Studium Digital Business Innovation and Transformation - Frau steht vor einer Wand

Digital Business Innovation and Transformation master degree programme

Become a change agent! After your master degree, you'll lead your company into the future. You'll be able to coordinate and direct digital transformations, no matter what the industry. Because the future is digital.

The part-time master programme focuses on key business administration skills combined with expertise in digitalisation and innovation, as well as the ability to understand, motivate and lead people.

Organisational form:

Courses normally take place from Friday at 2pm to Saturday. There is also 1 block week per semester.

Part-time
Organisational form
Language:

Courses are held in English.

English
Language
Duration:

You will complete your degree in 4 semesters, or 2 years. During this time, your workload will be 120 ECTS credits.

 

4 semesters
Duration
Study fee:

This is the tuition fee for EU and EEA citizens. In addition, the Austrian National Union of Students (ÖH) dues amount to EUR 24.70. Please note that different tuition fees apply for non-EU citizens.

 

EUR 363.36
Study fee

Be the change you want to see in companies!

Big data, the Internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence, blockchain technology and robotics: just a few examples of digital innovations that are permanently changing the rules of the game for organisations. Companies must be well-prepared for new challenges in order to ensure their continued success and take advantage of the opportunities offered by digitalisation. Digital transformation shouldn't be a mere buzzword – it has to be reflected in the strategy, structures, corporate culture, and processes of a company.

And this is exactly what our programme prepares you for. As a graduate, you'll act as an ambassador for digitalisation and innovation: you'll see digitalisation as an opportunity and be able to show companies where potential for networking and ongoing development lies.

The master programme equips you with the skills you need to successfully manage digitalisation processes in companies. A powerful combination: business administration, digital and data expertise, and an understanding of the behavioural and sociological aspects of transformation.

New: Optimal compatibility thanks to virtual component

In a part-time degree programme, the compatibility with work and private life is one of the most important success factors. And this is exactly where our master programme scores: the courses on Fridays take place virtually from 2 p.m. Saturdays are spent on site in Krems. One block week in each of the first three semesters rounds off the offer.
The new model offers maximum flexibility and is of course also very attractive for all commuters.

Room for your individual interests

The study content of the master programme is optimally tailored to the needs of companies. A special feature of our degree programme is that 1 ECTS per semester (during the first 3 semesters) is available to you for self-directed learning. During this time, you can acquire new skills and set the direction yourself: for example, you can learn a new programming language or familiarise yourself with the latest tools. In this way, you are well prepared for lifelong learning.

International orientation

Since digitalisation continues to increasingly connect the world, the degree stands out for its strong international focus. Just a few examples: English as the language of instruction, countless international teachers, and the opportunity to spend semester 4 at one of our partner universities.

Certifications

In addition to the degree, this study programme enables you to receive two Austrian Standards personal certifications , namely the P53-Digital Officer and the P59-Innovation Risk Manager certificate.

Upon completion of the module "Data Analytics", you can earn an extra Tier 1 SAS Academic Specialisation (digital badge) in "Digital Business Analytics".

Studium Digital Business Innovation and Transformation - Professor hält einen Vortrag
Studium Digital Business Innovation and Transformation - Nahaufnahme von einem Bildschirm
Studium Digital Business Innovation and Transformation - Studierende reden miteinander

" What makes the degree unique is our holistic approach to digitalisation. On the one hand, critical and analytical thinking are needed to fully exploit existing processes digitally. On the other hand, creativity is called for to explore potential and develop, test and, if necessary, integrate innovative products, services, and business models into the company. We call this process transformation. The challenge lies less in mastering the new digital technologies or ensuring profitability, but rather in bringing the human factor to the fore and incorporating it into the process. Our focus here is on customer-centric innovation using approaches such as design thinking, as well as on human-computer interaction, human development and communications, change and transformation management, leadership, and ethics. "

Programme director Roger Hage

A formula for success: theoretical knowledge + practical experience

The programme is built on three pillars.

  1. 1

    1. The business basics

    Semesters 1-4

    The programme starts by covering business basics with a special emphasis on the strategic focus of companies. You'll deal specifically with corporate structure and prepare yourself to assume management tasks in digital settings.

    You'll develop a deep understanding of the importance of continuous optimisation processes, but risk management is also an important element of the curriculum. You'll learn how to implement proactive company-wide risk management systems. In addition, you'll become familiar with tools for identifying and assessing risks. This will enable you to objectively assess opportunities and risks and therefore reach sustainable corporate decisions.  Since technologies are developing rapidly, often exponentially, the degree prepares you for future scenarios and building corporate foresight: you learn how to continuously develop forward-looking strategies to prepare for future contingencies.

