• The course teaches the fundamentals of social enterprise, social value creation, social innovation, and hybrid organizations
• Students acquire knowledge about organizational forms and business models in the context of social enterprise
• Students link the concept of social business models with social issues and social innovations in connection with the UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Students conceive and design a team-based social business model
• Students develop practical analytical skills and creative abilities for addressing social entrepreneurship issues
• Students strengthen their team and leadership skills as well as their self-management and independent working skills
• The course also promotes the development of oral and written communication skills

After completing this course, students should have acquired a basic knowledge that will enable them to make informed and reflective decisions regarding the organization of social enterprises in their future or further professional careers.

Upon successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

• describe and classify key concepts of social enterprise, social value creation, social innovation, and hybrid organizations
• analyze organizational forms and business models of social enterprise
• link social issues with social business models and social innovations in the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals,
• conceptually design a team-based social business model
• apply practical, analytical, and creative skills to solve social challenges, and
• use team, leadership, communication, and self-management skills in project-based work forms.

This course is conducted on a continuous assessment basis. Courses conducted on a continuous assessment basis are highly interactive. In order to pass the course, 80% attendance is therefore required during the synchronous parts of the course.

If a student is absent from a course for an important reason, a maximum of 20% of the total course duration may be missed. If cumulative absences exceed 20%, the course must be repeated. Confirmation (e.g., a doctor's note) must be provided for the absence.

According to the WU examination regulations, important reasons are those that are beyond the control of the student (illness, accident, death of a close relative). Professional obligations are not considered important reasons within the meaning of the examination regulations, as these are within the control of the student.

The course is mainly held in English. The course covers the fundamentals of social entrepreneurship, social value creation, social innovation, and business models. The focus is on organizational perspectives, decision-making processes, and the issues addressed by social enterprises.

Students learn and discuss the theoretical foundations and then apply them by independently developing a social business model. The social business model is developed independently by the students and includes a proof of concept and a final presentation in the form of a final pitch.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) IT systems, in particular “ChatGPT,” by students is critically reflected upon and used responsibly within the framework of the SBWL Organization course. Groups will be formed in the first class in April 2026.

The overall assessment is based on the following individual components:

• Assessment 1: In-class exam (individual) 20%
• Assessment 2: ‘Proof of Problem’ validation report, including evidence of data collection and field work, (group assignment) 40%
• Assessment 3: Social Business Model Canvas presentation and Final Pitch (group assignment) 40%

Grading scale:
Very good: 90.1–100 points
Good: 80.1–90 points
Satisfactory: 70.1–80 points
Sufficient: 60.1–50 points

Please log in with your WU account to use all functionalities of read!t. For off-campus access to our licensed electronic resources, remember to activate your VPN connection connection. In case you encounter any technical problems or have questions regarding read!t, please feel free to contact the library at readinglists@wu.ac.at.

Available by email: anna.grill@wu.ac.at. Office hours and consultation appointments by arrangement.