Double award-winning: Professor Dr Matthias Kropp sets standards in teaching

News

Pforzheim University Teaching Prize awarded for high-quality and innovative teaching
Prof Dr Matthias Kropp smiles into the camera at the award ceremony for the teaching prize.

Prof. Dr. Matthias Kropp was honoured with the Pforzheim University Teaching Award 2024. Photo: Cornelia Kamper, Pforzheim University.

"Practical relevance", "communication at eye level" and "excellent didactics" - these three terms probably best describe Professor Dr Matthias Kropp's teaching. He was awarded the 2024 Teaching Prize by Pforzheim University for his innovative and high-quality teaching. Professor Dr Matthias Kropp teaches general business administration, in particular finance, at the Business School. The award was presented by the Vice-Rector for Studies and Teaching, Professor Dr Frank Niemann, who highlighted Kropp's long-standing commitment to the International Study Programme (ISP) and his significant contribution to accreditation in his laudatory speech. He had already been honoured with the Business School's teaching award in 2023.

"Student feedback is an important indicator of good teaching - and here the verdict is clear: students particularly praise Matthias Kropp's excellent didactics, his strong practical relevance and intensive personal communication. He treats them as equals, responds to their wishes and creates a learning atmosphere in which they feel they are in good hands," says Niemann. Even students who were initially confronted with challenges in their exams have spoken positively about his detailed explanations and personal commitment after their exams. "Mathematically speaking, he has fulfilled the necessary condition for the university teaching award in all respects," Niemann emphasised with a wink.
 

Vice-Rector for Studies and Teaching and University Rector present the teaching award to Prof Dr Matthias Kropp. Prof. Dr. Frank Niemann, Vice-Rector for Studies and Teaching (left) and University Rector Prof. Dr. Ulrich Jautz (right) are delighted to present Prof. Dr. Matthias Kropp with the Pforzheim University Teaching Award. Photo: Cornelia Kamper/ Pforzheim University.

Another merit of the award winner is the founding and long-standing management of the International Study Programme (ISP). This programme is at the heart of the internationalisation strategy of the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law. It enables German and international students to study in English and promotes intercultural skills through joint teaching. "Especially in the early days, a lot of persuasion and organisational work was needed to establish the ISP as an attractive and sustainable programme. You, dear Matthias, worked hard to create a structure that has endured to this day and is an important pillar of our international profile," Niemann honoured. Kropp's outstanding commitment in the field of accreditation also deserves special mention. He developed the "Programme Accreditation in Faculty Review" procedure, which is unique within the university landscape. The aim of the model is to enable compliance with high quality standards in teaching and learning by utilising the elements of strategic planning and management of the faculty. As an expert in accreditation procedures, Kropp is recognised far beyond the university and also contributes his expertise as an expert in national and international accreditation procedures.
As part of his professorship in business administration, which he has held since 2002, Kropp has specialised in the areas of cost accounting, accounting, investment and financing, as well as international financial reporting (IFRS).