Modul University Vienna

Modul University Vienna (short MU Vienna) is a private university established in 2007 in Vienna, Austria, that focuses on social and economic development. In particular, it focuses on the areas of tourism, new media information technology, sustainability, business management, and public governance.

Modul University Vienna
Modul University Vienna
Logo of MUV
MottoExpanding Horizons
TypePrivate University
Established2007
RectorProf. Dr. Karl Wöber[1]
Administrative staff
85
Students942
Location
Vienna
,
Austria

48°16′29″N 16°20′8.7″E
Campussuburban
LanguageEnglish
Websitewww.modul.ac.at

History

Foundation and vision

MU Vienna was founded by the Vienna Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Saudi-Austrian businessman Mohamed Bin Issa Al Jaber, and built with the support of the City of Vienna and the Vienna Tourist Board. The aim of the founders was to offer students internationally oriented, hands-on studies in the areas of tourism research, information technology, and public administration by making use of the active role of Vienna in European city tourism. Karl Wöber, who had previously taught at the Vienna University of Economics and Business in the field of tourism, was appointed founding president.

In 2012, the Vienna Chamber of Commerce and Industry assumed sole ownership and laid the foundation for the successful development of the university in the fields of business and tourism. Within the first ten years, three bachelor and four master programs were accredited. A PhD program was accredited in 2012.

Since January 2013, MU Vienna has been a member of the European Universities Consortium (EUC), a group of higher education institutions that promotes English-taught bachelor's programs in Europe. The international orientation of Modul University Vienna is not only manifested by an international focus on teaching and research, but also through the internationality of its locations. Study programs are offered in Vienna, Dubai (UAE) since 2016 and in Nanjing (PR China) since 2017.

Modul University Vienna bases its research priorities on the principles of sustainability, economics, and innovation. The foreground maintains the overriding goal of creating benefits for society. The various scientific disciplines represented at Modul University Vienna are guided by these principles, which coincide with integral components of the curricula of all study programs. Their relevance is also reflected in the daily work of staff and students.[2]

Entrance of Modul University Vienna

Additionally, the university strives for an integrated academic education, which is understood as an interweaving of decision-making competences, based on a combination of methodical problem solving and social learning.[2] The inclusion and promotion of the following values of education was decided by the University Senate on 16 January 2012:[3]

  • Knowledge, Creativity, and Innovation: 'Challenge what the society takes for granted and embrace change'.
  • Personal Integrity: 'Support the principles of equality and justice'.
  • Mutual Respect: 'Value diversity and humanity'.
  • Responsibility and Stewardship: 'Serve as ambassadors of sustainable and responsible living'.

These values can be seen displayed on the façade of the university building in the 12 most frequently spoken languages in the world.

In 2015, Modul University Vienna founded Modul University Technology GmbH, an R&D spin-off with a research focus on multimedia applications, interactive TV, and automated knowledge extraction processes.

In 2020, the Vienna Chamber of Commerce and Industry sold 90% of its shares to the British entrepreneur Suresh Sivagnanam (*1970), founder of vdoc, an online medical advice and care platform that offers its members rapid access to medical facilities worldwide.[4]

The university was conceived and named "Modul University Vienna" by employees of the Modul Tourism College, a tertiary education school for hotel management and gastronomy also founded by the Vienna Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 1908.

The name Modul comes from the honeycomb structure of the Modul Tourism College, in which both the school and the adjacent hotel of the same name consist of octagonal, connected "modules". The school and hotel are located in the 19th district (Döbling) and were designed and built between 1973 and 1975. In the meantime, the hotel has been closed. Attending the Modul Tourism College is not a prerequisite for admission to Modul University Vienna.

