in a class of its own,” says Bettina Stichauner, Director of MCI Alumni & Friends, and she continues, “which goes to show that it does matter which university you attend!”The MCI’s Rector Andreas Altmann has this to say about the MCI’s alumni club: “A lively service platform, MCI Alumni & Friends offers support in terms of contacts, careers and personal development and contributes to the international standing of the Entrepreneurial School®. The winners are our graduates and our common university and business location.”{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=921}Press contacts and queries:{mcicontact view=presse|id=18}

The part-time MCI Executive Certificate course in Destination & Leadership is targeted at Entrepreneurs, managers and decision makers in the tourism and leisure industries, especially those responsible for destination management and development.The tourism, leisure and tourism-related service industry is one of the biggest industries worldwide and still has enormous potential for growth. Fascinating opportunities for destination development and international marketing call for managers with professional training. The special focus of the course on strategic destination management and a sound theoretical basis combined with practical applications, including study tours to selected destinations, are the key to long-term success in the field of destination development and an effective way to strengthen one’s own position within the industry.With this 14-day course in Destination & Leadership, MCI Management Center Innsbruck is offering its first executive education course explicitly designed for managers in the tourism industry. The course is being taught by highly qualified lecturers and trainers and organized in association with the Austrian Hoteliers Federation and in cooperation with the Federation of Austrian Tourism Managers and the Federation of Tyrolean Tourism Associations.The course starts on April 15, 2015 with a schedule tailored to the needs of the target group. The number of places on the course is limited.More Information:Registration & CounselingVictoria Lettenbichler+43 512 2070 2102victoria.lettenbichler@mci.edu{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=923}Press contacts and queries:{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

Science Award of the Chamber of Commerce for innovative Master’s thesis in the field of Mechatronics-Mechanical EngineeringThe Mechatronics Department at the MCI has something to celebrate: professional recognition for the Master’s thesis submitted by Marco Rückl, BSc, MSc. In his work in the field of control engineering, he developed a dynamic and efficient position controller for geared drives. In comparison with conventional controller designs, the new solution offers faster error convergence and long-term stability and has great potential for use in a wide range of drive systems.The Tyrolean Chamber of Commerce first announced the Science Award in 1997. Since then the prize has been awarded on an annual basis for outstanding Diploma and Master’s theses and dissertations which display a high degree of innovation and have practical applicability for Tyrolean SMEs. For Dr. Jürgen Bodenseer as President of the Tyrolean Chamber of Commerce, the presentation ceremony for the Science Award is a special event signaling support for the young people and the future of the Tyrol.At the ceremony, the MCI’s Rector Andreas Altmann said, “I am particularly grateful to the Tyrolean Chamber of Commerce and President Jürgen Bodenseer for making this award. It is so important to build bridges between the academic and business communities. Academic research is a pillar of the economy in that the findings generate innovation. And innovation needs to be applied in trade and industry so that it can develop its potential and contribute to prosperity.”The other winners of the Science Award were Mag. Johannes Ager (LFU), Mag. Lukas Fischer (LFU), Magdalena Posch, M.A. (FH Kufstein), Irene Riccabona, MSc (LFU) and Dipl. Ing. Martin Peter Schwarz, MSc (LFU).Congratulations to all the prizewinners!{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=922}Press contacts and queries:{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

Top marks again awarded to MCI Management Center Innsbruck for student satisfactionAt both the national and international levels, the MCI again received one of the best scores for student satisfaction in a 2014 graduate ranking. That is the result of the recently published Trendence Graduate Barometer, Europe’s biggest graduate poll for educational standards and careers potential, which in 2014 covered 24 countries and involved 302,590 students at 914 universities.In addition to students’ opinions and expectations in terms of career objectives and potential for professional development, the poll also focusses on such aspects as general satisfaction with the university, the quality of the teaching, international orientation and other key factors.As in previous years, the MCI did particularly well with regard to academic standing, contacts with the business community, location, international orientation and the practical relevance of the programs. With an aggregate score of 1.8, the MCI finished up right at the top in Austria (average score 2.4), with a particularly strong showing in the quality of the teaching and careers planning support.Student satisfaction in the various countries: Europe 2,9 Germany 2,3 Austria 2,4 UK 2,4 France 2,5 Ireland 2,5 Switzerland 2,5 Czech. Rep. 2,5 Russia 2,7 Belgium 2,8 Denmark 2,8 Poland 2,8 Norway 2,9 Sweden 2,9 Slovakei 2,9 Turkey 2,9 Bulgaria 3,0 Netherlands 3,0 Romania 3,0 Finland 3,1 Portugal 3,1 Greece 3,2 Hungary 3,2 Spain 3,4 Italy 3,7 MCI 1,8 Source: Trendence Graduate Barometer 2014 – Austrian Total Edition; satisfaction scale from 1 to 7 (1 = highly satisfied, 7 = highly dissatisfied)Further Information:Trendence Graduate Barometer Europe{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=907}Press contacts and queries:{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

