Press 2016

From February 2017 on: further education in technology at MCIThe efficient employment of energy is increasingly becoming a significant factor in costing and competition in the production and services industry.For a number of years, MCI has successfully provided a compact course on corporate energy management in cooperation with the Renewable Energy cluster of the Tyrol Location Agency. The application-oriented program shows how the employment of energy by businesses can be improved by using well-founded technologies, methods, and instruments.The ten-day course begins on February 22, 2017 and contains five two-day blocks. It has been fully recognized by the Austrian monitoring authority on energy efficiency as providing training as a qualified energy auditor.Applications are presently accepted.Detailed information:In-House Energy Management certificate courseCounseling and information:Sebastian Engels, sebastian.engels@mci.edu, +43 512 2070 2121{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1002}Press contactMag. (FH) Ulrike FuchsMarketing & Communication+43 512 2070-1527ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu

The success story of the Entrepreneurial School® continues with 980 bachelor and master graduates with excellent job prospects in 2016 and 6,500 invited guests at the graduation ceremoniesOnly a short time ago this year’s round of annual festive MCI graduation ceremonies took place in the sumptuous surroundings of the historically significant Dogana. In 2016, 980 graduates completed their bachelor and master studies at the Entrepreneurial School® and accepted their academic graduation certificates from the hands of the promoters and heads of department and studies. Both the MCI graduates of bachelor and master courses and further education courses were awarded.6,500 invited guestsAround 6,500 guests from the worlds of economy, science, society, and politics honored the graduates. Amongst them was President of the Tyrolean Parliament Herwig van Staa, Tyrolean Minister of Science Bernhard Tilg, Mayor of Innsbruck Christine Oppitz-Plörer, President of the Tyrolean Economic Chamber Jürgen Bodenseer, and numerous other lawmakers and politicians. As special guest we were able to welcome Jerry Chomyn, Dean of the University of Guelph Humber, Toronto. This dynamic Canadian university is one of the oldest MCI partner universities.High recognition by the labor marketAlready during their studies, the students are introduced to the labor market by participating in practical projects, practice-oriented examination tasks, and internships. In addition, they are provided with the services of the MCI Career Center, including a job and internship exchange, workshops, and individual coaching. Brigitte Huter, Head of the MCI Career Center, states: “A key to a successful career lies in the careful selection of the internship. Both for the employee and the student, internships provide an ideal platform to get to know each other. Many graduates immediately take up employment with their previous internship providers.“Excellent rankingsSolid preparation of MCI students for the labor market is confirmed by the results of the 2016 Universum Ranking, which again ranks MCI as the best university in Austria. First rank is achieved foremost on the basis of focus on employability and the services of the career center.Academic grade of the MCI brandIn order to highlight the exceptional quality of their degrees in the international educational and academic markets, MCI graduates are permitted to complement their titles with the MCI brand.StatementsTyrolean Minister of Science Bernhard Tilg, PhD, chair of the MCI general assembly, is very pleased with the graduates: ”With the technology offensive the State of Tyrol has moved a step ahead internationally.” Mayor Christine Oppitz-Plörer adds: “We can no longer imagine the provincial capital without MCI. In Innsbruck, 50,000 individuals – i.e. one in three – are presently attending an educational institution. Innsbruck educational institutions have a great international reputation.” Rector Andreas Altmann can provide impressive details: “85 percent of MCI students successfully complete their studies. MCI can boast 9,000 alumni. By graduation, the average student has already received 2.1 job offers.” President of the Tyrolean Economic Chamber Jürgen Bodenseer, PhD has following encouraging words to say: “By leaving well-trodden paths and choosing your own path, you will generate innovation and business competitiveness.“{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1176}Press contactMag. (FH) Ulrike FuchsMarketing & Communication+43 512 2070-1527ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu

The Science Prize of the Tyrolean Economic Chamber for innovative master theses in tourism: CRS measures create a competitive advantage for smaller and middle-sized hotel businessesThe tourism department of Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) is elated. Julia Wäger, graduate of the Tourism & Entrepreneurship study program, has recently been awarded the coveted trophy of the Tyrolean Economic Chamber. Her master thesis covering the influence of CRS activities on the purchase decisions of consumers in small and middle-sized hotel businesses convinced in every way. The jury lauded the high level of innovation of her thesis and emphasized its practical relevance.In her thesis Julia Wäger argues that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Austrian hotel business is becoming increasingly relevant to purchase decisions and contains a co-determining competitive factor. Therefore, ecologically and socially responsible action represents a goal for the businesses involved. Julia Wäger emphasizes that the conclusions of her research result in practical recommendations for hotel businesses and are transferable to small und middle-sized businesses in Tyrol.“Both the scientific quality of the master thesis and the presentation and reflection on the results are exemplary,“ her academic advisor, MCI Professor and Deputy Head of the Academic Council, Anita Zehrer commends. “I congratulate Ms. Wäger on her successful thesis, which will find recognition in the hotel industry as well as all medium-sized businesses.”Since 1997, the Tyrolean Economic Chamber Science Prize has been awarded to exceptional master theses and dissertations that exhibit a high level of innovation and immediate applicability to small and middle-sized businesses of the Tyrolean economy.MCI Rector Andreas Altmann believes the prize to perform the important function of securing the Tyrol business location: “To build a bridge between science and business is one of the main goals of Management Center Innsbruck. I would like to thank the Tyrolean Economic Chamber and, in particular, their president Jürgen Bodenseer, PhD for this valuable initiative.“{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1175}Press contactMag. (FH) Ulrike FuchsMarketing & Communication+43 512 2070-1527ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu

Exemplary cooperation between HANDL TYROL, Recheis, and MCI as the first food project of this kind in Tyrol: sustainable collaboration and knowledge transfer generate significant competitive advantageMore conscious nutritional practice, natural raw materials, regional sourcing, and responsible use of resources are at present significant food trends and determine product development in high-quality food production. These are issues that have also been focused on by HANDL TYROL and Recheis, two of the most successful Austrian food producers. Both see the quality of their products in holistic terms and endeavor to provide their customers with innovative products, combining enjoyable food and up-to-date nutrition.The MCI Agro and Food Technology research area with focus on product development and processing in the food industry has provided ideal preconditions for a cooperative project between MCI, HANDL TYROL, and Recheis.One of the foci of the project was, for example, on the analysis and processing of healthy plant raw materials. A particularly valuable tool is provided by instrumental texture analysis, which facilitates the consideration of difficult-to-quantify parameters such as mouthfeel of specific food products.The project partners are enthusiastic about the cooperation. Karl Christian Handl of HANDL TYROL sees great potential in this mutually fruitful collaboration: “As the producer of new and traditional sausage and meat specialties, we export more than 50 percent of our produce. In order to be able to continue growing in future and to meet consumer expectations we rely on innovation for success.“ In this project, emphasis is placed on the development of specific food innovations such as more food-conscious meat snacks. Martin Terzer of Recheis adds: “As we compete on an international level, we can only succeed by providing intelligent products of high quality. This initiative shows how synergetic cooperation and networking can create the basis for increased added value.” With a market share of more than 30 percent Recheis is brand leader in pasta products.Head of the MCI Agro and Food Technology Research Field, Katrin Bach is delighted with the successful cooperation and points to the particular strengths of MCI: “As Entrepreneurial School® we can complement the cooperation with our scientific and problem-oriented expertise. The project has already resulted in exciting ideas and promising project conceptions, which we will put in practice with our partners HANDL TYROL and Recheis as a next step.”Further information:Research, development, and innovation at MCI{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1165}Press contactMag. (FH) Ulrike FuchsMarketing & Communication+43 512 2070-1527ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu

Football machine receives the mechatronics cluster award on the Tyrolean Day of Innovation: the prototype achieves NFL superstar precision at tenfold frequencyWith the cluster award the Tyrol Location Agency recently distinguished excellent research, development and innovation projects of its members. Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) entered the competition with the Quarterceive ball throwing machine developed in its own laboratories for American football training and promptly gained the mechatronics cluster award.The jury praised the combination of sporting, training science, and mechatronic dimensions. Precision of passes, usability, flexibility, and degree of automatization lie well above conventional levels. Instead of being directed manually, the football machine is given directions via app. It adjusts itself accordingly and ensures that the pass will land at its predetermined destination with pinpoint accuracy. Also, the frequency of the machine is impressive: in contrast to the average 40 passes being made during training, up to 400 passes can be achieved per recipient.MCI Project Manager Bernhard Hollaus is proud of the Quarterceive: “Our last tests have shown that there is no quarterback in Europe to match the precision of our Quarterceive – even though the prototype is still being developed and optimized.”The football machine was developed in cooperation with SWARCO Raiders Tirol. Also Gerwin Wichmann, General Manager of SWARCO Raiders Tirol, was pleased with the cluster award, confirming the success of the joint development project: “I am delighted. Once the development process has been completed, the Quarterceive will be a mega-machine that will revolutionize our training practice.“According to the motto “Let’s win together” Management Center Innsbruck and SWARCO Raiders Tirol have been partners since 2015, combining highly professional amateur sports with high-level education. There is a joint commitment to fairness in sports and the encouragement of achievement, success, convergence, exchange, and internationality of motivated individuals.{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1172}Press contactMag. (FH) Ulrike FuchsMarketing & Communication+43 512 2070-1527ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu

3,600 applications from 70 nations submitted to Management Center Innsbruck which now hosts 3,200 students from 47 nations as well as 350 incoming students from 41 nations: with 220 partner universities across the globe MCI establishes itself as internationally leading business schoolManagement Center Innsbruck (MCI) happily announces a phenomenal start to the academic year 2016. The figures speak for themselves: more than 3,600 applicants from 70 nations submitted their résumés and references to obtain one of the almost 1,200 spots available. The freshmen have been selected in a discerning multi-stage application process and provided with the unique opportunity for a successful career.15 Bachelor and Master degree courses in economics and society and nine study programs in technology and life sciences are available. Nine of the courses are now exclusively held in English; all remaining programs contain essential English-language components. A particularly important role is played by the three recently established mobile learning programs. Based on the innovative combination of on-campus and online modules employing modern digital media, they allow a high degree of temporal and local flexibility. Ten international double degree and joint degree partnerships as well as one European multiple degree partnership with globally renowned universities round off the range of MCI study offers. MCI students are thus provided with the opportunity to gain additional academic degrees from international universities as well as complementary competences.In the current academic year, the number of students at the Entrepreneurial School® has increased to 3,200. They are from altogether 47 countries. In addition, MCI hosts 350 incoming students who come from 41 different nations to study a semester or entire year abroad in Innsbruck. The international character of MCI also manifests itself in the composition of the research and teaching staff which includes lecturers from the worlds of science, economy, and society from an impressive 35 nations. Therefore, MCI is now one the most international universities in Europe.The number of academic collaborations has increased to 220 partnerships with universities across the globe: “More important than the number of partnerships, however, is the academic quality of partner institutions, the professionality of the organization, and the level of our students,” Susanne Lichtmannegger, Head of MCI International Relations, explains: “Step by step, we are approaching a leading academic position and, therefore, can allow ourselves to be more selective. Through careful selection, we can establish excellent conditions for MCI students studying abroad and ensure that also students who come from partner universities to study at MCI become top students in their respective year.”Alexander Auer, Chair of the MCI Student Council, is thrilled: “MCI’s international feel is present throughout the campus. As a student of Environmental, Process & Energy Engineering, I am allowed to work with colleagues from all over the world and, what is more, in a truly fantastic location.”Professor Anita Zehrer, Deputy Head of the MCI Academic Council, encourages students to make the most of their time at university: “In addition to outstanding professional qualifications, MCI offers magnificent opportunities to develop personal talents, establish international networks, and acquire intercultural competences, be it by studying abroad at one of MCI’s partner universities, through international internships, or in language classes.”{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1161}Press contactMag. (FH) Ulrike FuchsMarketing & Communication+43 512 2070-1527ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu

Which type of packaging is best suited to keep meat fresh? Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) conducts a transnational research project on innovative food packaging technology with the scientific focus on the interaction between packaging materials and packaged goods. The international cooperation project between science and business is funded with 1 million euros.Recently, Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) was given the green light to commence a new INTERREG project under its leadership. The three-phase project aims to identify the implications of using particularly suitable packaging materials for meat in order to increase consumer safety. The project is supported by the University of Innsbruck, Kempten University of Applied Sciences, the Kempten Centre for Food and Packaging Technology (ZLV), and two well-known companies from the packing industry: product developer NaturaBiomat which specializes in green packaging and the internationally leading packing machine manufacturer Multivac.The average Austrian eats about 100 kilograms of meat every year. Most of the meat reaches our homes wrapped in plastic. Packaging fulfills a central role in regards to logistics and storage and, in addition, interacts with the quality of its content. The effect of wrapping materials on packaged meat will be examined closer within the framework of the new MCI project. In the first project phase, packaging materials ranging from conventional plastics to renewable and sustainable resources will be analyzed. The different packaging types will be characterized by mechanical properties and functional parameters such as barrier function or tightness. The second phase will focus on the examination of the interaction between food and the analyzed packaging materials. Color, texture, bacteria, and fats will be evaluated by means of different analysis methods. The goal is to determine in how far packaging influences the products’ shelf life and, consequently, identify the type of packaging which is suited best to keep meat fresh. In the third phase, the applicability of the study’s results will be tested and recommendations for their practical use will be given.The project not only facilitates professional networking between its participants but also serves the advancement of the Bavaria and Tyrol regions by demonstrating potential for an increased creation of value. The primary focus of the project is thus on the protection of the environment and the sustainable use of resources.MCI Rector Andreas Altmann is proud of the recently initiated project: “As Entrepreneurial School®, MCI is committed particularly to solution-oriented research projects such as QualiMeat which provide a substantial contribution to the security and development of our location for businesses. I am particularly pleased that this project not only includes universities with the relevant expertise but that innovative and internationally successful companies are also on board.”Project Manager and Head of Department & Studies Professor Katrin Bach adds: “I see the special challenge of the project as being able to achieve a valid quality description of packaging technologies, which may lay the foundations for developing new materials. The cooperation with our partners provides us with the best possible conditions to master this challenge.”Further information:“QualiMeat” project homepageInnovative R&D at MCI{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1170}Press contactMag. (FH) Ulrike FuchsMarketing & Communication+43 512 2070-1527ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu

International jury choses breathtaking architecture for the new home of MCI Management Center Innsbruck – Architectural landmark next to the Habsburg Imperial Gardens and the Historic City Center inmidst of the AlpsWith the successful completion of the architectural competition, the realization of a new campus for Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) has taken shape. Of altogether 88 submissions, the jury has selected the draft of the renowned Viennese architects Loudon, Habeler & Partner.“The new design of the university including bus and car parking garage and a sports field is divided into two sections: the sober frame construction of the sports field melts into its natural environment, while the star-shaped MCI building builds a bridge to the urban environment via the transparent and delicate skeleton of its outer façade, representing the metropolitan image of the university,” as Architect Anton Kirchweger of Loudon, Habeler & Partner explains the concept. “The individual university buildings are arranged in a star-shaped solitaire to form a campus which responds to the urban space. Four squares located at the corners of the university building establish a link between the campus and adjacent urban spaces. The building’s rise in height ensures that generous spaces around the complex can be made available to the public.”“The winning project for the new design of the MCI campus convinces with a lot of green space, open roof decks, and an atrium that includes overhead lighting and indoor terraces. Therefore, the new campus will not only rank as an architectural gem for the business location Tyrol but also provide lecturers and students with a particularly high quality of living,” Patrizia Zoller-Frischauf, Member of the Tyrolean Regional Government in charge of federal building construction, enthusiastically announces.“The project will be realized in close vicinity to the lively Innsbruck Old Town, the imperial Court Garden with its century-old trees, the University of Innsbruck campus of the Universitätsstraße with the Faculty of Social Sciences and Economics and the Faculty of Catholic Theology, and the current MCI building. The recently elected architectural solution will provide new impulses to the university, congress, and cultural quarter, which stretches from the Universitätsstraße to the Fenner area at the heart of Innsbruck. The range of first-class services offered by MCI will thus receive a new home,” Mayor of Innsbruck Mag. Christine Oppitz-Plörer adds.“The major challenge of the project was to design a dynamically developing university with an urban reception for bus guests and a soccer field in due consideration of the limited space available and in preservation of respect for the nearby landmark Court Garden; accordingly, this competition also placed great demands on the jury,” Mag. Gerhard Fritz, City Councilor in charge of urban planning, notes. “The winners have come up with a brilliant solution to the difficult task, demonstrating interesting urban design and architectural skill.”“A total of 400 rooms, including lecture halls, seminar rooms, a centrally located auditorium, modern laboratories, and work spaces as well as meeting places of the highest quality ensure productivity and innovative drive promoting the dynamic advancement of the Entrepreneurial School® in the global race for the best brains,” Head of the MCI Department for Infrastructure & Organization Mag. Tommy Mayr comments on the project’s idea. “The extensive adaptation of Harvard Style lecture halls with their amphitheater-like seating arrangement guarantee quality teaching in accordance with international standards.”MCI Rector Andreas Altmann sees long-term investments finally coming to fruition: “The results of what combined forces are able to achieve are astonishing. The new campus does not only create synergies and new dynamics at the location for business, technology, and science; it also increases MCI’s competitive edge on an international level. I would like to thank all persons involved for their trust in MCI and their exceptional commitment.”The beginning of the construction is scheduled for the second half of 2018. The completion of the project and the opening of the new MCI campus are planned for mid-2021. The Federal State of Tyrol is funding the project with 80 million Euro. The City of Innsbruck is investing 25 million Euro in addition to the value of the inner-city property.Press release of the Federal State of Tyrol{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1171}Press contactMag. (FH) Ulrike FuchsMarketing & Communication+43 512 2070-1527ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu

Successful Recruiting Forum 2016: 55 national and international employers meet 1,000 students at the Entrepreneurial School®On November 14, 2016, the MCI Recruiting Forum took place for the ninth time in the MCI main building in Innsbruck. A total of almost one thousand students and young graduates, that is more than ever before, filled the halls of the Entrepreneurial School®.On the search for attractive career options, they seized the opportunity to meet 55 national and international companies from different sectors and to establish valuable contacts. Similar to previous years, this year’s Recruiting Forum provided students with the chance to get to know top employers directly on campus and to discuss entry-level career and internship opportunities with HR representatives in a pleasant atmosphere. Participants could inform themselves about the best procedure for internship and job applications, the key competences are required by future employees, and how to successfully manage the transition to working life. For the exhibiting companies, which included top brands as well as internationally thriving niche players, the MCI Recruiting Forum was once again an ideal venue to present themselves as attractive employers and seek out “tomorrow’s talent”.Alexander Auer, Chair of the MCI Student Council, appreciates the fruitful collaboration with the MCI Career Center and the strong practical orientation of his university: “The MCI Recruiting Forum provides us students with the opportunity to meet companies for future employment or internships. From personal experience, I am aware that such personal contacts are decisive for your future career. Therefore, I can only recommend that all of my fellow students to make use of this service.”Brigitte Huter, Head of the MCI Career Center, is delighted that once again the Recruiting Forum 2016 provided a popular platform for the networking between companies and students: “Particularly in times of social media, online application procedures, and Skype interviews personal communication can open doors in the application process.”MCI Career CenterRecruiting Forum 2017 Preview{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1164}Press contactMag. (FH) Ulrike FuchsMarketing & Communication+43 512 2070-1527ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu

Promising development and the next step in the growth of MCI start-up through six-figure funding by famous investor Hermann Hauser: Tyrolean software developer plans on advancing internationalization and expansionHaving developed from the fusion of MCI spin-off Experience Fellows and start-up Smaply, the company More Than Metrics secures funding in the mid six-figure range by internationally famous investor Hermann Hauser. Additional support comes from the other partners mohemian ventures and Management Center Innsbruck. The investment should advance the company’s presence on the international market and secure a technological edge.The software developer More Than Metrics is a specialist for customer experience solutions and service design software and, therefore, is dealing with a rapidly growing market. “Not only does the investors’ interest testify to the relevance of our idea but the market is also accelerating,” Co-Founder and CTO Klaus Schwarzenberger explains. Consequently, the recently obtained investment will be used for targeted marketing activities and the continued expansion of their commercial presence. “Our goal is to maintain our leading position in technological development and foster our presence in international markets.” A particular focus is on the US, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, and Southeast Asia.The Great Britain-based Austrian Hermann Hauser has achieved world-wide fame as a successful founder and influential investor. For the first time, he has now decided to fund a local company. “We are delighted to have Hermann Hauser, a world-class investor, on board: More Than Metrics will benefit particularly from his networks and experience,” Marc Stickdorn, More Than Metrics Co-Founder and Manager, believes.Ever since its establishment, the company has been supported by mohemian ventures and Management Center Innsbruck. Consequently, MCI Rector Andreas Altmann is particularly happy with this new turn of events. “We have eagerly been following the promising development of this young business and are proud to have provided the founders and their team with the necessary foundation for their project and accompanied them as a scientific partner.”More Than MetricsThe start-up More Than Metrics developed from the fusion of the start-up Smaply – self-funded by the same founding team ¬– and the academic spin-off Experience Fellows. The More Than Metrics software applications enable companies to analyze and improve customer experience. They facilitate an optimal adaptation of the product and service range to customer needs and, consequently, create a competitive advantage. With 4,000 users in 144 countries the Innsbruck-based company has already made a big step towards internationalization and expansion. Companies from many diverse sectors and of all possible sizes, including several Fortune 500 companies and other global players, are among their customers. The book This Is Service Design Thinking written by the company founders is considered a must-read for anybody interested in service design; more than 100,000 copies have already been sold.For further information, please visit www.morethanmetrics.com.{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1163}Press contactMag. (FH) Ulrike FuchsMarketing & Communication+43 512 2070-1527ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu

Birgit Muskat, PhD and Matthias Muskat, PhD received the title of professor from the Entrepreneurial School® in InnsbruckIn recognition of their achievements in teaching, research, and the transfer of knowledge, the Entrepreneurial School® has recently awarded two internationally renowned academic figures with the title of professor. Both honorees have well-founded academic qualifications, excellent didactic skills, and several years of professional experience outside university. In addition, the have made substantial contributions to the advancement of MCI.Birgit Muskat, PhDhas been employed as a full-time lecturer and researcher at the MCI Department for Tourism Business Studies since 2015. She stands out due to more than ten years of well-founded academic experience and additional education in didactics. Her research interests include tourism management and marketing, strategic personnel management, organizational development, innovation, and leadership. Prior to her appointment to MCI, she had several jobs in teaching and consulting including a position as an assistant professor at the School of Management, University of Canberra, Australia. In 2013 she already taught at the MCI Tourism Department as a visiting fellow.CV of Professor Birgit Muskat, PhDMatthias Muskat, PhDhas also been employed as a full-time lecturer and researcher at the MCI Department for Tourism Business Studies since 2015 too. Furthermore, he is an adjunct associate professor at the University of Notre Dame Australia. His research interests include international marketing, service and quality management, consumer behavior, and brand management. In addition to his academic career, he was able to gather practical experience in industry and consulting and gain additional qualifications in teaching. He visited MCI for the first time for a research stay in 2013.CV of Professor Matthias Muskat, PhD{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1162}Press contactMag. (FH) Ulrike FuchsMarketing & Communication+43 512 2070-1527ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu

MCI research group is currently working on the development of low-emission engines for the sustainable improvement of air qualityAs a branch of the Porsche Inter Auto group and one of the oldest and largest car dealers in western Austria, VOWA Innsbruck not only deals with cars and motor vehicle services – it acts as an expert in all mobility-related questions. The company places a particular focus on promising technologies for the realization of efficient low-emission engines. In turn, the MCI research unit for Renewable Energy explores innovative technologies to advance sustainable energy supplies for the future. The prime focus is on engine technology and, thus, on issues such as emission, energy efficiency, and the development and optimization of engines.As a consequence, the joint commitment to an improvement of energy efficiency and emission behavior of combustion engines is at the core of the recently signed partnership agreement between VOWA Innsbruck and MCI. The car dealer VOWA will provide Lukas Möltner, MCI Study Coordinator for General Engineering, and his research group with a test vehicle equipped with special measurement technology. Based on data collected during test drives in the Greater Innsbruck area, the project aims to investigate the behavior of catalytic converters and other emission control devices. The goal of the cooperation between VOWA and MCI is to identify opportunities and strategies for the efficient reduction of traffic-related air pollution and the improvement of air quality. Due to its relevance to the reduction of traffic emission, the central question of the study is how to quickly achieve and maintain the operating temperature required by catalytic converters under actual driving conditions.VOWA Innsbruck Manager Erwin Cassar recognizes the potential in cooperating with MCI researchers: “Innovative energy management and low-emission engines are the future. With our current project we therefore strive to make a sustainable contribution to the advancement of automotive engineering.”MCI Project Manager Lukas Möltner adds that the cooperation is not only scientifically relevant but also benefits the students: “Our students are provided with the unique opportunity to participate in a project that allows them to obtain practical training and experience.”Also MCI Rector Andreas Altmann appreciates the most recent MCI partnership: “The project allows us to apply our scientific and solution-oriented expertise as Entrepreneurial School®. I am delighted with the collaboration.”Further information:Research & Development at MCIMCI degree program in MechatronicsMCI degree program in Industrial Engineering & Management{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1160}Press contacctMag. (FH) Ulrike FuchsMarketing & Communication+43 512 2070-1527ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu

Master degrees in Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology now available as “Connected Programs”: excellent perspectives in industry, research, and developmentA new cooperation between the Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI) and Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) provides students at both institutions with an interesting and promising opportunity to gain a joint Master’s degree: the Master degree programs in Molecular Medicine (MUI) and Biotechnology (MCI) have each been complemented by contents of the other and joined together.The expected duration of the joint degree program is five semesters, with the students alternating study at MUI and MCI. Students of Biotechnology thus receive deep insights into the foundations of molecular research, focusing in particular on medical and biotechnological processes. Students of Molecular Medicine, in turn, learn how to apply theoretical findings to the creation of biotechnological products. Upon graduation, students are awarded a Master’s degree by both institutions.The innovative degree program creates a profile which opens up diverse opportunities for professional and personal development: graduates are qualified to take on leading positions in modern life sciences, particularly in research and development of the biotechnological, genetic, and pharmaceutical industries, in biomedical research at universities and research centers, and in official administration. They are also eligible to enroll in a respective PhD program.During the official opening for the new program, Peter Loidl, Vice-Rector of the Medical University of Innsbruck, emphasized the significance of the cooperation: “The ‘Connected Programs’ model is strong expression of the close cooperation between two internationally successful universities of the Tyrolean academic landscape. I am delighted at their constructive and inspiring work.” Head of the MCI Department for Biotechnology & Food Engineering Christoph Griesbeck, added: “The combination of advanced molecular foundations and the know-how of how to apply these to biotechnological processes is not just of great interest to students, but it also turns them into urgently required experts on various issues in medical biotechnology.” MCI Rector Andreas Altmann confirmed: “Not only does this cooperation benefit future graduates but also the worlds of academia and economy, which both receive valuable input for development and innovation from highly qualified scientists and experts.”Further informationwww.mci.edu/connectedprogramsApplicationStudents who want to enroll in the Connected Programs must apply to and be separately admitted to both the Master degree program in Molecular Medicine at MUI and the Master degree program in Biotechnology at MCI.Application procedure for Molecular Medicine (MUI)Application procedure for Biotechnology (MCI){phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1150}Press contactMag. (FH) Ulrike FuchsMarketing & Communication+43 512 2070-1527ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu

Management Center Innsbruck has earned initial accreditation by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of BusinessThe Entrepreneurial School® has good reason to celebrate. The executive board of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), based in Tampa, USA, has approved the worldwide AACSB accreditation of MCI as a first class business school.AACSB was founded in 1916 as an 'association of the best' and has renowned universities like Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Berkeley Cornell and Chicago among its founding members.The successful accreditation was preceded by a multi-year evaluation process with a special focus on research, teaching, executive education, creation of enterprises, career prospects for graduates and the school’s impact on the economy.The accreditation was granted for the maximum allowed period of five years without any constrains, which is quite an unusual achievement for newly accredited institutions. Therefore, MCI has become part of the top league business schools: worldwide, less than five per cent of all collegiate schools in the field of economics and business have earned this prestigious distinction.Management Center Innsbruck is a university institution in Innsbruck, Austria, that was formed according to private company law offering study programs leading to Bachelor and Master degrees, as well as Executive Master programs (MBA, MSc, LL.M), executive certificate programs and trainings, management seminars, tailor-made company trainings and research and development.The MCI’s tag line “The Entrepreneurial School®” and its motto “Mentoring the Motivated” echo the institution’s strong philosophy centered on real world learning, close collaboration with industry, entrepreneurialism and innovation as well as significant and individualized support for students.“It takes a great deal of commitment and determination to earn AACSB Accreditation,” said Robert D. Reid, Executive Vice President and chief accreditation officer of AACSB International. “Business schools must not only meet specific standards of excellence, but their deans, faculty, and professional staff must make a commitment to ongoing continuous improvement to ensure that the institution will continue to deliver the highest quality of education to students.”“MCI’s international accreditation shows the potential Austria has as a center of science and research” states Reinhold Mitterlehner, the Austrian Vice Chancellor and Federal Minister of Science, Research and Economy. “Excellent results are usually achieved when good frameworks are used by those who are motivated and have a willingness to perform.”Günther Platter, Governor of the Tirol, shows similar pride when he says that “Economically, the Tirol is one of Europe’s most successful regions. It is great to see that what we have invested bears fruit and that efforts like a future-oriented ‘Campus Tirol’, fostering the Tirol as a strong location for research, education and business, pay-off.”“Innsbruck, the capital of the Tirol can be very proud of ‚the ‚Entrepreneurial School®‘ as it is a unique and very special institution” says Mayor Christine Oppitz-Plörer. “MCI equals a success story which needs to be continued and carried forward. This is how we can ensure economic prosperity, cultural richness and societal stability”.For Andreas Altmann, Rector of MCI, the successful accreditation is at the same time a request and obligation: ”The AACSB accreditation echoes our performance to date and it will support us in reaching our goals in research, education, technology and innovation. My special thanks and gratitude however, go out to the MCI teams working in research, teaching, management and administration as well as to our maintainers, supporters, sponsors, partners, students and graduates.”To learn more about AACSB International accreditation, visit the accreditation section of the AACSB International Web site at www.aacsb.edu/accreditation.{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1158}