Accreditation

Modul University Vienna was accredited on July 30, 2007, by the Austrian Accreditation Council, which carried out the state recognition of private universities on behalf of the Ministry of Science and started operations in fall 2007. In 2014 the university was first reaccredited by the Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation Austria, which was founded on March 1, 2011, on the basis of the University Quality Assurance Act (HS-QSG) as part of a fundamental redesign of the system of external quality assurance in Austria.[5][6] In addition, the study programs for tourism offered by MU have been certified by the certification scheme Ted.Qual of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) since 2012.[7]

Sustainability

Sustainability is one of the basic principles of Modul University Vienna and is an essential component of both its educational content and research agenda.[2] The ongoing operation of the university enables the minimization of negative impacts on the environmental system through numerous measures. The university has a solar energy system, a pellet heating system, and a waste management system, as well as several measures to promote a sustainable way of thinking and living among its students and staff.[8] A Sustainability Committee, appointed by the University Senate, promotes continuous communication about its goals and measures to further improve the awareness of sustainability among students, staff, suppliers, and partners.[9]

University bodies

The university is managed by a collegial body consisting of the rector, the vice-rector, and the managing director. The University Council supports the development of Modul University Vienna and consists of four representatives of the owners, two representatives of the industry, and two representatives of other universities.[10]  The University Senate consists of 23 members and elects the members of various committees and proposes candidates for the offices of rector and vice-rector.[11]  

Academic units

Modul University Vienna consists of four scientific departments and one research institute:[12]

  • Department of Sustainability, Governance, and Methods (Head: Prof. Sabine Sedlacek)
  • Department of Tourism and Service Management (Head: Prof. Astrid Dickinger)
  • Department of International Management (Head: Prof. Horst Treiblmaier)
  • Department of Applied Data Science (interim management: Prof. Karl Wöber)
  • Research Institute for New Media Technology (Head: Prof. Arno Scharl)

Study programs

A total of 942 students were enrolled in the academic year 2018/19, 186 of them at Dubai and 89 at Nanjing.[13] A special feature of the university is its particularly high proportion of international students (70%) and the diversity of its origins. Students came from 62 different countries in the academic year 2018/19.[14]  In accordance with the instructions of the Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation Austria  and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai, a teach-out of the studies offered in Dubai takes place and will be completed in 2023.[15][6]

Modul University Vienna offers BBA, BSc, MSc, MBA, and PhD study programs in the fields of international management, service-oriented economy, tourism, sustainability, data management and analysis, and the design of innovative information systems. In addition to the core subjects, which must be completed as mandatory in the respective programs, in-depth subjects provide the opportunity to specialize in different areas of expertise. The range of offered courses includes the following study programs:[12]

  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) in International Management
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) in International Management with Professional Experience (in accreditation)

Both Bachelor of Science in International Management programs offer the following specializations: Entrepreneurship and Leadership, International Marketing, International Management.

  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Applied Data Science (in accreditation)
  • Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Tourism and Hospitality Management

The Bachelor of Business Administration offers the following specializations: Tourism and Event Management, Hotel Management.

  • Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Tourism, Hotel Management and Operations
  • Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainable Development, Management and Policy
  • Master of Science (MSc) in International Tourism Management
  • Master of Science (MSc) in Management

All Master of Science programs offer the following specializations: Digital Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Leadership, Innovation and Experience Design for Tourism, Real Estate Management, Sustainable Management and Policy, and Tourism and Services Management.

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The Master of Business Administration offers the following specializations: Digital Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Leadership, Innovation and Experience Design for Tourism, Real Estate Management, and Sustainable Management and Policy.

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business and Socioeconomic Sciences

At the Dubai campus:

  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) in International Management
  • Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Tourism and Hospitality Management
  • Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainable Development, Management and Policy
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)

At the Nanjing campus:

  • Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Tourism and Hospitality Management.

All study programs are offered exclusively in English. Modul University Vienna maintains exchange programs for its students with 21 partner universities worldwide.[16]

Research

Modul University Vienna is characterized by a high level of commitment to basic and applied research. The research topics are in the fields of economics, social sciences, and information science and deal with both current and future-oriented research questions. The research-led teaching approach of Modul University Vienna is reflected in the discussion of current research projects in teaching and the active involvement of students in research projects. In addition, Modul University Vienna is dedicated to supporting young researchers, especially since the accreditation of the doctoral program in business and socioeconomic sciences in 2012. From 2007 to 2017, Modul University Vienna faculty has published 670 scientific articles and 600 conference contributions, as well as completed 68 national and international research projects.[17]

In 2015, Modul University Vienna founded Modul University Technology GmbH, an R&D spin-off with a research focus on multimedia applications, interactive TV, and automated knowledge extraction processes.