Graduation ceremony at the Entrepreneurial School® - 850 graduates and 6,000 guests - Outstanding level of acceptance and first-class career prospects for graduatesThe Dogana Hall at Congress Innsbruck was recently the venue for the last of MCI Management Center Innsbruck’s graduation ceremonies in 2014.“As undergraduates, our students show outstanding commitment and motivation. The fact that they subsequently have first-class career prospects worldwide reflects the high level of acceptance of the MCI’s study programs,” says a delighted Rector Andreas Altmann in praise of the achievements of the MCI’s new alumni. 850 proud graduates were the stars of the six graduation ceremonies held in the historical Dogana Hall of Congress Innsbruck in 2014, which were attended by over 6,000 colleagues, friends and relatives.Leading public figuresThe many guests of honor at the ceremonies included DDr. Herwig Van Staa as Speaker of the Tyrolean Parliament, Dr. Jürgen Bodenseer as President of the Tyrolean Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Reinhard Schretter as President of the Federation of Tyrolean Industries, former EU Commissioner Dr. Franz Fischler as President of the Alpbach European Forum, former President of the Federal Council Georg Keuschnigg, Vice-Rector Roland Psenner of Innsbruck University, Vice-Rector Irmgard Plattner of the Tyrolean University of Education, and Dean John Walsh of the University of Guelph in Toronto.International acceptanceThe high level of acceptance for the MCI’s study programs and for its graduates on the employment market is reflected by the positive feedback provided by Austrian and international companies and organizations and recently confirmed once again by the choice of the MCI as “Austria’s TOP University 2014”. That award was made by Universum on the basis of an Austria-wide poll of 6,600 students, which focuses not only on various quality criteria but also on students’ satisfaction with their universities and especially with the preparation and support they receive for the big step forward into the working world.Academic title with brand valueWith the official approval of the Austrian Ministry of Science, MCI graduates may add the letters MCI to their academic title as a quality label on the international education market. The MCI would like to offer sincere congratulations to all the graduates!Further Information:MCI comes first again - “Top University 2014”{phocadownload view=file|id=5970|text=Graduates' Brochure 2014}{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=905}Press contacts and queries:{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

The Entrepreneurial School® once again up with the winners – Plus highly positive results for the University of Innsbruck – Innsbruck and the Tyrol as a prominent international location for Management & Social Sciences The latest university ranking published by the international Center for Higher Education (CHE) delivered a very positive verdict for Management Center Innsbruck, which participated in the student poll with its Master programs in Management & Social Sciences. The MCI’s economics students put the Entrepreneurial School® in the top bracket for several items and in particular expressed a high level of satisfaction with the range of classes offered at the MCI. Top scores were also awarded for the MCI’s international orientation and outstanding infrastructure. The results of the latest CHE ranking constitute a highly positive verdict for Innsbruck and the Tyrol as a university location with the MCI and the University of Innsbruck and are a strong source of motivation to continue to make further improvements to all programs and services.All the results of the CHE University Ranking are published in the “Zeit Studienführer” (University Guide) and are also available online at http://ranking.zeit.de{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=902}Press contacts and queries:{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

