Vienna (Internal Systems and Structures)

The first seminar of 1998 was hosted by the Universität Wien from 24-25 April. The delegates were welcomed to Vienna by the Rector, Prof. Dr. Alfred Ebenbauer. The seminar was split into four presentations, followed by time for a group debate on the matters raised. The discussions were always lively and very productive, with information and experience being shared by the whole group.

Franz Skacel (Universität Wien): “Running a University - 25 years of Experience”.

Franz described the major changes that have occurred during his time at the university - facing reforms and dramatically increasing student numbers, staff and budget. To help in the discussions Franz arranged for key department heads to be available to answer the group’s questions on specific areas.

Esa Ahonen (Helsinki School of Economics and Business Administration): “Holding on to Continuing Education: Setting up a Company to Deliver Continuing Education”.

Esa described how the Helsinki School of Economics has set up a private limited company as one form of organising its continuing education activities.

Marc Van Boven (Universiteit van Antwerpen): “Setting up a Corporate University with the Three Antwerp Universities”.

He described the process and problems encountered since the three universities started to collaborate in 1978, up until the establishment (in 1995) of the Confederate University of Antwerp. Marc also discussed the challenges of the present structure for students, administration and management.

Roddy Begg (University of Aberdeen): “The Entrepreneurial University: Responsiveness to changing priorities”.

Roddy discussed how competition among universities has effected Aberdeen’s attitude towards recruitment of staff, securing income and the change required in management response to react to the changing environment.

The social programme was designed to allow as much interaction between the delegates as possible and much of the day’s discussions were carried on informally. The highlight of the social programme was a private visit arranged by the University to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, where the group enjoyed the unique opportunity of having the Palace to themselves with an excellent guided tour.