Research focus of the faculty:[2]  

Third party funded research projects (selection)
Acronym Period Objective Funding organization Consortium
RAVEN 2008-2010 Relation Analysis and Visualization for Evolving Networks.[18] FFG Modul University Vienna (AT), Vienna University of Economics and Business (AT), Know-Center (AT), SmApper Technologies, Gentics Software (AT)
DecarboNet 2013-2017 To investigate the potential of social platforms in mitigating climate change.[19][20] CAPS (Collective Awareness Platforms for Sustainability & Social Innovation), European Union, 7th FP and Horizon 2020 Modul University Vienna (AT), KMI - The Open University (UK), University of Sheffield (UK), WWF Switzerland (CH), Vienna University of Economics and Business (AT), Waag Society, Green Energy Options
PHEME 2014-2017 Pheme builds technology for finding how true claims made online are.[21][22] European Union, 7th FP University of Sheffield (UK), Universität des Saarlandes (DE), Modul University Vienna (AT), Ontotext (BU), ATOS Spain SA (ES), King's College London (UK), iHub Ltd., SwissInfo.ch (CH), University of Warwick (UK)
Investment Funds for Technology-Based Start-Ups in Vienna 2015-2016 In-depth analysis of the Vienna startup ecosystem.[23] Vienna Chamber of Commerce and Industry Modul University Vienna (AT)
VorTEIL – Vorzeigeregion Tourismus 2016-2017 The aim of the “VorTEIL – Energy Flagship Tourism Region” project is to identify potential synergies along the value chain and among relevant stakeholders and to demonstrate that sustainable and resource-efficient technologies can fulfill requirements of tourism infrastructure.[24] Klima- und Energiefonds – Energieforschungsprogramm Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH (AT), Modul University Vienna (AT), mitPlan GmbH (AT)
InVID 2016-2018 Verification of Social Media Video Content for the News Industry.[25] Horizon 2020 CERTH, Modul Technology GmbH (AT), Universitat de Lleida (UdL), EXO MAKINA (FR), WebLyzard Technology GmbH (AT), Condat AG (DE), APA-IT (AT), Agence France-Presse (FR), Deutsche Welle (DE)
TRIANGLE - The Tourism Research, Innovation and Next Generation Learning Experience 2016-2019 Creating a Knowledge Alliance of HEIs and businesses across Europe, delivering a common sustainable tourism training system for protected area and green tourism destinations.[26] Erasmus+ Algarve University (ES), Eberswalde University (DE), Modul University Vienna (AT), Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University (FR)
SCITHOS - Smart City Hospitality 2016-2019 SCITHOS introduces the Smart City Hospitality concept, consisting of guidelines and tools, that can support cities to make the transition towards environmentally and socially responsible tourism that simultaneously contributes to long-term (economic) prosperity. European Union, FFG, ERA-Net NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences (NL), West Norway Research Institute (NO), Worldline Iberia SA (ES), Modul University Vienna (AT)
INCLUDE - Indigenous Communities Land Use and Tropical Deforestation 2016-2021 The problem of deforestation in the Argentinean dry Chaco in the province of Salta (the Chaco Saltenho).[27] European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator Grant Scheme University of Bern (CH), University of Reading (UK), Modul University Vienna (AT)
APCC Special Report on Tourism, large Culture, Sports Events and Climate change 2018-2020 The purpose of the Special Report is to summarize and assess the state of knowledge of all aspects of this topic based on and open to contributions by the full community of Austrian researchers and related experts. Klima- und Energiefonds, ACRP University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (AT), Zentralanstalt für Meteorologie und Geodynamik (AT), Joanneum Research (AT)
ECOMOVE 2018-2020 Knowledge-based platform for predicting mobility bottlenecks and promoting sustainable changes in behavior. FFG Modul University Vienna (AT), nast consulting ZT GmbH (AT), Unwired Networks GmbH
Carrying capacity methodology for tourism 2019-2020 To determine the carrying capacity in regions dominated by tourism.[28] ESPON EGTC ÖIR GmbH (AT), Modul University Vienna (AT), University of Ljubljana (SI), alohas (SI)
Qualification-Network “Smart Data Analytics für die Hotellerie” 2019-2020 The aim of the qualification network is to provide the employees of the participating companies with innovative methods for dealing with internal and external data and thus to create skills for the digital transformation. FFG Technical University Vienna (AT) and 17 other organizations
i-conn Interdisciplinary connectivity 2019-2023 Understanding and managing complex systems using connectivity.[29] Horizon 2020 University of Durham (UK), Modul University Vienna (AT), Jacobs University Bremen (DE), AAI (CY), European University Cyprus (CY),  University of Vienna (AT), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (AT), Environment Agency (UK), Masarykova University (CZ), Universitie d’Aix-Marseille (FR)

