Hintere Außenansicht des D2 Gebäudes

Structure and Procedure

Our teaching concept combines theoretical and conceptual knowledge with problem-oriented applications. Thus, in addition to teaching theory, we attach great importance to practical training (e.g. case studies, guest speakers, project seminars) and regular contact with experts from the field.

You can complete the SBWL Public and Nonprofit Management in a minimum time of two semesters. If your personal planning requires it, you can of course complete our program in three or more semesters. The diagram shows the ideal course plan in two semesters:

Basics: Course I and Course II

In the first semester, you will be familiarized with the basics of SBWL in Course I and II. The aim of Course I is to provide a sound knowledge base of central concepts, developments and trends with regard to the different forms of public service provision. You will get to know the overall contextual setting of the management of public and nonprofit organizations, discuss challenges for the use of effective management and control instruments, and apply them to concrete practical examples. Course II has a complementary focus on teaching and discussing various management concepts and instruments used in public and nonprofit management in areas such as change management, performance management and controlling, human resources management, quality management, or strategic management. We emphasize in particular on current real-life challenges in science and practice.

Project seminar: Course III

The project seminar builds on the knowledge base dealt with in Courses I and II. The content of the seminar aims to apply the acquired relevant knowledge to the solution of concrete, practical problems. During the semester, students work in small groups on the tasks brought in by project partners and receive project-related input in coaching units. The results are presented in a joint final event with the project partners. In addition to dealing with the relevant content, students also acquire skills in working in teams, in project management, and in cooperation with partners from the field.

Electives: Course IV and Course V

Within the framework of Courses IV and V, the students can choose from a variety of specialization courses, two of which they will choose freely. These electives also build on the content of the basic courses and vary each semester. They allow the students to deepen their knowledge of specialized topics and/or address current issues in nonprofit and public organizations. The courses cover topics such as civil society organizations, impact measurement and accountability, HRM and leadership for public and nonprofit organizations, multi-level governance, behavioral public administration, social entrepreneurship, or selected policy fields (e.g. Arts and Culture, Healthcare, Higher Education).

For information on the specific courses offered in the current semester, please consult the electronic course catalogue or learn@WU.

We look forward to getting to know each other in the coming semester. If you have any questions, please contact the staff of both academic institutions (sbwl_pmg_npo@wu.ac.at).