WU Executive Academy offers new program for non-lawyers
AzerNews presents information about the WU Executive Academy of the Vienna University of Economics and Business' new program.
Dealing with legal issues that often involve the legal systems of two or more countries has become an integral part of everyday executive practice and many non-legal professional have found this to be a challenge.
In view of addressing such issue, as of fall 2015, a new part-time Master of Legal Studies (European Business Law) under the academic directorship of Prof. Georg E. Kodek will provide managers with comprehensive legal knowledge, allowing them not only optimally prepare themselves for the kind of legal issues they are likely to face in their day-to-day work but also to develop their understanding of the differences between the legal systems of various countries.
The English-speaking part-time program is designed specifically for Austrian and foreign non-lawyers from different industries and service sectors who do business across national borders within the European Union and frequently have to deal with legal issues in their day-to-day work.
A condensation of legal knowledge for managers
In the course of the 15-month MLS program, participants will not only study the basics of jurisprudence and the discipline's methodology but also acquire a thorough understanding of the following legal fields: civil law, tax law, business law, European law and public law.
"In a world that is becoming more and more complex, non-lawyers, too, are increasingly required to have an in-depth knowledge of the law. This applies to all industries and all executives," explains Kodek, who is also a judge of the Austrian Supreme Court of Justice (OGH).
"The MLS specifically addresses the growing business need to bring the areas of business and law together in an optimal manner. It provides students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge that professionals—especially those working at the intersection of law, business and technology—need," Kodeksaid.
Apart from conveying legal "hard facts", a special emphasis is put on teaching students to think and act like lawyers, enabling them to quickly familiarize themselves with new legal areas or issues and analyze them critically. Moreover, the curriculum includes modules on management and leadership skills.
Special focus on European business law
Participants in the MLS will benefit in many ways and as a result will have bright career prospects. Thus, the program covers all legal areas that are relevant for doing business at the Austrian and European levels. It does not, however, focus on the legal system of a particular country but rather helps students develop their understanding of issues encountered in different legal systems, placing a special emphasis on European Business law.
"For executives, comprehensive legal knowledge is more than just an additional qualification these days; in many cases, it is a sine qua non for coping with complex tasks. Employees who
have legal knowledge in addition to their professional qualifications are an asset, particularly to small and medium-sized companies with no dedicated legal departments. The Master of Legal Studies is an ideal preparation for dealing with the kind of legal issues that executives encounter in their day-to-day work," said Michael Müller, a business angel and former CEO of paysafecard group.
"We have offered a German-speaking Master of Legal Studies since 2010. It is a really great program because it allows executives to acquire precisely the set of practical legal tools and skills that they need in their day-to-day work. The MLS, which will be launched this fall, has been developed in response to the many inquiries from abroad that we received over the past few years. I am sure the MLS will also be a huge success," said Prof. Bodo B. Schlegelmilch, Dean of the WU Executive Academy.
The number of students admitted to the MLS is strictly limited to ensure participants benefit from an ideal learning experience and high-quality executive education at Europe's largest business university. Moreover, as members of the WU Executive Club, the WU Executive Academy's alumni community, MLS graduates can expand their network of professional and personal contacts.
--
Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
Twitter: @SaraRajabova
Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz