In "E&I Consulting" students adopt the role of "E&I Consultants". They work in teams on real innovation projects. The project partners are typically well-known and established multinationals (e.g. Microsoft, Generali, Mondi, P&G, REWE and ÖBB). The problems typically relate to the strategy and innovation management of the companies and are very diverse. Examples are benchmarking analyses to improve the range of products and services, the development of an internal idea management system, the identification of hidden competitive advantages or the identification of new fields of innovation. The projects are carried out in very close cooperation with the project partners. In many cases the project partners' executive suite is involved as well, as the companies have a high interest in the implementation of the developed solutions.

Problems in E&I Consulting are rather fuzzy, thus, the problem-solving process is relatively open at the beginning of the semester. The understanding of the actual situation, the problem definition and analysis, the objective and structuring of the project as well as the development of a concrete procedure are an essential part of the course. On the basis of well-founded analyses (e.g. collection of primary data, literature analysis, database research and evaluation using analysis tools), students develop their own creative concepts for solving the problem.

In addition to working together with the project partners, the students are supported in workshops and network events by consultants from renowned management consultancies. Through close contacts in practice, students gain very realistic insights into the consulting industry and the innovation management of established companies. It is not uncommon that job opportunities emerge through these contacts.

The E&I Consulting course is one of the application-oriented project courses. The aim of the course is to deepen and extend the theoretical skills of the students through practical application to a real case.

After positive completion of E&I Consulting,

•     students know how real management consulting processes work in practice,
•     students understand the approach within the framework of management consulting,
•     students can use different analysis tools and methods,
•     students can structure complex problems,
•     students are able to systematically evaluate different solution options,
•     students are able to develop offers and project presentations, as they are common in management consulting.

In addition, participants expand their soft skills (communication, presentation, project and time management) by working with team members, coaches and external partners.

Students enrolled in the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Specialization Program.
It does not matter whether you register for Consulting 1 or Consulting 2.
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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