Financial Management

Customer Relationship Management and Market Analysis in the Financial Sector | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: m250752106

CRM, Market and Customer Analysis in the Financial Sector

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

The course presents methods of market and customer analysis, and discusses their use both in the exploration of new markets or new customers, and as a competitive advantage in the area of Customer Relationship Management. The core contents should include: [1] Typification and segmentation of customers, recognizing customer needs, analysis of the need for risk coverage; [2] Qualitative and quantitative-statistical methods of market and customer analysis; [3] Analysis of new customers or new markets: market and customer analysis to support sales initiatives such as market entry, exploration of customer groups or segments; [4] Analysis of existing customers: customer clustering, CRM to increase the cross-selling rate, estimation of purchase probabilities, Key Account Management; [5] Choice of sales strategies depending on customer needs and groups.

Customer Relationship Management and Market Analysis in the Financial Sector | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: m250752105

Customer Journey Management

4.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

The course provides a modern customer-oriented understanding of marketing financial services and products in the digital age. The core content includes, among other things: [1] Customer Experience Management [2] Process-oriented measurement of the Customer Experience [3] Customer Journey Phases [4] Touchpoint Identification, Generation, and Management [5] Customer Journey Models (e.g., AIDA, Moments of Truth, Aufgesang) [6] Customer Journey Mapping.

International Accounting and Quantitative Data Analysis | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: m250752103

International Accounting IFRS/GAAP

4.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

The course aims to lead students to a fundamental understanding of balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and cash flow statements that are prepared according to international guidelines such as IFRS/GAAP, and the connection points between them. The second part of the course addresses selected banking or insurance-specific provisions in the IFRS framework. The core contents include: [1] Accounting principles; International standards; [2] Structure of an annual report; [3] Key items in the balance sheet/profit and loss statement/cash flow statement; [4] Connection points between balance sheet/profit and loss statement/cash flow statement; [5] Typical structure of bank or insurance financial statements (balance sheet, profit and loss); [6] Important banking or insurance-relevant IFRS provisions (as of 10/2013 including IFRS 4, 7, 9 and IAS 32, 39); [7] Case Study: Representation of business transactions in the financial statements.

International Accounting and Quantitative Data Analysis | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: m250752104

Quantitative Data Analytics

4.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

In the course, stochastic fundamental concepts are introduced, and the advantages and issues of selected stochastic methods (normal distribution, Value at Risk, etc.) in practical application are demonstrated. The core contents include: [1] Random variables and risk; distribution and density; moments of a distribution; [2] Properties of the expected value and variance; [3] Normal distribution: central limit theorem, standardization of random variables; [4] Risk measures: volatility, Value at Risk; Expected Shortfall; [5] Non-symmetric or heavy-tailed distributions; [6] Aggregation of independent risks: e.g., individual risk model in a non-life insurance application, calculation of portfolio moments; [7] Random vectors; stochastic dependence; correlations; concept of copulas; [8] Empirical data analysis; [9] Moments of an empirical distribution; [10] Binomial distribution; binomial trees; [11] Random walks; Wiener processes.

International Financial Markets and Monetary Policy | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: m250752102

Financial Market Regulation and Monetary Policy

5.00

ECTS

3.00

SWS

The course provides students with an understanding of regulatory measures in the financial system and presents an overview of current developments in the EU in this regard. The course aims to convey the central components of monetary theory and monetary policy with a focus on the European economic area. The core contents include: [1] Objectives of financial market regulation; regulation theory; [2] International regulatory systems; [3] Practice of banking regulation in the EU, insurance regulation in the EU, and regulation of financial markets in the EU; [4] European supervisory architecture; [5] Money: system and functioning, multipliers, supply and demand; [6] Inflation; the optimal inflation rate; [7] Instruments of monetary policy; [8] Functioning of central banks; balance sheets of central banks (ECB/FED); [9] Monetary policy in the context of cyclical measures; Taylor Rule; [10] Empirical effectiveness of monetary policy.

