Governance Excellence
The effectiveness of the work of members of the supervisory board is still the focus of public debate. Business and legal expertise, motivation, involvement and the financial compensation for the work of supervisory board members are part of this controversial discussion. Effective corporate oversight is considered a key factor in avoiding negligence caused by company failures and economic crises. This requires redefining the role and self-image of board members - and professionalizing the work organization of the boards themselves. The role of supervisory boards will change in the future and will be accompanied by much more responsibility, including public and legal ones.
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©WU Executive AcademyDuration
7 half days
Next start
October 8, 2025 (fully booked!), January 19, 2026
Details
Faculty
Course Details
Language
German
Make Your Move
Application Deadline
The Governance Execellence program for current and future supervisory board members provides you with the business and legal knowledge required for supervisory positions. These are supplemented by relevant psychological and communication-related content. The dialogue with the lecturers enables you to sharpen your understanding of the responsibilities, develop it further, and receive specific recommendations for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the oversight bodies in which you operate.
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Not all supervisory board members possess the broad expertise across different fields (law, strategy, human resource management, controlling and risk management, accounting and financial statements) and the relevant experience in supervisory activities to meet the increased demands. Additionally, supervisory board members are inevitably exposed to influences—whether intentional or unintentional - that must be recognized and understood. Therefore, it is practical and economically promising to offer specialized training and continuing education, as well as a competently composed discussion forum for opinion and idea exchange among supervisory board members.
Course Information at a Glance
Schedule Starting October 2025
The program is structured into 7 half-day modules. All lecturers are recognized experts in their respective fields. Each module is co-taught by at least two lecturers who jointly address and discuss the legal and business aspects of supervisory board activities. Selected modules are followed by evening discussions with experienced and forward-thinking supervisory board members.
Fundamentals and Principles of Effective Corporate Supervision
October 8, 2025Practical Legal Challenges in Supervisory Board Activities
November 11, 2025 | 1:00–6:30 PMRisk Management & Controlling for Supervisory Board Members
December 1, 2025 | 1:00–6:30 PMAccounting and Auditing for Supervisory Board Members
January 14, 2026 | 1:00–6:30 PMStrategic Management for Supervisory Board Members
February 17, 2026 | 1:00–6:30 PMHuman Resource Management for Supervisory Board Members
March 11, 2026 | 1:00–6:30 PMGovernance & Digitalization
April 13, 2026 | 1:00–6:30 PMCertificate Ceremony
May 19, 2026
Schedule Starting January 2026
The program is divided into seven half-day modules. All lecturers are recognized experts in their respective fields. Each module is taught jointly by at least two lecturers, who integrate and discuss legal and business management aspects of supervisory board responsibilities. Following selected modules, evening discussions are held with experienced and forward-thinking supervisory board members.
Fundamentals and Principles of Effective Corporate Supervision
January 19, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 8:00 PMPractical Legal Issues in Supervisory Board Activities
January 27, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 6:30 PMRisk Management & Controlling for Supervisory Board Members
February 10, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 6:30 PMGovernance & Digitalization
February 23, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 6:30 PMStrategic Management for Supervisory Board Members
March 09, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 6:30 PMHuman Resource Management for Supervisory Board Members
March 25, 2026| 1:00 PM – 6:30 PMAccounting and Auditing for Supervisory Board Members
April 08, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 6:30 PMCertificate Ceremony
May 19, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Target Group
The program is aimed at:
Current and prospective members of supervisory boards, advisory boards, and audit committees
Other supervisory bodies of companies, non-profit organizations (NPOs), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Cooperation Partner: INARA – Initiative Supervisory Boards Austria
Dr. Brigitta Schwarzer, MBA | INARA Managing Director
INARA (Initiative Supervisory Boards Austria) is the knowledge, information, and service portal for supervisory board members, covering all relevant topics from legal texts to FAQs. INARA offers its members the only and largest glossary of key terms relevant to supervisory board work and provides regular updates with the latest information.
Membership is free of charge.
Certificate
Successful completion of the Governance Excellence program is confirmed with a certificate from WU Vienna.
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©WU Executive AcademyYour Community for Lifelong Success
As a student of this program, you receive free lifetime membership in the WU Executive Club, a powerful global network of students and alumni. From day one, you are part of a vibrant community that offers exclusive networking opportunities, career support, and lifelong learning. Connect with handpicked international executives, exchange insights, and unlock new opportunities. Stay inspired, broaden your perspective, and keep ahead in a rapidly changing business world—the WU Executive Club is your gateway to success.
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The WU Vienna University of Economics and Business is one of Europe's leading universities and can look back on 100 years of excellence in executive education. As a university we are commited to high quality standards and independence. We are proud to have received the prestigious triple accreditation from AACSB, AMBA, and EQUIS, which is reflected in the outstanding quality of our executive education. This has also been recognized in international rankings: #46: Financial Times European Business School Ranking #59: QS World University Ranking: Business & Management Studies #60: Financial Times Executive MBA Ranking
View detailsNext start
October 8, 2025 (fully booked!), January 19, 2026
Application Deadline
September 8, 2025
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