  2. 2

    2. The core topics

    Semesters 1-4

    Innovation and digitisation have already become important corporate success factors and will become increasingly decisive for companies in the future.  During your studies you'll learn how to embed these elements in your company and successfully transform existing processes.  After graduation, you'll be excellently positioned to initiate and implement a transition from analogue to digital organisational structures.

    In other words, you'll focus on how to make companies sustainable and competitive in the long term. You'll become an expert in ongoing change processes.

    Digitalisation is a new discipline and as such is unable to tap into widely proven best practices. You will therefore learn how to experiment creatively and skilfully, and how to make evidence-based decisions, i.e. ones which are well-founded and data driven. You will gradually advance to become a data expert after taking a number of courses in data management and analysis, using statistical and programming tools such as R and SAS.  You won’t be a fully-fledged data scientist or programmer, but by the end of the programme you'll be capable of working effectively alongside IT engineers and data scientists.

  3. 3

    3. The practical training

    Semesters 1-4

    A practical focus is more than just a buzzword at IMC Krems; our lecturers share their real-life professional experience. Many of the programme’s lecturers are regarded as experts in the digital economy and can draw on international experience. Problems are discussed and dealt with on the basis of case studies. And the Innovation Lab, a joint project with companies in semester 2, gives students practical insights into the topics they have covered.  You can select your project based on your interests and industry preferences. You can also learn from your fellow students by working in groups, all of whom can share their valuable experience from everyday professional settings.

    The 4th semester is dedicated to your master thesis.  Depending on your interests, your thesis will focus on a research-related or practical question. Ideally, your theses will examine a real-life project at your company. You can enhance your expertise on a topic of your choice and pick up valuable input from our experts. In parallel, you have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad at one of our numerous partner universities.

Curriculum

What can you expect from your studies? The curriculum provides an overview.
Click on the individual courses for further information.

  1. CourseSWSECTS
    Digital Business & Process Management
    Business Analysis & Strategy Development
    Business Analysis & Strategy Development 36
    Digital Economy & Business Models
    Digital Economy & Business Models 36
    Innovation
    Innovation Management
    Innovation Management 36
    Data & Innovation Technology
    Digital Technologies
    Digital Technologies 36
    Business Statistics and Data Science
    Business Statistics & Data Science 35
    Research & Scientific Methods
    Self-directed Learning I
    Self-directed Learning I: Learning agreement 11
  2. CourseSWSECTS
    Digital Business & Process Management
    Digital Business Development
    Digital Business Development 35
    Digital Process Management & Automation
    Digital Process Management 23
    Process Automation 13
    Leadership
    Project & Change Management
    Project & Change Management 36
    Innovation
    Innovation Lab
    Innovation Lab 36
    Data & Innovation Technology
    IT, Data & Security Management
    IT, Data & Security Management 36
    Research & Scientific Methods
    Self-directed Learning II
    Self-directed learning II: Learning methods 11
  3. CourseSWSECTS
    Leadership
    Leadership in the Digital Age
    Human Development and Leadership in the Digital Age 34
    Ethics in Leadership 12
    Risk & Legal Issues
    Corporate Risk Management 23
    Legal Awareness 23
    Data & Innovation Technology
    Software Engineering and Quality Management
    Software Engineering and Quality Management 36
    Data Analytics
    Data Analytics 36
    Research & Scientific Methods
    Research Methods
    Research Methods 35
    Self-directed Learning III
    Self-directed Learning III: Learning portfolio 11
  4. CourseSWSECTS
    Research & Scientific Methods
    Academic Coaching Colloquium
    Academic Coaching Colloquium 13
    Master Thesis
    Master Thesis 022
    Master Exam
    Master Exam 05

Core topics

Re-imagine the business world! During your studies you'll ask yourself how you can advance digitalisation and innovation in your company based on basic economic principles.

Digital transformation

Where are we headed in this digitalised world? Get a holistic perspective of new technologies and work out how you can use digitalisation to add value to your business.

Opportunities of digitalisation

Developments such as automation, the sharing economy, prosumerisation – the growing professional demands of users on products and services – as well as smart services are only a few of the trends you'll deal with in depth. You'll also learn how to integrate digital processes into your corporate strategy and how your company can benefit from continuous improvement processes, right through to the development of innovative business processes.

On the other hand, you will also deal with the effects of digitalisation on society and the economy and learn to assess the associated opportunities and risks.

In this regard, you'll discuss how you can ensure that today's workforce meets tomorrow's needs. This means taking a close look at the conditions for digital work. For example, you'll deal with communication and collaboration among remote teams.

The power of data

During your studies you will come to realise the importance of data for the digitalisation of business models. You'll look at data generation, data management, data analysis and data visualisation. But data protection and governance play equally crucial roles, as do the appropriate tools and processes for optimal data management.

