What is it like to run a business, make strategic decisions, and take responsibility for their economic consequences? That is exactly what our students in the Bachelor’s program in Management & Entrepreneurship at FHWien der WKW experienced during the business simulation week.
Eight Fiscal Years in One Week of Entrepreneurship
Working in management teams, they took responsibility for their companies, developed strategies, tapped into new markets, managed production and cash flow, and had to hold their own against the competition. At the end, all teams presented their business results and experiences at a shareholders’ meeting and a press conference.
By the end of the first day, the students had fully immersed themselves in the role of entrepreneurs, and some even struggled to “survive.” “It was very exhausting, but we learned an incredible amount!”—that was the general sentiment after a grueling week with little sleep.
The financing discussions with Oberbank were particularly realistic: The students had to present their business strategies, justify their financing needs, and convince the financial advisors of their companies’ creditworthiness.
A heartfelt thank you to Cornelia Hopf, Marlene Prendinger-Heuberger, Gernot Schnabl, and Vinzenz Baumgartner, whose expertise and practical approach to the discussions made a significant contribution to the students’ learning success. Our students gained valuable experience for future financing negotiations. And who knows—maybe one day an idea from a business simulation will turn into a real business project supported by Oberbank!
The goal of the game? Not only to understand business administration, but also to experience entrepreneurial thinking, decision-making, and action firsthand in a hands-on and playful way—because in real business life, entrepreneurial decisions often have consequences that cannot be resolved so easily through play.
The business simulation was led by program director Manfred Schieber and Academic Expert & Lecturer Martina Zöbl.
>> More information about the Bachelor´s program Management & Entrepreneurship