Awards and rankings

The university has repeatedly been recognized for its research achievements and its focus on sustainability. In 2018 and 2020, Modul University Vienna was ranked among the top 25 universities in the world in the U-Multirank University Ranking in the category "most frequently cited publications".[30] [31] In 2012, Modul University Vienna received the Austrian National Award for Sustainability for its project "Promotion of Sustainable Stakeholder Initiatives" in the field of structural anchoring.[32] In 2016, Modul University Vienna followed up with two awards for its work in the field of education on sustainability: second place for the project "SusToGo - Sustainability to go" in the category "Student Initiatives" and for the project "DecarboNet" in the category "Communication and Decision Making".[33]

Talents squared

In 2018, a competence center for company founders (start-up hub) was established at Modul University Vienna.[34] The competence center combines the teaching and research competence at the university with the local and regional developing start-up scene. The focus on service management and the interdisciplinary innovation research are of particular importance for the development of the start-up ecosystem. The Talents Squared Competence Center serves as an accelerator for selected start-ups in the food & beverage, hospitality, and service industry sectors to promote innovative ideas and products to market maturity.[35]

Partners

MU Vienna maintains a number of co-operations with academic and industry partners, as well as organizations around the world. Modul University Vienna's maintains study exchange agreements with the following partner institutions:

Asia

Boğaziçi University (Turkey), Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Hong Kong SAR), Taylor's University (Malaysia), City University of Macau (Macau SAR)

Modul University is the first international partner of AdmitAll, a Philippine-based education technology company.

Europe

Dublin Institute of Technology (Ireland), NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences (The Netherlands), University of Southern Denmark (Denmark), University of Surrey (UK), La Rochelle Business School (France), Ramon Llull University (Spain), Cologne Business School (Germany), University of Barcelona (Spain), University of West London (UK), University of Surrey (UK), ISAG – European Business School (Portugal).

North and South America

San Francisco State University (USA), Temple University (USA), Virginia Tech (USA), Universidad Anáhuac Mayab (Mexico), University of Central Florida (USA), University of Florida (USA), UIDE Universidad Internacional del Ecuador (Ecuador)

Campus life

Modul University Vienna is situated on Kahlenberg, a mountain (484 m or 1,588 ft) located in the 19th district of Vienna, Austria (Döbling). Kahlenberg lies in the Wienerwald (Vienna forest) and is one of the most popular destinations for day-trips from Vienna, offering a view over the entire city. Student accommodation arranged by MU Vienna is available in the 19th and 20th districts of Vienna. Many students live in other parts of Vienna or in their home cities and countries and commute to the campus. Kahlenberg can be reached by car or by bus (Bus line 38A)[36] via the Höhenstraße, part of which is cobblestone.

Extracurricular activities

In accordance with the fundamental educational values of the university, Modul University Vienna has created the MU Cares Intercultural Certificate Program to encourage students to work for society alongside their studies.[37]  The university offers students the opportunity to participate in charitable and social events at the university or on their own initiative off campus. It encourages and supports its students in their search for intercultural experience and social work. Upon completion of their studies at Modul University Vienna, students who can demonstrate extracurricular activities in line with MU Care's vision receive a certificate from the university as a supplement to their diploma. In addition to this program, various student groups such as the Hotel Club, the Football Club, the Entrepreneurs Club, or the Movie Club contribute to student life.[38]  Every year, the university organizes an International Day, a public event at the university where students present their countries and their cultural background. The net proceeds of this event are donated to a charitable cause.  

Modul career

Since April 2010, the networking and career service platform Modul Career has been available to students and alumni of Modul University Vienna and the Tourism College Modul. Modul Career offers career planning and career development services for the students and graduates of both educational institutions. Its aim is to assist students with finding an internship as well as to support them in career planning and development. Modul Career assists over 7,000 alumni of both institutions.