International Financial Markets and Monetary Policy | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: m250752101

International Financial System

4.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

The lecture introduces various financial markets and sheds light on the role of individual financial market participants. Additionally, students are equipped with an expanded understanding of information processing, risk, and interest rates in markets. Common financial instruments are explored in depth with a focus on practical aspects. The core contents are intended to include: [1] Financial markets and the role of financial market participants (especially banks and insurance companies); [2] Liquidity and market efficiency; Arbitrage; [3] Risk and interest rates; interest rate curve; central banks; [4] Financing markets: Fixed Income, Equity; [5] FX markets; [6] Derivatives: Forwards, Futures, Swaps, Options. Optional contents may include: [7] Market cycles and financial crises; [8] Trading; Clearing and Settlement.

Sustainable Communication and Personal Management Skills | Practical (UE) | Coursecode: m250752107

Personal Skills and Communication

2.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

The course includes the development of methodological competencies and personal skills of the students through the use of a competency portfolio and discusses communication techniques and their targeted implementation by the students. The core contents include: [1] Personal Skills – Creation of a competency portfolio; [2] Theory of communication techniques and practical implementation; [3] Targeted application/communication training in small groups related to the banking and insurance sector (e.g., sales conversation, product presentation). Optional contents may include: [4] Alternative/creative presentation methods.

Sustainable Communication and Personal Management Skills | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: m250752108

Sustainability Management and Reporting

4.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

The course covers the topics of sustainability reporting and related regulations. The core contents include: [1] Fundamentals of sustainability management (introduction to ESG criteria, sustainable corporate governance, and regulatory requirements) [2] ESG risks and opportunities (assessment and management of environmental, social, and governance risks in the financial sector) [3] Sustainability reporting and standards (overview of GRI, SASB, TCFD, CSRD, and other reporting obligations) [4] Regulatory frameworks (EU taxonomy, SFDR, risks of greenwashing, and compliance requirements) [5] Measurement and management of sustainable corporate performance (KPIs for sustainability, ESG ratings, and due diligence) [6] Practical examples and best practices (successful sustainability strategies of banks, insurance companies, and financial service providers)

Business Strategy and IT Security | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: m250752201

Analysis of Business Reports

4.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

In this course, students should learn a fundamental and integrative understanding of the various components of corporate financial statements. The focus will be on the comparability of accounting metrics and ratios, distinguishing between commercial/industrial companies and banking or insurance companies (as a preparation for the in-depth controlling segment). The core contents include: [1] Qualitative analysis and information gathering from consolidated financial statements; [2] Comparability of consolidated financial statements or accounting leeway; [3] EBITDA; [4] Important metrics for commercial and industrial companies; [5] Important metrics for banking and insurance companies; [6] Case study on metrics. Optional contents may include: [7] Multiples Valuation; [8] DCF Valuation. Course language is optionally English.

Business Strategy and IT Security | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: m250752203

Entrepreneurship and Corporate Strategy

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

The course generally introduces business management and corporate strategy. Here, established methods for evaluating and innovating business models are presented. Selected case studies illustrate creative problem-solving and the structuring and drafting of goal-oriented business plans. The core contents should include: [1] Strategic management techniques: vision/mission/goal formulation, SWOT, etc.; [2] Analysis of supply/demand, environment, and trends; [3] Entrepreneurship as a process: recognition/evaluation/implementation; [4] Techniques for creative idea development; general methods for idea evaluation; methods for structuring and evaluating business ideas; [5] Innovation management in companies; [6] Drafting and evaluating business plans; [7] Advantages and synergies in consolidating multiple business sectors within one company.

Business Strategy and IT Security | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: m250752202

IT Management & Cybersecurity

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

Building on the preceding courses in this module, information and data management in banking and insurance companies will be addressed, focusing on administration, data protection, and IT requirements. The core contents include: [1] Fundamentals of information and data management; [2] Administrative and strategic tasks of information management; [3] Methods of administrative and strategic information management; [4] Data protection; [5] Specifics of IT in banks and insurance companies; [6] Current developments in FDL informatics; [7] Relevance of collected data for product design and pricing; [8] SAP in use at banks/insurances; [9] Cybersecurity.

Financial Management and Banking 1 | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: m250752206

Corporate Finance & Banking

4.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

The executive committee is discussing the products and business models in the Corporate Banking division. This includes highlighting the differences from the retail banking sector. Special attention is given to risk and return management in commercial banking from the bank’s perspective. The core contents should include: [1] Overview of the corporate client sector; product range; differentiation from retail banking; [2] Opportunities for corporate financing; [3] Lending: assessment of corporate strategies, business plans, management, corporate governance, company value; collaterals; conglomerate structures and their relevance in case of bankruptcy; loan monitoring and typical covenants; [4] Specific sales strategies in Corporate Banking; Optional contents may include: [5] Special products in commercial banking: cash management, structured financing, investment.

