The program starts with team building, helping you to get to know your classmates, reflect on your development needs and understand how best to contribute to high-performing teams.

Two weeks before the start of the Business Core, participants will be asked to complete an online self-assessment. Apart from showing a student's current strengths and weaknesses, this analysis will also be helpful later when it comes to identifying potential and possible approaches to problem solving. In addition, the self-assessment will provide a basis for reflecting on different behavior patterns, strengths and challenges, and can be used to draw conclusions about a participant's leadership behavior, social skills, behavior under stress and conflict-handling skills. A personal introduction during the first module will teach students to interpret the results and identify avenues for action. Thus, each student will be able to see how he or she grows as an executive in the course of the Business Core.

At the beginning of the Executive MBA, students will form groups of three that will stay together throughout the Business Core. The members of a group are to establish a close and trusting relationship with one another, thereby creating the basis for peer coaching: over the 6-month period, each group is to hold two or three out-of-module meetings to discuss and reflect on how much the members of the group have grown as leaders in the course of the program, allowing students to get feedback from equals whom they know well. What makes this input particularly valuable is the fact that in the day-to-day work of managers there very often is no framework for such feedback.

Optimize individual performance management with theories and frameworks such as talent management.
Learn recruiting best practices and performance evaluation systems. Understand the foundations of a successful international career, including 360° feedback and various career coaching processes. In-depth analysis of group and team dynamics to create those conditions perfect for optimal team function. Manage cultural team diversity with emphasis on aligning people, culture, and strategy.

Comprehend the structures, processes, culture and politics of modern organizations, emphasizing change management in a global context. Study modern knowledge and innovation management by identifying new technologies and fostering corporate flexibility through organizational adaption. This modules' content includes corporate restructurings, mergers and acquisitions.

Management is basically about getting things done through people. And we recognize today that sustainable competitive advantage comes largely through intangible assets – people and how they are managed. The goal of this course is to help participants gain a better understanding of the foundations of leadership and the dynamics of interpersonal relations, team processes, and organizations; and to help them to be more effective in leadership roles in their organizations. This entails developing knowledge and skills to analyze key issues in motivation, influence, decision-making, interpersonal relations, team processes, and organizational change.

Analysis of real-life case studies will demonstrate that effective leadership involves four critical processes: setting direction, aligning people behind it, setting and maintaining values, and growth of self and others. These leadership tasks require self-awareness and self-management, therefore this module will also provide participants with an opportunity to reflect on their leadership style, assess their personal development needs and create a personal development plan.

An introduction into the system of behaviors and rules of conduct between companies and their main stakeholders.
Gain a deeper understanding of the ethical and social responsibility of business, considering ethical challenges in the corporate world, learn to recognize enablers of ethical behavior - individuals and in organizations, responsible leadership and social entrepreneurship.

The Leadership Lab is a mostly virtual module that extends through the entire first year. It helps you understand how your learning can make a positive difference concerning various domains of leadership impact: you as an individual, your immediate social network (friends, family, community), your organization, and society. The Leadership Lab comprises online reflection "interventions" which are activities closely linked to the learning experiences and knowledge acquired in the Executive MBA modules. The interventions combine traditional and unconventional assignments, and encourage the adoption of an overall reflective and holistic perspective outside the usual boxes.

Implement state-of-the-art tools to assess the external and internal context of an organization and its implications for strategy on an organizational, industry-wide and international level.
Key issues include competition and collaboration, diversification and focus, strategic thinking, strategy formation and strategic change.

Examine key controlling concepts from two perspectives: the accounting perspective, i.e. the interpretation of financial statements and traditional controlling tools based on accounting ratios (linked to the Financial Reporting module). The finance perspective, covering value-based controlling methods (linked to the Financial Management module). These two perspectives are compared and evaluated against each other. Other topics are performance measurement and a brief overview of the balanced scorecard.

Understand the power and limitations of numerical data in decision-making processes.
Topics include the application of exploratory data analysis, applications based on the normal distribution, basic inferential and sampling procedures, regression analysis and analytical models supporting the decision-making process.

The force of ‘creative destruction’ is key to success for start-ups, companies and societies.
Understand the strategic impact of ‘the new’ in terms of marketing and organization, and the specific interdependencies between an innovation’s success and the entrepreneur initiating and driving it.
Gain vital knowledge on innovation resistance and resistance resolution.

Gain an overview of the major concepts in finance for national and global companies and participants in the international financial market.
Focus is placed on the valuation of various securities, the opportunity cost of capital principle and the improvement of both private and corporate investment decisions (e.g. financial mathematics, criteria of investment decision-making and capital budgeting).

Examine the fundamental principles and elements of accounting alongside procedural issues, vital in the preparation and presentation of financial statements, practical and theoretical matters in the evaluation of accounting income, inventory, fixed assets, investments, leases, and earnings management.

Gain a comprehensive overview of the business environment of global markets and understand the complexities of various economies around the globe - to better assess business opportunities and global market environments.

This module covers information system resources and technology management.
Participants gain insights into key information technologies and their applications (e.g. ERP, CRM, Knowledge Management Systems, e-Commerce).
Internalize the competitive advantages inherent to information technology and its related organizational and managerial implications.

This module provides in-depth analysis of marketing as a discipline. This includes modern concepts and strategic marketing management tools for market-driven and customer-focused companies.
Emphasis is placed on consumer behavior, marketing research, an optimal marketing mix, and marketing & sales organizations.