Let the data speak to you!  You will naturally also learn how you can benefit from data – especially for Industry 4.0, the Internet of things (IoT) and digital services. Big data analysis and data mining are two terms that come up a lot.

Innovation 4.0

It will soon become obvious to you that digitalisation and innovation go hand in hand. That's why you'll also deal with the key well-established and new innovation models. You'll learn digital approaches that you can use to increase innovation in your company.

Digitalisation calls for change

You'll deal with organisational forms that promote innovation, and learn to transcend restrictive structures in traditional organisations. During your studies you'll acquire tools that will help you to successfully manage digital change processes. Because professional project and change management are indispensable when implementing a digitalisation process.

You'll also learn how to make the most of internal and external trends and developments. Based on your analyses, you'll design scenarios to ensure that your company is well-positioned to face the future.

Embedding innovation in your corporate culture

You'll also study human-centred innovation – especially design thinking – and learn about the underlying process in depth. Learn to walk the walk - that's the idea! It's a matter of identifying non-intuitive behaviour and reacting to it as quickly as possible with a prototype or a minimum viable product. Then you ask your users for feedback – and incorporate it immediately. This succinct process is then repeated several times.

In the Innovation Lab, you and your classmates will apply this approach to creatively, efficiently and effectively solve problems for real-world projects.

Career options

After completing the Digital Business Innovation and Transformation master degree programme, you will have a solid understanding of the unique challenges and key success factors of digital business models.

You'll therefore be able to plan, direct, and drive production, service, or sales digital transformation processes.

After graduation, you'll enjoy new career opportunities because you'll be optimally positioned for an international career. You can use your newly acquired expertise to benefit your current company, or you can switch to another post in Austria or abroad.

  • The professional areas open to graduates include
  • change management with a focus on digital technologies
  • design and implementation of digital business models
  • digital supply chain management and logistics
  • big data analysis using digital technologies (e.g. optimisation of production lines by digital simulation of the production process)
  • project management
  • innovation management
  • business-oriented IT management
  • strategic management with a focus on digital business management
  • digital transformation consultancy
  • chief digital officer (CDO) responsibilities
10 good reasons

What makes us special? We are more than happy to tell you about the aspects of our university, which we are especially proud of.

10 Gründe für die IMC FH Krems Find out more
Krems

Friendly and cosmopolitan: The city attracts students from all over the world, who come to study, research and work together.

Zum Bereich Studierenden-Stadt Krems Find out more
Service centers

Our university has removed a host of administrative hurdles, leaving you free to concentrate fully on your studies.

Servce Centers of IMC Krems Find out more
Advisory Service

Do you have questions regarding our degree programmes or the application? Contact our Prospective Student Advisory Service.

Find out more

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Are you interested in receiving brochures conveniently at your doorstep? Within Europe, we will send you our programme brochures by mail.

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Our team

Get to know the core team of our master degree programme Digital Business Innovation and Transformation.

Application and admissions – the next steps

You've found a course that's a perfect fit? Great – you’ve already taken the most important step! We’ve put together an overview to guide you through the next steps.

What are the admission requirements for master programmes?

To qualify for a master programme, you must have completed a bachelor degree – with a workload of at least 180 ECTS and lasting at least six semesters – in a related subject, or hold an equivalent degree from a recognised Austrian or foreign higher education institution.

If your undergraduate studies are not sufficiently relevant, for instance if you’ve completed a degree in an unrelated subject, your qualifications will be assessed after we have received your completed application.

Information about accepted previous academic qualifications

In which form do I have to prove my English language skills for this Master degree programme?
There are three different options: 


Option 1: No additional proof of English proficiency is required if:

  • English is your native language
    or
  • you have already a recognised English language certificate (IELTS Academic Training - at least 7.0 Overall Band Score, Cambridge Certificate - Level C1, Toefl IBT - at least 94) at the time of your application
    or
  • you have completed your prior studies either entirely in English or bilingually, with at least 70 ECTS of the courses taught in English.

You are required to upload the English language certificate that you have already obtained at the time of the application. Same applies to the proof of English as the language of instruction of your prior studies. Please upload a confirmation in the form of a list courses lectured in English with ECTS (for example, the Diploma Supplement) already at the time of the application.


Option 2: A combination of an existing proof of English language skills from your prior studies and an English test is required if you have completed less than 70 ECTS of the degree programme in English. The following combinations are accepted:

  • Proof of at least a 6-month semester abroad in an English-speaking country together with the EF-SET50
    or
  • At minimum 10 ECTS English language courses in your prior degree programme and a confirmation that these were held at C1 level, together with the EF-SET 50

You are required to upload the proof of the semester abroad or the English language courses in your prior degree programme plus the confirmation of the level already at the time of the application. The EF-SET 50 with a result at level C1 can be submitted later until the start of the degree programme.