Financial Risk Management and Treasury Operations 1 | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: m250752207

Financial Risk Management and Derivatives

4.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

The course ‘Financial Risk Management and Derivatives’ provides practical knowledge on managing financial risks from the perspective of a CFO. Contents of the course: [1] Fundamentals of Financial Risk Management for businesses (risk categories, risk management process) [2] Measurement and management of market risks (volatility, sensitivity metrics, Value at Risk (VaR), stress testing) [3] Risk management using derivatives (futures, forwards, swaps, and options for managing financial risks) [4] Interest rate risk management (managing interest rate sensitivity, hedging with swaps, caps, and floors) [5] Currency risk management (hedging against exchange rate risks, natural hedging, currency options) [6] Commodity price risk management (using futures and swaps to hedge against commodity price fluctuations) [7] Hedging strategies of large companies, misdevelopments in risk management

Financial Risk Management and Treasury Operations 2 | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: m250752208

Treasury and Liquidity Management

4.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

The course conveys the essential components of liquidity management. It involves an in-depth discussion of risks, regulatory requirements, and available instruments. The core contents include: [1] Liquidity management in the banking sector; [2] Custody business; [3] Risks from maturity transformation; Sun Spot, Bank Run phenomena; Liquidity ratios: minimum liquidity ratio, structural liquidity ratio; [4] Regulatory liquidity requirements; [5] Money or capital market instruments: Securitization, Repos, CP, ABS, CDO, ECB instruments, Bonds, Convertibles, Hybrids. Optional contents may include: [6] Process of bond issuance at banks (Treasury); Information requirements; [7] Critical examination of bank liquidity in past financial crises; [8] Settlement in trading and liquidity.

Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: m250752204

Investment Analysis and Sustainable Finance

4.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

The course ‘Investment Analysis & Sustainable Finance’ provides in-depth knowledge on the analysis and evaluation of investments as well as the integration of sustainable financial strategies. Contents of the course: [1] Fundamentals of investment analysis (valuation of asset classes, return-risk analysis, fundamental and technical analysis) [2] Valuation models, data analysis, information acquisition, asset pricing [3] Sustainable Finance & ESG Investing (integration of ESG criteria into investment strategies) [4] Evaluation of sustainable investments (impact investing, green bonds, ESG ratings, sustainable ETFs, and alternative investments) [5] Regulatory frameworks [6] ESG risks and opportunities (climate risks, long-term value development of sustainable investments)

Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: m250752205

Portfolio Management

4.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

The course on Portfolio Management provides comprehensive knowledge on the management and optimization of investment portfolios. Course Contents: [1] Fundamentals of Portfolio Management (objectives, participants, processes, and decision factors in asset management) [2] Strategic and Tactical Asset Allocation (long-term vs. short-term portfolio decisions, dynamic adjustment strategies) [3] Investment Strategies and Portfolio Construction (passive vs. active strategies, factor investing, smart beta, multi-asset approaches) [4] Portfolio Optimization and Diversification (Efficient Frontier, mean-variance optimization, Black-Litterman model) [5] Evaluation and Performance Analysis (return-risk metrics, Sharpe Ratio, Sortino Ratio, performance attribution)

Leadership Competence and Corporate Ethics | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: m250752304

Corporate Governance & Compliance

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

The course discusses compliance with laws, regulatory requirements, codes of conduct, best practice standards, and voluntarily followed guidelines within a company, with a focus on the banking and insurance sectors. The course also specifically addresses rules for good and sustainable corporate governance applicable in Austria. The core contents include: [1] Fundamentals and scope: laws, guidelines, regulation, codes of conduct; [2] Compliance management systems; [3] Standard Compliance Code of the Austrian banking industry (WKO) and the Austrian insurance industry (WKO); [4] Compliance codes in international comparison; [5] Austrian Corporate Governance Codex; [6] OECD Principles of Corporate Governance; European Corporate Governance Framework; [7] Corporate Governance specifics in the financial or insurance sectors.

