2022-12-01 –, Stage 3 (Lovelace), WiFo
Managing digital transformation is a key competence for companies in developing and industrialised countries, but the corresponding approaches differ in many aspects. As part of an IVAC-funded project, a multi-component didactic concept for virtual interactive learning with a specially developed Systems Thinking Simulation was created. Pilot lectures with mixed MBA groups from Esslingen UAS and the Univ. of Colombo were conducted and evaluated.
The overall objective of the project on virtual cross-university and cross-regional lectures focusing on active student participation is presented, explaining the use of a combination of problem-based and project-based learning for digital transformation management course content. The contribution focuses on the creation of a systems thinking model for the digital management of start-ups and digital transformation management of SMEs (real cases provided by the non-profit organisation FabLanka, Sri Lanka) using a specific modelling software (simcision) by a mixed MBA student group from Esslingen University of Applied Sciences and the University of Colombo. Students from the two MBA groups jointly develop digital competencies in the development and application of simulations and use state-of-the-art collaboration tools to share information and actively work together across global regions in small teams and larger groups.
This approach demonstrated that students quickly acquire competences in describing a technological problem in a holistic way, including economic, technological, sustainable and intercultural aspects. Both sides gained a better insight into the framework conditions, rules, constraints and working methods of the partner country in managing the digital transformation. Through the lecture content, but especially through active participation in the discussion of complex topics in various virtual teams and through peer information and peer collaboration, the students gain a better intercultural understanding, which is an indispensable prerequisite for MBA graduates for their future industrial careers in a globalised economy.
Other possible applications such as using the virtual collaboration approach to model systems thinking for other Master's programmes, creating adaptable modules and building a global network summarise the presentation.
Prof. Dr. Siegfried Zürn is Professor of Operations Management at the Faculty of Management and Technology and Director of the International Centre and Graduate School at Esslingen University of Applied Sciences. He holds a PhD in Natural Sciences from the University of Munich and a degree in Management Consulting from the University of Wismar. Prior to his academic career, he worked for more than 20 years as a Project Manager, International Technical Consulting Manager, Plant Manager (France), Technical Director and Head of Research and Development for leading multinational companies. Dr. Zürn's academic focus and core competencies are in the areas of industrial project and quality management, operational efficiency methods, technology and R&D management, and system thinking modelling. He is the owner and scientific director of the act.if Consulting Group, which specialises in the development of business games and consulting with a focus on digital transformation, sustainability and operations management.
Chaminda Hettiarachchi is a Co-Founder and a Director at FabLanka Foundation, a Social Enterprise working on Industry 4.0 technologies including 3-D Printing for socio-economic development in Sri Lanka. Chaminda is also the CEO/Managing Director at Dil Consultancy, a research and management consultancy company based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. He teaches project management, strategy and e-business as a visiting lecturer for postgraduate programs at University of Colombo and University of Moratuwa in Sri Lanka.
Chaminda has been the Sri Lankan coordinator for IVAC Project (2021-2022) on Interactive digital simulations on digital transformation management between Hochschule Esslingen, Germany and University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Chaminda is a B.Sc. (Engineering) graduate from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka (1996). He has an MBA from Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore, Pakistan (2001) and an MBA (International Industrial Management) from the Graduate School of Esslingen University of Applied Sciences (FHTE), Esslingen, Germany (2002).