Option 3: An English language certificate is required, if the aforementioned options 1 or 2 do not apply to you. The following English language certificates are accepted:

  • IELTS Academic Training – minimum 7.0 Overall Band Score
    or
  • Cambridge Certificate – level C1
    or
  • Toefl IBT – minimum 94

You can submit the English language certificate or the result of the EF-SET 50 until the start of your studies. Please upload all other certificates and documents from options 1 and 2 already at the time of application.

Option 1 and 2 do not apply to you and you still need an English language certificate as proof of your English language skills? Then, make sure to contact the British Council regarding your IELTS certificate.

In which form do I have to prove my English language skills for this Master degree programme?
There are three different options: 


Option 1: No additional proof of English proficiency is required if:

  • English is your native language
    or
  • you have already a recognised English language certificate (IELTS Academic Training - at least 7.0 Overall Band Score, Cambridge Certificate - Level C1, Toefl IBT - at least 94) at the time of your application
    or
  • you have completed your prior studies either entirely in English or bilingually, with at least 70 ECTS of the courses taught in English.

You are required to upload the English language certificate that you have already obtained at the time of the application. Same applies to the proof of English as the language of instruction of your prior studies. Please upload a confirmation in the form of a list courses lectured in English with ECTS (for example, the Diploma Supplement) already at the time of the application.


Option 2: A combination of an existing proof of English language skills from your prior studies and an English test is required if you have completed less than 70 ECTS of the degree programme in English. The following combinations are accepted:

  • Proof of at least a 6-month semester abroad in an English-speaking country together with the EF-SET50
    or
  • At minimum 10 ECTS English language courses in your prior degree programme and a confirmation that these were held at C1 level, together with the EF-SET 50

You are required to upload the proof of the semester abroad or the English language courses in your prior degree programme plus the confirmation of the level already at the time of the application. The EF-SET 50 with a result at level C1 can be submitted later until the start of the degree programme.


Option 3: An English language certificate is required, if the aforementioned options 1 or 2 do not apply to you. The following English language certificates are accepted:

  • IELTS Academic Training – minimum 7.0 Overall Band Score
    or
  • Cambridge Certificate – level C1
    or
  • Toefl IBT – minimum 94

You can submit the English language certificate or the result of the EF-SET 50 until the start of your studies. Please upload all other certificates and documents from options 1 and 2 already at the time of application.

Option 1 and 2 do not apply to you and you still need an English language certificate as proof of your English language skills? Then, make sure to contact the British Council regarding your IELTS certificate.

Application interview

Everything revolves around the students on our Master degree programmes. That’s why we’d like to get to know you personally.

As part of the online application you will have to write a statement of motivation. Predefined questions about your motivation can be found in the online application. In your answers, which have to be entered in the provided input fields of the online application, you deal with the questions and explain your motivation to study the selected Master degree programme

Your statement of motivation and your CV (curriculum vitae) form the basis for your application interview. The admission interview is a one-to-one interview, usually with the degree programme director.
In addition to getting to know you personally, your motives for the Master degree programme will be discussed, as well as your professional background and the skillset you have acquired so far. Special attention will be paid to your previous academic and professional experience, your methodological and language skills and your general suitability with regard to your intended Master degree programme.

The application interview is held in the language of instruction of the degree programme and can take place online via Microsoft Teams or in presence.

Interview dates

There is usually a selection of dates to choose from, with quotas allocated for each date. You can select a preferred date and time slot for your admission interview during the online application process. In order to still benefit from the full selection of dates, we recommend that you submit your application in good time.

Get an overview of the dates for your programme.

No dates available at the moment.

After you have successfully completed your online application, your application will be checked for completeness and correctness. As soon as this process is completed, we will inform you by e-mail and confirm the date for your admission interview. We will send you the Microsoft Teams Meeting Link in a separate e-mail a few days before the application interview date.

Application for the next study year possible from 01/12/2024
Application deadline for EU nationals / Extended application deadline 15/05/2024 / 15/08/2024
Application deadline for non-EU nationals 15/04/2024
Please note that the IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems reserves the right to close the extended application period at any time without prior notice. We therefore recommend that you submit your application as soon as possible.

You've decided for one of our degree programmes? First of all: congratulations and thank you for choosing us! We’ll be happy to guide you step-by-step through your online application.

Details

You would like to plan ahead and would like to know when your degree programme starts? Here you will find the answer!

Details

Questions about the degree programme?

Prospective Student Advisory Service

Do you have questions regarding the entry requirements, the admission procedure and more? Our Prospective Student Advisory Service is happy to help.

[email protected]

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