Management Center Innsbruck rewards its students’ innovative ideas and concepts.Together with the Center for Academic Spin-offs Tyrol (CAST), the Entrepreneurial School® organized the MCI Creativity Award 2014 to find the best business ideas produced by MCI students.A total of sixty students entered the competition, including the first international exchange students to take advantage of the opportunity to present their ideas. With the support of CAST, the Federation of Tyrolean Industries and the Austrian daily “Die Presse”, attractive prizes worth a total of over 5,000 euros were awarded.Professor Bernd Ebersberger, Director of R&D Services at the MCI, emphasized the relevance of innovation and entrepreneurship for the ability of an economy to compete. He went on to say, “Austria - and that definitely includes the Tyrol – can certainly be seen as a European hotspot for start-ups. With the MCI Creativity Award, the MCI and its partners are playing an active role in shaping the business start-up environment in the Tyrol. The award shows students enrolled in all MCI study programs that an innovative business start-up can be an attractive career option.”Dr. Florian Becke, Executive Director of CAST, added: “The MCI Creativity Award gives students an opportunity to address key questions relating to the market potential of their ideas. And the expert jury also provides valuable feedback. Participation in the Creativity Award can be a first step towards setting up a company.”Professor Andreas Altman, Rector of MCI Management Center Innsbruck, said: “As the Entrepreneurial School® we attract entrepreneurial people, mentor them and make them special. I am delighted with the excellent standard of the entries and grateful to the jury and our partners for their involvement. I should like to congratulate the prizewinners. It is incredible to see what diligent people and creative minds are capable of.”The competition was targeted at MCI students in all study programs who wish to assume commercial and social responsibility with their business or product ideas. Entries were submitted by students enrolled in management and technological programs as well as social sciences. The five prizewinners were chosen by an expert jury in an exhaustive selection process.The prizewinners and their ideas:1st place: Michael Gerbl - The modern meter stick. This multifunctional device simplifies the typical measuring processes and provides d.i.y. fans with an easy way to measure distances and angles.2nd place: Jianing Ye - The cleaning innovation. A new method to have smell-free clothes without a bulk system, aiming at efficiency and universality.3rd place: Markus Bergmann - Scarfill. A repair kit designed specially for freeriders.4th place: Dominik Strobl and Jonathan Dornfeld - Super Suitcase. Transformation of old suitcases into unique items.5th place: Leo Guggenberger - ERP Farm. Modern and innovative solution for agriculture and forestry.The MCI would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the winners and wish them every success in the implementation of their entrepreneurial ideas!{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=900}Press contacts and queries:{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

The MCI’s Tourism study programs scored for the excellent quality of the teaching, overall satisfaction and the world’s best location.The Tourism Department at the MCI has again achieved outstanding results in the recently published THE-ICE Report 2014. Every year a poll is held of more than 9,000 students of tourism from the membership of the International Center of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality Education (THE ICE), which includes some of the most prestigious schools of tourism in the world.The MCI’s Tourism Department received several outstanding scores and came top of the international league in terms of the quality of the teaching and general student satisfaction. In addition, the students polled voted the MCI’s Innsbruck location and culture the best in the world – ahead of the famous universities in Australia and Switzerland. “The results are a real distinction for the MCI and a source of motivation for us to continue the good work,” says a delighted Hubert Siller, Head of the Department of Tourism at the MCI.{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=896}Press contacts and queries:{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

Recruiting Forum 2014 with 45 employers and more than 600 studentsOn November 10, the Recruiting Forum organized by MCI Management Center Innsbruck was attended by leading Austrian and international companies and institutions from a wide range of fields, including top brands and successful niche players, who took the opportunity meet with 600 to 800 students of the Entrepreneurial School®.As part of their talent recruitment effort, these potential employers presented their respective organizations, defined their corporate cultures and human resource policies, and explained what they consider important for a successful application. The speakers also discussed key competencies for future employees and questions relating to a successful step into professional life.For Brigitte Huter, head of the MCI Career Center, the 2014 Recruiting Forum again provided an attractive platform for a useful encounter between students and the business community. “Personal contact between applicants and the companies’ representatives is an essential part of the application process. That is still true, or even more so, in today’s world of social media, online communities and Skype interviews.”Thomas Auer, speaker for the student representatives at the MCI, sees the forum as a further element in the practical orientation of study at the MCI: “The Recruiting Forum gives us students a chance to make personal contact with representatives of potential employers. On behalf of the student representatives, I should like to express our sincere thanks for the super offering!”{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=892}Press contacts and queries:{mcicontact view=presse|id=35}