Awards

Honorary senators
  • Brigitte Jank (* 1951), As founding chairperson of the University Council, she supported the development of the university and promoted the vision of a holistic, value-oriented education.
  • Mohamed Bin Issa Al Jaber (* 1959), sponsor of Modul University Vienna, who awarded scholarships to numerous students during the founding phase.

Ring bearers
  • Erich Auerbäck (* 1947), chairman of the project team responsible for the planning and founding of the university in 2007.

Professorships
  • Graziano Ceddia
  • Dimitris Christopoulos
  • Astrid Dickinger
  • Serdar Durmusoglu
  • Jörg Finsinger
  • Marion Garaus
  • Harvey Goldstein
  • Ulrich Gunter
  • Dagmar Lund-Durlacher
  • Gunther Maier
  • Josef Mazanec
  • Irem Önder
  • Ivo Ponocny
  • Margarethe Rammerstorfer
  • Arno Scharl
  • Sabine Sedlacek
  • Egon Smeral
  • Edith M. Szivas
  • Horst Treiblmaier
  • Karl Wöber
  • Andreas Zins

References
  1. modul.ac.at
  2. "Modul University Vienna's Development Plan 2020-2023" (PDF). Retrieved 2020-11-01.
  3. "History and Values". Retrieved 2020-11-01.
  4. "Neuer Miteigentümer: Internationale Strategie der Modul University wird fortgesetzt" (in German). Retrieved 2020-11-01.
  5. "BGBl. I Nr. 74 / 2011 revised 2013" (PDF) (in German). Retrieved 2020-11-01.
  6. "Website der AQ Austria". Retrieved 2020-11-01.
  7. "UNWTO TedQual certified studies". Retrieved 2020-11-01.
  8. "Modul University Vienna Sustainability Report 2017-2018". Retrieved 2020-11-01.
  9. "Modul University Vienna Sustainability Committee". Retrieved 2020-11-01.
  10. "Ownership and Committees". Retrieved 2020-11-01.
  11. "Modul University Vienna's Constitution" (PDF). Retrieved 2020-11-01.
  12. "Website of Modul University Vienna". Retrieved 2020-11-01.
  13. "Modul University Vienna's Annual Report 2018-2019" (PDF). Retrieved 2020-11-01.
  14. "Statistik Austria" (in German). Retrieved 2020-11-01.
  15. "KHDA Decision No (3)". Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  16. "Partner universities". Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  17. "The first Decennium of Research – MU Vienna Research Report". Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  18. "Klimawandel im Brennpunkt". 10 December 2009.
  19. "Big Data Tata - Big Data verändert unsere Welt: Beruf und Freizeit, Wissenschaft und Rechtsprechung".
  20. "Weißes Haus setzt bei neuer Klima-Initiative auf österreichische Web Intelligence".
  21. "Project Pheme: Eine Göttin soll das Fake-News-Problem richten". 14 February 2017.
  22. "Forscher entwickeln Lügendetektor für Social Media".
  23. "How can Vienna generate a larger number of science and technology-based start-up companies?".
  24. "Collaborative Governance in Energy Regions".
  25. "Österreichische Big Data-Plattform analysiert mediales Meinungsklima rund um die US Midterm Elections".
  26. "One planet network". 4 January 2018.
  27. "Global Land Programme".
  28. "ESPON Targeted Analysis "Carrying capacity methodology for tourism" starts its stakeholder dialogue". 22 January 2020.
  29. "Interdisciplinary connectivity: Understanding and managing complex systems using connectivity science".
  30. "Modul University Vienna mit ihrer Forschungsexpertise unter den Top 25 Universitäten weltweit" (in German). Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  31. "Modul University Vienna erneut unter den besten 25 Universitäten der Welt" (in German). Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  32. "BMBWF, Sustainability Award 2012" (in German). Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  33. "BMBWF, Sustainability Award 2016" (PDF) (in German). Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  34. "Talents Squared Start-Up Hub: Modul University sucht nach JunggründerInnen" (in German). 16 October 2020. Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  35. "Talents Squared MU Start-Up Hub". Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  36. Linien, Wiener (2010). "Passenger Information". Wiener Linien. Retrieved 2017-11-23. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  37. "MU Cares Intercultural Certificate". Retrieved 2020-11-02.
  38. "Student clubs". Retrieved 2020-11-02.
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