In the course "Digital Strategy Lab" students will be introduced to various business models and strategies resulting from the increasing use of digital systems such as KI in the technology sector.

In close partnership with a key leader in technology (multi-billion USD revenue, serving more than 300 thousand companies in 176 countries), students will work on projects to directly support the company and its management team in formulating strategies to adapt to new challenges related to online business models, entry into new markets, and new digital platforms.

"Digital Strategy Lab" is a project course that integrates theoretical knowledge and practical application. It enables students to:

• Get insights into trends that shape company strategy such as digitalization, emerging markets and the increasing importance of technologies such as VR
• Understand how a company’s strategic decisions are based on a thorough understanding of its own competencies, the overall market and the clients
• Work on topics in close cooperation and coordination with the management team of the corporate client  

Through the work on their projects, students will also improve their communication and team working skills through

• team work, interactive discussions and workshops
• continuous exchange and engagement with the project partner
• exchange with industry experts and external coaches

As the interaction with other students as well as external stakeholders is an integral part of this course, active participation in-person is important.

Students must attend at least 80% of all classes and events to successfully complete the course. However, due to their importance in reaching the course goals, 100% attendance is required for the kick-off (05. & 06.10.2023), as well as the E&I Touchdown event (22.01.2024). For the kickoff, absences (up to maximum of 1,5h) due to a scheduled written exam at WU can be excused if the course instructors are notified with a proof of examination before the kickoff.

In general, all absences in the course must be notified to the course instructors via email (if possible in advance) and confirmation (for example a medical certificate, or in case of an exam a note confirming the date of the written examination) must be submitted as soon as possible. Absences can result in additional compensation work to ensure the course's learning outcomes.

Information for E&I students taking a semester abroad that starts in January
At E&I we value the international experience our students get from taking an exchange semester abroad. We also understand that some exchange semesters already start in January, leading to schedule overlaps with our courses. In that case, we will enable you to take the project course. Please inform your course instructors and fellow team members when the semester starts to make the necessary arrangements and counterbalance the absence in the last month by distributing the workload in a fair and reasonable manner among all team members in advance.

- Self-study
- Teaching the theoretical basics on two kick-off days (lectures, case studies, group discussions, team work)
- Working on real and relevant practical projects in close cooperation with the world-leading provider of equipment and solutions for technical education.
- Workshops and coaching from external partners (top experts from practice)
- Peer feedback
- Documentation and presentation of work progress and results

Performance is assessed based on individual as well as group work throughout the semester.

Grading system:

• 60% Group-based performance
• 10% Midterm presentation
• 10% Midterm report
• 20% Final presentation
• 20% Final report
   
• 40% Individual performance
• 10% Kickoff Comprehension Test
• 25% ongoing participation and project management
• 5% Reflection task

Additionally, there will be mid-term and end of term peer ratings of the team members which may result in individual up- or downgradings.

Attendance: In order to successfully pass this course, your absence is limited to 20% of our appointments.
Please note that the attendance of the kick-off and the E&I Touchdown is mandatory!

Students enrolled in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Specialization Program.

Please note that course registration is binding. The moment your registration is received, it is regarded as a clear commitment on your part. Students cannot transfer to another course (once the add/drop period is over) with no exceptions, as it would be unfair to other students (who might not have gotten into the course of their choice because of the spot you registered for). The number of students accepted to the course will only be expanded if there is no space in any other course 4/5.

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Please make an appointment by email:

caroline.fabian@wu.ac.at, shtefi.mladenovska@wu.ac.at