Algae as the basis of valuable products for the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries – Joint research project involving the MCI, ADSI and the Upper Austrian University of Applied SciencesIn collaboration with the Austrian Drug Screening Institute (ADSI), a company established by the University of Innsbruck, and the Upper Austrian University of Applied Sciences, the MCI is working to develop new processes for converting algae into high-grade raw materials and active agents with enormous potential for pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and the food and cosmetics industries. The MCI’s contribution to the project includes twelve years of experience in the field of algal biotechnology.The purpose of the envisaged processes is to produce valuable active agents, additives and specific products from algae and micro-algae and to employ the residual biomass as a source of energy. The MCI’s departments of Biotechnology and Environmental, Process & Energy Engineering are providing their extensive expertise in research and development and are also acting as lead managers for the project. Algae are a complex group of photosynthetic microorganisms which employ various mechanisms to protect themselves from bacteria, viruses, fungi, excessive UV radiation, etc. These properties make it possible to derive innovative products such as antifungal and antiviral agents, cosmetics and food additives.This potential has so far remained largely unexploited. The research project called “Cooperation for Competence Building: Valuable Products from Algae – Screening, Cultivation and Downstreaming” (or (Co)-Operation SKD for short) has been established to offer targeted products and services to future industry partners.Professor Christoph Griesbeck, Program Director in the MCI’s Department of Biotechnology, is very pleased with the latest developments: "The COIN project constitutes recognition for our long years of work with micro-algae. It will help us put our research on a broader footing and, especially in cooperation with our project partners, combine it with screening, process engineering and analytics. That will lead to faster results in the form of new products offering attractive opportunities for our industry partners.”The project is scheduled to run for four years. Total costs of the project, which has been submitted to the FFG (Austrian Research Promotion Agency), amount to 1.3 million euros.Other statements:Professor Alexander Jäger, Vice-Dean of the Upper Austrian University of Applied Sciences: "With this project, our university is moving into a completely new field of Biotechnology and Life Science research. Our objective is to become an international player as a center for algal products.”Professor Günther Bonn, Scientific Director Analytics at ADSI: “ADSI is a translational research operation at the University of Innsbruck. It is making its full analytical capacities available for this joint project with the MCI and the Upper Austrian University of Applied Sciences. This cooperative venture is of great importance, not just for us but for the complete Austrian research scene with all its universities and non-university research facilities.”Professor Lukas A. Huber, Scientific Director Cell Biology at ADSI: “ADSI brings academic knowledge to the application and is therefore the ideal partner for this project, for which we are employing our unique analytical equipment and test bench.”{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=886}Press contacts and queries:{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

Positive response to the new study program from students and industry partners alike - Setting the stage for the promotion of innovation, know-how and international thinking in tomorrow’s sustainable industriesIn autumn 2014, the Entrepreneurial School® launched its new Master’s program for Bioresource & Food Engineering as the product of extensive development work conducted in close cooperation with the regional food and bioresource industry.The development partners feel that the new Master’s program creates added value for trade and industry, society and the region by strengthening competence, research, development, innovation, net product and international networking in the food industry, agriculture and forestry, and in environmental, energy and bioresource engineering.Students will acquire in-depth knowledge in the fields of natural science, engineering and business management. Graduates will be capable of designing, optimizing and steering intelligent product development, manufacturing processes, packing and marketing for natural raw materials, healthy foodstuffs, organic functional and convenience foods, and biogenic side products.While the Bachelor’s program is available for both full- and part-time students, the Master’s has been launched with an eye to the needs of working students. To prepare students for work at the international level, English has been integrated in the study program as a second working language, while the medium-term plan is to develop the Master’s into a full English-language program. With the new program, the MCI is offering the business community partnerships and support in terms of research, development, innovation, infrastructure and project work.In the context of a model technology offensive, the MCI has greatly expanded its offering in the field of Technology & Life Sciences in the last few years. With about one thousand students now studying in this segment, the Entrepreneurial School® has established itself as a competent player in the German-speaking world.Statements:Mag. Martin Darbo, LL.M, CEO at A. Darbo AG: “Bioresource & Food Engineering is an industry of the future with enormous potential for growth. Training and research and development are more important here than ever before. I should like to congratulate the MCI on creating these innovative programs.”Dr. Franz Fischler, former EU Commissioner and President of the Alpbach European Forum: “The MCI’s Master in Bioresource & Food Engineering is organized on the basis of an intelligent time model that permits students to continue to work to a certain degree. That enables students to combine relevant professional experience with a highly promising field of study.”Further information:Master in Bioresource & Food EngineeringBachelor in Bioresource & Food Engineering{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=881}Press contacts and queries:{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

