HWZ launches first MAS for Digital Real Estate Management

"The real estate industry is still lagging behind almost all other sectors in terms of digitalization. The entire real estate industry would be well advised to adapt new technologies now and quickly catch up in terms of digitalization and AI. Otherwise, relevant cost and earnings optimization and a clear counter-strategy to the shortage of skilled workers will be almost impossible to achieve," says Dr. Peter Staub, head of the MAS Digital Real Estate Management HWZ course. After a decade of cheap money and strong value appreciation, the real estate market has changed with a veritable "interest rate shock". The significantly higher interest rates are forcing a greater focus on costs through process optimization and the growing technological possibilities offer new opportunities for automation and increased efficiency. 

More efficiency with AI

The real estate industry is actually predestined for the use of new technologies, as it is in the nature of things that portfolios, properties and projects always tie up relevant financial resources that offer relatively large optimization levers. In real estate management, for example, around 80% of activities are repetitive, which offers enormous potential for efficiency gains through the use of artificial intelligence. "AI is the key to modernizing the real estate industry. Data management, platform solutions and automation steps reduce running costs and drive innovation," says Markus Streckeisen, overall head of real estate products at the HWZ and head of the existing MAS in Real Estate Management HWZ program. "AI and automation not only increase efficiency and productivity in the real estate sector, but also the quality of services and the customer experience." 

Target group and partners

"The MAS is aimed at managers and specialists in real estate management as well as experts who are looking for in-depth further training at a university of applied sciences organized on a part-time basis. Potential participants include management and executive board members, owners and investors in real estate as well as employees in companies who are intensively involved with digitalization in the real estate sector," emphasizes Dr. Peter Staub, course director and pioneer in the field of process optimization in real estate and digitalization, who initiated this continuing education course at the HWZ.

Start and special features of the MAS Digital Estate Management HWZ

The course starts in September 2024 and offers innovative elements, including

• Two study trips during which new business models, innovative technologies and specific digitization solutions are presented, discussed and analyzed.
• Cooperation with lecturers from renowned universities such as the University of St. Gallen (HSG) and ETH Zurich.
• Digital innovations in the field of sustainability and the circular economy

Structure and content

The MAS Digital Real Estate Management HWZ is divided into three modular Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS), which focus on smart business models, data-driven value creation and sustainable lifecycle management. These courses offer a comprehensive view of the strategic, economic and technological aspects of the real estate industry at both national and international level. The CASs are each completed with a certificate thesis and an oral examination. The content of the courses is as follows:

• CAS Smart Real Estate Business HWZFocuses on the impact of digitalization on business models and transformation in the real estate industry.
• CAS Smart Real Estate Data & Values HWZ: Focuses on data management, artificial intelligence, finance and the use of new technologies to increase productivity and quality.
• CAS Smart Real Estate Life Cycle Management HWZ: Deals with lifecycle management, circular economy and the impact of digital technologies on sustainability initiatives.

The MAS then concludes with a Master's thesis, which students work on independently.

The launch of the MAS in Digital Real Estate Management HWZ underscores the commitment of the HWZ Zurich School of Business to equip professionals and managers with the latest skills and knowledge to meet the ever-changing demands and opportunities in real estate management.

Source: www.fh-hwz.ch