AQ Austria accredits innovative study program created through the synergy between Management Center Innsbruck and Medical University of Innsbruck within the framework of “Campus Tirol”: the integration in the Bachelor degree program in Mechatronics ensures a broad spectrum of education with excellent career prospectsThe Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI) and Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) share great news: the agency AQ Austria has recently accredited the degree program in Medical Engineering developed by MCI and MUI and, in doing so, given new impetus to the technology initiative of Tyrol launched in 2008. Merged within the framework of “Campus Tirol”, the know-how of two internationally successful universities influences the shared location for science, technology, and business and benefits students, graduates, and employers alike.The accreditation was preceded by intense preparation and an elaborate needs and acceptance analysis carried out by an international development team. In the end, it was the convincing responses and urgent demands of the labor market that prompted the initiation of the new course of study and its integration in the broad qualification spectrum of the Bachelor degree program in Mechatronics, which was launched at MCI in 2008.The expected duration of the course is six semesters. It requires a total of 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credits and culminates in the Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree, in short BSc.The degree program has been designed primarily for full-time study. Due to its flexible time model, however, the program is still to some extent compatible with a professional career.All spots in the degree program to be launched shortly are filled. The next chance to enter into the course is in fall 2017. Applications are received at any time.Excellent career prospectsSince the diagnosis and treatment of diseases increasingly require complex technical skills, the new degree program has been designed to combine medical expertise with technologies used in mechatronics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and information processing. Therefore, the course also opens up outstanding career prospects.Graduates may choose to enter into a highly dynamic labor market with enormous potential for growth immediately after completion of their Bachelor degree or to take on responsible positions in the clinical environment, in research and development, in the production of medical devices, or in respective branches of management.The new course of study synergistically complements the present range of study and research opportunities offered at MUI and MCI and, in addition, facilitates the realization of the “Campus Tirol” initiative.StatementsGünther Platter, Governor of Tyrol: “The location for science, technology, and business of Tyrol benefits from the additional education opportunities in medical engineering offered by MCI and the Medical University of Innsbruck. With technical colleges, universities, and universities of applied sciences offering training in medical engineering, Tyrol in fact takes the lead.”Bernhard Tilg, Minister of Science in Tyrol: “Created through the collaboration between MCI and MUI, the new study program in medical engineering promotes ‘Campus Tirol’ and complements the study and research opportunities in mechatronics and medical engineering presently available at the University of Innsbruck and UMIT – The Health & Life Sciences University”Helga Fritsch, Rector of the Medical University of Innsbruck: “The innovative degree program extends the education opportunities of the Tyrol location for science by adding a promising field of study. The expertise of the Medical University of Innsbruck has been adopted as an essential component in the new curriculum of the study program and provides the basis for high-quality education in medical engineering.”Andreas Mehrle, Head of the Mechatronics Department at MCI: “With the new branch of study, we have succeeded in creating an outstanding academic training program with a vast potential for growth and excellent career opportunities.”MCI Rector Andreas Altmann: “Providing more than a 1,000 spots in technology and life sciences programs, MCI has risen to one of the most influential universities in the field of technology. Its status is of great advantage to the worlds of science, economy, and society alike. Students, teachers, researchers, and the location itself profit from the fruitful cooperation with the Medical University of Innsbruck.”Further information:www.mci.edu/medizintechnik{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1148}Press contactMag. (FH) Ulrike FuchsMarketing & Communication+43 512 2070-1527ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu

Student team conducts empirical study to examine the quantitative and qualitative value of Tyrolean clubs and societiesOn behalf of the association Tiroler Zeltfestkultur based in Telfs, and in cooperation with the Tiroler Versicherung insurance company, a team of five students in the Bachelor degree program Management & Law, including Julia Peer, Denise Plank, Anna-Lena Pfister, Tamara Portenkirchner, and Hannah Raslan, have collected facts and figures about the economic value of Tyrolean clubs and societies.The value of voluntary work hours annually rendered in Tyrol amounts to an impressive sum of 1.26 billion euros. On average, the net worth of an individual functionary’s voluntary service, e.g. as chairperson or treasurer, is 3,172.50 euros. This amount corresponds to two average monthly net salaries in Tyrol or, for instance, a three-week luxury cruise from San Francisco via Hawaii and the South Pacific to Sydney.The data was collected by means of a questionnaire completed by 577 functionaries and club members in Tyrol. In addition, relevant information was gathered in in-depth interviews with official club representatives and within the framework of a focus group workshop discussing the scenario of what Tyrol would look like without clubs.The project’s supervisor MCI Professor Johannes Dickel, PhD, proudly states: “The results of the study are very impressive. In fact, the quality of the output and the effort students put into it far exceeded the requirements of a practical project in the fourth semester. I congratulate the students on their exceptional achievement. Furthermore, I would like to thank Tiroler Zeltfestkultur as well as Tiroler Versicherung, who regularly provide students of the Entrepreneurial School® with the opportunity to put their knowledge and skills to practice in interesting projects on topical and relevant issues.”During a one-hour press conference on October 6, 2016, at the Tiroler Versicherung headquarters in Innsbruck, Julia Peer and Anna-Lena Pfister first presented the results of the MCI study to the public.Tiroler Versicherung Press Release{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1147}Press contactMag. (FH) Ulrike FuchsMarketing & Communication+43 512 2070-1527ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu

Communication expert supports the Entrepreneurial School® team: an investment in information, communication, consulting, and new mediaManagement Center Innsbruck officially welcomes an important personality to its team. At the beginning of winter term 2016, Peter Schwazer, PhD assumes the position of head of marketing, communications, and public relations at the Entrepreneurial School®. He thus follows in the footsteps of Mag. Ulrike Fuchs, who decided to focus increasingly on public and media relations. They share the objectives of meeting the growing challenges of information, communication, and consulting, advancing the international positioning of the Tyrolean location for science and higher education, and of expanding the innovative use of online communication channels.The 35-year old native Tyrolean studied economics and business administration at the University of Innsbruck. For more than four years, he acted as club manager for Tyrol’s successful American Football Club SWARCO RAIDERS Tirol. Peter Schwazer, PhD not only tackles his new tasks with well-founded know-how in marketing and branding but also with entrepreneurial drive: “We are happy to welcome Peter Schwazer – a true authority – to our university. He will continue the successful work of Ulrike Fuchs, equipped with the necessary qualifications to overcome major challenges of scientific, educational, and academic communication and to further improve the position of the MCI brand in the international university landscape”, MCI Rector Andreas Altmann explains.{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1144}Press contactMag. (FH) Ulrike FuchsMarketing & Communication+43 512 2070-1527ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu

Management Center Innsbruck again ranks at the top: MCI Master degree course in Biotechnology achieves excellent results in practical relevance, student support, equipment and infrastructure in the CHE University RankingThe latest university ranking by the international Centre for Higher Education (CHE) once again places Management Center Innsbruck among the best universities in the technology and natural sciences category: the last survey served to analyze the MCI Master degree program in Biotechnology. The outstanding results for the Biotechnology Bachelor program obtained in the survey of May 2016 have now also been extended to the respective Master program. The students awarded the Entrepreneurial School® top grades not only in the general evaluation of study conditions, accessibility, student support and counseling but also for practical relevance and examination procedures. In addition, the students are highly satisfied with the high-standard equipment of lecture halls and laboratories as well as the modern IT infrastructure.Christoph Griesbeck, Head of the MCI Department of Biotechnology, is happy about the acknowledgement of the work in the development of technology and life sciences carried out by the Entrepreneurial School®: “The students honor our continuous efforts to advance and strengthen the quality of technology and life sciences at MCI. With our Biotechnology courses we have finally made it to the top of German-speaking universities.”MCI Head of Quality Management Brigitte Auer considers the results of the current CHE ranking as a testimony to the high quality of the technology and natural sciences study programs: “The CHE University Ranking results are both an encouragement and a requirement to continue the development of courses and services offered at MCI.“By comparing over 300 universities and universities of applied sciences, more than 2,700 faculties and 10,000 study programs, the CHE University Ranking is the most comprehensive and detailed ranking in the German-speaking world. One third of all subjects are reassessed every year.Further information:CHE Biotechnology Master rankingAll CHE University Ranking results are published online at www.zeit.de/hochschulranking.{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1145}Press contactMag. (FH) Ulrike FuchsMarketing & Communication+43 512 2070-1527ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu

Markus Frischhut was named Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration and Ethics at Management Center Innsbruck: the European Commission honors the academic achievement, international orientation, and quality of teaching of the Entrepreneurial School®Within the framework of the Erasmus+ Programme, the European Union supports Jean Monnet Chairs, named after one of the founding fathers, Frenchman Jean Monnet. Against this backdrop, the European Commission has now also accepted the proposal for the Jean Monnet Chair of European Integration and Ethics at the Management Center Innsbruck.The chair, currently held by Professor Markus Frischhut, LL.M, complies with the mission of the Entrepreneurial School®, according to which social responsibility is an integral part of corporate culture. Moreover, this chair relates directly to the MCI entry into the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative of the United Nations Global Compact in 2011.“In the past, law and ethics were not as separate as they are today, even if there are many cases in which EU law refers to the concepts of ethics and morals”, Markus Frischhut explains. For years, the professor has focused his research and teaching on this relationship between EU law and ethics. The appointment to the Jean Monnet Chair for the next three years is proof of the relevance of the topic and testimony to the internationally recognized quality of his academic work.The research findings on the relationship between EU law and ethics will also be incorporated into the newly established e-learning course, also available to interested individuals not affiliated with MCI. The course discusses current issues such as affirmative action (i.e. the favoring of members of a disadvantaged group), reproductive medicine (including in vitro fertilization and surrogacy), the moral limitations of today’s markets, and, finally, the refugee debate.Susanne Lichtmannegger, Head of the MCI International Relations Office, is pleased to announce: “After successful exchange between students and lecturers and the awarding of the ECTS Label and Diploma Supplement Label by the European Commission in January 2014, we are happy to have our activities recognized by the European Commission once more.”MCI Rector Andreas Altmann adds: "Social responsibility is an integral part of the Entrepreneurial School’s® mission. I am delighted for my colleague Markus Frischhut and congratulate him on his achievement.“Further informationWebsite of the MCI Jean Monnet Chairincluding information about all activities and openly accessible courses (see MOOC, Massive Open Online Courses):http://jeanmonnet.mci.edu/homeE-learning course “European Integration and Ethics”:course teaserflyer to download{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1143}Press contactMag. (FH) Ulrike FuchsMarketing & Communication+43 512 2070-1527ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu

Research team headed by MCI Professor Florian Bauer awarded one of Europe’s major strategic management prizesMCI is delighted about its most recent achievement: within the framework of this year’s EURAM conference in Paris, the research team of Professor Florian Bauer won the 2016 Best Paper Award. The MCI professor and his co-authors David R. King (Iowa State University), Svante Schriber (Stockholm Business School), and Kurt Matzler (Universities of Bolzano and Innsbruck) were honored for their excellent paper, titled “Acquisition Characteristics, Integration Choices, and Performance: A Process Perspective”.The outstanding publication offers highly relevant insights into practical and theoretical issues of mergers and acquisitions. The economic significance of such transactions is remarkable: in 2015, the global volume of M&A transactions surpassed even the gross domestic product of Germany. Despite this fact, the success rate has as yet been moderate, with only about 40 percent of all transactions leading to a measurable increase in the value of the companies involved.The authors have now developed an innovative typology based on the strategic orientation of companies involved in M&A transactions. The typology demonstrates potential sources of value as well as their implications for mechanisms for increasing value. This will facilitate considerable rise in the efficiency of future mergers and acquisitions. The developed rationale was empirically proven in the paper and furthermore emphasizes the necessity of an integrative approach and provides clear implications for managers.The idea for the award-winning paper emerged from the SMA Research Lab, which was initiated by the University of Innsbruck and MCI in 2012. Research carried out by the lab thus makes valuable contributions to the scientific discourse and actively aids companies in meeting strategic challenges.Founded in 2001, EURAM today includes members from almost 50 European countries. The society aims to advance scientific exchange in strategic management and to create a platform for international dialogue. The Best Paper Award has been awarded within the framework of the annual EURAM conference since 2010.{phocagallery view=category|categoryid=1142}Press contactMag. (FH) Ulrike FuchsMarketing & Communication+43 512 2070-1527ulrike.fuchs@mci.edu