1,200 freshers from 48 countries and 150 exchange students from around the globe at this year’s traditional Freshers’ Welcome are a reflection of the international character of the Entrepreneurial School®. The total number of students has passed the 3,000 mark. The success story continues.The success story at MCI Management Center Innsbruck continues. In autumn 2014, more than 1,200 students started a Bachelor or Master program at the Entrepreneurial School®.The freshers were chosen from a total of 3,700 applicants in a demanding selection process comprising analysis of applicants’ CVs, entrance exams in several subjects and an interview before a panel. That brings the enrollment total at the Entrepreneurial School® to more than 3,000 motivated students.One striking feature of the lively MCI Freshers’ Welcome held at the Innsbruck Fairgrounds was the international make-up of the students. The presence of freshers from 48 countries plus 150 exchange students from around the world – a reflection of the MCI’s international standing – gave the event a special atmosphere. Rector Andreas Altmann, the heads of department and the student representatives gave the freshers a warm welcome and offered insights into their new lives as students.The Entrepreneurial School® was founded as an institution of further education by the University of Innsbruck, the Tyrolean regional authority, the Innsbruck municipal authority and the Tyrolean Chambers of Commerce and Labour in 1995/96 and has since built up a strong international position, having had a strong focus from the start on an international orientation and quality in teaching and research. The recently published Universum Survey confirmed the MCI’s excellence by selecting it for its TOP University 2014 award. The MCI is thus again entitled to call itself the best university in Austria.Students can enroll in programs in the fields of Management & Society and Technology & Life Sciences. 75% of all students study full time while 25% are enrolled in part-time programs. 54% of students are male and 46% female. All students are offered exemplary conditions for study, the opportunity to spend a semester abroad at one of the MCI’s 200 partner universities and outstanding career prospects. On graduation, they have the option of adding the letters MCI to their academic title as a source of identification, transparency and trust on an increasingly confusing education market.{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=874}Press contacts and queries:{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

Highly positive start to the first mobile-learning study program in the west of Austria – Innovative program design for modern lifestyles – Keen demand – 46 students accepted out of a total of 154 applicantsMCI Management Center Innsbruck has something to cheer about: With its Business Administration Online program as the first mobile learning program in the west of Austria, the MCI has successfully combined a top-quality degree program with modern didactic methods and innovative technologies.Intensive modules in the traditional classroom-teaching format are being increasingly replaced by sophisticated blended learning modules, which facilitate independent study through interactive content design. An intelligent mix of online courses, attendance modules and electronic media is the key to a combination of mobile or distance learning and personal interaction between lecturers and students for study to the highest standard. Modern didactic formats including webcasts, videos, blogs, moderated chats, live streams and digital course materials on the MCI’s e-campus site provide students with effective support in the acquisition of the relevant competences.In the first few semesters, the curriculum covers the fundamentals of Business Administration. After that the focus shifts to management, leadership, personal and electronic communication, and scientific working and its application in the entrepreneurial context. Students extend their command of English through the extensive use of English as a working language plus dedicated Business English modules. The degree awarded is the internationally recognized Bachelor of Arts (BA). Graduates may also add the letters MCI to their academic title.Full information on the program and application procedureStatements:Professor Juergen-Matthias Seeler, Program Director: The program is being taught with 46 motivated freshers. In the meantime, the first on-line lectures have been held, and we are proud to say that the study program has made an excellent start. In addition to competent professors and lecturers from all over the world, the efficient services provided by IT, e-Learning, Media, Learning Solutions and International Relations at the MCI make a significant contribution to the professional standard of the program. Most of the students are studying part-time. That makes for an ideal combination of theory and practice in daily business work.”Sebastian Engels, Deputy Chairperson of the Student Council at the MCI: "This on-line study program with its intelligent mix of on-line classes and classroom teaching phases and the use of electronic media is the perfect choice for all students whose situation in life makes a conventional on-campus program impossible or who simply want to take advantage of today’s technological systems. The new didactic concepts developed by the MCI open up fantastic perspectives.”MCI Rector Dr. Andreas Altmann: “Universities must constantly, actively and systematically address the technological challenges and the continually changing operating framework and social expectations. With its new mobile learning program, the MCI has shown that it is able to rise to this challenge and do justice to its mandate as an Entrepreneurial School®.”{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=877}Press contacts and queries:{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

