Why do we need to focus on impact as a business school?
The big societal problems such as the climate crisis, social inequality or global health cannot be overcome alone. Business is increasingly expected to take the lead in finding solutions to these challenges. Consequently, business schools, which educate the leaders of tomorrow, also carry a major responsibility.
At Munich Business School, we take this responsibility for society seriously. We are convinced that impact has become a relevant measurement for management education legitimacy and therefore ensure that our degree programs go beyond traditional business education. We sharpen our students' conscious awareness of the world around us, teach them more inclusive strategies, and inspire them to choose work opportunities with a societal impact.
With our impact report 2021, we publicly acknowledge our commitment to impact by documenting our progress. We will further publish annual updates and highlights.
As a proud member of the United Nations supported PRME initiative, we also document our contribution to responsible management education in biennial reports.
Voices on Impact
Prof. Dr. Stefan Baldi, Dean of Munich Business School
I see business schools and the management education that they deliver as one of the custodians of society. We need to embrace that responsibility and I am thrilled that MBS has committed to driving impact beyond salaries.
Dr. Christine Menges, Chancellor of Munich Business School
Business Schools have to respond to changes in society. It is clear that we face different challenges now than we did in the past and I view it as my responsibility to integrate this into my work at MBS.
Dr. Alfred Gossner, President of Munich Business School
As a scientist, now more than ever before, I see the fundamental responsibility we carry in working on societal issues and supporting institutional decision-making with rigorous and relevant scientific insights.
Prof. Dr. Sophie Hieke, Impact Officer
It has been one of the most rewarding activities to take on this challenge of documenting impact at MBS but also setting up a plan for developing our very own, unique impact model in the future.
For our first impact report, we have adopted the widely accepted concept of sustainable economic development by Barbier (1987) which divides impact into three pillars: social equity, environmental protection and economic viability.
Social Equity
A society in which everyone can participate, prosper and reach their full potential. People are not forced into equality but differences are welcomed and celebrated. Procedures and measures applied are impartial, fair and just to all. All stakeholders are given equal opportunity to participate in the planning and decision-making process.
Environmental Protection
Any activity to maintain or restore the quality of life on the planet. This includes preventing the degradation of the natural environment which is affected by increasing population, technology and overconsumption. As such, this responsibility lies with all individuals, organizations and governments alike.
Economic Viability
The benefits of doing business need to exceed the cost of doing business for society as a whole. This includes using resources efficiently and responsibly to operate in a sustainable manner. Businesses acknowledge their societal and environmental responsibility and create new solutions for a healthy planet.
Some Numbers On ...
Social Equity
- 1.69 is the student evaluation for "equal treatment of everyone in class" in the academic year 2020/21 (German grading system).
- 38 Social Projects – charitable projects in collaboration with an organization – have been organized by students from the bachelor’s program since 2019.
- 120,000+ total funding in EUR for scholarships to students was invested in 2020/21.
Environmental Protection
- 1st university in Germany to convert to eco-friendly internet search by installing Ecosia as the default search engine at all MBS facilities.
- 1,145 trees planted due to using the Ecosia search engine since the start of the collaboration.
- 150+ kilogram of trash collected all over Munich during World Cleanup Day 2020, in which MBS participated with more than 60 students, faculty and staff members.
Economic Viability
- 10+ social entrepreneurs among MBS alumni aiming to solve a social or environmental problem with their business ideas.
- 250+ hospitals in India, to date, have received ventilators to treat COVID-19 patients developed by the winning Vivid Breath team around MBS Professor Dr. Heiko Seif within the Give a Breath Challenge 2020.
- 190+ students have participated in business projects – group projects on real cases and challenges for companies – since 2019.