New part-time MBA prepares employees for future challenges

The part-time Master's program "Impact Innovation and Business Development" is aimed at executives and offers a previously unique further education in the fields of innovation and sustainability. The new study program was initiated by Prof. Dr. Uwe Sachse (left). (Photo: Corinna Korinth)

At Albstadt-Sigmaringen University of Applied Sciences, the part-time master's program "Impact Innovation and Business Development" is set to start in the upcoming winter semester. It is aimed at executives and offers a previously unique further education in the fields of innovation and sustainability.

"There is an enormous need in companies for new methods related to sustainability innovations," says Prof. Dr. Uwe Sachse, who initiated the program. Key content elements include alignment with the United Nations' sustainability goals, circular economy, and sustainability innovations with positive impacts on the economy, planet, and society. "The program aims at a new understanding in the development of products, services, and business models that considers the importance of climate protection, biodiversity, and inclusive economy."

As a founding university, Albstadt-Sigmaringen University has been successfully supporting student startups for many years and works closely with partners from the regional economy. "In cooperation with the Research Factory at the Sigmaringen Innovation Campus, new ideas are practically created daily around sustainable packaging, automation, healthy nutrition, hygiene, biomedicine, trade, automotive, engineering, and applications for Industry 4.0." This concentrated expertise is now to be systematically integrated into the further education program.

The program is particularly aimed at companies from forward-looking industries such as automotive, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemistry, and logistics. It targets professionals in engineering sciences as well as humanities and natural sciences from areas such as purchasing, product management, sales, marketing, development, logistics, quality management, and strategic planning. "Participants will benefit from new perspectives and a comprehensive understanding of successful change processes and innovation management," says Uwe Sachse.

The curriculum equips students to specifically develop sustainability innovations and successfully establish them in the market—with a high level of practical relevance. "We will conduct many workshops, group work, or excursions and actively promote exchange among participants," says Uwe Sachse. There are hardly any traditional examination formats; instead, students may prepare decision templates for the board, pitch their ideas, develop and test prototypes for sustainable business models, or present project results, which are then evaluated.

During the course, special attention is paid to fulfilling global environmental, social, and governance factors, as well as legal requirements related to the Supply Chain Act and the EU Directive on Sustainability Reporting, explains Uwe Sachse. The skills are also conveyed through numerous external lecturers from practice, who ensure the relevance of the content and make sure that students engage with real challenges and problems faced by companies in sustainability and innovation. "There are so-called Project Labs planned, where students work alongside a mentor from the university at their employers," says Uwe Sachse. "They solve a specific problem, which also benefits the companies directly."

This program trains the future leaders of sustainable business. "Of course, it also includes comprehensive knowledge on how sustainability innovations can be implemented within companies. That’s why we place great emphasis on change management and aim to enhance the participants' implementation skills," he adds.

Further information: The "Impact Innovation and Business Development" continuing education program at Albstadt-Sigmaringen University leads to the degree of "Master of Business Administration" (MBA) after two years. The program is mostly conducted online, but there are also in-person phases at the end of each module. Requirements include at least two years of professional experience and a successfully completed bachelor's degree. Admission to the program is via an interview, and the total tuition fee is 20,000 euros. Applications can be submitted online immediately.