In this course, there will be multiple projects into which the students will be split up.

The project partners for this semester are:

• zeb: From paying with cash to your Apple Watch to Swish – Strategically analyzing current payment methods predicting the future of payments.
  How do people pay for goods and services in different countries and contexts? What are the advantages and disadvantages of various payment methods, such as cash, cards, mobile apps, digital wallets and how can we cluster them? How do customers’ needs and preferences influence the adoption and innovation of payment solutions? And what will the future of payments look like? The students will receive an insight into and a deep understanding of the current developments in payment methods and their adoption, technology start-ups and the banking sector in general. Main aim of the business project is to identify possible strategic future scenarios regarding dominant payment methods for key European markets and their feasibility of entering various European markets.
   
• Accenture: How Do The Best Football Teams Integrate Their Corporate Sponsors - Best Practices for Reaching Fans in the Digital Age.
  The goal is to better understand the digital sponsorship strategy of European football teams. Sports organizations are fighting for the attention of their fans, especially amongst younger demographics, and for sponsorship dollars. Right now, there are several trends (like AR/VR, AI or live streaming) shaping the global sports marketing landscape which are continuing to evolve and present new opportunities for sports marketers/brands to connect, engage, and build lasting relationships with fans. We aim at looking deeper into what digital strategies clubs, leagues and federations pursue to better serve their sponsors, give them greater exposure and make sure they get an higher sponsorship return through direct sales conversions, more brand leverage etc.

In all projects the challenge is to connect theory to a real-life business case, paired with data collection and evaluation. Constant status meetings will ensure the exchange of ideas and feedback among all three groups as well as the academic supervisors and the partner companies.

Please note that due to the nature of projects, information as stated on this page is subject to potential changes (e.g., the times of the first or the last class may change). Specifically note that most classes will be reserved for work-on-project and/or coaching sessions. However, there are some dates on which we will have class (more information on this in the Kick-off Session). In addition, however, a maximum of 1 or 2 additional meetings dates will come up to allow for extended interaction with the corporate partner. Also, telephone conferences may be arranged outside of the indicated hours.

The aims of the projects are

• to investigate and structure a complex management challenge that an international company faces
• to provide an in-depth analysis of the current status by undergoing a thorough survey
• to provide strategic solutions that are viable under the given organizational conditions

After completing this project students will have

• gained insights into what challenges a global company faces in an international management environment and how it deals with such issues
  
• learned how to analyze and structure real-life management situations in a global context
• combined and applied several theoretical concepts to the international management challenge
• received feedback from practitioners on the outcome of their analysis and the viability of their recommendations

• develop critical thinking and defend their developed arguments in class and in front of practitioners
• organize teamwork including presentation skills
• present and "sell" their solutions in a professional way, through presentation skills and support of suitable media

IMPORTANT:

Generally, you need to attend all sessions. However, we will not meet in class at every unit indicated in the course catalog as some of those sessions are blocked for group work. Hence, you will not have to attend all of those meetings but only those for your group (please block all of them in your calendars for the time being though). More information will be given during the first session.

Sessions with required attendance (further dates to be announced in due time):

- 20/03/2024

- 27/03/2024

- 29/04/2024

- 03/04/2024

- 29/05/2024

- 12/06/2024

The process will be split up in a way that ensures crisp project work with the company on the one hand as well as detailed feedback and reflection on the other hand.

For the former, the students will work closely and independently with the company.

For the latter, several status meetings will be held during the semester in which the groups are to present their project, reflect critically as well as give and receive valuable feedback. Furthermore, the two sessions will include parts of the academic supervisors giving theoretical and practical background information and guidance. 

Allocation to one of the projects, after successful registration for the course, is done considering preferences and student CVs.

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michael.wolfesberger@wu.ac.at; jonas.puck@wu.ac.at

Please note that due to the nature of projects, information as stated on this page is subject to potential changes. Specifically note that most classes will be reserved for work-on-project and/or coaching sessions (except for the ones indicated above). Consequently, you most probably do not have to be in class every week all the time (but reserve them for the time being. In addition, however, additional meetings or telcos will come up to allow for extended interaction with the corporate partner (these will be arranged flexibly between you and the corporate partner). Midterm and final presentation dates not incluede yet.