First-class partner universities in Kingston (Canada) and Boone (USA)The MCI now offers students an even wider choice for their semester abroad, having made two recent additions to its portfolio of outstanding partner universities in the popular region of North America. That brings the total number of exchange universities in the international network built up by the Entrepreneurial School® to two hundred worldwide.The Queen’s School of Business is the leading management school in the Toronto area of Canada. Its alumni include Kimbal Musk, founder of Tesla Motors. The prestigious business school is accredited by AACSB (North America) and EQUIS (Europe). According to the American magazine “Bloomberg Businessweek”, Queen’s is one of the world’s top thirty business schools. In 2010 its MBA program was classified as the best outside of the USA and the fourth best worldwide. Queen’s University is one of Canada’s oldest universities, having been founded back in the colonial period in 1841. It has a parkland campus on the promenade of Lake Ontario.Founded in 1899, the Appalachian State University is part of the University of North Carolina System. According to U.S. News and World Report's “America's Best Colleges Guide”, it is one of the ten best universities for Master’s programs in the southern states. The campus lies in the legendary Blue Ridge Mountains made famous by television series like “The Waltons” and the songs of John Denver. Located at an altitude of 1,016 meters, it is one of the highest universities east of the Mississippi, and temperatures in summer are correspondingly pleasant. Appalachian State’s alumni include Stephen Dubner, co-author of the business bestseller “Freakonomics”, as well as many pros playing in the NFL, the American football league.Statements:Dr. Susanne Lichtmannegger, Head of International Relations at the MCI, says: “The USA and Canada are among our most popular destinations worldwide for study abroad. So it’s quite an achievement for the MCI to recruit two such high-flying universities as partners in the region.”Dr. Andreas Altmann, Rector of the MCI: “Today the MCI receives regular enquiries from universities around the world, and we can afford to choose the best as partners. That is confirmation of the wisdom of our approach and a source of added value for our students.”{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=865}Press contacts and queries:{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

Cooperation agreement signed between Innsbruck Medical University (MUI) and Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) – Benefits for research, teaching & patient care at the two schools and for technology and innovation in the Tyrol – Strategic decision with potential for future synergies.Innsbruck Medical University (MUI) and Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) have announced the signing of a cooperation agreement by the two institutions providing for joint research groups and shared tutoring for doctoral students.Following the decision to cooperate more closely in future, the MUI and the MCI can look forward to synergies generated by coordinating and pooling their respective fields of competence and strengths. In addition to the two universities and their students, the new system will also benefit the Tyrol as a location for science, technology and business, and patient care in the region.Professor Helga Fritsch, Rector of the MUI, says, "Universities are facing new challenges. That makes greater flexibility and increased collaboration with other universities essential. Cross-disciplinary working is a central element of modern research. Such cooperation must therefore have a high priority for Innsbruck Medical University – for our research and teaching, and for our patients – if we are to remain competitive at the international level. Collaboration with Management Center Innsbruck is important for our Ph.D. students and also beneficial for the Tyrol as a place of research.” Professor Andreas Altmann, Rector of the MCI, explains: “In the last few years, enormous competence has been built up at Management Center Innsbruck in the field of Technology & Life Sciences. The link between engineering science and medical expertise opens up new opportunities in terms research, teaching, innovation and patient care. The new doctoral studies agreement provides for support for students from the two universities with their dissertations and can be expected to generate additional research results for the scientific and business communities. It is also a visible expression of a model partnership and a powerful signal for productive cooperation.”{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=866}Pressekontakt und Rückfragen:Für die Medizinische Universität Innsbruck:David Bullock, +43 650 970 58 64, david.bullock@i-med.ac.at Für das Management Center Innsbruck:Ulrike Fuchs, +43 512 2070-1510, ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu

