Learning Path

The Sustainability of Organizations

Business Development & Management

The Sustainability of Organizations
in Business Development 

Developments in recent years have brought the question of organizational sustainability to the forefront.

Future-ready organizations are characterized by adaptability, innovation, and sustainability. They are able to adapt quickly to changing market conditions, new technologies, and societal expectations. These organizations prioritize continuous learning and the ongoing professional development of all employees, foster a culture of mutual respect, and promote the (agile) self-organization of individuals and teams. Leaders provide support and guide teams through multifaceted change processes. Aspects such as digital transformation, responsible conduct toward the environment and society, and the promotion of diversity and inclusion play a central role in this.

These characteristics of future-ready organizations also make it clear why they play a central role in the successful implementation of business development initiatives: adaptable organizations that have embedded agility and continuous learning in their corporate culture can respond more quickly and effectively to market changes and capitalize on opportunities. This also enables them to remain competitive in the long term while making a positive contribution to society.

Organizational Sustainability in the Master’s Program 

Topics related to the future viability of organizations play a central role in the curriculum of the Master’s program in Business Development & Management. Across a total of 6 modules, we explore key questions related to organizational development, agile mindsets and agile methods, the development and leadership of employees, as well as new approaches to competency, learning, and knowledge management.

1st Semester
 

Personal Development
Journey

1 ECTS credit

1st Semester
 

Development of Organization & Culture

5 ECTS credits

2nd Semester
 

Agile Methods –
Design Thinking

5 ECTS credits

2nd Semester
 

Competency, Learning,
and Knowledge Management*

5 ECTS credits

3rd Semester
 

Mindset &
Leadership*

5 ECTS credits

3rd Semester
 

Business Development
Practical Project

5 ECTS credits

4th Semester
 

Business Development
Management Simulation

5 ECTS credits

* Elective modules in the “Sustainable Organizations” specialization

You’re also welcome to write your master’s thesis on one of these topics. This will increase the number of ECTS credits earned in this area to 53–representing 44% of the program. This way, you’ll develop your own personal competency profile in the field of organizational sustainability!

Prof. Ursula LIEBHART, M.A., Ph.D., University of Applied Sciences

"Future-ready organizations have the ability to proactively and effectively address the numerous challenges and changes of the VUCA world. Essential to this are competent and committed individuals and teams, as well as modern structures and processes that allow for a high degree of self-organization and utilize modern methods and tools. Competent leaders with an agile mindset and an openness to change foster a collaborative culture of learning and work, which ultimately forms the foundation of future-proof organizations."

- Prof. Ursula LIEBHART, M.A., Ph.D., University of Applied Sciences. has been a professor of Human Resources and Organization at CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences since 2014. She leads numerous seminar series for Carinthian industrial companies, teaches at the M/O/T Business School at the Alpen-Adria University o

Key Course Content of the Modules
in the Strategic Management Learning Path 

Personal Development Journey (Semesters 1–3)

  • Focus of the 1st Semester: Identifying One’s Own Potential
  • Focus of the 2nd Semester: Developing Your Personal Purpose
  • Focus of the 3rd Semester: Shaping Personal Circumstances
  • These focus areas are developed across semesters based on the following course content:
    • Fundamentals of Self-Management Skills
    • Selected Methods and Techniques of Self-Management
    • Self-leadership skills
    • Elements of Relationship Skills
    • Fundamentals and mechanisms of peer-group learning

Organizational and Cultural Development (1st Semester)

  • Purpose-Driven Organization—Vision, Strategy, and Purpose
  • Value-Based Development of Strategy and Culture
  • Introduction to Systems Theory/Systemic Approach
  • Modern Organizational Concepts and Thought Models
  • Cultural Change as the Foundation of Change
  • Organizational Maturity Models
  • Modern Approaches to Organizational Change
  • Roles and Responsibilities in Change
  • Modern Approaches to Change
  • Analysis Tools for Transformation Processes

Agile Mindset & Methods (2nd Semester)

  • Fundamentals of Agile Principles and Values
  • Agile Mindset and Its Implications for Organizations and Leaders
  • Modern Agile Methods and Techniques
  • Agile Formats for Team and Project Work
  • Collaboration and Communication in an Agile Context
  • Agile Approaches in Selected Functional Areas

Competency, Learning, and Knowledge Management (2nd Semester | Elective Module)

  • Introduction to the Concept of Competence and Classification Systems
  • Development and Structure of Organizational Competency Models
  • Basic Definitions, Models, and Developments in Knowledge Management
  • Methods and Techniques of Knowledge Management
  • Processes and Levels of Knowledge Management in Organizations
  • Introduction to New Learning
  • Modern learning formats for social, agile, and self-directed learning
  • Significance and Shaping Factors of Modern Learning Culture

Mindset & Leadership (3rd Semester | Elective Module)

  • New Work and Leadership: The VOPA Model, Hybrid Leadership, Modern Approaches (Transactional and Transformational Leadership)
  • Leadership Mindset: Leadership Logics, Model of the 6 Attitudes (Permantier), PERMA Lead from Positive Psychology, Neuro Leadership
  • 4D Model of Leadership
  • Collaborative Leadership
  • Leadership Skills for the Future
  • Psychological Empowerment
  • OKR Model (Objectives & Key Results – Leading with Goals)

Business Development Practical Project (3rd Semester)

  • Structuring a practical project with a direct connection to business development
  • Conducting the necessary analyses (company, markets, customers, organization, culture, and people)
  • Developing appropriate solution concepts based on the problem at hand (business models, marketing strategies, HR strategies, etc.)
  • Defining the prerequisites necessary for implementing the project within the company and identifying any potential needs for change or development (organization, HR, procurement, service delivery, processes)
  • Preparing and presenting the results in a format suitable for decision-making

Business Development Management Simulation (4th Semester)

  • Strategy Development and Implementation
  • Integrated Budget
  • The Importance of Value-Based Management
  • Tools for Effective Teamwork