This module provides a problem-orientated understanding of macroeconomic business environments.
Topics include the global monetary system, in particular the role of the dollar, the impact of current account imbalances, fluctuations of asset prices, exchange rates and commodity prices and their impact on economic performance.
Study basic concepts behind US and EU macroeconomic policy.

Internalize up-to-date methods for the optimal management of both production and distribution of goods and services.

Examine fundamental interdependencies between IT, operations, human resources and corporate strategy - focusing on concepts of productivity and tools for improvement, such as supply chain management and process management.

The progress made in responsible leadership is consolidated by returning to the topic at the end of the business core. Composed of three days dedicated to leadership, managing people and organizations, and ethics & CSR, respectively, it enables double-loop learning by integrating the measures presented during the Business Core and providing students with an opportunity to reflect on them together. The aim is for the individual participant to identify those measures/ideas that he or she has found most effective and to continue taking advantage of them.

Yes, our Executive MBA tuition fees are fully tax deductible for taxpayers in Austria. With our flexible payment modalities, you can spread the fees over several tax periods. However, as tax deductibility can vary greatly from person to person, we recommend that you also contact a tax advisor or inquire directly at the tax office.

If you are taxpayer of another country, please contact your local tax authorities for information on available tax deductions.

To apply for a scholarship, you need to hand in the following additional documents:

• Documentation of income

• Relevant documentation of exceptional circumstances (e.g. supporting dependents, medical care).

Learn more about application deadlines at WU Executive Academy and the process for each scholarship.

Yes, the WU Executive Academy offers a wide range of Executive MBA scholarships and financing options.

Scholarships are awarded on a case-by-case basis. The committee decides whether and to what extent a scholarship will be granted by evaluating your:

• High motivation for joining the program

• Enthusiasm for a challenging learning experience

• Clear understanding of personal contribution to team learning and the overall cohort experience

• Relevant skills and work experience

• Strong record of career progression

• Excellent interpersonal, intercultural, and communication skills

• Passion and commitment to achieve personal growth and success

• Diversity of the student group in terms of academic, professional, and cultural background

• Financial situation

Find additional eligibility criteria for each scholarship.

On average, students dedicate approximately 10 to 20 hours per week to coursework. We recommend investing 2 to 3 hours daily to stay on track with the program and make the most of the learning experience.

The Vienna Executive MBA is designed to offer flexibility and support to help you balance your studies with work and personal commitments.

• Plan Ahead: The program provides a clear schedule and materials in advance, allowing you to plan your study sessions around your professional and personal responsibilities.

• Flexible Module Structure: The modules are structured in a way that spreads the workload over a longer period, giving you the flexibility to work on assignments when it’s most convenient for you, and to better align your studies with other commitments.

• Online Learning Platform: With everything centralized in one place, you can access course materials 24/7, from anywhere. This ensures you can learn and complete tasks at your own pace, whether at home, at work, or on the go.

The Vienna Executive MBA uses a variety of teaching methods to assess students' progress and performance, focusing on both individual capabilities and teamwork skills.

• Pre-module Assignments: Before each module, students complete tasks such as case studies, research articles, reflection papers, presentations, and mini-quizzes to assess their understanding and preparation for the upcoming content.

• Class Participation: Active engagement in class discussions and video conferences is continuously evaluated. This encourages students to contribute to the learning process and interact with their peers.

• Post-module Assignments: At the end of each module, students submit individual or group projects, presentations, essays, and written assignments that demonstrate their comprehension and progress.

This well-rounded assessment method ensures that students develop both their individual capabilities and teamwork skills effectively.

The Business Core of the Vienna Executive MBA is offered in two formats: an on-campus track and a hybrid track, where every second module block is delivered online. Regardless of the track, attendance is mandatory—either on-site or online, depending on the module format.

All on-campus modules require physical presence at WU Vienna; participation via livestream or remote access is not possible. Conversely, online modules also require active attendance, but in a virtual setting.

This hybrid structure is designed to combine the strengths of in-person learning with the flexibility of digital formats. We place a strong emphasis on physical presence to foster personal interaction, build trust, and create a safe and engaging learning environment. These elements are crucial for deep exchange, effective collaboration, and meaningful networking—key ingredients for a transformative Executive MBA experience.

The Vienna Executive MBA offers a hands-on education that equips you perfectly for the challenges of the global business world. With the prestigious triple accreditation (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS) and strong positions in international rankings, the WU Executive Academy stands out for its exceptional quality, placing it among the top institutions worldwide. In an international, interdisciplinary learning environment that seamlessly integrates theory with practice, you will broaden your knowledge, expand your network, and develop the skills to tackle complex challenges with innovative solutions – all while taking your career to the next level.

Our selection process involves careful consideration of the following factors:

• High motivation for joining the program

• Enthusiasm for a challenging learning experience

• Clear understanding of personal contribution to team learning and the overall cohort experience

• Relevant skills and work experience

• Strong record of career progression

• Excellent interpersonal, intercultural, and communication skills

• Passion and commitment to achieve personal growth and success

• Diversity of the student group in terms of academic, professional, and cultural background

Applicants must meet the following formal requirements:

• Undergraduate degree (Bachelor 180 ECTS or equivalent) from a recognized post-secondary institution*

• Minimum of 3 years of postgraduate work experience

• Leadership experience preferred

• Proficiency in written and spoken English

^{* For the Executive MBA programs, outstanding professional experience may allow for application in exceptional cases.}