Leadership Competence and Corporate Ethics | Practical (UE) | Coursecode: m250752303

Employee Leadership and Motivation

2.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

The course includes the teaching of methods for employee leadership and motivation. The topics are first addressed generally and then specifically with reference to team leadership in a corporate environment. The core contents include: [1] Methods of employee leadership; [2] Motivation techniques; [3] Incentive systems; [4] Work-Life Balance; Optional contents may include: [5] Role plays, e.g., employee conversations; this behavior-oriented teaching methodology should in any case be accompanied by a suitable tool, e.g., reflection report; [6] Further development of the competence portfolio.

Process and Change Management in Digitalization | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: m250752302

Change Management

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

Building on the necessity of innovation as a sustainable success factor in a company, this course discusses the management, communication, and conflict resolution during the implementation phase of renewal processes. Concepts are illustrated with practical examples. Within the course, participants will develop and present case studies. The core contents include: [1] Conditions leading to change: e.g., technological innovation, scarcity of time and money, increase in complexity, globalization; [2] Coaching and development of employees; [3] Development of corporate organization; Process-oriented management; Filling key positions; Leadership with goal agreements; [4] Communication design during changes; [5] Conflict management; Handling resistance; [6] Organizational changes during mergers and acquisitions. Optional contents may include: [7] Measures to change corporate culture; [8] Selection and deployment of external consultants; [9] Discussion of case studies in change management.

Process and Change Management in Digitalization | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: m250752301

Process Management and Digitalization of Business Processes

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

The course generally conveys the importance of process-oriented thinking in the business environment and delves deeper into process topics in the banking and insurance sectors. Particular emphasis is placed on the quality assurance or optimization of business processes and their digitalization. The core contents include: [1] Definition, importance, and role of business processes; [2] Process-oriented thinking; process modeling; classification of processes in the process landscape; [3] Documentation possibilities for business processes; importance of knowledge retention in the company; [4] Overview of typical business processes in the banking sector; [5] Overview of typical business processes in the insurance sector; [6] Ensuring internal quality in banks/insurances; associated competitive advantages; [7] Six Sigma system. [8] Methods for digitalizing business processes.

Research seminar and expose | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: m250752305

Research Seminar

3.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

The course teaches quantitative methods that can be used in the composition of scientific papers, including in the fields of finance and insurance, such as when writing a master’s thesis. Assessment is based on a proposal for the master’s thesis (exposé) that needs to be developed. The core contents should include: [1] Data collection, data processing, data analysis; [2] Descriptive statistical methods for data description; [3] Hypothesis testing; [4] Regression analyses; [5] Development of a proposal for the topic/structure of the master’s thesis as part of the seminar paper. Optional contents may include: [6] Introduction to time series analysis.

Banking Management and Innovation 1 | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: m250752309

Investment Banking

4.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

The lecture provides an overview of the activities of an investment bank (IB) and differentiates these from the business areas of a traditional commercial bank. It particularly addresses the role of the IB in M&A and in corporate financing through the capital markets. The core contents should include: [1] Business areas in investment banking; [2] M&A: Motivation for M&A, Merger, Friendly Takeover, Hostile Takeover, Poison Pills, Takeover Codes, Corporate Control (link to the Corporate Governance module), typical M&A process (link to the Change Management course), acquisition financing; [3] Financing through capital markets: Equity Capital Markets (IPO/SPO), Debt Capital Markets (distinction between loan/bond, Financial Ratings), Underwriting vs. Bookbuilding, Convertibles, Hybrids, Buyer Groups of Capital Markets Instruments. [4] Markets and Principal Investing: Market making, Client/Principal Trading.

Financial Technology and Artificial Intelligence | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: m250752307

Artificial Intelligence in Finance, Valuation, and Modeling

4.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

The course provides in-depth knowledge about the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data-driven models in the finance sector. Course contents include: [1] Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence in finance [2] Data analysis and feature engineering for financial models [3] Algorithmic trading and AI-supported investment strategies (high-frequency trading, AI-based portfolio strategies, robo-advisory systems) [4] AI in corporate valuation and financial modeling (predictive analytics for valuations, scenario analysis with AI) [5] Modeling in budgeting and financial planning (AI-supported forecasting models, dynamic budgeting, predictive analytics for cash flow management) [6] Natural Language Processing in finance (automated analysis of financial reports, sentiment analysis, news-based trading) [7] Regulatory challenges and ethical aspects of AI in finance.