Great distinction for Management Center Innsbruck - Again the best university in Austria – “TOP University 2014” award – full marks for satisfaction, loyalty and employability – Montanuniversität Leoben also up among the best.Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) has done it again: In the recently published 2014 Universum Student Survey, the MCI was again voted the best university in Austria and was selected for the “TOP University 2014” award. The MCI received tops marks from students for satisfaction, loyalty and employability. Together with the Entrepreneurial School®, Montanuniversität Leoben was placed top of the rankings for Austria as a whole.This highly gratifying outcome is in keeping with the results of a variety of polls, rankings and awards over the last few years. The annual Universum Student Survey polls students for satisfaction with the quality of the university attended, with special attention paid to their expectations, preferences and career prospects and general conditions for study there. A strong emphasis is placed on the extent to which universities prepare their students for the employment market and graduates’ prospects for subsequent professional development.Academic standards, practical relevance, a commitment to achievement, an international orientation, professional services and consistent quality assurance have always been the guiding principles at the MCI. Exemplary curricula, the international composition of both faculty and students, an effective careers center and a wide range of student services are further elements in the makeup of the “Top University 2014”. Everyone at the MCI is accordingly delighted that their university has again been voted best in class.The Entrepreneurial School® also did extremely well in terms of general satisfaction with the university, the recommendation rate and student loyalty. For the MCI’s Rector Andreas Altmann, the award was earned by the hard-working team at the university as a whole as well as by the clear commitment to responsibility and achievement made by its students, supporting bodies and stakeholders.Brigitte Huter, head of the MCI Career Center, says: “Our students particularly appreciate the numerous opportunities they are given to make contact with potential employers. That strengthens us in our determination to constantly work for a dialogue with business in a creative and open spirit and to further develop our careers network.” Brigitte Auer, head of MCI Quality Management, adds: “The results are a rare distinction and confirm us in our resolve to intensify our efforts to make further improvements to the quality of our programs, teaching and services.” Michael Seidl, Chairman of the Student Representatives at the MCI, is also very pleased: “As student representatives, we are proud of the award, which is based on a poll among students. We see this achievement as a mandate to continue the good work in a world in which standing still means going backwards.”Tim Kaltenborn, University Relations Manager at Universum, has this to say: “It is not just the teaching that decides whether students are happy with their universities; employability is becoming increasingly important, too. They ask themselves, ‘How well am I being prepared for the employment market? How good are my career prospects?’ A reliable career is replacing a safe job as the long-term objective.”From November 2013 to March 2014, Universum polled more than 6,600 students in Austria on the subject of their perceptions and the attractiveness of their universities and conditions for study there.{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=869}Pressekontakt und Rückfragen:Mag. (FH) Ulrike FuchsLeiterinMarketing & Communication+43 512 2070-1510ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu

AQ Austria gives official approval to the mobile learning study program at Management Center Innsbruck Good news from Management Center Innsbruck: AQ Austria, the Austrian accreditation agency, recently gave its approval to the MCI’s online Bachelor in Business Administration. That means everything is set for the program to begin as planned in autumn of this year. The new program is based on mobile learning technologies, making it easier to combine study with work, the family and leisure. An intelligent mix of online courses, attendance modules and electronic media is the key to a combination of mobile or distance learning and personal interaction between lecturers and students. Faculty from all over the world, professional online support, interactive platforms and a full service offering ensure effective mentoring for motivated students and a successful outcome to their efforts. Applications will be accepted until July 23, 2014. Further information and downloads: Details of the study program Personal counseling: beratung@mci.edu Online application {phocadownload view=file|id=5129}{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=836}Contact:{mcicontact view=presse|id=1}

This year, too, German Friends of the Universities in Innsbruck are supporting students in their academic careers. In the framework of this year’s annual general meeting of the German Friends of the Universities in Innsbruck (DFK), the DFK again made its awards to outstanding students at the Innsbruck Leopold Francis University, Innsbruck Medical University and Management Center Innsbruck. The prize moneys are awarded in recognition of students’ performance to date and in support of their future academic training. The prizewinners were chosen out of 34 entrants on the basis of their professional and personal profiles, their performance as students at the MCI and their future perspectives. This year the jury decided to divide the 400O euro prize among four students, and 1000 euro prizes were awarded to the following MCI students: Thomas Auer, Bachelor program in Business & Management, year group 2012 Armin Bauhofer, Bachelor program in Industrial Engineering & Management, year group 2011 Stefan Hieber, BA, Master program in International Business & Law, year group 2012 Annalena Wiesend, BA, Master program in International Business, year group 2012 The whole MCI team would like to congratulate the prizewinners and wish them all the best for their further academic and professional careers! Our congratulations also go to Julia DiFranco (Innsbruck University), Mag. Verena Sperk (Innsbruck University) and Christoph Mayerhofer (Innsbruck Medical University). {phocagallery view=category|categoryid=843}Pressekontakt und Rückfragen:Mag. (FH) Ulrike FuchsLeiterinMarketing & Communication+43 512 2070-1510ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu

Substantial investment in the country’s future – Ministry of Science’s latest commitment to education, research and innovation – Future target of 3,000 students at the Entrepreneurial School® Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) has something to celebrate. As part of a government plan for a further increase in the number of places for study and research at Austrian universities and a university services upgrade, Dr. Reinhold Mitterlehner, as Minister of Economic Affairs, has allocated an additional seventy places for first-year students to the Entrepreneurial School®, as recently announced by the Ministry. That means an increase over a three-year period of over 200 students at the MCI for a new total of more than 3,000 (including executive education). Economics subjects are the main beneficiaries of the increase, with a focus on online and elearning programs (Business Administration Online, Business & Management, International Business). “It is gratifying to see that, even at a time of budgetary constraint, Minister Mitterlehner is taking measures to strengthen Austria’s position as a location for science and business. That means more opportunities for our young people and will strengthen our companies in their ability to compete,” said Governor Platter in response to the good news, and he continued: “Research, technology, education and innovation are the keys to our future and have a high priority for the Tyrolean authorities and the regional government.” MCI’s Rector Altmann’s adds: “This shows that the Ministry of Science recognizes the exemplary quality of our study programs, the enormous demand for places at the Entrepreneurial School® and our graduates’ excellent prospects. In addition to Minister Mitterlehner, I should above all like to thank the Tyrolean Governor Günther Platter, who has worked hard in support of this further upgrade. We shall do everything in our power to justify his trust and make effective use of the additional financial resources.”{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=845}Pressekontakt und Rückfragen:Dr. Andreas Altmann, Rektor+43 512 2070-1050+43 664 311 8736andreas.altmann@mci.edu

Belachew Gebrewold as new Program Director for Social Work at the MCI The Entrepreneurial School® with a new Program Director for Social Work, Social Policy & Management – Strengthened solution competence, R&D and internationality A more than ten-year success story The Social Work Department, which runs a Bachelor in Social Work and a Master in Social Work, Social Policy & Management, has been a part of the success story at Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) for more than ten years now. Established in 2003, the department is highly popular with students, much esteemed on the employment market and enjoys a high standing in social, scientific and political circles – at a time when professional social work and related solution competence are seen as social cement in a variety of fields: childhood | youth | the family | the elderly education | profession | personal development crime | delinquency | rehabilitation health care | disabilities | addiction | psychosomatic & chronic problems basic material security | services of general interest migration | integration MCI established as a clearing house for social questions From 2003, the Department of Social Work was headed by Program Director Dr. Michael Klassen. He and his team did an excellent job of building up the department and were generally very successful. As the first head of department, he focussed on promoting a professional approach to social work, establishing the subject as a recognized scientific discipline, positioning the MCI as a clearing house and competence center for social questions, and producing fully qualified graduates for work in the above fields. With Dr. Klassen’s recent move to the Rhine-Main University in Wiesbaden, it became necessary to recruit a successor as head of department and program director at the MCI. New program director to continue the policy of international networking A highly competent successor was finally found in the person of Dr. Belachew Gebrewold. After graduating in philosophy in Addis Ababa / Ethiopia, Belachew Gebrewold studied Theology, International Politics and Peace Studies in Hamburg and Innsbruck, obtaining a postdoctoral qualification in Political Science and International Relations in 2010. With his numerous scientific publications and projects, his proven expertise in the fields of migration and development and security policy, and his extensive international contacts, he is the right person to further develop the MCI’s successful study programs in Social Work at an international level. Belachew Gebrewold has been an MCI faculty member since 2012, with teaching and research duties in the field of the welfare state, ethics, human rights, global governance and international organizations. In a multistage selection process, he was chosen by the appointment committee from more than twenty candidates. Intensification of collaboration with stakeholders For his future work, Dr. Gebrewold is placing a priority on intensified cooperation with other study programs, the MCI’s supporting bodies, civil society organizations at home and abroad, and the MCI’s many partner universities. “The objective of social work as a form of service to society can be best achieved where there is a continuous constructive exchange with stakeholders,” says the new Program Director. “We develop solutions, shape the future and assume responsibility for society and yet remain learners at the same time.” The MCI would like to thank Michael Klassen for his excellent performance in building up the department and to wish his successor joy and success with his new responsibilities.{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=842}Pressekontakt und Rückfragen: Mag. (FH) Ulrike FuchsLeiterinMarketing & Communication+43 512 2070-1510ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu