BEER, STOCK MARKET, GUT FEELING: LECTURES ON THE UNEXPECTED

The Pint of Science is a series of events, an annual science festival that aims to communicate current scientific developments to the public. What makes it special is that the scientists are brought to places such as pubs and cafés to present their findings and research. The event was organised for the second time in Kufstein by a dedicated group of students from the Sports, Culture & Event Management course at the Kufstein University of Applied Sciences under the direction of Prof. (FH) Dr Luis Moustakas.

1. LECTURE: INVESTING IN TIMES OF CRISIS AND BEYOND

In the first part of the event, Prof. (FH) Dr Dominika Galkiewicz, Professor of Finance, Accounting & Auditing, spoke about investing in times of crisis and beyond. The good news was that the general principles of investment apply in both good and bad times. Avoiding mistakes is of central importance in the event of stock market crises and corrections. Finally, the professor reminded the participants that every first Monday of the month, they have the opportunity to take part in the workshop lecture series Investing is fun at the Finance Lab of the Kufstein University of Applied Sciences.

After the presentation, the practical project team took over again and carried out a knowledge quiz with everyone. There was a lot of laughter - the groups finally handed in their solutions and the best were rewarded with small prizes. 

2. LECTURE: FIRSTLY, THINGS TURN OUT DIFFERENTLY AND SECONDLY, THINGS TURN OUT DIFFERENTLY THAN YOU THINK

In the second part of the evening, Prof. (FH) Dr Peter Dietrich, Director of Studies International Business Studies, introduced all participants to the topic of digital transformation and the impossibility of planning and controlling it. He outlined the key technological developments of the past 30 years and argued that these are either overestimated or underestimated, but that their significance and development are generally always misjudged. Who wouldn't have bet 25 years ago that Segways would revolutionise mobility in our cities? Or hand on heart: who would have bet in 2007 - when the first iPhone was presented - on how fundamentally smartphones would change our entire lives in most areas? Dietrich concluded his presentation with the following recommendations: "In complex situations, flexibility is needed instead of control; learning processes, different perspectives and iterative developments make it possible to react robustly to surprises. Instead of rigid goals or plans, observation, openness and a willingness to make mistakes help us to remain capable of acting."

RELAXED PUB ATMOSPHERE AND INNOVATIVE PRESENTATION METHODS

Overall, the participants showed great interest in the topics presented and asked numerous questions after the lectures. The Kufstein University of Applied Sciences has always been open to new and innovative forms of learning and lectures. The lecture approach based on the use of simple examples and pictures in the relaxed atmosphere of a pub has proved its worth. In the coming years, the professors from the International Business Studies degree programme will certainly continue to share their knowledge and expertise with the general public.

Links:

• Pint of Science Austria | Website
• Finance Lab | Labor