University professors Martin Hiebl and Karsten Paul provided fascinating insight into their respective research fields.

Univ. Prof. Dr. Martin Hiebl teaches and conducts research at the JKU Institute of Management Accounting and Consulting. He opened the lecture series on November 25 with his inaugural lecture titled “Digitalisierung im Controlling: Braucht es noch Controller*innen?”, focusing on rapid digitalization in the field of controlling which is also fueling concerns that accounting jobs are at risk of disappearing on account of digitalization and automation. The inaugural lecture addressed the question as to what extent controllers will be needed in the future, and what challenges will face.

Univ. Prof. Dr. Karsten Paul (JKU Institute of Psychology) then held his inaugural lecture titled “Fluch oder Segen? Empirische Befunde zur psychologischen Bedeutung der Erwerbsarbeit”. In accordance with Marie Jahoda's theory, gainful employment not only fulfills a livelihood function, it also has five latent functions, such as providing a sense of purpose and structuring time. His lecture introduced a new model and explored new research findings on this theory.