Research
The Institute for Business Education has 3 senior faculty members, all working in different fields ranging from design research approaches in the tradition of behavioral research in education studies (pilot project studies – Aff), to theory-based questions in teaching psychology supplemented by traditional experimental, empirical research (Fortmüller), to comprehensive evaluation and teaching research using quantitative and qualitative research designs (Fuhrmann). The result is a wide spectrum of various research topics and approaches.
1. Designing, evaluating and implementing innovations in the business school system – pilot project research (Aff)
Research topics include the evaluation of teaching in the subject of accounting, assessing previous knowledge of mathematics in first-year WU students or pilot projects such as the implementation of entrepreneurship education in business academies.
2. . Analysis of factors affecting pupils’ evaluation of teachers at secondary-level business schools (Fuhrmann)
Data gathered from a survey of 2,100 pupils of secondary-level business schools from all over Austria and a questionnaire distributed to approximately 100 teachers of accounting is used to analyze factors contributing to pupils’ subjective assessment of teaching quality. Previous research results in this area have concentrated mainly on post-secondary education, this study looks at quality management issues on a secondary-school level.
3. Basic learning theory research (Fortmüller)
Further Institute research activities include cognitive theory analyses and empirical studies based on learning theory on topics relevant to education, with a focus on ways of learning specialized information in specialist education and continuing education situations, and the application of acquired knowledge to solve complex problems.
4. Teacher training research and methodological research
WU’s switch to the BA/MA program structure has given rise to an innovative educational concept and also numerous new fields of research, including an evaluation of the new master’s programs and a planned project to systematically evaluate microteaching methods.
5. Academic teaching
Activities include the development of creative new eLearning materials for teaching accounting, as well as the design and implementation of eLearning modules for practice and feedback, and an analysis of the range and limits of professional eLearning materials as compared to classroom teaching.
6. Vocational education in Austria
The future development of Austria’s business vocational education at the upper secondary level is one of the main focal points of the Institute’s research activities. Harmonization with other European systems presents myriad challenges as well as opportunities for study and research.
7. International education cooperation and research
The Institute and Institute faculty are involved in a number of cooperation projects with Russia and several countries in transition. Topics include academic teacher training for business universities in Bulgaria, training Russian teachers in modern business education didactic methods, and introducing entrepreneurship education to the Russian Federation.
8. Methodological development work
Institute faculty contribute regularly to academic literature in the fields of didactics in accounting, cost accounting, business administration, economics and information systems, collaborate on innovative textbooks and learning materials and contribute to eLearning materials for textbook publishers.
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