Financial Technology and Artificial Intelligence | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: m250752308

Digital Finance & Crypto Assets

4.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

The course provides in-depth knowledge about digital transformation in finance and the growing importance of crypto-assets. Course contents include: [1] Blockchain technology and smart contracts (technical foundations, functionality, applications in finance) [2] Crypto-assets and digital currencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Stablecoins, CBDCs, and asset tokenization) [3] Decentralized financial systems (DeFi) (DEX, Lending & Borrowing, Staking, Yield Farming) [4] Asset tokenization (Security Tokens, real estate tokens, NFTs, and digital securities)

Financing Strategies and Financial Controlling | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: m250752306

Financing Strategies & Financial Steering

5.00

ECTS

3.00

SWS

The course provides in-depth knowledge about financing strategies for companies at various stages of development and the management of companies from a financial perspective. Course contents include: [1] Financing strategies for startups (Bootstrapping, Venture Capital, Business Angels, Crowdfunding) [2] Financing for SMEs and industrial companies [4] Strategic capital structure planning (Optimization of equity and debt, leverage effects, WACC) [5] Working Capital Management (Optimization of liquidity, accounts receivable and inventory management, Cash Conversion Cycle) [6] Role of the CFO in financial management (Financial strategy, budgeting, controlling, corporate governance) [7] Investment decisions (DCF, Multiples, EVA, M&A financing) [8] Crisis and turnaround financing (Financial restructuring, bankruptcy prevention, refinancing options)

Corporate Management and Financial Management 1 | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: m250752401

Ethical, social, and environmental concerns in corporate management

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

The course sensitizes students to the importance of ethical, social, and ecological concerns as an integral part of corporate management. Following a general section, there is a focus on banking or insurance-specific topics. The core contents should include: [1] Basic concepts of economic and financial ethics; [2] Example of an ethics code in the finance industry: CFA; [3] Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Fundamentals, integration into corporate culture, asymmetric information and communication, competitiveness, financial market, profit distribution, shared value; [4] Socially and environmentally conscious investing; Green Investments; Positive Investments; Community Investments; Impact Investments. Optional contents may include: [5] Practical examples of integrating CSR into companies; [6] Product design in the areas of Islamic Finance and Takaful Insurance. The language of instruction is optionally English.

Master's degree final phase | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: m250752408

Master Seminar

2.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

The seminar is structured to accompany the master’s thesis. Students present the results of their master’s thesis at an advanced stage and engage in critical discourse. The core contents should include: [1] Didactic preparation of scientific topics; [2] Presentation and discussion of the results of one’s own master’s thesis at an advanced stage; [3] Discussion and critique of other master’s theses in the field.

Master's degree final phase | Master's Thesis (MA) | Coursecode: m250752410

Master's Thesis

19.00

ECTS

0.50

SWS

In the master’s thesis, a topic assignable to the chosen specialization should be independently addressed in accordance with scientific standards. This involves identifying a practice-relevant problem, deriving appropriate research questions from it, and answering these using qualitative and/or quantitative research methods.

Master's degree final phase | Modul/Final Examination (FA) | Coursecode: m250752409

Master's examination

2.00

ECTS

0.00

SWS

Masterprüfung

Corporate Management and Financial Management 2 | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: m250752402

Finance Case Studies

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

During the course, students work on case studies from the field of insurance economics. The selection of case studies to be worked on is based on the current challenges of the insurance industry and is particularly dedicated to the development of solution-oriented strategies. The contents of the case studies may include: [1] Financing and capital structure in companies [2] Investment decisions and company valuation [3] Working capital management and liquidity control [4] Derivatives and hedging strategies [5] Digital transformation in finance [6] Sustainable financial strategies and ESG integration [7] Investments and asset management.

Corporate Management and Financial Management 2 | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: m250752403

Financial Management Simulation

2.00

ECTS

1.50

SWS

The course provides practical knowledge in financial management of companies and financial institutions through software-based simulations. Students take on the role of financial managers and make strategic decisions in dynamic market scenarios. The focus is on the application of financial models, the evaluation of investment and financing decisions, and risk management in realistic simulations. Course contents include: [1] Capital structure and financing decisions [2] Investment planning and company valuation [3] Risk management and hedging strategies [4] Cash flow management and working capital optimization [5] Portfolio management and asset allocation [6] Financial control and KPI analysis [7] Simulation of financial crises and stress scenarios.