Annual Report 2023 | HWZ looks back.

Sihlhof HWZ

Portrait Matthias Rüegg HWZ

Dear reader

In particular, we were able to respond to the increasing flexibility needs of our Bachelor students. We have introduced the streaming of courses in training across the board and designed new major programs. High-quality asynchronous online units and formative learning assessments now enrich face-to-face teaching in all degree programs.

In March, we visited our partner university, the Darden Business School, with 12 HWZ lecturers and spent a week exchanging inspiring ideas. The Darden Case Method challenges students to discuss and debate real business problems and possible solutions. By promoting the Case Method, we are specifically expanding our offerings to include a format that is particularly suited to the culture of collaborative learning. Our educational offerings are enriched by the extensive practical experience of our distinguished lecturers. We are already looking forward to further developing the Case Method.

Kind regards
Prof. Matthias Rüegg, Rector

A member of the University of Applied Sciences Council looks back

Is everything in order at HWZ? HWZ University of Applied Sciences Council ensures it is.

Since 2023, HWZ University of Applied Sciences Council has been empowered with new competencies and supports the university in the optimal implementation of the statutory and regulatory framework conditions for all its stakeholders. HWZ University Council is particularly successful in this role due to its diversity: It is made up of people from business, science, politics, law, as well as representatives of the lecturers and employees. There is a balanced representation of men and women. This parity is a particular asset when HWZ University Council awards professorships, as future professors will shape HWZ and represent it to the outside world.

Something for HWZ students to know, although hopefully never needed: HWZ University of Applied Sciences Council reviews, among other things, applications from students who have been excluded from their studies and wish to have the decision reviewed. The details can be found in the respective study and examination regulations.

Laurence Pestalozzi
Representation of employees, HWZ University of Applied Sciences Board

Portrait Laurence Pestalozzi Hwz

HWZ Education

The year 2023 was marked by many innovations that challenged the entire department. As a team, we have created the conditions for developments that will take the learning experience at HWZ to a new level: the introduction of new majors, innovative didactic approaches, and the optimization of the student journey. We are not satisfied with the status quo but are constantly seeking creative and sustainable solutions to improve our teaching. This is an essential part of the HWZ spirit that drives us all: the vision of shaping and revolutionizing the teaching of tomorrow.

In October 2023, we were allowed 185 graduates the Bachelor’s degree programs in Business Economics, Business Informatics and Business Communications award their well-deserved diplomas.

Also in October 2023, they celebrated 14 graduates of the Master of Science in Business Administration HWZ their successful graduations.

Highlights, Auszeichnungen & News aus der Ausbildung 2023

HWZ Continuing Education

The practical relevance of our study programs also played a central role in 2023 and will continue to be a key feature of continuing education at HWZ as usual. We have continued to Collaboration with companies and industry experts, to integrate practical teaching content and real-world projects into our degree programs. This enables our students to apply the knowledge they have learned directly and thus gain valuable professional experience.

Highlights, Auszeichnungen & News aus der Weiterbildung 2023

  • An important event was the introduction of the new CAS Women Leading Digital HWZ, a CAS from women for women, tailored to current and future requirements of the labor market.

  • HWZ and Wilob AG, the leading continuing education institute for solution-oriented therapy and counseling, are a groundbreaking strategic partnership entered.

  • Swiss Life Studienpreis 2023: Michael Marti, graduate of the MAS Digital Excellence for Financial Services HWZ, was awarded the recognition prize in the category “Master Theses”.

  • Sabrina Huber, graduate MAS Business Communications HWZ, wrote the book about “CEO Reputation for SMEs”, in which they describes five success factors to increase the company’s value.

HWZ Research & University Development

Research at HWZ was able to be conducted within the framework of the Reaccreditation with a diverse and broadly based project portfolio. To continue on this successful path, a strategy has been developed that brings together committed researchers in research clusters, focusing on topics and working with internal and external partners. This is accompanied by a new organizational structure that is designed to be more agile and more responsive to the needs of the research community. Research strategy of development projects that ensure the interaction of research, teaching and practice – with a particular focus on transfer to practice.

Research publications / HWZ Working Papers on Zenodo

Highlights & News aus der Forschung 2023

  • The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) is supporting the Institute for Strategic Management HWZ (ISM), the research project “Green Transformational Leadership promotes sustainable business” which was developed in cooperation with the HSG and the ZHAW.

  • The Swiss E-Commerce Sentiment Barometer 2023 examines the habits and preferences of around 10,000 Swiss consumers in online trade. The annual study is conducted jointly by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (HWZ) and the Swiss Post.

  • HWZ has been a member of the since November 2023 Data Innovation Alliance. Here we can best network with the industry and other universities in the field of data science, with a focus on promoting innovation in the field in Switzerland. It is also possible and desirable to apply for funding for research projects.

  • Since autumn 2023, Dr. Pamela Bethke has been a member of HWZ Research Commission.

  • HWZ Swiss Real Estate Institute published a Working Paper, in which they explored the optimal asset allocation of Swiss pension funds, including their real estate investments and liabilities.

HWZ Academy

HWZ Academy is a full-service provider for all levels of management in the B2B and B2C sectors. The focus is on the over 60 offers the maximum transfer value for participants. The year 2023 was marked by a welcome growth for HWZ Academy. With the introduction of the modular CAS Marketing Management, HWZ is responding to the demand for modularized and flexible educational offerings. Both students and companies can design their further education as a demand-oriented topic portfolio by choosing from a wide range of currently 21 selected seminars can choose the ones that are precisely tailored to their professional competencies and needs.

The Top Events 2023

In 2023, we also regularly organized events on current, interesting and important topics from the business world. The majority of the events, such as specialist conferences, talks and panel discussions, were open to the public. There were also specific events that were exclusively aimed at HWZ employees, students, lecturers and alumni.

Highlights Events 2023

  • Over 300 students, alumni, lecturers and HWZ crew enjoyed the Summer Dayparty 2023. They enjoyed the beautiful summer evening on the Limmat and had a good time with drinks and delicious grilled food.

  • HWZ Empowers celebrated its 10th anniversary in November 2023 5-year anniversary, which touched with different life stories, celebrated brave people and thereby inspired and encouraged.

HWZ: What else has happened?

  • The Credit Suisse Award for Best Teaching 2023 at HWZ went to Dr. Christine Benesch, economist and lecturer in the Bachelor of Business Administration HWZ.

  • Dr. Claudia Sidler-Brand has been a member of HWZ Board of Directors since 2023. With her outstanding knowledge of the education sector, her leadership expertise and her entrepreneurial achievements, the new Rector of Juventus Schools is the ideal addition to the Board of Directors.

  • The Institute for Strategic Management; Stakeholder View of HWZ, which was founded and is headed by Sybille Sachs, celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2023. For this festive occasion, current and former employees were invited to come together and celebrate the past two decades of the Institute.

  • The Swiss Accreditation Council has HWZ again institutionally accredited. The report emphasizes the clear focus on practical training and HWZ’s claim to be a “personal” educational institution.

  • Mario Noser represented HWZ at Talent Pitch 2023 and convinced the jury with “QR-Audio”.

  • In December 2023, Jörg Staudacher, Head of the Center for Sales & Retail, was awarded the title of Professor HWZ for his outstanding achievements.